What about Vietnam - Traveller Insights

Throughout this series, I've answered the questions travellers know to ask.

But today, for the final episode of Series 6 – One Question at a Time, I want to answer the questions you probably won't even think to ask… because they're the little things you only discover once you're here in Vietnam.

You've listened to the podcasts. Read the blogs. Watched the YouTube videos. You've done your homework.

Yet Vietnam still has a wonderful way of surprising you.

In this episode, I'm sharing seven of those unexpected realities that no booking website, weather app or guidebook can fully prepare you for. These aren't travel mistakes—they're simply the little nuances that experienced travellers learn along the way.

From choosing the right hotel atmosphere for your travel style, to understanding why distances take longer than expected, navigating immigration queues, and leaving enough room in your itinerary for those magical unplanned moments—these are the insights that can quietly transform a good holiday into a great one.

If this is your first trip to Vietnam, consider this the conversation I wish every traveller could have before they arrive.

In this episode

00:00 – Welcome to the Series 6 finale: the questions you don't even know to ask

02:10 – Why Vietnam's weather forecast doesn't always tell the whole story

05:15 – Your hotel has a personality too—and it may not suit yours

08:35 – Vietnam measures time differently: why distances can be deceiving

11:45 – When English suddenly disappears in rural Vietnam

14:55 – Immigration queues, airport arrivals and why your holiday may not start quite as you imagined

17:50 – Why hotel photos don't always tell the full story

20:50 – The biggest mistake isn't what you booked… it's what you didn't leave room for

23:20 – Final thoughts and thank you for joining me throughout Series 6

Three Key Takeaways

✓ You won't find the biggest influences on your Vietnam holiday on Google or booking websites—they're only discovered through experience.

✓ Vietnam rewards travellers who allow flexibility, go with the flow, adapt and stay curious. The trick is to NOT over-schedule every moment.

✓ The memories you'll treasure most are often the ones you never planned.

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"Kerry, how far in advance should I book my trip to Vietnam?" 

If I had a penny for every time this question has come up in the last year.

I just wish there was a one-size-fits-all answer—but there isn't.

Who YOU are as a traveller,... and what type of experiences you want to have, will shape my answer.

In this episode, I break down the booking timelines that have the biggest impact on your experience in Vietnam—from budget backpackers and families to luxury travellers and adventure seekers. I flesh out why Vietnam doesn't always follow the same booking patterns as Europe or Japan, and why understanding local travel habits can save you money, queues, stress, and disappointment.

Whether you're planning your very first visit or returning to explore more of this extraordinary country, this episode will help you decide when to book, what to prioritise, and how to create a smoother, more enjoyable trip.

You’ll discover :

• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) travel considerations
•  Vietnam's school holiday periods and peak domestic travel seasons
•  Cruises, wellness retreats, Golf, and boutique stays that book out early
•  Tips for independent travellers, families and luxury travellers alike                   
• A major city by city guide

If you're considering a trip to Vietnam and would like a private tour with everything you had on your list, sourced and booked, without the time and headache of research, you can always reach out through the website here to book my services - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/trip-plan-request-form

What About Vietnam – helping you travel deeper, wiser and with greater confidence.

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So….What happens if you get sick in Vietnam? Or have an accident?

This episode is particularly relevant for today's independent traveller—the person who has researched extensively, joined Facebook groups, watched countless YouTube videos, and perhaps even used AI to help plan their entire trip. While these tools can provide an extraordinary amount of information, they can't provide real-world experience, local knowledge, or immediate support on the ground when something unexpected happens. 

In this episode, I explore the reality of life and what can happen, without you even trying. Let me share with you firsthand experiences of travellers Tim and Lucy as they navigate the world as retirees destined to use the world as their new playground.

Their experience in Danang will open your eyes to a new standard of treatment you may not experience even in your own country – Now that would be nice, wouldn’t it?

I don’t hold back in the show. I discuss the most common health issues visitors encounter, and Lucy and Tim speak to the quality of an international hospital, English-speaking doctors, healthcare costs, and travel insurance.

You'll hear how Vietnam's major cities now offer access to modern private hospitals, internationally trained specialists, and healthcare services that may be far more advanced and affordable than many travellers expect including dental and cosmetic surgery. 

We also cover the simple steps you can take before and during your trip to minimise health risks;

Thanks to Tim and Lucy for coming on the show and sharing their experience. You can follow their travels here - https://www.facebook.com/travelingtwoeverywhere

Time stamps:

02:00 – Why Medical Care in Vietnam Worries Travellers

06:00 – The Top 5 Health Issues Travellers Experience in Vietnam

14:00 – What Happened to Lucy? A Real Hospital Experience in Da Nang

22:00 – How Good Are Vietnam's Hospitals?

31:00 – Costs, Travel Insurance & Peace of Mind

If concerns about medical care have been on your radar, this episode may change your perspective entirely and provide the reassurance you need to travel with confidence.

NOTE - Dental Discount with Worldwide Dental using WAV25 for a 5% discount.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on personal experiences, guest contributions, and publicly available information at the time of recording. It should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or conditions. Healthcare facilities, services, costs, and regulations may change over time, and listeners should conduct their own research and obtain appropriate travel insurance before travelling.

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Is there only one way to experience the authentic Vietnam?

For years, travellers have been told that the "real" Vietnam exists somewhere beyond the tourist trail — hidden in remote villages, mountain passes and places untouched by mass tourism. But is that still true today?

And perhaps more importantly, is Vietnam now so much more than the familiar images of conical hats, rice fields and water buffaloes that first captured our imagination?

In this episode of What About Vietnam, I explore the idea that authentic travel isn't necessarily about how far off-grid you go, but how deeply you connect with the places, people and experiences that matter to you.

With social media constantly showcasing hidden villages, remote mountain passes and lesser-known destinations, it's easy to feel that popular places like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City are somehow less worthy of your time. But is that really true?

Drawing on my own travels throughout Vietnam, including experiences in places such as Dalat, Phong Nha and Mu Cang Chai, I explore the reality behind the idea that authentic travel only happens beyond the tourist trail. We discuss the pros and cons of venturing further afield, the practical challenges that can come with it, and why some travellers return feeling more exhausted than enriched.

Kerry stresses that travelers should not feel pressured to conform to a specific narrative of what an authentic experience should look like. Whether it's enjoying a Michelin-starred meal, participating in a cooking class, or relaxing at a wellness retreat, all these experiences contribute to a broader understanding of the Vietnam of today!

This episode isn't about choosing one style of travel over another. It's about giving yourself permission to travel Vietnam in a way that suits your interests, comfort level, budget and goals.

You'll discover:

• 00:01:18 - The Concept of "Real Vietnam"
• 00:06:10 - Authenticity and Social Media Influence
• 00:07:04 - Evaluating Off-Grid Travel Experiences
• 00:08:19 - Wellness Retreats and Authenticity
• 00:11:08 - Planning and Logistics of Vietnam Travel
• 00:12:13 - Avoiding Travel Pressure and Discomfort
• 00:13:38 - Travel Advice for Families and Elderly
• 00:14:54 - Embracing Modern and Traditional Vietnam 

In all my years of travel in this country and others, choosing what you want is more important than collecting bragging rights for Instagram, after all, it’s your money, time and joy that counts the most.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever felt pressure to travel beyond your comfort zone simply because you think everyone else seems to be doing it?

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Why is Vietnam suddenly everywhere right now?

Not just on your social feeds…but in real conversations between travellers looking for somewhere that still feels exciting, welcoming, affordable… and genuinely different.

In this episode of the award-winning What About Vietnam podcast, I unpack why Vietnam is having such a powerful moment in global travel — and why I believe this rise is only just beginning.

From the shift in how Vietnam is perceived globally… to the incredible value it offers families, solo travellers, couples and long-stay visitors… this episode explores what’s really driving the surge in interest.

Because Vietnam today isn’t just about ticking off famous landmarks.

It’s about:
 • eating incredible regional food on tiny plastic stools
 • luxury hotels at surprisingly affordable prices
 • beaches, mountains, cities and culture all in one trip
 • feeling safe while still feeling adventurous
 • and connecting with people in a way many travellers say they’ve lost elsewhere

I also share what I’m personally seeing on the ground through trip planning conversations, traveller feedback, and years of returning to Vietnam myself.

And perhaps the biggest shift of all?

Vietnam is no longer simply being compared to places like Bali or Thailand.

It’s becoming the destination people are choosing first.

If Vietnam has been sitting quietly on your travel wish list…
 this episode might explain why now could be the time to move it to the top.

Episode Highlights:
 • Why Vietnam’s global image has changed dramatically
 • How affordability is reshaping longer stays and family travel
 • The huge variety of experiences available across the country
 • Why travellers increasingly describe Vietnam as welcoming and safe
 • How social media and word-of-mouth are accelerating interest
 • What makes Vietnam feel different from many other destinations right now

Timestamps:
 00:01:19 – Vietnam’s rising travel popularity
 00:08:11 – The value of travelling in Vietnam
 00:11:39 – The diversity of experiences on offer
 00:15:17 – Personalised travel and planning Vietnam well

If this episode sparks your curiosity about Vietnam, you can also explore personalised trip planning services through What About Vietnam.

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What if I told you… the best meal you’ll have in Vietnam probably isn’t the one you planned? Today we get clear on the next question in this series -  What Vietnamese dishes should I try?

We begin our exploration through the streets of Hanoi for smoky, unforgettable bún chả…we go further afield to the Old Town of Hoi An for Cao lầu and delicate white rose dumplings… But lets not forget the explosiveness of food in Ho Chi Minh City, where every bite—from Cơm tấm to sizzling Bánh xèo—carries tastes and experiences you won't forget easily.

This episode focuses on the standout dishes most intrinsic to each major region; the ones you will most likely visit as a first time traveller.

I’ve included some of my own favourite spots to try these dishes—places I keep going back to—along with a little of my personal journey through Vietnamese food, and how it became one of the biggest learning curves to understanding Vietnam.

Because in Vietnam…especially in regional areas, you don’t just eat. You sit, you pause, you reflect, you connect—and somewhere along the way, you start to understand the country differently. You become grateful for the occasion of sharing.

If you’ve ever wondered where to start with Vietnamese food… this is your starting point.

[00:05:22] Bun Cha in Hanoi
 [00:10:32] Cao Lau – a must-try dish
 [00:16:07] Banh Xeo – the hero dish
 [00:21:41] Hue’s pancake – Banh Khoai
 [00:22:05] Vegetarian options in Hue
 [00:22:38] Coastal areas and seafood
 [00:23:33] Affordable seafood in Vietnam
 [00:24:42] Rustic food in Sapa
 [00:28:48] Vietnamese food’s diverse influences
 [00:30:58] Food tours and cooking classes - Shout out to Kiss Tours
[00:35:40] Special trip guidance in Vietnam

Fair warning—you may finish this episode already planning your first meal.

To find the restaurants mentioned in the show go to SHOW page at https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/ 

PLEASE NOTE: This episode is not intended to be a complete guide to Vietnamese cuisine across all regions. Rather, it offers a curated sampler of standout dishes that are closely tied to the places you’re most likely to visit. There are, of course, many more specialties and local variations beyond those mentioned here—each worth discovering in their own time.

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Where do you even begin with a country like Vietnam?

It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked… and one of the hardest to answer simply.

Because Vietnam isn’t just one destination.
It’s a country of contrasts — north to south — where each region offers a completely different experience.

In this episode, I take a step back from listing places… and instead guide you through a smarter way to think about your starting point.

Because the real question isn’t just where you should go first —
it’s how you want to experience Vietnam.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode

• Why there is no single “best” place to start in Vietnam
• The key differences between North, Central and South Vietnam
• How your travel style should shape your own answer to this question
• Why trying to “see it all” can work against you
• How to match your time frame with the right regional approach
• The importance of pacing, connection, and flow in your trip

Essentially we take your desired experience of the country and match it to where you should visit first. Let me take you through that in this show.

If this question has been sitting in the back of your mind… this episode will help you move forward with confidence.

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As the world feels increasingly uncertain, it’s a question many travellers are quietly asking…

Is now a good time to travel to Vietnam in 2026? Is Vietnam the best place to feel safe and still enjoy a holiday?

 In this episode, I’m coming to you from Vietnam itself — sharing what I’m seeing on the ground, how global events are really impacting travel (and how they’re not), and what you need to know if you’re planning a trip this year.

Because here’s the truth…
 Vietnam isn’t slowing down.

With over 4.7 million international visitors in the first two months of 2026 alone — up more than 18% year-on-year — travellers are still coming. In fact, many are leaning in.

So maybe the better question isn’t if you should travel…
It’s how to travel smartly in 2026.

In this episode, I unpack:

• What’s really happening with airfares and flight routes
• Why disruption — not destination — is the real challenge right now
• The mindset shift travellers have without realising
• The three types of travellers — and how each types varies in their ability to control changes
• Five practical strategies to travel with confidence this year

 I’m coming to you from Vietnam — sharing what I’m seeing on the ground, and why, for me, it still feels like the sweet spot.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, wondering whether to go now or wait…
 this episode should help you think about that question a little differently.

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Tipping. It’s one of those topics travellers rarely ask out loud — but almost everyone wonders about.

·      Do you tip in Vietnam?

·      Is it expected?

·      How much is appropriate?

·      And where does it actually apply?

In this episode of One Question at a Time, I give context to the aspect of tipping many places miss: It’s a sign of thanks and appreciation for extra service. A little goes a long way and is very much appreciated, but NOT expected.

Vietnam is not a US-style tipping economy. There is no automatic 20% expectation. No hidden cultural rulebook. But — tourism has influenced certain sectors, and in some situations, tipping is appreciated.

In this practical guide, I explain:

• Where tipping most commonly applies (drivers, guides, cruises and hotels)
• Where it’s completely unnecessary (street food, taxis, local eateries)
• How much is appropriate in Vietnamese context
• Why over-tipping can sometimes do more harm than good
• How to approach tipping with cultural awareness rather than pressure

This episode is about travelling respectfully — understanding local norms, budgeting wisely, and avoiding awkward guesswork at the end of a tour or meal.

As always in Series 6, we focus on one question at a time — so you can travel confidently, not confused.

If you're planning a trip and want guidance beyond the brochures — from timing to logistics to cultural nuances like this — that’s exactly what I help travellers navigate every day.

Listen now and take tipping off your worry list.

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Money is one of the biggest quiet stress points for travellers heading to Vietnam.

Will your card work?

•  Do you need to bring Vietnamese dong before you leave?
•  How much cash should you carry?
•  What are ATM fees and withdrawal limits in 2026?

In this episode of One Question at a Time, I break down exactly how to handle money in Vietnam so you land informed and confident.

You’ll learn how the Vietnamese Dong works (and why the zeros and note colours can cause confusion), when cash is essential, where cards are widely accepted, what to expect from ATMs, and how to avoid unnecessary fees. I also share the simple strategy I recommend to balance cash and cards safely — whether you're staying in major cities or heading into rural and remote areas.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to rely on your debit card, bring USD, exchange money before travel, or withdraw on arrival — this episode gives you clarity before you land.

Listen now and take the guesswork out of managing money in Vietnam.

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