"I was just an English teacher."

Joined by Sandy, an old friend and one of the first guests on the show, we discuss the phrase 'just an English teacher,' our experiences living in Vietnam, and Sandy's transition to becoming an adoption lawyer in America.

Sandy shares his reasons for coming back to Saigon, noting the significant improvements such as the increased level of English and the rise of electric vehicles. We dive into the convenience of life in Vietnam and the deep friendships that keep Sandy returning.

This episode is filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and a celebration of our personal and professional growth since 2019.

02:30 Reflections on Early Podcasting Challenges
07:13 Guest's Journey to Vietnam
12:26 First Impressions of Vietnam
16:10 Law School and Career Transition
19:49 Adoption Law and Personal Reflections
22:11 Returning to Vietnam and Observations
25:22 American Loudness Observations
25:28 Cultural Differences in Communication
27:36 English Proficiency in Vietnam
30:21 Changes in Saigon
31:22 Legal Perspectives and Safety Standards
37:26 Convenience and Cost of Living

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This trip was one of the most fun and immersive ones we’ve recorded so far. Pai has this laid-back charm and unexpected beauty that really took us by surprise.

Adrie and I take you along as we explore some of Pai’s must-see spots — and wow, what a day. We started with the National Park Hot Springs, where the water gets hot enough to boil eggs (or a human, seriously). Then we checked out the WWII Memorial Bridge (Nara Bridge), which has a surprisingly cool history behind it. After that, we made our way across the Bamboo Bridge (NAME), a nearly 1-kilometer-long structure built for the ‘Gram, complete with swings, hearts, and even a ladder to nowhere.

Finally, we wrapped things up at the breathtaking — and slightly terrifying — Pai Canyon for sunset. It was beautiful, hilarious, a bit slippery, and definitely memorable. If you’re heading to Pai or just want to know what it’s really like, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

Pai Hot Springs are natural and beautiful, but can be dangerous — always check temperatures and wear grippy shoes.
Respect local customs — the hot springs are used by locals, so be clean and mindful (no peeing, no weed, no booze!).
Tha Pai Memorial Bridge has a rich WWII history — rebuilt multiple times and now a perfect selfie stop.
Bamboo Bridge is a modern tourist gem, filled with photo ops — hearts, swings, and “ladder to nowhere” included.
Pai Canyon offers stunning views, but be prepared for narrow paths, sheer drops, and zero handrails — not for the faint-hearted.

Chapters & Timestamps
[00:02:00] Cultural Tips + Slippery Rocks
Local etiquette, weed laws in Thailand, and practical warnings.
[00:04:00] WWII Memorial Bridge History
A Japanese-built war bridge turned tourist stop — and a lesson in resilience.
[00:06:00] Bamboo Bridge Adventures
815 meters of Instagram heaven, odd photo props, and a sandy, bouncy stroll.
[00:10:00] Sunset at Pai Canyon
Stunning views, sketchy ledges, and why alcohol is not sold up there.
[00:17:00] Final Thoughts and Laughs
Slipping, climbing, joking, and refl

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🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

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“In the south it's always more dynamic. Everyone is just moving around all the time. In the north, it's slower. People are a bit meaner.” - Viet Anh

For nearly ten years now, I've called Vietnam home, and while I've experienced the incredible energy and warmth of the south, Viet Anh's perspective on the north offered a viewpoint I hadn't fully considered. It's fascinating how regional differences can shape the experience of living in the same country.

We touched on the sometimes-surprising toxicity that can bubble up online, both within expat communities and among Vietnamese internet users. It's a stark contrast to the welcoming spirit I've largely encountered here. We also reflected on how things change over time – from cinema etiquette to the increasing polarization of opinions, it feels like the Vietnam I first encountered is constantly evolving.

Key Takeaways:
- There are perceived significant differences in pace and demeanor between the north and south of Vietnam.
- Online toxicity is a notable issue within expat and Vietnamese online communities.
- Cultural norms and perspectives are constantly evolving in Vietnam.
- Stereotypes about foreigners in Vietnam, particularly English teachers, exist and need to be addressed.
- The economic contribution of foreigners in Vietnam is often misunderstood, with many filling roles that locals don't typically pursue.

Chapters and Timestamps:
05:59: Discussion on Online Toxicity
10:59: Changing Perspectives and Behaviors Over Time
14:59: Stereotypes of Foreigners in Vietnam
24:00

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7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

The Podcast Launch Lab

The Podcast Makeover

Try Descript for free here!

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!

👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram:

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