Bill Bailey’s new travel series takes him to Vietnam, where the comedian and musician explores the country’s landscapes, culture and history. The six-part show, which airs on television, follows Bailey as he visits locations including Hội An, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay. The programme blends stunning scenery with encounters with local people, though Bailey’s introverted style sometimes leads to awkward silences.
In the first episode, Bailey cycles through rice fields and visits Hội An’s lantern-lit old town, where he learns about the city’s tailoring tradition and tries a traditional basket boat at Man Thai beach. He also meets 88-year-old potter Nguyễn Ngữ, who has been working for 70 years, and observes Buddhist monks releasing live fish back into the sea. Bailey reflects on the balance between tradition and modernity, noting that “age isn’t a barrier to feeling useful” in Vietnamese culture.
Bailey’s reluctance to engage in prolonged conversation is offset by the charisma of his interviewees, including Chef Trần Thanh Đức, who was sent to the US as a refugee during the Vietnam War. The chef’s story provides a poignant counterpoint to Bailey’s lighter moments, such as his encounter with a group of macaque monkeys at Linh Ung Pagoda, which he dubs the “monkey mafia”.
The series also highlights Vietnam’s historical sites, such as the 4th-century Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and the Linh Ung Pagoda complex. Bailey is most at ease when discussing history and wildlife, though his attempts at sketching a butterfly feel less engaging. The show’s old-meets-new framing is evident throughout, as Bailey navigates tourist traps and tranquil temples alike.
