Hey there Bureau Follower,
Here’s a quick update on what you may have missed at The Bureau Asia over the past couple of weeks.
With the weekend upon us, I hope this update keeps you entertained over the next couple of days wherever you are!
As usual, if you like what you see, read or hear, get in touch via the comments – I always get a kick out of hearing what you think about my content!
Also, I’d like to give a massive thanks to all of you who have subscribed, I hit 600 subscribers this week, but hey, who’s counting! ; )
Speaking of which, another big thanks goes out to Brian over at Postcards from Vietnam for giving me a huge shoutout this week in his update, I really appreciate the support he’s given my platform over the past month or so.
Be sure to subscribe to “Postcards” especially because he digs deep into Vietnam’s history and culture – something that can be rare to find these days across social media.
Along the way, Brian’s also inspired me to pick up my own research again into the lesser-known history of Indian migrants in Vietnam – thanks heaps for reopening that can of worms, Brian! I don’t know whether to thank you or kill you! Just kidding!
Anyway, that’s it for now. Take care and stay safe and I’ll see you in the next one!
Matt
1. LISTEN: What happened to Vietnam’s rock music scene? Part 2
Post-war Vietnam brought an overnight halt to rock music in Saigon after a golden age of music in the 60s and early 70s, but thanks to a very passionate few, the genre hasn’t completely died just yet.
2. WATCH: My epic Saigon food tour fail!
How is it even possible to go hungry in Saigon, a city that’s probably got more street food vendors per square kilometre than just about any other city in the world? Well, somehow I did!
3. BUREAU BITES: Saigon’s best-kept tourist transport secret!
Forget Grab and the rest, these little e-rockets are the latest (and best IMO) way to see Saigon up close and personal in comfort.
4. READ & WATCH: These sites off the beaten trail reveal Saigon’s dark past
Saigon has a reputation for great street food, electric nightlife and friendly people BUT it hasn’t always been like this.
5. READ & WATCH: Here’s where to EAT, PLAY, LOVE in Ho Chi Minh City!
Ho Chi Minh City has long struggled to rid itself the tag of being just another airport destination code, but this list aims to chip away at that perception noodle by noodle, dollop of condensed milk by dollop of condensed milk, beer by beer!
Looking forward to see if you get the chance to eat at the 🍗🌶 restaurant.
I appreciate the mention. I didn't expect a reciprocal response and I am very pleasantly surprised.
I mentioned "The Bureau Asia" in my subscriber letter because I really enjoy your work and wanted to share it here on Substack for my friends to enjoy too. It is the best English speaking podcast I have heard about life in Vietnam. The recent two part history of Vietnamese rock episodes have been eye opening. I can't wait for that episode about the Indian population of Saigon.