Shows
What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S5-E23 - Pushing Limits, Finding Magic – Caving and Trekking in Phong Nha’s Tu Lan Cave SystemA Thrilling Underground Adventure – Exploring the Tu Lan Cave System with OxalisIf you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to swim through ancient caves, trek through dense jungle terrain, and uncover one of Vietnam’s most pristine underground worlds, this episode is your backstage pass.In this episode of What About Vietnam, I sit down with my husband, Andrew Newsome, who is still riding the adrenaline rush from his once-in-a-lifetime expedition through the Tu Lan Cave system in Phong Nha, Vietnam. Led by the elite Oxalis Adventure team, this four-day...
2025-02-1734 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S5-E10 - Out & About in Saigon (Uncut)Welcome to the premiere of "What About Vietnam" – the Uncut Edition! This marks the second instalment of our Out & About mini-series, where I, Kerry Newsome, along with the ever-adventurous Kelly McCarthy, take you on a journey through the vibrant streets of Saigon. Get ready for a deeply personal and unforgettable experience as we share candid anecdotes and insider tips. From quirky mishaps to heart-warming moments, we're laying it all bare – glitches and all. You'll hear some laughable moments as we navigate the uncharted territories that guidebooks overlook. We do it with frankness and ope...
2024-03-211h 13What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsS5-9 - Out & About In Saigon - with What About Vietnam host Kerry NewsomeHello, I'm Kerry Newsome, and welcome to my podcast, "What About Vietnam." In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a mini-series "Out & About in Vietnam" that will take you along on my holiday adventures in Vietnam. Over the next 60 days, I'll be sharing my experiences, destinations, and the fascinating people I meet along the way.Today, we're starting with "Out & About in Saigon", my first stop on this journey. Vietnam is a country that benefits from research and preparation, and through this podcast and series, I aim to help you navigate the overwhelming...
2024-03-1136 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S5-E6 –Explore the ‘Land of Lychees’ – Bac Giang with a return traveller to VietnamBac Giang, is a picturesque place that often remains under the radar until the Lychee Festival, typically featured in social pages and news around June. This lively event commemorates Bac Giang's distinction as the "Land of Lychees."In today’s episode Bac Giang and the subject of lychees are front and centre, as I get to share the story of a photographer named Jessie Pearlman, a previous guest on the podcast, who embarked on a return trip to Vietnam, driven by his love for the country and his desire to reconnect with friends and explore ne...
2023-11-0843 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S5-5 - The famous Hai Van Pass experience: Insights from a seasoned travellerIf you're planning a holiday in Vietnam and have a penchant for motorbike rides and scenic routes, your quest will inevitably lead you to the iconic Hải Vân Pass (Đèo Hải Vân).The Hải Vân Pass is more than just a road; it's a legendary motorbike route nestled in the heart of central Vietnam. In 2008, it garnered global recognition as the BBC and the Top Gear crew ventured through its winding trails, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for motorbike enthusiasts and adventure seekers.But what sets the Hả...
2023-10-1233 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S5- E4 -Exploring the Case for Living and Working in VietnamWelcome to another exciting episode of The What About Vietnam Podcast.In today's episode, we're diving deep into the world of expat life in Vietnam, shedding light on the importance of doing your homework before taking the plunge into this vibrant Southeast Asian nation.Vietnam is a country that's been capturing the imaginations of many with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a rapidly growing economy. But, before packing your bags, it's crucial to consider the vital aspect of due diligence.Our guest today, Kate Boardman, an experienced expat in Vietnam, shares...
2023-09-1254 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S5_E3 – Heritage and discovery in Saigon, The Mekong Delta and DalatIn this podcast episode, I have the opportunity to introduce you to Vicki Thai, a Health Care Sales professional living in Utah, USA, with Vietnamese heritage. Vicki's family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when she was four years old, and during her growing up, she had never given much thought to her Vietnamese background. However, a moment of vulnerability in her mother's health led her to realize the importance of experiencing her heritage. She decided to plan a trip to Vietnam with her mother and reached out to the "What About Vietnam" podcast f...
2023-08-161h 17What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S5- E2 – Choosing Hoi An as a Digital Nomad DestinationI’m thrilled to have such an engaging conversation with our guest today about the digital nomad lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned nomad or just curious about this exciting way of life, this episode is a must-listen!I am fortunate to be joined with Florian Rucker who inspires nomads by providing a unique, friendly, and well fit out co working space in Hoi An called The Hub, to perform this kind of work. If you can imagine having high speed internet, in a glass workspace, in the middle of rice paddy fields, you have it ri...
2023-07-261h 03What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S5-01 - Vietnam Visa Updates and Land Travel Tips taking in Phan Thiet, Hue and Quy NhonIn this episode of "What About Vietnam," Kerry Newsome shares some exciting news about the visa situation for entering Vietnam. As of August 15th, travelers will be able to extend their stays from 30 days to 90 days. Kerry recommends using the official immigration website here to apply for your visa and shares the details in the show. However as this change is NOT effective till 15th August, the website has not been updated to reflect this change. See source here for full announcement.Welcome to Series 5 of the the What About Vietnam...
2023-07-0352 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-25 - Drone photography in Vietnam: A fun Guide for travellers (Pt 3 Photography)Are you a drone enthusiast planning to visit Vietnam? Or do you have a general interest in drone photography. Either way you won't want to miss this episode where my guest Anton, a local drone enthusiast, shares his tips and experiences on drone use in the country. Along with some humorous tales of motor bike riding.Anton, known as 'Alright Anton' from his YouTube channel is able to share with us his insights and tips on how to simplify the process of using drones for non-commercial purposes. He shares very real circumstances that can impact your...
2023-06-0951 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-23 -How to capture Beautiful Photos - in Vietnam or anywhere! - Part 1One of my favourite things to do in Vietnam is taking photographs. You can’t help wanting to just click away!!! It’s hard not to want to capture Vietnam’s magnificent scenery and colour popping landscapes, rivers, mountains and cities a buzz with people and rich culture. However, how can we capture those photographs that, upon reviewing them later, fill us with an overwhelming sense of pride and eagerness to share them with our loved ones?Today in this show we begin a 2 Part Mini Series - Focusing on getting the best pics of Vietna...
2023-05-2338 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-24 -How to capture Beautiful Photos - Focus Vietnam locations - Part 2In Part 2 we continue our journey in the pursuit of the best pics of Vietnam with Thomas Levine as my guest: - Are you taking notes? You don’t need to. Just go to the Transcript for the episode on the website on this page. Part 1 and Part 2. Meet once again our extraordinary photographer, and guest Thomas Levine whose talents and experiences have taken him on an incredible journey around the world!To his credit, Thomas’s travels have resulted in an extensive archive of photographs from many countries and more recently Vietnam, showc...
2023-05-1142 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-E22 - A wide lens view of trekking in SapaIn this episode of "What About Vietnam," I talk with adventurer and cinematographer Jack Taylor about the region of Sapa in north western Vietnam. Sapa is a scenic area known for its mountainous terrain and rice terraced fields. Jack shares his experience trekking and filming for his Youtube channel through the Hoang Lien Son Mountains and his interactions with the local hill tribes. As a result of this trip, Jack is able to provide useful information for travellers looking to explore the region and includes a link to Jack's YouTube channel for more visual content.
2023-04-3033 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S4- E21 – Exploring Phong Nha beyond the cavesIf you thought Phong Nha, was just all about visiting the amazing caves you see and hear about, you would really be selling the area short. In this episode of "What about Vietnam?" we get to give you some background as to how the area managed to get through the Covid years. And we open up the agenda to talk about domestic tourism and diversification. Then of course we get to showcase many other cool fun things to do in the locality. My guest, is a bit of a legend in this area of Vietnam, and i...
2023-04-1138 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S4- E20 – Hoi An – A life changing experience for a singer songwriterIn today’s show we explore Vietnam and the high hopes of a young traveller, singer and songwriter, who through his love of adventure and music found himself falling in love with Vietnam and its people.Our guest Luke Webster talks about his travels and how he found himself enjoying a more relaxed pace, with happy smiling people and welcoming feelings of family and home.He describes the sensory overload that hit him when he first arrived, and the beauty and serendipitous happenings that steered him to create the kind of music he ha...
2023-03-2249 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S4- E19 – Why Vietnam wins the hearts of the daringIs Vietnam for the daring? The brave hearted. Or is it a country that you can feel confident about challenging yourself in, no matter what is daring for you!If Vietnam feels like a leap of faith to you, then this is the right show to tune into.In todays show we explore some of the things that contribute to making Vietnam a country you can feel safe in, and yet you can push your own personal boundaries. For some people visiting any country i...
2023-02-2745 min
Crossing It Off The Bucket ListHot Air Balloon Over Myanmar : Kerry NewsomeIn this episode of the Crossing It Off Podcast, host Roger Williams chats with Kerry Newsome about her thrilling adventure of crossing 'hot air balloon over Myanmar' off her bucket list. Kerry shares the excitement leading up to the hot air balloon ride, including the stunning views of the ancient temples of Bagan from above. She discusses the unique experience of floating over the serene landscape and the sense of freedom and peace it brought her. Roger asks Kerry about the challenges she faced during the ride and how she overcame them. Finally, Kerry offers advice for anyone who...
2023-02-2428 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S4- E18 – Discover some of the best Luxury brand travel experiences in VietnamToday the show welcomes my lovely guest Alexandra Hepworth to talk about luxury travel in Vietnam. Alexandra lived in Vietnam for 9 years up to 2020, and worked with some of the big brands such as the Fusion Group; The Vietnam Tourism board, the Caravelle Saigon and the Hyatt Regency in Phnom Penh. She now resides in Bogota, Colombia. Together we take you through some of the big brands you may follow as a luxury traveller. We think you will be pleasantly surprised at the value for money and opulence you can get in some of these hote...
2023-02-071h 12What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S4-E17 – The best Vietnam traveller insights from 2022As we welcome in the Year of the Cat in Vietnam, I wanted to kick the year off with a very personal show. Having had a break and feeling super refreshed I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for listening, and to those that reached out to me during the break, I was extremely touched. I want you all to know that despite being a broadcaster of sorts, I am also a good listener. So, your thoughtful words and feedback have been heard.In this show I share with you my focus...
2023-01-2338 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-16 - Ninh Binh - The mystical rival to Halong BayNinh Binh stands out in more ways than one if you set your compass to the north of Vietnam. Located 60 miles south of Hanoi lies this magical, almost mystical province featuring mountainous peaks and a labrynth of waterways inviting you to explore its many viewpoints. Sharp limestone peaks, shoot up from the ground reminiscent of what you might see doing the same thing out of water, in Halong bay. Which explains why they often refer to it as the Ha Long Bay on land. It is by all accounts Halong Bay’s mystical rival.M...
2022-12-0928 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-15 - What makes solo female travellers love Vietnam?There are many reasons why Vietnam is a stand out favourite destination amongst female solo travellers. One of the dominant reasons is safety. The others reasons we explore more deeply in the show as they stem from the Vietnamese people themselves, and how they recognise women empowerment in their own culture. I hope my male guests will forgive us for making this show about the female solo traveller. You needn’t worry, I have a male solo traveller show on the drawing board so stay tuned.However, the aim of this show is to...
2022-11-2248 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4 -E14 – Con Dao Islands – An archipelago of pristine beauty and complexityMy guest describes this destination as ,“it's probably my favorite spot in Vietnam, and maybe ever, just due to its complexity and beauty”. If I could call this show the “reality Check-in to Con Dao” I would. As while it features some of the best beaches in Vietnam, it is not quite the same as what you would expect to find in Danang, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. Its attraction is in its isolation. Its natural unspoiled beauty. It's serenity.In the show we take a deep dive into the Con Dao Islands with Cono...
2022-10-3133 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-13 - Citizen 44 _ Podswap _Mark Arinsberg and Kerry Newsome - "I feel like I've had an injection of colour into my soul"This show is what we call a Podswap, and it's a great one with Mark Arinsberg from Citizen 44. Mark has kindly allowed me to share the interview with you.I am the guest this time, and with Mark's skills as an interviewer he is able to draw out lots of things about ourselves and Vietnam you may be surprised to find out about: Including how we navigated our way through Covid and came out the other side, still whole and more in love with Vietnam.If you'd like to really get to the b...
2022-10-171h 06What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S4-E12 – Contemporary art in Vietnam - A window to the futureContemporary art is shining fresh eyes on Vietnam.Why are we talking about contemporary art as part of a traveller’s experience of Vietnam? It’s because the art you are seeing today in Vietnam and in galleries all around the world, wasn’t always there. The artists coming through the last few decades are showing their skills, and they are painting their version of history. Some with a view to building bridges. It's modernistic, forward thinking and truly powerful with influences from some of our greats: Van Gogh, Matisse etc.In some small wa...
2022-10-0456 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-11 - Revisiting Vietnam post Covid - first impressionsFinally as your host of the What About Vietnam podcast, it's my turn to revisit Vietnam and check it out for myself.I will share with you my experience from leaving Australia to arriving into Vietnam.I'll attempt to give you as much detail as I can about the travel experience entering the country and how that felt.I open up about my first impressions? I speak about the changes I see in HCMC ; and where the changes are most noticeable. Good and bad.Plus my first time back in Vietnam would not be...
2022-09-1419 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-10 - Hanoi - A Foodies Paradise -Part 2This is part two of the series talking with Corrin Carlson, please welcome her back to the program. Please refer to Episode S4-9 for Part 1.When you think of Hanoi, do you automatically think of food? Probably not, but after you have a listen to this episode which is the 2nd part of this 2 part series, you may very well change your mind! You may even decide to spend more time in Vietnam’s capital city to explore its rich culture, history, labyrinth of tiny streets in the old quarter and...
2022-08-3137 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-9 - Hanoi - A Foodies Paradise - Part 1When you think of Hanoi, do you automatically think of food? Probably not, but after you have a listen to this 2 Part Series, you may very well change your mind! You may even decide to spend more time in Vietnam’s capital city to explore its rich culture, history, labyrinth of tiny streets in the old quarter and, of course, its hearty food.My guest on today’s show is a prime example of someone who got swooped up by the city’s chaotic diversity and charm. However, while she loves the city,... this show….is withou...
2022-08-1636 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-8 - The Travel Addict Show -Podswap- talking Travel to Vietnam with Kerry NewsomeTodays program is about sharing another Podcasters show, which will give you a whole new perspective on travel as seen through the eyes of a different host, on a different show. In this scenario I am the guest. Our topic is, as you would guess- Travel In Vietnam post covid. Malcom Teasdale is the host of the Travel addict podcast where he talks to all kinds of people and explores travels all over the world.Malcom heralds from the UK, so hello to all my UK listeners, you might really relate to Malcom as...
2022-08-0144 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S4-7 – Hué the city – past, present and futureHué is a city not to be missed on your journey throughout Vietnam. Boasting a patchwork of imperialism and French colonialism you will find yourself delving back hundreds of years as you explore the legacy of war and a dynasty spanning 13 generations. It’s a fascinating place. Quite beautiful as you find beaches and a river in the same city. Over a 3-4 day visit you can take your time meandering by bicycle through the countryside discovering historical relics and pagodas dating back to the 18th century. You will be charmed by the river, the padd...
2022-07-1950 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-6 - Craft beers in Vietnam - A heads up!The Craft Beer scene is probably one of the “biggest ” and best leaked travel secrets about Vietnam to hit the tourist map. It is unmistakably an industry that is being fast tracked as we head out of Covid. It is a “scene”. It's a taste sensation. It's a "thing" you have to try. As you will find out in today’s episode, it’s a product produced from passion, skill and local flavours, which means it also has a story. You don’t have to strictly be a beer drinker to join in the fun. But yo...
2022-07-0429 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-5 - The 10 best things about Nha Trang you may not know aboutWhen looking for beachside locations in Vietnam, you are absolutely spoiled for choice. While the country has a long coastline, what is still very much unknown, is information about one such beach paradise and the easy access it has to a sprinkling of islands that make for exquisitely restful getaways from the world.If you are looking for a beach side city with access to several beautiful islands + is known to have 300 days of sunshine a year, then you need to head to Nha Trang. While the city boasts panoramic shorelines, sunsets an...
2022-06-2159 min
The Travel AddictGOOD DAY VIETNAM. Thinking about going there? If so, then you must contact Kerry Newsome for an expert's advice. After which you'll be booking your tickets.Kerry Newsome has a travel and marketing background and has been traveling back and forth to Vietnam from Australia for the last 14 years. She has a genuine love of the country and the people and enjoys sharing traveler stories and insights with anyone who is interested. She loves to travel and experience new cultures and has become a Travel expert for westerners interested in traveling to Vietnam.Personally, I have been to Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Nha Trang, all of which are great destinations and have different personalities. Kerry also hosts the "What About Vietnam" P...
2022-06-2039 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam S4-4 – Planning a Wedding in Vietnam – Everything you need to knowWhen planning a wedding there are so many factors to consider.While you start with - Who to invite? It quickly moves into - the venue and destination. And along with that comes the budget, and what style of wedding you want? How traditional, creative or crazy do you want it to be?For those exploring options in this space I say “What about Vietnam?”As you will hear from my lovely guest Jenny, a Wedding and Event Planner for 10 years in Vietnam, “the crazier the wedding the better”. Beach weddings...
2022-05-3042 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-3 - Vietnam Travel Outlook 2022/23 - ComebaCK podcast (PODSWAP)This is a Podswap from the Conor Kelly & Kerry Newsome interview - ComebaCK Podcast #371If you are sitting on the sidelines Googling madly, watching and reading social media chatter, but still unsure if it’s a good idea to take your next holiday in Vietnam, or go back there?;- then this show is for you. Why? Because Conor asks the questions I think many of you want to know the answers to. And while the doors are open again, is everyone rushing through the gates? And if not? Why?This is a totally di...
2022-05-241h 01What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-2 - Fine dining VietnamMeet some of Vietnam's talented chefs.Vietnam is legendary for its street food and fresh flavoursome cuisine. However you may be surprised to find out it also has a fast growing "Fine Dining" industry championed by some very talented Chefs. Hear what they have to say about their style of cuisine and restaurant experience.The best part of dining out at one of the Vietnam's top-tier restaurants is the sense of occasion it brings, and my guest Raj Taneja, Country President of la Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world's oldest and mo...
2022-05-1049 min
ComebaCKComebaCK INTERVIEW #371 - Kerry Newsome - What About Vietnam: Tourism In VietnamKerry Newsome is the host of ‘What About Vietnam’ podcast, exploring the stories of travelers, locals and expats in the country heavily involved within tourism in Vietnam, and has been regularly visiting Vietnam from her native Australia since 2007. Kerry joins the podcast to discuss her work, journey in Vietnam, the development of ‘What About Vietnam’, and what might happen with Vietnam tourism in 2022 and beyond.
Topics include
⁃ Her experiences since 2007 and how Vietnam has changed
⁃ Exploring the hidden gems of Vietnam
⁃ The challenges of working within tourism during the CoVID period and how to adapt
⁃ The evolution of ‘What About Vietnam’ and how i...
2022-05-0856 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S4-1- Art in Vietnam - Storytelling at its bestArt in Vietnam is everywhere. Sometimes it’s hard to actually know what you are looking at. As a tourist busy trying to cram so much in to a stay in Vietnam, the artist’s true technique or storytelling, is often lost on us. Art takes many forms in Vietnam, as in lacquerware, paintings, silk, lanterns, pottery, fashion, homewares, and as you will learn in this show, there is a difference between an “Artist” and a Craftsman, who may produce the same style or product many times, yet it takes true skill to do this. We discus...
2022-04-2649 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-25 - One teenagers views on a holiday in VietnamWhen planning a trip with a family, we are always looking for places that will be of interest to the “whole” family. However, sometimes the late teen in the family is not always as enthusiastic as the rest of the clan.If you are thinking about bringing your family to Vietnam and not sure if Vietnam will hit the button for children, in particular your teen son or daughter, you might be pleasantly surprised by the views of one such teenager who visited Vietnam with me in 2019. Ethan Sanders is my guest and just...
2022-04-1332 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-24 - Phu Quoc - An unbelievably scenic island paradiseAn island blessed with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and an abundance of sunshine is attractive in its own right. If you add a jungle forest, waterfalls, pepper trees, a theme park for kids and an underwater world for divers, it makes for an unbelievably rich island getaway.Phu Quoc, which is the focus of our episode today with Patricia Marques is only a short 45 min flight from HCMC, and is VISA free to visit. In fact its always been Visa FREE.The borders to Vietnam are open. Please see...
2022-03-2944 min
Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam PodcastWhat Is The Future Of Tourism In Vietnam? | Kerry Newsome S8 E4Join The CommunityWelcome to Season 8 of A Vietnam Podcast. Sharing the stories of people connected to Vietnam. My name’s Niall Mackay, I’ve been living in Vietnam since 2016, and hosting this podcast since 2019. I wanted to know more about the people that lived in Vietnam, both local and foreigners and share their story. We now share the stories from people around the world connected to Vietnam.Kerry Newsome is a regular traveler to Vietnam and serial travel industry professional, bringing groups from Australia to experience Vietnam. Like many people she has been locked out...
2022-03-161h 03What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-23 - Vietnam - Your next Wellness destinationVietnam in the past 2 years of lockdown has really seen an opportunity to develop itself as a “Wellness destination”. The country not only offers sheer beauty, open spaces to explore and discover, hot springs, culture, over 3,000 kms of coastline, quality food and wellness practices such as meditation and yoga are becoming easily accessible in properties and locations around Vietnam.Today we talk about one of these Wellness retreat properties in detail, as I wanted you to have one true example as a point of reference. Plus, you will hear a little bit about the imperia...
2022-03-1443 min
Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam PodcastTEASER What Is The Future Of Tourism In Vietnam? | Kerry Newsome S8 E4Join The CommunityWelcome to Season 8 of A Vietnam Podcast. Sharing the stories of people connected to Vietnam. My name’s Niall Mackay, I’ve been living in Vietnam since 2016, and hosting this podcast since 2019. I wanted to know more about the people that lived in Vietnam, both local and foreigners and share their story. We now share the stories from people around the world connected to Vietnam.Kerry Newsome is a regular traveler to Vietnam and serial travel industry professional, bringing groups from Australia to experience Vietnam. Like many people she has been locked out...
2022-03-1002 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-22 - Phong Nha Cave tours in depthPhong Nha caves have been described as a "a bucket list adventure travel destination" and after this podcast, I think you will understand why.Phong Nha as a location, is fast becoming the major draw card to Vietnam for adventure seekers. If its magical scenery and surprisingly clean and green flourishing forests you are seeking, then you will want to give some serious thought to Phong Nha caves.It has been said, passing through the different caves, that the stunning landscapes will make you believe the myths about fairies, and magical kingdoms, while...
2022-02-281h 01What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S3-21 – Learn the best Vietnamese words to use when shopping for bargainsShopping in Vietnam is “awesome” on so many levels. And while it may sound obvious - knowing some phrases or a few words in Vietnamese can really make the experience even more fun.In this episode ( part 3) Ms Ha and I expand on the ‘game” of shopping or bartering, as Ha gives us some keys words to use to help you get the item you want, at the best price.Because lets face it. That's what we want, right? A Video here of Ms Ha as she takes us around the...
2022-02-1516 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S3-20 – Learn “special dietary requirements” in Vietnamese languageWhat do you really need to know how to say in Vietnamese? That's a hard one to guess ahead of your visit I know, but if you have special dietary requirements you might like to save, download this one and print transcript.In Episode 1 of this 3 part series, we start with greetings, because that’s where all polite conversations start. But, what’s the right word to politely summons a waiter?What About if you don’t eat or like spicy food? Do you have gluten free? Vegetarian?These are just some...
2022-02-0611 min
Kerry Lutz's--Financial Survival NetworkYou Can Double Your Cash Flow for Free - Mark Newsome #5404Summary: If you want to lift your small business to a higher level and maximize your cash flow, this one is for you. Mark Newsome shares some of his greatest tips for growing your business, and much of this advice is centered around nurturing customer relationships and taking advantages of special offers and discounts to continually expand your audience. Tune in for more advice. Highlights: -Stop treating your business/service like a one night stand; don’t merely go from customer to customer. Once you acquire a customer, you need to focus on nurturing that relationship -Don’ try to do ever...
2022-02-0222 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam – S3-19 – Learn “greetings” in Vietnamese languageLearning Vietnamese is not easy, but I have always thought it to be handy to know a few words in certain circumstances. English is widely spoken in the main cities, but in the North and in the more remote regions, not so much.You will soon find that the Vietnamese staff in retail and hotels have learned a few key words in English, so I’ve always thought it only fair I learn a few words of theirs.This episode is 1 of a 3 part mini-series I am running over the next 3 weeks;-
2022-02-0117 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-18 - Discover an emerging comedy scene in Saigon - A must do!We all deserve a few laughs after the years just passed. So to discover there is a “happening” Comedy Scene in Saigon, I thought this has got to go on the MUST DO things during your stay in this vibrant city.That’s the amazing thing about Vietnam. Despite everything it gets thrown from Covid to typhoons…it always finds ways to astound you!So, let's kick off the year with a podcast that talks about entertainment, and more to the point - fun and laughter in the bustling city of Saigon.Let me...
2022-01-1834 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-17 - Mui Ne - Beach bliss, kitesurfing and sand dunesMui Ne - A sun kissed piece of paradise that offers an amazing contrast of experiences. This idyllic location will blow you away literally as the winds bring thousands each year to kitesurf. This, alongside adventure lovers on dune buggies on white and red sand dunes will have you believing for an instant you are in the Sahara desert. But only for a milli second. Its more recent badge is for being one of the worlds top 10 beach locations.Find out all you need to know to enjoy this beautiful destination only 4 hours fr...
2021-12-1540 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-16 - Traveling in Vietnam Part 3 - Things NOT always in the tour programThe final episode in this series.A short episode to close out the series, I am again joined by Miquel Angel as we discuss the broader challenges of trip planning.“While time is in your hands” says my knowledgeable guest Miquel, it does take astute planning to get the best out of the regions within a restrictive 14 day trip, which was the basis of this series. This is a 3 -part series, so may I suggest you start with Part 1 to get the full benefit of my guest’s insigh...
2021-12-0714 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-15 - Travel to Vietnam - Part 2 -How much time do you need?In this Episode we explore the value of time on a holiday in Vietnam. This is part 2 - with Miquel Angel.While we discussed in Part 1, the aspects of travel opening up to 5 provinces from November 2021. In this Part 2, we expand the travel opening conversation and unpack the normal trip duration of 14 days to see the main destinations. From there we discover the highlights and lowlights impacted by how much time you have in each place. Time becomes a BIG factor in your trip planning.Commonly this kind of trip known as t...
2021-11-2535 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-14 - Travel to Vietnam opening up - The inside storyAs the doors to Vietnam begin to open to travel after months of being closed, our eyes and ears are keenly focused on what the entry conditions will be. Most importantly for international travellers, as the doors to us have been closed since March 2020.In this Episode which is Part 1 - of a 3 part series, I am fortunate to have Miquel Angel on the program as Head of the Human Resources & Quality working group inside the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board, a private entity advising the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam....
2021-11-1415 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-13 - Everything you didn't know about Vietnamese noodlesWhen we think about noodles, we probably don’t pay too much attention to their origin. For most of us, they have usually come out of a box, all cut exactly to the same length and shape.In Vietnam you will experience many dishes including the quintessential favourite, Pho, that includes noodles. However in Vietnam not all noodles are the same, and they don’t come out of a box. They are made fresh. And this is where the history of noodles and the traditional way of making noodles becomes our feature story. Noodl...
2021-10-3156 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-12 - What it's like to go from being a tourist to a resident in VietnamHave you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a foreign country? Especially a country as beautiful as Vietnam. Have you ever visited a place, and thought, I wish we could go back and live there.With everything going on in the world over the past couple of years, I think many of us are asking ourselves big life questions, like - "Is this as good as it gets?", "Retirement doesn't look that much fun at home, but it may look a lot more exciting somewhere - like Vietnam?Maybe you...
2021-10-1859 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-11 - Saigon’s Covid recovery and tourism outlook 2022In todays' world of media there are so many news broadcasters competing for your attention, it’s hard to know which one to trust. With the advent of Covid’s most devastating outbreak in Vietnam and in particular Saigon happening in 2021, getting local insights in English has been challenging. Albeit, when many other countries around the world are opening up, it's been hard to comprehend, let alone fully appreciate the ferocity of the Delta variant as it forced Saigon into one of the strongest city lockdowns of the last 20 years.Michael Tatarski is my guest and...
2021-10-0542 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-10 -The top 5 Vietnam travel Podcasts for 2021Thousands of downloads across these TOP 5 Episodes reminds me why I started the What About Vietnam travel podcast series. It affirms to me you want to hear from real travellers, locals on the ground and ex-pats who can share their experiences in a way you can’t find anywhere else. So today you are going to hear some clips from the TOP 5 most popular episodes for 2021.1. S1-1 – Vietnam trip Planning2.
2021-09-2140 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-9 - Street life experiences in Hanoi through the lens of a cameraHanoi, where the old and the new live side by side. A city rich in history and culture and yet bursting at the seams to change. A city where tourists prefer to seek out the rich tapestry of traditions, amongst the buzz of ordinary street life, in all its craziness. Whether you decide to walk the streets or ride a bike to get around it, there are some great tips you should listen for, when you visit. There is so much to discover, the variety will astound and delight you. From train street to the...
2021-09-0637 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3 - 8 - A fun foodie adventure in Hanoi that will blow your mind!If you are a foodie and looking for something adventurous in Vietnam; Something fun! ( I mean hysterical) and a bit out there! My guest Fleur Sharpe has the goods!Let’s just say, the menu for lunch in Hanoi took a turn for the wild side when Fleur and her husband decided after checking the reviews, that eating at a snake restaurant in Hanoi, could be fun!! With a bottle of French Champagne under their arm, off they went in the middle of summer to the Hu...
2021-08-2326 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3 - 7 - Jimmy Pham on how to leave a positive footprint on Vietnam through Social EnterpriseTravel in Vietnam opens our eyes to many different kinds of experiences.Whether it’s exploring the mountainous areas of Vietnam visiting minority groups and staying in homestays; shopping in one of the big cities, or simply just visiting one kind of restaurant over another; all leave a lasting footprint on us, the people we meet and the environment we touch.In today's episode, we are going to be talking about responsible tourism, impactful tourism, and social enterprise in Vietnam.To open our eyes and our hearts to...
2021-08-1141 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-6 - Diving in Vietnam - Everything you need to know 2021 & beyondDiving in Vietnam is NOT something you would traditionally think about doing on a holiday there. But alas, that is exactly why we are featuring diving and watersports in this Podcast Series.Where are the best dive sites?Is it safe?How much does it cost?What can I expect to see in regards to fish and coral?Best times of the year to visit?Are there Padi qualified instructors in Vietnam?It's a super jam-packed episode you will love, full of lots of handy information to help...
2021-07-2636 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-5 - The Ha Giang Loop - Vietnams’ final frontierWhether you are the hard-core adventure traveler or just someone who loves scenery that is breathtakingly beautiful, you will love hearing about this region from my guest on today’s show.“The Ha Giang Loop”, as it is referred to on many a travel website and Instagram page is a region of approximately 350Kms and is claimed to be a bike riders paradise. If you love hiking, trekking, caving, exploring mountainous peaks and travel photography that lets you feel like you are on top of the world, you cannot go past Ha Giang. And NO, it's not exc...
2021-07-1333 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-4 - Find the "must try" Vietnamese local dishes in DanangDanang is our location and my super talented and knowledgeable guest Pedr Finn from Vietnam Food Safari tours, is our pathfinder into the city and our doyen of Vietnamese cuisineIf you are curious to try Vietnamese food but never quite sure what to order on the menu, Pedr offers up his favourites across breakfast, lunch, and dinner,…or “second lunch” as the Vietnamese sometimes refer to it.Pedr comes to the program as a qualified chef, writer, and restauranteur, originally from Australia. He settled in Danang about 10 years ago and runs his own fo...
2021-06-2952 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam –S3-3 – Saigon / HCMC's best districts to visit in 2021 and beyondFEAR NOT... there is a love for Saigon or HCMC as it is known that will transcend any and all of the challenges it has had to endure due to the Pandemic. It is and will remain a vibrant city with districts offering up a plethora of things to do, and places to explore. We see it as a city embracing change while at the same time keeping its rich culture.This is the ultimate guide to the best districts to explore. We go way beyond your basic guidebook list of places to see, a...
2021-06-1545 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3- 2 -Mu Cang Chai – A landscape of beauty and ingenuityCNBC published in their Global Traveler Magazine an article entitled "Why This Remote Gem Should Top Your 2020 Travel List."Here's just a couple of excerpts from the article, "Deep in the valleys forged by the waters of Asia’s Red River, a series of colorful mountain villages are encircled by fields of towering rice terraces. The fields are agricultural feats of precision — rugged mountains blanketed with emerald stairways that, seemingly, ascend to the heavens above.But this is not Disneyland. This isn’t a destination designed to attract visitors, international attention or the Instag...
2021-06-0331 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S3-1 Travel industry experts share their insights into Vietnam travel beyond 2021I am stepping out of the norm in this episode to share with you some travel industry knowledge from people I consider in the know, and who you may not normally have direct access to. This is the episode for those people who don't know what to believe is really happening with travel developments in this region and what source to trust.In this episode, you are going to hear a very frank “no holes barred “ conversation where we take a deep dive into how the impact of Covid is driving travel forecasting, trave...
2021-06-0134 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-25 - Vietnam River Cruising - A truly immersive experienceHave you ever been curious to see how people lived hundreds of years ago along the mighty Mekong river? River cruising is the only way to do it in luxury, and still feel the essence of it as a water highway relied upon by a diverse range of local communities.Immerse yourself in the mighty Mekong river with a river cruise through the most remote parts of Vietnam and beyond. Connect with locals who enjoy sharing their everyday life with visitors. Explore markets that are only accessible by boat to enjoy local f...
2021-05-1245 min
The South East Asia Travel ShowSelling a Passion for Vietnam, with Kerry Newsome"Vietnam was really hot in 2019," says Sydney-based Kerry Newsome, Australian Manager of ITS Vietnam and host of the What About Vietnam podcast. Kerry supports Australian travel agents wanting to sell tours to Vietnam, and accompanies travel groups in Vietnam. She was in the country right before the closure of borders in March 2020 working to help Australian tourists return home before COVID-19 lockdowns took hold. In this fascinating interview, she tells Gary and Hannah about her passion for the landscapes, cuisines and cultures of Vietnam, and how adventurous Australians were increasingly eager to experience more of the country. Kerry also d...
2021-05-1133 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-24 - Explore the Bac Ha Markets - rich in colour and traditionBe ready to discover a world that time has forgotten. Enter the colourful world of the Bac Ha markets in Vietnam. Where century-old traditions create one of the most unique travel experiences of your life.Are you a budding photographer? Have you seen images of brightly coloured traditionally dressed Hmong women with their babies on their back tendering to their families as they sell their wares?What about those photos of women in their Sunday best traditional costumes gathering with others and selling all kinds of things from farming equipment t...
2021-05-0538 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-23 - Cooking classes in Vietnam, why you should do more than one!Do you love to try new food? Do you like to experiment with new cuisines? What about learning a new culture and having some fun along the way? Then a cooking class is a must to include in your tour of Vietnam.Not every country offers up Cooking Classes like they do in Vietnam. Cooking classes in Vietnam have a wide range of offerings including seafood, vegan and vegetarian, and will take you on a journey from farm to market, to table. Even, if you don't like to cook, you will find out WHY food t...
2021-04-2645 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-22 - Visit Danang and see monkeys in the wild at the Son Tra Nature ReserveAre you heading to Danang and looking for an activity that takes you outdoors exploring nature? Do you like fresh air and lush rainforests full of endangered species like the Red-shanked douc langurs? They are those cute monkeys with red bib necks and cute faces.Then the Son Tra Nature Reserve won't disappoint you! 10 Mins from Danang centre. Oh, btw, those monkeys have a very mischievous personality as you will soon find out.I am always delighted to have someone on the show that can educate us on a new experience of Vi...
2021-04-1439 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2 - 21 - The fun of trail marathons in VietnamIf you love competitive running and enjoy the spirit of a trail series, then this episode will cover what you need to know and much more. However, if you see this title and immediately think this is NOT for you. You may do a 360. Like I did.I am assured you don’t have to be a super athlete to have fun and enjoy the spectacular scenery you will experience by joining any one of the Topas Trail Series marathons. David Lloyd, Sport and Race Director for the Vietnam Trail Series and my gues...
2021-04-0142 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2 - 20 - The inside "scoop" on the best nightlife in Saigon 2020/21Arriving into any big city can be daunting for even the most seasoned traveler.Arriving into Saigon with a population of about 8.6 million people and over 9 million motorbikes can be downright “hair raising”. It's 2020 and most of the world is in lockdown, except maybe Saigon or HCMC as it is also known. Vietnam is doing well, despite it all.You’ve heard about the nightlife. You’ve read about how much the locals like to party.You know that in the bowels of this city there is an energetic bar scene just waiti...
2021-03-1040 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-19 - Discover the culture and history of Vietnam through its foodWhen some people talk about Vietnam they say “It's all about the food”, and while that is partially true because it’s so fantastic. Wouldn't you like to know about the different flavours and influences between the North and the South, and some of the reasons why it tastes so good?My guest Monika Czerveniak has this knowledge and love of Vietnamese food, its people and culture in "spades". If it’s possible to hear "passion" in a voice, and I believe it is, then Monika's tell-all tales about Vietnamese cuisine will excite and delight you.
2021-03-0249 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-18 - How to mastermind your best experience of VietnamToday, we are going to help you discover and mastermind the experiences you want to have in Vietnam.How to pre-plan so it meets your expectations. How can you get everyone on board, and savour the anticipation of going there, even though you may not know when that will be!! It's tricky, but not impossible to do, as you will find out.I am delighted to have Kerstin Pilz on the show, a TED X speaker, published author and former academic with almost 20 years of university teaching experience. A wellbeing coach who runs h...
2021-02-0342 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-17 - What Wellness travel in Vietnam is all about?In a wonderland of natural beauty and culture, you may find the one thing you didn’t know you were missing – yourself. What about a holiday that ended up being a life-changing healing experience. “Why not”, you say. Is there a “booking.com for wellness and transformational healing retreats in Vietnam?" No, not yet, but it’s coming.Is it a safe place to visit post-Covid? Find out.My guest today, Michelle Ford, is going to help us better understand just where Vietnam is heading in this space. It’...
2021-01-2731 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2 - 16 - Danang has a real community spirit for travellersHear how Danang offers up a new kind of experience for my guest today, Jonathan Kiely.A fun Irish lad who left Ireland in search of adventure and who found himself drawn to the beachside city of Danang where he has decided, he might just settle for a bit, as he rates it as one of the best “Chilled out” cities he has ever visited.Jonathan left his high pressure job in Ireland to go traveling. He landed in Vietnam and despite the Covid Pandemic he opted to stay...
2021-01-0820 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 1- 7 - A Vietnam Christmas Covid UpdateKerry gives an update of how Vietnam has managed the Covid Crisis and what drove Vietnam to take such a strong stand to close the borders early on and mandate wearing masks and hand sanitation. Currently, Vietnam has recorded the following:-Total cases | 1377Total recovered | 1224Total active case | 118Total deaths | 35You can find a very comprehensive guide to travel to Vietnam as it stands as of 22/12/20/ Who is eligible and what is required to enter the country here http://itsvietnam.com/vietnam-covid-19-update/ Kerry would like...
2020-12-2309 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series S2-15 - Sapa beyond the tourist tracksThere’s more to Sapa beyond the tourist tracks If you love trekking or want to embrace a more authentic experience of Vietnam you have to head to Sapa and North Vietnam. My guest today Phil Hoolihan gives us a very in-depth take on what the Sapa region offers from the well worn tourist tracks to the more authentic immersive type experiences you can get if you are prepared to dig a bit deeper.Phil Hoolihan is an academic who came to the region over 20 years ago on a science project stud...
2020-12-1543 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-14 - Social Enterprise travel VietnamTraveling throughout Vietnam with a Social Enterprise headset has the power to greatly deepen your experience of Vietnam. While you as the traveler often gain a more adventurous, rewarding, and insightful experience, you also have the opportunity to leave your mark on Vietnam in a very positive and enriching way. To help us know more about the value of Social Enterprise Travel in Vietnam, I'm fortunate to be talking to Emily Lush, a former magazine journalist, whose passion for storytelling to help Social Enterprises and Not-for-Profits inspires her Blog, Wander Lush.Today I ask...
2020-12-0333 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-13 - A special kind of retreat that focuses on Skin Wellness, Part 2It's not often we consider our skin in the need of wellness, but as the largest organ of the body, it possibly should get more attention and nutrition than it does!Are you considering a trip to Vietnam? And would you like to include something as part of that visit, that is strictly addressing something very personal to you in the area of wellness?By discovering Vietnam, you also get to explore new ways to treat yourself and provide yourself wellness and self-healing. You might call it the added value of the trip a...
2020-11-1634 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - S2-12 - Health and Wellness Retreats - What to look for, Part 1The transformation that comes from taking time out - Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness retreats is our focus for this episode and I am talking with the lovely Emma Sothern as she talks about what to look for in a retreat in Vietnam.You possibly can't even leave your own country yet, but when you can, you may want to think about a reboot of wellness and healing in a lush, welcoming, delicious, culturally diverse country like Vietnam. But how do you research and plan ahead for this kind of trip? In my experience, it comes f...
2020-11-0928 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam -S2 - 11 - Greg Norman isn't the only one raving about Golf in VietnamVietnam is well known for its magnificent natural beauty, culture, great food and tropical climate. However, it is fast becoming better known to golfers for its unrivaled golfing experiences and locations.Part of that is due to the promotional work of Greg Norman - Vietnam Tourism Ambassador. With Norman’s global presence, vast background in golf, business and experience designing and building some of the top resort golf courses in Vietnam and around the world, he was identified by the Vietnam Ministry as the ideal candidate to help the country capitalize on the influx of in...
2020-10-1653 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - 2 -10- Save money on your dental work & have a holiday at the same timeToday we explore the experience of dentistry in Vietnam with my lovely guest Kelley McCarthy.This episode will open your eyes to what you can save, and impress you with the whole end to end experience.Who would have thought, saving money on your dentistry could pave the way for a holiday in Vietnam! Stranger things have happened!Kelley has been visiting Vietnam for 15 years, and in the last 10 years she and her family have been having all their dentistry work done in HCMC...
2020-10-0232 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 - 9 - Discover Phong Nha and the largest cave on the planetToday we take a peek into one of the worlds most famous cave systems located in Phong Nha National Park.Characterized by mountains, tropical forests and underground rivers, it’s known for its ancient limestone karsts and vast network of caves including the world-famous Son Doong Cave, the largest Cave in the world.After talking with my guest today, I think you will be convinced there is a lot more than meets the eye about this place. A place you just have to experience to believe it.Please let me introduce yo...
2020-09-2241 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 - 8 - Vietnam - The perfect Wedding DestinationInspired by love, this episode focuses on Vietnam as an idyllic wedding destination. Despite Covid, brides and grooms are invited to hold out for their dream wedding and consider Vietnam in 2021 /22 as the perfect location.In this episode, I speak with Nadine Zeigeldorf, a wedding planner who elaborates on the kinds of things a wedding program can include to make the event incredibly special. Imagine a beautiful sunset and beach wedding. Fabulous tasty food. Chilled long stem glasses overflowing with bubbly served to you while curling your toes in the sand. Aft...
2020-09-0232 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 - 7 - "10 Must Do Things" in Hoi An" - an Expats GuideHoi An hits your visitor radar! Again. You have limited time, and you want to know what are the best things to see and do in Hoi An? Who do you trust to give you the best advice? Give me a local anytime?I love to get the unfabricated, hidden gems, and the inside story from a local. A local Expat is even better, as most likely they have similar tastes, and standards, maybe even expectations; and there isn't the language or translation barrier to overcome.Today's episode is a gift. I guarantee you, yo...
2020-08-2544 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 - 6- The TOP 5 travel photography locations in VietnamWho doesn't want to take great photos of their trip to Vietnam??If you are keen to visit Vietnam, chances are you have already seen some amazing pictures. I know myself, the pictures had me inspired from the start. The scenery is often breathtaking, and the people are gorgeous. One of the things you will learn to love about your visit to Vietnam is that the people are super friendly, and very welcoming. However, taking photos of them is an art, and one my guest today will explain to us, as his speciality, and love, is...
2020-08-1239 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 - 5 - Explore Mai Chau and its threaded history in textilesToday we delve a little deeper into the cultural side of Vietnam as we traverse an area where many of the minority groups still live, as they have done for many hundreds of years. Our program today takes us to a place called Mai Chau, Located in the Hoa Binh Province, about 135 Kms or 3 hours drive from Hanoi. We get to explore this rustic location with my guest traveler Cynthia Mann who managed to complete a trip there recently when the Covid-19 Lockdowns were suspended and travel was open to...
2020-07-3026 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 - 4 - Tam Ky and Tam Thanh Beach - Not on the regular Tourist Track YET!Vietnam has so much to offer the tourist. You have all heard this said before!However, not all of its lively cities, or tranquil beaches, are played out in mainstream media or travel guides. Tam Ky is the capital of Quang Nam ( The same province Hoi An is located in) and Tam Thanh Beach are two of those places the tourist's HAVEN'T overrun or for that matter know much about. Meet Sander Seymour, my guest, today on the program. A fun American guy who came to Vietnam over 4 years ago, and try as he...
2020-07-1526 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 - 3 - Is Vietnam Family Friendly?Is Vietnam family-friendly? The answer is a resounding YES.Our guest today, Suzie Slingsby shares with us her tips from the many trips she has done to Vietnam with her husband and daughter Bella, who is now 8 years old. If you are thinking about Vietnam, but not sure if the kids will enjoy it and have plenty to do that's fun and affordable? Then you are going to love this episode.In my chat with Suzie we cover off some of those most asked questions:- Is it safe? Is it expensive? Is it...
2020-07-0615 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 - 2 - Shopping Vietnam | Tailoring | Designer | SustainableYou don't know what shopping in Vietnam is all about until you have shopped with our guest on the show today, Judith Treanor from https://templesandmarkets.com.au/Our show today is for anyone who has ever thought Vietnam was just about cheap "copy" handbags, sweaty markets, tailoring and knock offs! ...You are in for a shock! Be ready to embrace everything from "wearable happiness to sustainable products that will save the earth and set tails wagging when you get home.As a regular visitor to Vietnam Judith has a wealth of knowledge...
2020-06-2332 min
What about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 2 -1 - Hoi An - Taking a step back in timeWelcome to "The Traveller experience series". Today we feature the city Hoi An and take a step back in time talking about the history of this famous city with Paul Simpson, my guest.Hoi An, is a very popular and famous Old Town. It will almost always feature in any tour you are looking at doing. If it doesn’t, it should! As a Unesco World Heritage site, it’s charm stems from its many lanterns, its pretty river and wooden shop houses. In its heyday it was a major trading port; Hear Paul revea...
2020-06-2010 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 1 - 6 - The culture and Visa Process Mid Covid19 -2020In this episode, I’d like to give you some general background to the country you will be visiting, from a cultural and historical standpoint.What to expect when you arrive! For most of us, it resembles - Organised chaos! Heat, smells and officialdom. Cities where there are more bikes than cars.What is the Visa process amid Covid19, and what are the things you need to watch out for? Do you need a Visa? The answer is most likely….YES...But..as you would expect it's not always that straightforward as there are 3 type...
2020-06-0216 minWhat about Vietnam - Traveller InsightsWhat About Vietnam - Series 1 - 5 - What are the best forms of accommodation in Vietnam?Accommodation - The best place to rest your head. Amongst other things?Your trip planning is going well and you have your preferred dates and locations in mind of where you want to go - It's time to book accommodation. This is the exciting part of trip planning because if you are like me, this is when you really feel like "THIS IS REALLY GOING TO HAPPEN". I'm going!Listen up to my 5 golden rules - to ensure you get the type of stay, and value for money you are always hearing about in...
2020-05-2522 min