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“Saigon’s energy makes you feel ten years younger—it’s like being awake for the first time in years.” - Niall Mackay

One of the things I love to do the most is take visitors to District 4 - the most “dangerous” district in Saigon!

District 4 is real, raw, and gritty and it’s so different from the rest of Saigon.

Walking or riding through the backstreets of District 4, seeing life spill out onto the roads, the markets, the food stalls—it’s like being thrown into the Saigon of the past.

In this episode I take Nick McGregor, a visitor to Saigon for the first time around District 4, on the back of my bike as I show him my favourite spots and what to do during a monsoon…

• Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways :

• District 4's Transformation - What was once known as Saigon's most dangerous area is now a hub of local life and affordable street food.
• Street Food Gems - Fried rice cakes with egg (bột chiên), local juices, and strong Vietnamese coffee are must-tries!
• Cultural Observations - The chaos of Saigon’s streets and the unique rhythm of life—grandmas in pajamas, anyone?
• Safety in Saigon - While Saigon might feel chaotic, the city is incredibly safe with mostly opportunistic petty crimes.

Chapters and Timestamps:

06:30 – First impressions of Saigon: Hanoi on crack
13:45 – The gritty charm of District 4
21:10 – Street food break: Fried rice cakes & fresh juices
30:10 – Cultural quirks: Traffic, grandmas in pajamas, and Saigon’s rhythm
34:00 – Debunking myths: Is District 4 really dangerous?
37:00 – Conclusion: Saigon, the city that never sleeps

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