Beste Bureau Asia Podcasts (2024)

1
Fat, 50 & F**ked in Vietnam! 25:21

3M ago25:21

25:21

Well, two out of three ain't bad...or is it?! Join me in this one as I chat about my health check in Ho Chi Minh City, whether or not Vietnam is liveable, and the Indian billionaires using Vietnam as their playground! For more info about the topics discussed in this episode, please pop over to https://thebureauasia.substack.com/p/listen-the-scoop-o…

1
The Korea in Vietnam Special! 36:30

5M ago36:30

36:30

In this "Korea Special", Matt interviews two long-term resident South Koreans who have called Saigon home for more than 14 years and gets an insight into the topsy-turvy life of Koreans in Vietnam. To wrap up, he reveals the best Korean restaurants in Saigon as voted by Bureau Followers! The Best Korean Restaurants in “K-Town” as voted by Bureau Fo…

1
What bugs me about Vietnam! 38:30

6M ago38:30

38:30

In this must-not-miss episode, Matt's good mate Nam joins him for a bitch session about life in Vietnam. Matt tells Nam – a Saigon native – what bugs him about Vietnamese culture, while Nam counters with things that bug him about foreigners in Vietnam! Then the episode wraps up with Matt introducing you to one of the best streets for food in Saigon…

1
The HORROR coming to Vietnam's cinemas! 28:40

6M ago28:40

28:40

First up Matt breaks down Ho Chi Minh City's 4th place ranking in Time Out Magazine's recently released list of The World's 20 Best Cities for Food Right Now! Did they get it right? After that, Matt interviews acclaimed Vietnamese director Lê Thanh Sơn on the eve of the premiere of his latest film Móng Vuốt (Claws), a horror set in the highlands of…

1
Then & Now - Saigon 20 years on 19:01

7M ago19:01

19:01

In this episode, Matt introduces you to a newly-published book documenting the research and observations of an expatriate who has just celebrated 20 years living in Vietnam. You'll find out the results of The Bureau Asia's poll on what causes food poisoning in Vietnam and then Matt rediscovers the city's first American-style BBQ joint more than a d…

1
Could this be Saigon's Best Pizza? 15:51

7M ago15:51

15:51

In this long-awaited return to the airwaves, Matt reveals he's been battling away trying to learn the language, he visits an "old friend" for lunch and stumbles upon what might just be Saigon's best goddamn pizza! That and more! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebureauasia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebureauasiagroup…

1
Vietnamese Craft Beer, Poisonous Banh Mi & Saigon's Fire Traps 43:11

1y ago43:11

43:11

We've heard it all before. Vietnam's cheap. The beer's cheap. The food's cheap. And the people are so nice! BUT is everything in Vietnam really as good as everyone says it is? In this episode I give you The Good, The Bad & The Phởgly provide an example of each so that you can plan better and hopefully your Vietnam trip WON'T. GET. RUINED! Big thank…

1
Vietnam's new visas, unfriendly Vietnamese, the matchmaker of Singapore & dark Saigon 50:03

1+ y ago50:03

50:03

We're back on the poddie train after a 2 month break that included a trip to Cambodia, a flu here and there, a trip home to the Philippines and some family visits here to Ho Chi Minh City. In this episode we catch up on travel news to Vietnam, including the new visa extensions, and we learn about the matchmaker in Singapore hooking up lonely Singap…

1
Sizzling Saigon, Sugar Babies & Dirty Street Food 53:32

1+ y ago53:32

53:32

In this sizzling hot episode coming from a sweltering Thành Phố HCM, we unpack 5 news items that riled us up and got us hot under the collar this week, including a polarising review of Saigon's nightlife, the revelation (or not) that sugar babies are artfully using social media to snare their sugar daddies, and the release of an English-language so…

1
The Bureau Asia's GUIDE to VIETNAM Listicles 56:44

1+ y ago56:44

56:44

In this Reunification Day long weekend episode in Vietnam, we share a carefully-curated a list of lists sourced from the past week's news and social media that our loyal listeners will either love or – quite possibly – hate! Everybody loves a good list, so we're pretty confident you'll like ours! Then we review this month's much-anticipated Netflix…

1
Vietnam's BRAVE FIGHT against HUMAN TRAFFICKERS 1:06:17

1+ y ago1:06:17

1:06:17

We recap what we got up to this past week, then in response to a recent listicle in the Australian media, we create our own "6 Things Vietnam Does Better Than Australia" list followed by a handful of other news items that caught our attention this week. The highlight of the episode (39'00) however, is guest Michael Brosowski who's the founder of Ha…

1
Was VIETNAM SNUBBED in Asia's 50 Best Awards? 55:33

1+ y ago55:33

55:33

As usual, Mel joins me to discuss the news and happenings for the week in Vietnam and the region, and then we call in Saigon-based hospitality guru and communications consultant, Chris Thompson, who helps us get our head around why just one restaurant in Vietnam made it into this year's Asia's 50 Best Restaurant list. Connect with Chris on Linkedin…

1
Why is Vietnam so TRASHED?! 1:03:43

1+ y ago1:03:43

1:03:43

In this episode, we review the week that was in Saigon, then we try to get to the bottom of why littering is rampant in Vietnam with the help of RMIT Vietnam lecturer and researcher, Dr Justin Pang. Connect with Dr Pang at www.linkedin.com/in/dr-justin-matthew-pang-jmpang/ Follow Matt on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mattcowanasia Follow Mel on In…

1
DON'T DO THIS in Saigon! 56:46

1+ y ago56:46

56:46

In this episode, we air our gripes about road users in Vietnam, chat about the "awards" season in Southeast Asia and beyond, and review a Japanese steakhouse that passed under our noses for years before we tried it. Then we wrap up the episode with a list of 10 things YOU SHOULDN'T DO when visiting Saigon! Try out Il Corda when in Saigon for a stea…

1
The Thailand Episode 40:47

2y ago40:47

40:47

Matt and Mel popped over to Thailand recently for a short break and during their little sojourn to the Land of Smiles, they came to the realisation of just how freaking loud and grubby their hometown of Saigon is in comparison to Bangkok! Matt also surprises Mel with a gift in the form of a "radio commercial" to promote free tickets for this month'…

1
What are Vietnamese women like in bed? (Teaser for The Love Episode) 0:59

2y ago0:59

0:59

In this teaser from The Love Episode (out on Valentine's Day), we find out one stereotype about Vietnamese women in the bedroom. Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NbyBSc76RD4ZnlZmNLsHx?si=KExzx6zRSL2p16k0Skq8aw Subscribe to The Bureau Asia on YouTube and help Matt reach 1,000 subscribers! https://www.youtube.com/@Th…

1
The Love Episode 52:49

2y ago52:49

52:49

On this Valentine's Day episode, we preview upcoming Netflix release A Tourist's Guide To Love which was filmed in Vietnam last year and is due to drop on April 27, then we call good friend Stella to ask her some of our burning questions about love and relationships in Vietnam – don't miss it! Subscribe to The Bureau Asia on YouTube and help Matt r…

1
FAKE ALCOHOL SCAM in Vietnam 0:59

2y ago0:59

0:59

Fakeness abounds in Southeast Asia which makes it rife in Vietnam, too! Sometimes, however, it can be life threatening. Taken from the Vietnam V The Philippines: Who's winning??? episode. Check it out here: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4M0h8ZWq6W6dKj8lGQRsFz?si=501791efb3ed45ee ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/thebureaupodcast/episodes/Vietna…

1
Vietnam V The Philippines: Who's winning??? 49:07

2y ago49:07

49:07

Vietnam and the Philippines share a lot of common ground and are just a 2-hour flight from each other. The Philippines has long enjoyed a head start in its development, but in the last decade, Vietnam has made up a lot of ground to challenge its neighbour as more liveable. In this episode, we compare the two countries against indicators such as pol…

1
Manila traffic is MENTAL! 0:58

2y ago0:58

0:58

Here's a short clip from the Manila episode called It's NOT always fun in the Philippines! Listen to the full podcast here on The Bureau Podcast and let me know what you think! Full episode link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/YykCCA2aSwb Follow The Bureau Asia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebureauasia Follow The Bureau Asia on Inst…

1
It's NOT always fun in the Philippines! 42:34

2y ago42:34

42:34

We're shown a lot of what's FUN about the Philippines by YouTubers "pinoybaiting" their adoring Filipino fans BUT to hell with that, we're giving you what's NOT always FUN about the land of adobo and lechon kawali and aim to bait you with the facts! Here are 5 things you need to consider before planning your trip to the Philippines! Watch my Philip…

1
American architect, interior designer and artist Bill Bensley 37:02

2y ago37:02

37:02

After the news, I interview the incomparable Bill Bensley who's brought to life more than 200 hotels and resorts in over 30 countries, including five amazing properties in Vietnam. Bill is widely regarded as one of the finest designers of our time and is responsible for designing Capella Ubud in Bali – a resort with ultra-luxurious tents that in 20…

1
Australian journalist, foodie and restaurant critic John Lethlean 41:39

2y ago41:39

41:39

After the news, I interview highly-respected Australian journalist, food writer and restaurant critic John Lethlean who’s been motorbike riding up in the north of Vietnam for the past couple of weeks on holiday. John’s been writing about hospitality and reviewing restaurants for more than 25 years for some of Australia’s largest publications, inclu…

1
This young Saigoner's passion project has just been published internationally 54:38

2y ago54:38

54:38

After the news for the week, Matt interviews emerging Vietnamese poet Quynh Nguyen after the release of her first book of poetry called When Dead Birds See The Light a collection of 16 poems with love as the theme running throughout. She explains the process of publishing her debut book and opens up about love in her own life. After that, The Burea…

1
This Yorkshireman's 10 years in Saigon have gone by in a Wink 1:19:02

2+ y ago1:19:02

1:19:02

As usual this season, Matt kicks off the episode with some of the latest news from Vietnam from the past week or so, followed by an interview with Wink Hotels brand director David Kaye, then to wrap it up, The Bureau Asia's content manager Melanie Casul pops by to make some cheeky cold calls to concierges at some of Ho Chi Minh City's finest hotels…

1
The Singaporean who hasn't stopped travelling since the end of Covid 45:58

2+ y ago45:58

45:58

After five big news stories that hit the headlines in Vietnam this past week or so, I interview Joleena Seah who hasn't stopped travelling since travel restrictions were eased post-Covid. To wrap up the episode, I review three of the four stunning Bill Bensley-designed luxury resorts in Vietnam. Follow Joleena's travels on Instagram: www.instagram.…

1
The man who's lived out of a suitcase for 20 years 41:50

2+ y ago41:50

41:50

I'm back this season all on my lonesome without Mel and Andy to hold my hand nor (more importantly) to stuff things up or get into arguments! First up in this episode, some Vietnam news, followed by an interview with a fellow who's been living out of a suitcase for the past 20 years as he follows his digital nomadic life across Asia and the rest of…

1
PREVIEW: Saigon's First Chinatown Audio Walk 2:44

2+ y ago2:44

2:44

Get a taste of what's in store during this Ho Chi Minh City Audio Trail Preview in which your guide, Matt, introduces some of the highlights of his audio walk through the Nguyen Thai Binh neighbourhood of Ho Chi Minh City, which just so happens to be the city's first Chinatown!

1
Saigon's First Chinatown 1:46:13

2+ y ago1:46:13

1:46:13

Your guide, Matt, has been living in Ho Chi Minh City since 2010 and calls Vietnam home. He'll guide you through one of his favourite neighbourhoods – the tasty and very historic Nguyen Thai Binh in District 1 named after a South Vietnamese anti-war activist who was posthumously conferred national hero status after his premature death. The neighbou…

1
The bride trade to Korea, annoying vloggers & an Eggslut 58:59

2+ y ago58:59

58:59

In this episode, our first for 2022, we unpack some Vietnam news stories that have caught our attention over the past week, we deep dive into the Vietnamese bride trade to South Korea, after which we take a look at what fascinates YouTubers about our city, Ho Chi Minh, and Vietnam, and how their videos sometimes annoy us. Then to wrap up what is a …

1
Bureau Pathfinder – A new audio walking experience of the streets of Ho Chi Minh City teaser! 2:44

2+ y ago2:44

2:44

I hope you enjoy the teaser for my first self-guided audio walking experience of Ho Chi Minh City. The full episode is still in production, but should be ready to go pretty soon! Please give it a listen and I invite you to comment, share, like and give feedback so that I can incorporate your ideas into the first episode before I publish it. Thanks …

1
On location at Baseball Cage in Ho Chi Minh City featuring Australian Ironman triathlete Tim Van Berkel 1:04:17

3y ago1:04:17

1:04:17

This sporty episode is on-location at Baseball Cage in District 7, a bar with four batting cages, beers and fun vibes. We talk Vietnamese sports and our own tragic sporting careers, followed by an interesting interview with Australian pro-triathlete, Tim Van Berkel, who is one of the world's top athletes in the sport of triathlon. All that and more…

1
What will the Chinese & Russians do in Vietnam once travel resumes??? And, wait, there's medical tourism in Vietnam??? 48:49

3y ago48:49

48:49

Vietnam's Civil Aviation Authority has submitted a 4-phase plan for the resumption of international flights to Vietnam, and in the meantime, recommends travellers from 15 countries be allowed to holiday here, including those from China, Russia, Cambodia and Thailand, among others. So our China expert, Andy, reveals what Chinese travellers will be l…

1
3 things to entice us back to HCMC bars, Fb & Insta updates & food trends in Vietnam 1:07:51

3y ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Bars and restaurants are beginning to reopen in Ho Chi Minh City, so Matt, Mel & Andy discuss what it will take for establishments to entice them out of their homes. Also, Facebook and Instagram are tweaking vanity metrics, so what does this mean for influencers and content creators? Then, food trends in Ho Chi Minh City over the past couple of yea…

1
Ho Chi Minh City opens up, social media mythbusting & Vietnamese stereotypes 59:01

3y ago59:01

59:01

Now that Ho Chi Minh City has slowly begun to open up allowing double-vaxed citizens to leave their homes and travel across districts, we finally get to have co-host Andy Tran in the room for the first time ever! We talk about Ho Chi Minh City's remarkable Covid-19 turnaround that's seen it go from hard lockdown with a 24/7 curfew one week, to bars…

1
HCMC unlocked, Saigon Zoo & promoting Vietnam 47:14

3y ago47:14

47:14

The hard social distancing measures that have kept Ho Chi Minh City residents confined to their homes for the past two months have finally been lifted. Matt, Mel and Andy talk about what they can and can't do until the next directive. Meanwhile, the private company that manages Saigon Zoo has asked both the public and the local government for fundi…

1
Backpackers not welcome in Vietnam anymore? 1:06:49

3y ago1:06:49

1:06:49

A recent online magazine ranking of the best cities in the world inspires Matt, Mel & Andy to come up with a list of 9 Best Streets in Ho Chi Minh City to visit, which is then followed by a wide-ranging discussion on the value of backpackers in Vietnam and whether they should be encouraged to return as soon as travel restrictions ease. A highlight …

1
Millennial slang, 9/11, HCMC news, dream trips in the Philippines & Vietnam 59:15

3y ago59:15

59:15

Our resident Milliennial Andy gives Gen-Xers Matt and Mel a quick lesson on language they're clearly too old for in a lighthearted segment that includes their suggestions for 2021's Word of the Year before they tone things down to remember the tragedy of 9/11 – 20 years on since the terrorist attacks in the US that shook the world. In this segment …

1
The Future of Travel in Vietnam 53:13

3+ y ago53:13

53:13

Vietnam remains under 24/7 curfew, and with caseloads increasing, there appears to be no end in sight for the pandemic. Yet, amid this gloomy forecast, some hope for those of us confined to our homes has emerged as the Prime Minister implies via the media that lockdowns can't go on forever and that the country needs to move on. We also interview Dr…

1
Men in uniform, US Vice President hits Hanoi, expats divided over vaccine, unusual burgers 52:26

3+ y ago52:26

52:26

While US Vice President Kamala Harris visited Hanoi this week with very little fanfare, the same can't be said of Vietnam's military who landed in Ho Chi Minh City to manage the city's Covid-19 crisis. In a true act of winning the hearts and minds of the citizens – especially the hearts – the boys in green lit up social media in Vietnam's biggest t…

1
HCMC's migrant worker exodus & looming 24/7 curfew, Phu Quoc travel bubble, historic Saigon sights & a pirate story 54:16

3+ y ago54:16

54:16

Matt, Mel & Andy provide fresh updates on Ho Chi Minh City's increasing Covid-19 caseload, how the current curfew from 6pm to 6am is affecting the city, and what can be expected with the latest announcement that from August 23, the city will be under curfew 24/7 indefinitely with the military in place to ensure everything goes to plan. Despite argu…

1
Friday the 13th Special 57:20

3+ y ago57:20

57:20

Join Matt, Mel & Andy talking superstitions, Pizza Hut and Vietnam's own Pizza 4Ps in Cambodia, the Nas Daily backlash in the Philippines, and what it's like trying to make a living in Vietnam as an influencer or content creator. All that and more on Vietnam's award-winning podcast. Also on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebureauasia Facebook…

1
Ho Chi Minh City news, silence in the Nguyen Thai Binh neighbourhood, tone deafness on social media & a new co-host 49:40

3+ y ago49:40

49:40

Some restaurants and bars in Ho Chi Minh City are offering vouchers as an alternative form of cash flow during forced closures - good idea or not? Meanwhile, one of our favourite neighbourhoods in District 1 is but a shadow of its former self. Our new co-host AT has flip flops on the ground there and he provides a grim-looking snapshot of the alley…

1
The Rise of Saigon's Underworld - Part 1 Trailer 1:19

3+ y ago1:19

1:19

The history of Vietnam's largest city has had as many twists and turns as a best-selling thriller. The truth it seems really is stranger than fiction. How did a small group of river pirates led by a man who would become a national hero, emerge from the swamps south of Saigon to become a fully-fledged army fighting for independence against the Frenc…

1
The Rise of Saigon's Underworld - Part 1 24:49

3+ y ago24:49

24:49

The history of Vietnam's largest city has had as many twists and turns as a best-selling thriller. The truth it seems really is stranger than fiction. How did a small group of river pirates led by a man who would become a national hero, emerge from the swamps south of Saigon to become a fully-fledged army fighting for independence against the Frenc…

1
My RODE Cast Entry June 2021 - Teaser for Blood Debt - The legend of the Nguyen Thai Binh neighbourhood in Ho Chi Minh City 1:53

3+ y ago1:53

1:53

This is my entry for the 2021 My RODE Cast competition! It's a 2-minute teaser for my Blood Debt episode about the legend of a small neighbourhood in central Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Give it a listen, and if you like it, support me by voting for it at myrodecast.com/listen The full episode can be found HERE Wish me luck!…

1
Blood Debt - The legend behind the Nguyen Thai Binh neighbourhood of Ho Chi Minh City 29:07

3+ y ago29:07

29:07

1975 and Vietnam was finally at peace and reunified after centuries of fighting for its independence. The victors set about renaming every street and neighbourhood in the former South after national heroes and significant others who helped create and defend the nation. This is how Ho Chi Minh City got its name. Today, in the city centre, there's a …

1
From Banh Xeo to Be Be - 5 of the Best 'No Name' Places to Eat Local in Vung Tau, Vietnam! 13:18

3+ y ago13:18

13:18

The charming seaside town of Vung Tau is just a 2-hour drive or ferry ride from Ho Chi Minh City and is typically regarded as a place just to get away from the city for the weekend to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and ocean views. But, in fact, it's little known that Vung Tau is actually one of the best destinations in Vietnam for foodies. In this epi…

1
Pirates, Tractor Pulls, Be Be & Whale Cemeteries – The Vũng Tàu Special 41:31

4y ago41:31

41:31

Vũng Tàu, a beachside town approximately 100km southeast of Hồ Chí Minh City (Vietnam's biggest city), is often left off the itineraries of international travellers and dismissed by expats as a seedy getaway for men wanting to escape the city to get up to no good behind closed doors. But as Matt and Mel discuss, Vũng Tàu deserves more respect. It's…

1
Episode 11 - Saigon's F&B situation, influencer marketing in COVID times, a craft beer blind tasting, Get Excited & Insta-worthless 1:06:18

4+ y ago1:06:18

1:06:18

In this long-awaited return of The Bureau Podcast after a lengthy hiatus, The Chief (Matt Cowan) gets Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam editor-at-large Chris Thompson on the blower who tells us whether or not his predictions came true for Vietnam hospitality trends during this weird and unpredictable era of COVID-19. Chris also reveals what F&B trends are em…

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Bureau Asia Podcasts

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