He LOST $100,000 in 6 Months Living in Vietnam! @Calvin Bui

He LOST $100,000 in 6 Months Living in Vietnam and was on the verge of giving up everything he had done Join us as lawyer Ken Duong engages in a small talk with a chef who has been doing business in Vietnam for more than 15 years. From his personal background, relocation to Vietnam as an American expat to doing business in Vietnam, Calvin shares why he moved here to live long term in Vietnam, how much his investment was, and what price he had to pay for his failures in Vietnam. He also discusses cost of living Vietnamese Culture and how to deal with cultural difference between the US and Vietnam. And how he became the co-host on the Best Food Review Show along with Sonny Side. So, let's jump into this video!
Credit: • Asia’s Most BIZARRE Ho...
00:00 Intro
01:58 Thank you!
02:38 He came here for Love but...
04:58 Doing business in Vietnam
07:25 Lost $100,000 USD in 6 months & Vietnam Cost of Living
09:08 What did he learn from his mistakes?
10:40 His biggest failure in Vietnam, Cultural Differences
12:22 Find out his purpose in life
17:32 Running into some Vietnam business sh*t
20:04 Even the taxman is looking for him
29:31 Don't be a DBH!
35:36 His Future plan Living in Vietnam
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Duong Global is an international acknowledged worldwide business consulting firm that provides business and legal services specializing in the U.S. - ASEAN multilateral trade relations. Our aim is to enhance corporate competency and performance through result-based solutions, effectively combining processes, people and systems, designed to match clients' individual requirements. Our unique set of business and legal services include International & U.S. Business Law, Immigration Law, Real Estate, Franchising, Marketing, Intellectual Property, and Entertainment.

[@TrappedQue]

I grew up in Vietnam & saw Công An constantly coming to my parents business asking for free beers, liquors…etc. If you don’t give it to them, they will make your life a living hell. A leopard never change its spots. Go to VN there for fun & have a good time. But do not invest your hard earned money there. You will likely come back to the State with an empty pocket & full of regrets.

[@lightning6718]

I totally agree with you. VN is a country where you spend your money, not making any money.

[@chinaboss6683]

Thats bs, its because you dont have any powerful connections!

[@cameronset-chan8409]

So true, same thing happens in Cambodia!!! You will lose every pennies. Not worth the hard earned money.

[@user-we6bk8kt1s]

They will always and forever see you as a foreigner, everything about $$$ in your pocket....It is understandable that when you were 20s...30s, you were still kind of naive, felt invincible....hunger for love and success....unfortunately...in the wrong places....

[@xian4616]

If I visit Vietnam, I will visit his restraunt.

[@odinnehuang]

this Calvin Bui fella's self reflection might be the most genuine interview i have seen in recent years. definitely made me a subscriber to him after watching this.

[@HungLa817]

Calvin Bui is legit. As a Vietnamese brother I support him and wish him the best of luck.

[@chinaboss6683]

I am a Vietnamese of Chinese descent we dominate your economy. 😎

[@johntran3489]

Doing business in VN is tough now a day. There are high unemployment records and closed businesses. Saigon. Good luck Ken Duong and Calvin Bui in your future.

[@chinaboss6683]

​@@johntran3489 The plandemic has caused a global depression.

[@johnnynephrite6147]

@@chinaboss6683 the Vietnamese or the Chinese dominate? who are you representing? you racist or what?

[@user-qd8lt9ec3x]

@@johntran3489 yup tough everywhere around the world!

[@ZiggyNakamichi]

For several years now, I've admired Calvin Bui's journey. Witnessing his growth has been nothing short of inspiring. Calvin's remarkable optimism, even in the face of failure, has endowed him with an intuition that transcends mere understanding. It's this very quality that fuels his unwavering perseverance, a trait essential for both survival and success. Hats off to Calvin for embodying such resilience! Wish you health and happiness, bruhhh!

[@ThuyTran-ci2et]

Probably the best video on your channel to date, owing to the quality of the guest. Hope you can find similar guests to interview. Just a side note though, i was surprised his private fund is only 1.5 million..... inflation is so bad in US now that this amount is unsubstantial. I really appreciate how genuine Calvin is .

[@e2bobbie]

i need to be a part of this group. i pray god. my way my mindset ,, same same exc

[@titiung]

This is RAW emotion. You deserve it Calvin. I support you!

[@thanhsalem72]

Adaptability is a key to success everywhere regardless of what you do.

[@Darrenwalkingby]

That’s why living in different countries makes you wiser and stronger, because you learn new culture, ways of life and adaptability

[@VicariousWalker]

I'm the CEO of my life! Chief Eating Officer! 😆 Calvin is someone who spoke with the weight of experience behind his back, unlike many other wannabes. Great interview, great video, thanks for sharing this

[@tomsd8656]

Also, keep in mind, he won't say on air "everything" he has to deal with, what monkeys he has to grease, if he wants to keep his business going.

[@skygrey7237]

I would never open a business in Vietnam. Make your money in America. And spend your money in Vietnam.

[@DitNg516]

You are smart. The truth is that 99% of investments in VietNam were lost except for those giant corporations

[@user-qd8lt9ec3x]

tell that to the lady who became a millionaire from hội An, selling unique products on Amazon, She would disagree,AHA! Just needs to be aware of the surrounding.

[@skillfuldabest]

@@user-qd8lt9ec3xthey don’t have Amazon in Vietnam.

[@mpha315]

⁠@@user-qd8lt9ec3x she sells her stuff on Amazon not VN

[@sabatashi]

Also anyone getting into food & beverage is honestly asking to lose money whether in the U.S. or anywhere really.

[@emdethuong70]

Today, I came across this video I believe not a coincidence. Thank you so much for honesty, thank you so much to both of you, especially Mr.Duong. Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart.

[@lordstubbington7274]

Never coincidence

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Our pleasure!

[@sebastianniqvist3144]

Yes, great job by Ken “El Chapo” Duong.

[@N1Norm]

Good to see Calvin thriving after all these years. He used to take care of me and my friends at his parties in SF 🍻

[@jameskwa]

Calvin is very honest. Thank you and all the best bro ❤

[@PeterViet]

Thank you for this interview. You both did great. Listening to Calvin's raw, unfiltered way of describing the evolution of his real 'me' and the mentality and struggles he went through all these years was truly something valuable.

[@SangHTX]

Great interview! I am a big fan of Calvin and Sonny with the Best Ever Food Review Show. Hung out with him a few times while he was living in Houston, Texas during the COVID Shutdown in Vietnam.

[@508paulwall]

This interview is the best one yet... Cavin showed so much humility even though he accomplished so much. I could tell he is always willing to learn more. This is the character that I would invest my money with..

[@georgecarlin2879]

Best interview and video on this channel to date. I shall be visiting CTY for certain in May, just to drop in and say Hi, and absorb the vibes and have a good meal. Much thanks.

[@wizza1]

Great in-depth conversation about life and business in Vietnam!

[@ILoveLibertyJustice]

Great Interview. Thanks for keeping it Real.

[@josehurtado1044]

This is one of your best videos so far! Keep up the great work and thank you for keeping it real, informative and fun.

[@annsflowersandballoons814]

This has to be one of your best interviews ever. Very informative and very helpful in opening my eyes on how things really work in Vietnam. Thank you so much Ken and also to Calvin. Thanks for the great questions to Calvin and also your answers to Calvin’s questions.

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Thank you very much. We appreciate your viewership as well.

[@NgocTran-cf2wp]

Really enjoyed the frank conversation you guys had. Great episode!

[@007thematrix007]

valuable info., thanks and lookin' forward for more of this in the future .....

[@hvinh99]

Awsome content. Very interesting interview. Never see that serious and vulnerable side of successful businessmen in Vietnam like that.

[@nathanle1024]

Support Calvin in developing his business but also helping to contribute back to Vietnamese society.

[@Bambotb]

He owns the bar or what

[@TT-oy2kw]

Great video and great questions!! Love it 🥰!! Thank you.

[@user-qd8lt9ec3x]

awesome content, it was Real especially with Calvin. Thank you and best wishes to both.

[@anthonyvillalba1180]

What a great interview! As a businessman I appreciated the tough questions asked. Questions that are on our minds as Americans curious about how business is done in Vietnam. Cheers

[@elaineleon6067]

I agree with others comment, this is one of the best interviews. Straight to the point, you let the interviewee talk and there is an honest feel with the conversation between you two. Keep it up.

[@lordstubbington7274]

I think ur best video to date!!!!! Thanks for your efforts mate

[@khiemthedream]

Thank you for a small look into doing restaurant business in Vietnam. I can’t imagine how tough it was for Calvin to do business in Vietnam the first number of years. I am glad it paid off for Calvin with such hard work. Definitely will stop by to give Calvin’s restaurant a visit this summer.

[@retroguy7854]

Good video, I can tell it was very genuine. Keep up the good work.

[@stacydoval8403]

Calvin Bui.. A real man... As he said he earned all this and without failure he wud never be this rich in value and personality with virtues... Honestly I would live to visit his place and meet him. Lots of love from 🇵🇹

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Muito obrigado !

[@kyleturley7098]

I like that you are building an international law firm. Growing up with Vietnamese and interacting with them through out my life. I’ve found them to be very intelligent and practical. I was even surprised when I encountered them speaking multiple languages. That kind of talent works real well in international law firms.

[@donghodeotay]

Came as a food lover and left learning great lessons. Will definitely watch this all over again. Thanks for a great interview! ❤

[@beidlern]

Wow, this clip encapsulated so many real life topics and experiences from real people in Vietnam. In life, you either teach or learn. I definitely learned something from both of you today. Thank you so much.

[@minnied.5946]

Great interview and your guest articulates so well. I love that he highlights his success and failures.

[@murin7185]

🎉 thanks for this conversation

[@ww3k]

Loved this candid convo!

[@epiphanythe]

It looks like I rewinded this intro multiple times, big kudos to you man just exceptionally well done.

[@larrypham541]

Great segment. I really enjoyed this. Good job. Keep doing the good work. ❤

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Thank you so much!

[@BossNgo25]

Really great interview, thank you

[@kathleenlynch1961]

Calvin is so humble and likeable. Seems his struggles in Vietnam have provided a great deal of insight into his personal life. Loved listening to both of these guys talking about being authentic and genuine. Would love to chat with both of these guys next time I’m in HCMC.

[@andyv6583]

Respect Humility. Great interview.

[@HT-by4mp]

Loved this episode

[@craig9000]

Great interview. Cool guy. Amazing advice and insights.

[@h011yw00d]

If you're not failing, you're not even trying.

[@donkeykong516]

The only problem is there is only so many failures you get

[@h011yw00d]

@@donkeykong516 True but I think it would have been better if he diversified his 100k investment. If he invested 10k into 10 different investments, maybe 8 fails but 2 became wildly successful. Learning from the ones that failed then riding the success of the few that succeeded.

[@BobBob-ey5br]

​@@h011yw00dstupidest thing I ever Heard...no offense bro.

[@johnnynephrite6147]

this may sound clever, but failing is common practice and it makes you a loser.

[@h011yw00d]

@@johnnynephrite6147 Yes, because you have never failed in your life because you were too coward to try anything new. Thus you stayed a loser. :)

[@jeremy.cameron-]

What an inspiring video! Certainly put me back in my place a little… I am currently travelling Viet Nam (been wanting to for about 5 years) and have already learned so much. Really enjoyed hearing from your experiences and will definitely look into your content! Thank you 😁

[@wetwork777]

This is a great interview, I'm inspired and motivated listening to him.

[@YTC518]

This was such an insightful video. Thanks guys love the honesty and the straight up approach you took in sharing your life experiences. I wish you both great success. 🙏🙏👍👍

[@haunguyen8377]

Awesome interview! Calvin is the shit! This was humbling.

[@minhphan4087]

Dope episode!

[@q3huynh]

One of your best interviews. great insights!

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cameronset-chan8409]

What a beautiful interview!!!

[@josegonzalez4681]

Great interview, it’s important to know yourself .

[@cuongtrinh5840]

Thank you very much for such a great interview n great conversations not just doing businesses in Vietnam but how to be live n growing in life as individuals. Congratulations to Mr. Calvin for your successful business and Thank you for experiences sharing. Mr. Duong n you both role model for Viet Kieu and Vietnamese people to learn. ❤

[@Slawp]

Great interview, Calvin Bui!

[@blenguye]

Great interview. This is so raw. It confirms my beliefs as well as giving me a different perspective. I want to meet Calvin Bui next time in VN. I already feel like he is my brother 😌. It feels so relatable and would love to have a drink with him.

[@MisterColorWolf]

The truth man this man spoke the truth for sure . Vietnam is a wild wild west. great video. Greedy Govt for sure

[@nguyenducchibang7766]

Gov in Vietnam is corrupted 🤷‍♂️

[@trucdo1693]

Greedy from upper level government to the lower levels. I visit many times there, airports workers in the north and south corrupt the money, asking or ripping off Vietnamese tourists when we are arriving or leaving the country there( only Vietnamese tourists to visit Vietnam, not international tourists because they scared will turn them in or make it bigger issues). If I don’t have family there I will choose to travel somewhere for a peace of mind!

[@shaukah9173]

Great Episode , this guy is a gem of experience How to unlearn ? " Fail" Loved it ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@donkeykong516]

Even for Vietnamese locals, the probability of failure is very high.

[@chinaboss6683]

Unless youre connected.

[@kimslife_de]

love it! So inspirational

[@ME-qu4gi]

Great interview. Been following him since i saw him on best ever food. Love his attitude.

[@Tideo123]

This interview is so freakin* good man. Love to see you two together speaking out the facts among the myths and the truth is can we handle the truth?

[@user-qd8lt9ec3x]

ofcourse you can handle the truth as an adult,$AHA!

[@Tideo123]

​@@user-qd8lt9ec3x Not true, I am 80 and still afraid of ghosts and mice. My grand kid thinks when you get old as me, you will be as strong as horse and smart like Einstein. I asked him where did you hear that from and he said from "A Few Good Men".

[@Tideo123]

@@user-qd8lt9ec3x Not true. Only " A Few Good Men" can handle it. Are you one of those men?

[@kittt_out4979]

This is the most honestly and the best video of your channel, this help me lot for idea of returning to Vietnam.

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Happy to hear that!

[@shawnandrews329]

This is one of your best interviews. Great insight for anyone at any age.

[@phoso1]

This is probably THE BEST video on your channel. 👏👏👏Thank you Duong for this great interview with Calvin Bui. It makes me think about my old life. As a multimillionaire, I remember the time I was coin hunting in my house for gas money after my business failed. I understand Calvin lack of 2 nickels analogy. 😅

[@jamesly451]

Great episode, 'Thank you'

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Thank you too!

[@clementng7718]

Unfortunate but necessary process of education 🎉 thanks for sharing

[@hajihiga7960]

good info from calvin. being honest is much harder than lying to someone if you really want to help them.

[@chrishamlin5863]

Great interview

[@johnle7667]

Wow wow this is a good video clip Please keep up with your good works

[@poukao]

Awesome Interview with Calvin !! He is Da Man I would truly trust for anything in Vietnam !

[@davidpnguyen4798]

Thank you for this great insight about living and doing business in Vietnam

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-mb6gg4td6y]

information overload.....Thank you

[@piannshann]

Love the chef. So real. Definitely will go there when in Vietnam. Thank you for the content.

[@trangpham-jv6kd]

You’re awesome..! Wishing you the best.🎁

[@NclasX]

Great interview! Both for the business side and the personal development side. I've been based in Southeast Asia for 11 years and have spent around half a million (CAD) on various small and medium projects + ex-girlfriend... 🤣 No regrets! Canada gave me life, but Southeast Asia taught me about life (and still). Expat life is a real adventure, expat life as an entrepreneur in a foreign country is crazy, but very rewarding! Calvin, Ken, thank you very much and if I see you at CTY, drinks are on me! Cheers!

[@user-fo4qg2pr1u]

Respect Calvin from someone who met you 8 yrs ago and thought you were kind of a douche at the time. You've come a long way in terms of self awareness and humility.

[@Teedeeus]

I'm scratching my head trying to understand what Calvin learned or experienced in Vietnam when investing money in a country where you don't know if your future will lead to profit or loss. Do you see in the daily newspapers of Vietnam that all they publish are cases of bribery, corruption, or embezzlement, stealing others' investment money, and your family once escaped from Vietnam because they couldn't tolerate the regime? Isn't that enough reason not to dive headfirst into business investments with a country like that?

[@bac3phi69]

It's all BS.

[@Mouse2409]

If you look for bad news, you get bad news all the time. Same here in the US.

[@tplanner]

I actually have more respect for Calvin now after hearing his story. Calvin's surprisingly articulate. I don't like to watch Sonny's shows because it's way too long with bad jokes that excellent editing cleans up.

[@kubilaydeniz8809]

Calvin is just cool. I love his vids and comments.

[@jpaperny]

This is one of your best videos

[@HDNBenjamin]

Great interview! Yall make me proud as a Viet American!

[@debbieye6664]

Love this interview( Kevin and U), love kevin telling his succeed and failure.

[@deshr8541]

Quality content 👍👍

[@tomn8212]

Good job Calvin and good luck on your success.

[@Lisatravels-kp8nl]

Very informative and alot of passion.

[@chowholic]

I'm from FV/HB in OC. Very good to see two of OC's home grown making it in VN. Hope to meet both of you one day.

[@karlweaver2597]

Calvin, has a solid mentality for success and the reason why he has survived living and working in Vietnam! Next time I go to HCMC will visit his restaurants, cam on Karl Weaver

[@sagenodes]

Good shit bro!

[@HD-cr4px]

Mr. Bui = knowledgeable, interesting, mature, down to earth, wise, true to himself. Not a guy of the type ''"me, me first, only me...''

[@LTLotusHeart]

I have been watching your videos for quite a while. But this one made me subscribe the channel.

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Thank you!

[@KimM47]

Good questions. The answer were kind of vague, but congrats on overcoming failure.

[@ZxExN]

I enjoyed the content and think it's quite refreshing and useful. Would love to see the channel grow and you continuing to make great content like this. I would recommend you get rid of the segment where you talk about likes and subscriptions. If people find value, they will do that without being asked. I just find it's alittle much and doesnt really bring value to the video at all but your viewers may find it off putting. Also, the video cuts in the beginning is a great idea to give a snapshot of long video but I would be careful as how the clips are pieced together because it can be really difficult to read because when clipped together, these sentences in the subtitles did not make much sense.

[@sebastianniqvist3144]

It’s interesting that Calvin although he is a Viet Kieu he says that he is considered a foreigner in Vietnam so imagine how is for Westerners that have absolutely no Vietnamese ancestry at all? Also I have spoken to local Vietnamese and told them I want to do business in Vietnam and they look at me like I am crazy and then they say: why would u want to come to Vietnam when us Vietnamese want to get out of Vietnam and migrate overseas? This is good video and real talk indeed. South East Asia is the best but its is huge “grey area” and so many hurdles and very local ways to do business that for westerners is next to impossible to navigate. This video has some solid and real value. Thanks Ken “El Chapo” Duong.

[@oodo2908]

They don't even like mixed Vietnamese born and raised there.

[@Tube009ish]

Having lived in the US for over 30 years as a Vietnamese, I believed I understood Vietnamese culture thoroughly. However, upon encountering this cliff, I realize the need to unlearn everything I thought I knew

[@philmadriaga4521]

That was fantastic

[@youseed1]

Great video 🎉

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Thank you 😁

[@QuantumVoyager]

Good discussion