
On this blind date in Saigon, Sarah Clayton-Lea, travel company founder, meets Bob Thompson, teacher.

Đọc bài viết bằng tiếng Việt
Every week, inspired by the Guardian’s blind date series, we pair two people in the hope they’ll find love on a blind date in Saigon. Or, at the minimum, a good time. After the blind date, they get a cocktail for the road at Wink Hotel’s 24-hour bar. Each episode is sponsored by one of our favorite date spots, this time newly opened Iberico Tapas & Vino in District 2.

For this one, we set up Bob Thompson, a 34-year-old teacher from Dumfries in Scotland, with Sarah-Clayton-Lea, a 28-year-old travel company founder from Meath in Ireland.

Sarah Clayton-Lea, Travel Company Founder
“Dating in Saigon is difficult. I’ve just about given up on dating apps. I’d say I don’t really have a type in terms of looks. I’m into people who are funny, motivated; ones who like food and travel. My friends would say I usually go for someone older.”
What’s your idea of a dream date?
Someone who I instantly felt comfortable talking to. Someone who makes me laugh. And good-looking is a welcome bonus.
Who would you not want to be set up with?
Someone who made no effort with conversation or, even worse, someone who just talks over me. Or someone who tries to hold my hand across the table after one drink. It’s happened before. It’s weird.
How awkward was your initial meeting?
Very! I saw some guy getting his photo taken outside Iberico Tapas & Vino and had to ask if he was my date. Having a photographer capture you hugging a stranger repeatedly to get the photo right is pretty awkward…

What were your initial impressions?
Bob turned up in a nice white shirt, tweed trousers and brown shoes. He was also rocking a broken nose and two black eyes. Other than that he was tall, nice smile, and a little embarrassed about the photoshoot.
What was the most surprising thing about your date for the night?
Probably the broken nose. Unfortunately, I promised to keep the story behind that between me and Bob!
How did the restaurant fit the vibe?
Iberico Tapas & Vino was super cute. We had a little booth in the corner. That meant we weren’t getting eavesdropped on by other people in the restaurant. Perfect for a blind date. Tapas is always a good idea for date night too.

Were there any issues with table manners?
No, Bob was very mannerly. He also successfully sliced the tortilla into quarters with a spoon. He maybe took the bigger halves, but, in retrospect, that’s just me being greedy.
Were there any uncomfortable moments?
The date photos were a little uncomfortable as the photographer kept imploring us to: “Get closer!” But apart from that, the rest of the date was relaxed.

What did you talk about?
His broken nose, our shared experience of deviated septum surgery, living in Saigon, and his years spent in Taiwan, the stereotypical influencer scene in Bali, and nightlife and dating here. Also, we discussed how Wink completely threw us both under the bus by sharing terrible photos of us getting ready for our date on Instagram and then running a poll on whether we’d get along!
Did you continue to Wink for a final drink?
Yes, we did! We were having a good time chatting and the night was still early.
Can you rate your date on a scale of 1 to 10?
I would give it a solid 7.5.
If you could change one thing about the date, what would it be?
I don’t think I would change anything. Bob was really chill and fun to talk to. Even though I did think he was really good-looking, I’m not sure if that initial attraction was there. But I had a great time anyway.

Did you swap contacts?
Yes, we did. We exchanged WhatsApp numbers. He messaged to say he had fun, which was sweet.
Would you go on a date together again?
I would definitely hang out with Bob as a friend. I think we got on really well. Romantically? Maybe…

Bob Thompson, Teacher
“When dating, I’m heavier on personalities than types. If pushed, I’d say brunettes. Overall, dating is unpredictable here. Some days you feel like there are slim pickings. Other days you drive down the street and there are beautiful people everywhere. With all that in mind, I was only vaguely confident you could set me up with someone suitable…”
What’s your idea of a dream date?
Attractive. Chill. Gets jokes.

What kind of person did you fear being set up with?
Someone who takes themselves too seriously.
How awkward was the initial meeting?
It was kinda awkward. But I think it was more awkward for Sarah. I arrived slightly earlier, so she had to say: “Hey, are you my date?” while I was having my photo taken.
What were your first impressions?
I thought she seemed cute. Friendly. Black outfit, black and silver shoes. I dunno. Having the photographs taken was stressing me out.
What do you think your date made of you?
Not sure. I only wonder if she felt as confused and disoriented as me at the start?!

How did the restaurant fit the vibe?
I’d already checked it out and declared it a potential date spot, so I was happy to visit.
Any issues with table manners?
No, Sarah was mad polite and the staff handled everything well. I don’t recall any other uncomfortable moments…

Did you continue to Wink for a final drink?
We did indeed. And many more!
Could you rate your date on a scale of 1 to 10?
Nah. That’s tricky and kinda crass.
If you could change one thing about your date, what would you change?
Hmm, more coordinated maybe? But I’m just nitpicking, it was jokes. Zero complaints, and a good experience.

Did you swap contacts?
Yes, I got her number.
Would you go on a date together again?
Yeah, why not? She’s cool.
Photos by Nghia Ngo and translation by Bao Ngoc.