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There’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 studying biodiversity. Having settled into the region his knowledge of the area, local minority groups, cultural norms and tourism is extensive. You will find more about Sapa and the local community from Phil in this episode than you will from anywhere else, as he lives and breathes the culture every day through the Ethos Community Project.

As an Englishman far away from home yet truly immersed in the lifestyle and district best known as Sapa, Phil explains in colourful detail a range of experiences, from trekking through hill tribe villages, ethnic minority homestays, and everything in between. You will come away from this episode educated, informed, intrigued and shaking your head in somewhat disbelief that in this day and age the cultural divide is so wide and poverty at this level still exists.

If you want to get a real sense of the history and background to Sapa, press download now.

If you would like to know more about the organisation Phil is involved with called Ethos Spirit.

Please check out the website here - http://www.ethosspirit.com/

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Check out our website for further Traveller information, Tours, Tips, Hints and Experiences to consider. www.whataboutvietnam.com

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The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

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Traveling 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 her to help us navigate Social Enterprises in Hanoi and North Vietnam, as Emily had the opportunity to live and travel in Vietnam for a year in 2019.  I guarantee she will keep your earbuds in till the very end.

With a background in international development, fair trade, and sustainable fashion, Emily brings a depth of knowledge in this area that will open your thoughts to your next experience in Vietnam 

As she walks the talk, in her blog, today she gives us some very revealing insights into Social Enterprise in Vietnam, from hair cuts in Hanoi to the deeper cultural regions of North Vietnam.

Sit back and let Emily open your eyes to the rich culture and colour that is Vietnam through Social Enterprise.

If you would like to know more about Social Enterprise in Vietnam
See here Emily's List of social enterprises as mentioned in the interview.
List of Social Enterprises in Hanoi: https://wander-lush.org/social-enterprises-in-hanoi-vietnam/
List of social enterprises in Vietnam: http://grassrootsvolunteering.org/businesses/cbt-vietnam

CBT Vietnam (Sapa): http://www.cbtvietnam.com/

Ha Giang: https://wander-lush.org/ha-giang-tour-itinerary-no-motorbike-yesd-vietnam-review/

Da Bac: https://wander-lush.org/community-based-tourism-vietnam-homestay/

Terrific homestay ~1 hour from Hanoi: https://wander-lush.org/homestay-in-hanoi-uncle-tys-fa

SUBSCRIBE through Apple, to the What About Vietnam Podcast.  It's FREE.

Choose your favouri

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
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It'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 as you arrive home looking radiant after your stay. 
So for planning purposes, keep this one, as, in this episode, it's all about your "skin healing". That's our focus. It's about getting back that inner glow we may have lost during isolation or lockdown.  My expert guest today Kim La Sambolec is going to give you a better understanding of the holistic approach to achieving that. 

Vietnam has a score of experiences to take advantage of, so if you desire to stay in a beautiful retreat amidst the idyllic setting of Hoi An, this could be your  "Go to" kind of retreat. Knowing that SKIN WELLNESS is what it's all about.

Kim is a professional teacher and trainer in this area as the founder of the Skill Wellness Academy. Her expertise in arming women with not just a jar a cream, but with a tool kit that can keep that inner glow alive, well after the retreat, is evidenced through her years of service and support in this area.

Please sit back for Part 2 of this "Health and Wellness Retreats" series of interviews.
Let's talk about a Skin Wellness Retreat in Vietnam with the lovely Kim La Sambolec.

For details about Kim's Retreats you can contact her directly at:
web: www.skinwellnessacademy.com

FRee 15 min consult: https://www.skinwellnessacademy.com/bookings/

facebook: www.facebook.com/skinwellnessacademy

SUBSCRIBE through Apple, to the What About Vietnam Podcast.  It's FREE.

Choose your favourite channels - Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Iheart Radio -
https://whataboutvietnamtripplanning.buzzsprout.com/

Check out our website for further Traveller information, Tours, Tips, Hints and Experiences to consider. www.whataboutvietnam.com

Email me for further information. I am happy to help: whataboutvie

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
We'd love a review on your podcast channel.
Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

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Reach out via email - I'd love to hear from you

The 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 from "talking with the locals"

I begin this episode by letting you know in advance that this is the first in a series of interviews with people offering different kinds of health and wellness retreats and modalities of wellness in Vietnam. They are mostly travellers who have decided to live in Vietnam and carry on their passion and teachings in their specialized fields of wellness. In today's program,  I'd love you to meet Emma Sothern.
Emma is a lovely Irish girl who decided after extensive travel to make Hoi An her home. Emma runs her own retreats and offers classes and support to those with a condition she has been dealing with most of her life called Alopecia, an autoimmune condition, which she says has been easier to manage through the practice of yoga and mindfulness.

You will find yourself drawn to Emma as she reminds us that a health retreat, no matter where it is, is NOT an overindulgence and should not be seen as such. 

Vietnam has its high end 5 * retreats mostly offered by the major hotels, and it also has the more grassroots versions that focus on a local and more immersive experience. You can spend a lot, or a little, to possibly achieve the same result. It's all about matching expectations in an environment you feel most confident will deliver the experience you desire.  "Just being" in a circle of people all doing the same thing Emma says is what people talk most about after they complete their stay.

Post Covid I expect more people to be seeking this kind of experience, and I can think of no better place than Vietnam to do so.  As Emma says: “Just go for it”. We have been through a lot this past year and we deserve to nourish ourselves for mental health and happiness.

See more about Emma’s retreats here - https://omwithemyoga.com/retreats/
Check out Emma’s Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/omwithemyoga
If you would like to know more about Emma’s work supporting Alopecia, check out her page here

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
We'd love a review on your podcast channel.
Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

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Reach out via email - I'd love to hear from you

Vietnam 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 international tourists looking to experience first class golf resorts in one of the most unique and visually stunning destinations in the world.

Now don't get too excited !
We don't have Greg on the show.  Better still, we have a strong, avid player who is accustom to taking groups all over the world including the US Masters, Ireland, and Europe.
Chrissy Hordern is my guest today and joins me as we recap a familiarisation tour of Vietnam we did together, in May 2019.

The episode will take you on 5 rounds of golf at courses selected for their captivating scenery & depth of challenge for golfers of all abilities.  Our base for the first leg of the journey will be the ancient town of Hoi An and you are in for some insightful golfing tips on these courses, finishing up in Saigon.

Chrissy is a Tour Host and Ambassador for Teed Up Golf https://teedupgolftours.com/ in  Australia and a very talented player. Chrissy joined the tour with a totally open mind and is perfectly placed to give the golfer looking for a Golfing Getaway, the best experiential advice.

I have for your reference included the links below to all the courses mentioned and hotels we stayed at. Please feel free to contact me directly if I can help with putting a tour together for you, or your group.

Firstly - thank you to Vietnam Airlines for taking such good care of us on this tour. 
www.vietnamairlines.com

A second big thank you to the following places who bent over backward to make sure the golfers had a great stay in 

* Vin Pearl Nam Hoi An - (Nam Hoi An Golf Course) 
https://www.vinpearl.com/vinpearl-resort-n-spa-hoi-an/

* Montgomerie Links - http://www.montgomerielinks.com/

* Ba Na Hills Golf Club - https://banahillsgolf.com/

* Laguna Langco Golf - https://www.lagunalangco.com/en/golf/

* Vietnam Golf and Country Club - http://www.vietnamgolfcc.com/

Hotels:-

* Vin Pearl Nam Hoi An  - https://www.vinpearl.com/vinpearl-resort-n-spa-hoi-an/

*

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
We'd love a review on your podcast channel.
Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

Do you need a #Dental Procedure? Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital

Reach out via email - I'd love to hear from you

Today 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 for far less than what she would pay back In Australia. It will blow you away!

Kelley is a well-traveled lady, located in Perth with easy access to Vietnam and Indochina. As a professional Child Care Centre Manager, she is the first to say “I have noticed the changes in Vietnam over my years of travel from humble corner shops and average western restaurants, wherein the north, English was rarely spoken to being a very vibrant tourist-friendly country with amazing restaurants, bars, and shops of today”

Walk in her shoes as she tells of her experience with a dentist in HCMC. Hear how happy she is with the work that she has done and the service level she receives. I can vouch for that brilliant smile of hers! Simply gorgeous.

Let Vietnam put a smile on your face, in more ways than one. Check out Kelley's beautiful smile and teeth on our What About Vietnam FB page

See below for the Dentist Kelley mentions on the program.

Please understand What About Vietnam, nor Kelley has any financial affiliation with this company and nor do either of us receive any sponsorship or commission. 
WE accept no responsibility for your experience with the company, however, you are free to check them out on your own accord.

Here is the link https://www.worldwidebeautyhospital.com for Dr Hungs dental surgery as they now have rebranded for both dental and cosmetics.... Wahoo ...What could be next on What About Vietnam show??

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Check out our website for further Traveller information, Tours, Tips, Hints and Experiences to consider. www.whataboutvietnam.com

Email me for further information. I am happy to help: [email protected]

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
We'd love a review on your podcast channel.
Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

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Today 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 you to my guest today, Ben Mitchell. 
Ben lives with his wife and family in the historical region of Cu Nam Village just outside of the main town of Phong Nha. A more down to earth Aussie guy you’d never meet. And one who has had front row seats to the development of the region over the last 10 years.

The caves are so new that information has up until now been a bit scant, and focused on reaching the ardent trekker, explorer and high adrenalin super fit traveller. 

What you will love about this episode is how Ben demystifies the urban myth that you have to be the super-fit traveller to enjoy the caves and the National Park. He breaks the caves down into types, which helps us understand what skills you need for each one. If any.

Ben has a lot to share. And I can’t give it all away here. You will just have to listen for yourself.

Ben and his wife have lived in Phong Nha since 2010, and during that time they have built their own homestay called Phong Nha Farmstay. It’s a cosy homestay with all the traditional elements you will come to love in Vietnam, with some highly desirable creature comforts, including a swimming pool looking over a perfect vista of rice paddy fields; a spa and bar pouring the perfect gin and tonic after a busy day exploring.

Since living in the region Ben has become very active working with major tour groups like Oxalis and local operators, to boost tourism to the area, including working with others to build luxury accommodations to attract a more discerning long stay traveller. You might like to also check out the Victory Road Villas which he and a friend built in 2017.

Stay tuned, for a truly valuable experience if you are keen to check out this region like I am.

If you would like to contact Ben, click on the link here https://phong-nha-cave.com/contact/

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The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
We'd love a review on your podcast channel.
Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

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Reach out via email - I'd love to hear from you

Inspired 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. 

After listening to this episode you will find yourself easily transported mentally into the romanticism of a 16th-century old town, or atop a mountain staring aimlessly at the amazing views of a Unesco World Heritage bay.

As a wedding events manager of her own events company for 10 years, Nadine has a wealth of knowledge to share and a vested interested in making the wedding program, everything the bride and groom want it to be. 
You are going to want to get married after you listen to this episode and you are certainly going to want to plan it in Vietnam.

If you would like to contact Nadine and access her services, click on the link here:-https://vietnambeachweddings.com/
SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.  It's FREE  - (this way you get notified when a new episode is published, usually every fortnight), rate, review and share my podcast with any of your friends or fellow travelers who are considering a visit to this beautiful country.

Choose your favourite channels - Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Iheart Radio -
https://whataboutvietnamtripplanning.buzzsprout.com/

Check out our website for further Traveller information, Tours, Tips, Hints and Experiences to consider. www.whataboutvietnam.com

Email me for further information. I am happy to help: [email protected]

Please rate, review and share your thoughts through my Facebook page – I’d love to hear what you think. https://www.facebook.com/whataboutvietnam

Do you have a topic, destination or experience you would like featured on the show? Email me now - [email protected] 

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
We'd love a review on your podcast channel.
Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

Do you need a #Dental Procedure? Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital

Reach out via email - I'd love to hear from you

Hoi 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, you will be transported by Sharon Sweeney to those Top 10 things to enjoy in Hoi An, over and over again in your mind. Even before you set foot in Vietnam. 
A well-traveled lady, Sharon is one of the founding partners of Hoi An Now, a trusted website and resource for visitors and locals. Sharon offers up her best suggestions and vivid descriptions of the experiences you can have. It is a feast for the senses!
Sharon joins the program as a talented storyteller, writer, publisher, actor, teacher and journalist. You will resonate with her instantly.
If you would like to know more about Hoi An, please get in touch and I will be happy to plan your trip and local experiences.

Please note the website hoiannow.com referenced in the show is no longer operational.

SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.  It's FREE (this way you get notified when a new episode is published, usually every fortnight), rate, review and share my podcast with any of your friends or fellow travelers who are considering a visit to this beautiful country.

You can listen on any of your favourite channels - Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Iheart Radio

Check out our website for further Traveller information, Tours, Tips, Hints and Experiences to consider. www.whataboutvietnam.com

Email me for further information. I am happy to help: [email protected]

Please rate, review and share your thoughts through my Facebook page – I’d love to hear what you think. https://www.facebook.com/whataboutvietnam

Do you have a topic, destination or experience you would like featured on the show? Email me now - [email protected] 

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
We'd love a review on your podcast channel.
Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

Do you need a #Dental Procedure? Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital

Reach out via email - I'd love to hear from you

Who 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 people photography.
In this episode, you will meet Etienne Bossot a French professional photographer living in Hoi An, who makes the art of travel photography his business.
Etienne shares with us his local knowledge gathered over 8 years of living in Hoi An and his best tips for taking great photos. Folks, we are getting FREE tips from the master as he takes us around this fascinating country.

Stay tuned for his "Top 5 photography locations in Vietnam" These are the places to go, to get those amazing photos. your friends and family will be drooling over and wishing they were with you!

If you are a professional photographer or like many of us, a rogue amateur, you will love this episode.

Find out more about Etienne and his tours, by popping over to his website here at https://www.picsofasia.com/ or https://www.hoianphototour.com/

Please SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast.  It's FREE (this way you get notified when a new episode is published, usually every fortnight), rate, review and share my podcast with any of your friends or fellow travellers who are considering a visit to this beautiful country.

You can listen on any of your favourite channels - Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Iheart Radio

Check out our website for further Traveller information, Tours, Tips, Hints and Experiences to consider. www.whataboutvietnam.com

Email me for further information. I am happy to help: [email protected]

Please rate, review and share your thoughts through my Facebook page – I’d love to hear what you think. https://www.facebook.com/whataboutvietnam

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
We'd love a review on your podcast channel.
Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

Do you need a #Dental Procedure? Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital