Huan PhuEditor at Vietnam Is AwesomeEditor - from Viet Nam
Discover Secret Cocktail Experiences in Saigon with Natalya Wissink
Niall Mackay is joined by Natalya Wissink, the founder of Secret Experiences, to talk about the thriving cocktail scene and hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
They discuss the modern side of Vietnam, the use of local ingredients in craft cocktails and beer, and Natalya’s company, which offers unique experiences like the Secret Cocktail Experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Vietnam, especially Saigon, has a surprisingly modern and vibrant cocktail and culinary scene that often goes unnoticed by tourists.
- Local ingredients like spices, herbs, and fruits are being used in innovative ways to create craft cocktails, gins, and beers, showcasing a fusion of traditional and modern Vietnamese culture.
- Secret Experiences offers unique tours like the Secret Cocktail Experience, where guests are taken to hidden bars and venues, allowing them to explore Saigon’s nightlife scene in a truly immersive way.
- Vietnam’s food and beverage industry is not just catering to expats and tourists but is driven by the young, affluent Vietnamese population.
- Saigon is full of hidden gems and speakeasy-style bars that are often difficult to find unless you know where to look, making guided experiences like those offered by Secret Experiences valuable for visitors.
“What I love is… how surprising Saigon is to a lot of people. So when you come here, there’s so much to do that you wouldn’t expect, which I think is really exciting.” – Niall Mackay
“We don’t want our guests to, although we support our partners, but we don’t want them to discover places too early. We want them to be surprised and not know where we’re going exactly.” – Natalya Wisnick
Discover the two worlds of Ho Chi Minh City with Adrien Jean
“It’s never a dull moment in Vietnam. Things are going so fast, things are changing, and, It’s really interesting to document this contrast.”
– Adrien on the ever-changing nature of Saigon’s streets.
In this episode, host Niall Mackay welcomes Adrien, a French photographer who has been living in Vietnam for nearly 10 years. Adrien shares his journey of falling in love with the country’s vibrant street life and culture, leading him to become a street photography tour guide in Saigon.
They delve into the allure of Vietnam for photographers, the art of respectfully capturing candid moments, and the ever-changing landscape of the city. Adrien offers insights into his approach to street photography and the authentic experiences he aims to provide through his tours.
Adrien’s love for Vietnam blossomed unexpectedly after initially visiting for a short trip in 2014. As he immersed himself in the country’s culture, he discovered a passion for street photography, drawn to the dynamic contrasts and constant flux of Saigon’s streets. Adrien emphasizes the importance of respectful and genuine interactions with subjects, often returning to the same neighborhoods to build connections over time.
Takeaways:
- Vietnam, particularly Saigon, offers a unique and constantly evolving canvas for street photographers, with its blend of traditional and modern elements.
- Approaching street photography requires respect, genuine curiosity about people’s lives, and an authentic exchange rather than staging or intruding.
- Adrien’s tours aim to provide an off-the-beaten-path experience, taking clients to lesser-known neighborhoods where interactions with locals are more natural and welcoming.
- Capturing the essence of a place goes beyond just scenic landscapes; street photography freezes fragments of time that may soon disappear due to rapid development.
- Building trust and returning to the same locations allow for deeper connections and more candid photographic opportunities.
“When you photograph people doing a lot of things in the street, there are many angles, there are many ways to compose your images, and that just makes it a lot more exciting.” – Adrien on the appeal of street photography in Saigon.
9 BEST places to get craft beer in Ho Chi Minh City
Join our virtual pub crawl as we explore the 9 best places for craft beer in Ho Chi Minh City.