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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When Is the Best Time of year to Visit Vietnam?

It sounds simple… but this might be the most misunderstood question I get.

Vietnam isn’t one climate. It’s three distinct regions — North, Central and South — each with their own weather patterns, typhoon seasons, rice harvest colours, humidity swings and “why didn’t anyone tell me that?” moments.

In this episode of One Question at a Time, I break it down clearly and practically: 

• The best months for Northern Vietnam — including when the rice terraces turn golden yellow (Instagram magic) and when they’re lush green
 • What to know about typhoon season and how it affects Central Vietnam
 • When the South shines (and when it steams)
 • Why “a few bad weather days” are almost normal — and how good trip design works around them
 • How fixed-date tours handle weather changes
 • What families can do on unexpected rainy days in places like Hoi An or Hanoi

There isn’t one perfect time to visit Vietnam.

There is, however, a perfect time for you — depending on where you’re going, what you want to experience, and how flexible you’re prepared to be.

This episode gives you the clarity to choose your dates wisely — and avoid planning the wrong region at the wrong time.

If you’re sweating over finding the one set of dates that will magically cover every base, it might be time to let that idea go — and instead lean into flexibility, aim for the best possible window, and embrace what the Vietnamese do so well… go with the flow.

For a month by month guide you might like to check out our blog here – 

https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/blogpost/a-monthly-travel-guide-to-your-best-experiences-in-vietnam

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Let’s start with one of the most important questions you need to answer before you get too far into booking or planning your trip to Vietnam.

Why? Because this one question quietly underpins everything else. 

It sounds simple — but this is where so many people come unstuck.

I can’t stress this enough: if you don’t ask yourself this question early, you can end up choosing the wrong visa, applying for something you didn’t need, or realising far too late that one small decision here has shaped your whole trip.

And what is an eVisa? 

In this episode of What About Vietnam – One Question at a Time, I break down the “Visa Entry question”  into clear, bite-size pieces. I’ll explain who actually needs a visa, who doesn’t, and I’ll walk you through how to apply for a Vietnam eVisa properly and what to double-check so it doesn’t derail your trip.

If you’re coming from the UK, Europe, the US, Australia or elsewhere, the answer to the ultimate question here is: it depends!

Some passports qualify for Vietnam’s 45-day visa-free entry, others don’t. Some trips work perfectly on visa-free. Others absolutely don’t.

And then there’s the eVisa — which is simple, but also incredibly easy to mess up if you don’t pay attention to the details.

In this episode, I walk you through:

The most common eVisa mistakes I see:

• Wrong dates
• Wrongly spelling, middle name missing on EVisa but is in Passport
• Passport details don’t match
• Wrong entry point
• Applying too late (and panic-fixing it)

This episode will help you:

• ✅ Choose the right entry option for your trip
• ✅ Avoid last-minute stress and costly mistakes
• ✅ Start your Vietnam journey calm, confident, and prepared

So this is “cautious Kerry”, signing off on One Question at a time Series 6-Ep3

Please take the time to explore the link to more information - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/visa-info  and for the direct link to the official Immigration site go here.

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Is TẾT a Good Time to Visit Vietnam?

What travellers should know before deciding to visit Vietnam during the TET holiday.

Tết, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, is the most important cultural period of the year — but is it actually a good time to visit?

Just to be clear from the outset - Tết dates relate to the Lunar New Year Calender and are usually between Late January and February. You should check the dates for the year you are travelling as each year is different. Tết New Year's eve usually marks the beginning of the holiday but it can be a day or two before.

In this episode, I focus on what Tết means for travellers and how it affects transport, accommodation, tours, and daily life across Vietnam. Rather than diving into history or ritual, I share the real-world impact on your trip, along with practical travel tips to help manage expectations — especially if this is your first time visiting Vietnam.

This isn’t a simple yes or no. Whether Tết works for you depends on how you travel, what you expect, and how flexible you’re willing to be.

I cover what really happens during Tết, when the slowdown starts, which places cope best, what commonly closes, and when travelling during the middle of Tết can work. I also explain why I usually recommend travelling well before Tết or about a week after for a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

My honest take:
Tết isn’t a bad time to visit Vietnam — but it’s not an easy one. Timing your trip matters just as much as choosing your destination.

Tết is one of those moments where thoughtful planning makes all the difference — and it’s something I regularly help travellers get right in trip plans through my Travel services offering. Please reach out if I can be of assistance - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/trip-plan-request-form

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Welcome to What About Vietnam – One Question at a Time. This award-recognised podcast has spent five years listening closely to travellers, locals, and those who live and work on the ground in Vietnam. For Series 6, the format is sharper and more focused — one real question per episode, answered honestly, simply, and without the fluff.

These are the questions travellers actually ask before they book, pack, or board a plane. Short episodes. Clear answers. Real context. And when it matters, practical guidance drawn from lived experience, not headlines.

Episode 1 Question: Is it safe to travel to Vietnam as a solo traveller?

In this opening episode, I get up front and personal, Practical advice, and sensible strategies that get to heart of this question 

Safety is often the first — and loudest — question solo travellers ask, especially first-timers. From personal experience travelling solo across Vietnam, to what visitors commonly misunderstand, this episode breaks down what “safe” really means on the ground, how Vietnam compares to expectations, and what solo travellers should know before they arrive.

No scare tactics. No sugar-coating. Just perspective, nuance, and the kind of insight that helps you decide with confidence.

If Vietnam is on your radar — or already in your plans — this series is designed to meet you exactly where you are.

One question at a time.

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Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam  - See our Travel Services

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