Vietnam Explained is a short-form explainer programme that breaks down key issues, trends, and cultural topics in Việt Nam for international audiences. It provides clear context and simple analysis to help viewers understand how and why things are happening. The format focuses on accessible storytelling, turning complex topics into concise and engaging insights.
Explores the stories, flavours, and creative twists behind “mắm” — one of Việt Nam’s most iconic ingredients — on this week’s episode of Vietnam Explained. Host Niall Mackay and guest chef Hervé Rodriguez discuss how this pungent, salty, and bold staple has become the soul of many Vietnamese meals, despite often surprising first-time visitors.
Bubble tea in Việt Nam is no longer just a drink. It’s where Gen Z studies, works, hangs out, and even expresses their identity. From a trend arriving in 2002 to a booming cultural phenomenon today, how did bubble tea become such an indispensable part of Vietnamese youth culture, let's discover in this episode of Vietnam Explained.
Motorbikes are everywhere in Việt Nam; they flow through the streets, carrying people, goods and entire livelihoods. So how did something so ordinary become so essential? And what does Việt Nam's two-wheel system reveal about how the country really operates? Find out more in this episode of Vietnam Explained
From daily commutes to delivery services, motorbikes keep Việt Nam moving. They’ve become a vital part of how people live, work, and do business every day. Watch more on Vietnam Explained.
This episode of Vietnam Explained explores street photography in Vietnam through the perspective of Jack, a British photographer documenting everyday life in Vietnamese cities. Let's find out what makes Vietnam compelling for street photographers and the techniques required to capture authentic moments.
Explores why Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading street food destinations on this week's episode of Vietnam Explained. Host Niall Mackay and guest chef Hervé Rodriguez discuss the unique appeal of Vietnamese street food culture, from bustling sidewalks and hidden alleyways to authentic local flavors. Don't miss Vietnam Explained, only on Vietnam Today.
Patriotism in Vietnam is no longer just about flags and formal ceremonies. In this episode of Vietnam Explained: The V-folktriotism Wave, host Niall Mackay and guest Tiffany Brache explore how young Vietnamese are redefining national pride through street celebrations, traditional fashion, cultural creativity, and local brands.
For years, Việt Nam was celebrated as a top-tier global travel destination. But that vacation charm has evolved into something much deeper. Today, it is a preferred home for over 162,000 foreign professionals, with InterNations (Expat Insider Report) consistently ranking Việt Nam among the Top 5 most livable countries for expats worldwide.
In this episode of Vietnam Explained, shopping is a destination. In Việt Nam, it has become a national high-speed social ritual, from the grandmother in a rural village to the Gen Z student in Hồ Chí Minh City. A whole society is choosing the virtual mall over the physical one. This is the Retail Revolution Explained.
Coffee shops are everywhere. Việt Nam is no longer just one of the world's largest producers, it is rapidly becoming one of Asia's most dynamic coffee consumption markets. So why are coffee shops booming like this? Let’s dive into Việt Nam’s coffee shop cruise, and what it reveals about the country's changing economy in this episode of Vietnam Explained