I have been a big fan of the show since the beginning. I was just in Vietnam last week March 14-19, my 4 thrip. I also had crepes at Bahn Xeo 46A (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city/restaurants/403148).

I have to say since my first trip in 1994 Vietnam has changed an awful lot. It kind of makes me sad in a way to see the way it has gone from sweet and quaint to cosmopolitan and urbane. But progress is progress.

With Bahn Xeo 46A I have now eaten at 11 places from the show, But 46A I knew about last year and had already been to.

there was an article in TRAVEL & LEISURE about 2 yrs ago on vietnam.. & it did say foreign investors were casing it as a new Bali.. tourist destination.

so what you're saying is not surprising-- bourdain was saying this,too..but doubtful it'll change that much-- the French got them & still they kept their basic identity.

Has anyone determined where Mr. Sang's Island is, and how to get there on a tour?

know what?? why nor ask a Vietnamese tour specialist-- I bet that island is famous in those parts,. as how many will have that kind of Dr No island.

Oh, mr. sang. I love the vietnam episodes also - just wish there were even more food porn shots.

I just saw the Vietnam show. I was doing a medical mission there a month ago. We went to Vinh and Hai Phong. Ate some interesting food in Vinh: rice steamed in bamboo and whole fish with dill from the delta. We ate a lot of sea food. I loved all the ways squid can be cooked! When I watched the show it brought back all the sights, noises, and places. I had a more intimte journey within the hospitals. We felt very valued.