Thank you
A couple weeks before traveling from Bangkok to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), I published a quick video asking for suggestions on some of the best restaurants to eat at during my visit.
The feedback was amazing.
My wife Ying and I had an amazing time in Vietnam, spending three full weeks in Saigon, and eating and exploring as much as we could during our visit.
I’m back in Thailand now, but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you who watched my video, and who offered your food advice.
We were able to eat at many of the restaurants you suggested, and it was one of the most rewarding places we’ve visited in a long time.
Here’s the first video from the trip, a travel vlog about my first time to visit Saigon, traveling from Bangkok to Saigon, and my initial thoughts and our first (of many) meals:
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Watch it below:
(Or if you can’t see the videos, here’s the direct link)
My visit to Saigon:
I had a couple of goals during my three week trip to Saigon, one was to eat lots and lots of Vietnamese food, the main reason why I travel, and the second was to research and film a video featuring some of the top things to do in the city, similar to the video about Bangkok or Tokyo.
We hustled around the city, doing all sorts of things, and eating many amazing foods. Along the way, we met many extremely friendly restaurant owners and food vendors, and it was truly a rewarding experience.
Where did we stay?
Some of you have asked where I stayed during my visit, so although I’ll be writing a more thorough guide / post, I thought I’d quickly share it here. For the majority of the time, my wife and I stayed at Leblanc Saigon (affiliate link), and we both really enjoyed the place – good local location, great food in the area, and an incredibly clean and family run hotel, more like a guest house.
What’s to come?
On Migrationology.com I’m going to be publishing lots of restaurant reviews and Vietnamese food articles, many of them that were recommended to me via YouTube.
I’m also working on a couple huge articles about things to do in Saigon and foods to eat, plus videos to go along with everything.
If you haven’t already seen the first article, about eating sea snails in Saigon, check it out here.
Thank you again for your suggestions on things and places to eat in Saigon… and stay tuned, I can’t wait to start sharing more food posts and videos with you.
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High Rated Gabru
3 years ago
Beautiful and neat website design!!
Kim Vu
8 years ago
Hi Mark, I LOVE your face when you’re having our foods, I watch and watching your website every time I turn on my computer ! It’s make me want to go Saigon right away !
Khmersor
9 years ago
Hi Mark, nice blog and impressive pictures! Did you skip Cambodia?
Mark Wiens
9 years ago
Thank you very much. I’ve visited Cambodia a few times, but it’s been a few years now. I’m definitely due for a trip back in the future.
AJ Aerni
9 years ago
Hi Mark. Thanks for sharing your great adventures. While in Thailand, I enjoyed picking one dish and then having that same dish from as many places as possible to experience the subtle and sometimes vast differences between regions. I found that Pad Thai was a simple go-to menu item that was super tasty and had a lot of differences based on where I was (Chiang Mai down to the Andaman Coast, across to Koh Phangan, and back up to Bangkok). What’s your favorite Thai dish of all time and where was it the most delicious? Side note, the best Thom Yum soup I’ve EVER had is actually here in San Diego, Pacific Beach, at the place called Thai Village. TO DIE for. Be well. And namaste.
Ian
9 years ago
You’re going to have a field day in Saigon … can’t wait to see all of your vlogs from there!
Wafa Hozien
9 years ago
Mark — the last time I was in Asia I was Nauseated by the smell of Fried Pork, Do you have some suggestions as to where to eat when you are traveling that have gastronomic delights that are not pork ridden. I travel with vegetarians, too, and we sometimes have a hard time finding places to eat. Thank you for sharing.
Mark Wiens
9 years ago
Hi Wafa, great to hear from you. I don’t have too many suggestions from all over Asia, but here are my suggestions for Bangkok / Thailand: http://www.eatingthaifood.com/vegetarian-thai-food/ Hope this helps.
Wafa Hozien
9 years ago
Those are the best suggestions. I do not have to be in Thailand, I can concoct these decadent recipes right here at home. I really appreciate your prompt response. Day Six — Hummus is a given in any Middle Eastern household, I regularly dip anything to it. One can also add oregano and olive oil to the mainstay menu as well. Day 13 with the papaya I will try, it looks different. Thank you so much for the pictures, so as I know how to prepare them, and place them in front of others. I am so excited about delving into all these recipes. I appreciate the time you give to your site.
Mark Wiens
9 years ago
Hi Wafa, great to hear that, thank you for your support, and enjoy the cooking!
Neil Mitchell
9 years ago
Excellent Mark I can hardly wait for the rest!! I really like your “roving” camera style and felt I was actually going where you were going, right from your place to the airport terminal to the market and beyond, great job!! Maybe you should get a Go Pro on a stick!
Cheers,
Neil
Mark Wiens
9 years ago
Hey Neil, thank you very much for your encouraging feedback. I’ve been thinking about investing in a selfie stick, haha!
Andrea Anastasiou
9 years ago
I miss Vietnam and Saigon more specifically! Cannot wait for the posts!
Mark Wiens
9 years ago
Thank you Andrea. How long did you spend there?
JohnF
9 years ago
Banh mi.
OMG!
Like Som Tum, Gai Yang and sticky rice. It’s one of the foods I would have no problem living off of every day. The fresh bread, crunchy pickled veggies and the pate….
*Drooooooooooooooool*
There are few things in life that are just THAT good.
This latest vid of yours has made me want to book a flight to Saigon. When you made your “O” face eating it, I made one too! lol
Thanks!
JohnF
Mark Wiens
9 years ago
Hi John, I definitely agree with you, such a well rounded flavored food, and I could eat it frequently too. Thank you for watching my latest videos, hope you have a wonderful day.