What about Vietnam - Traveller Insights

By Kerry Newsome

Welcome to What About Vietnam - A Travel Podcast with Kerry Newsome. If you have ever thought about Vietnam as a holiday destination, but unsure, well, this may be just the eye-opener you need to help... more

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The podcast currently has 128 episodes available.

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Number 1: What you can't always know about Vietnam... until you get here - S6-E14 - What About Vietnam
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. Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Follow us and share our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
July 18, 202625min
Number 2: What is the authentic experience of Vietnam? - What About Vietnam - S6-E11
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 Influence00:07:04 - Evaluating Off-Grid Travel Experiences00:08:19 - Wellness Retreats and Authenticity00:11:08 - Planning and Logistics of Vietnam Travel00:12:13 - Avoiding Travel Pressure and Discomfort00:13:38 - Travel Advice for Families and Elderly00:14:54 - 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? Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Follow us and share our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
June 02, 202618min
Number 3: What About Vietnam - Series 2 - 5 - Explore Mai Chau and its threaded history in textiles
Today 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 locals and ex-pats. Cynthia chats with us about the amazing villages in the area, home to the ethnic Thai and Hmong people. Due to Cynthia’s main business being in textile and design, she will talk to us about the vibrant local markets such as Muong and Pa Co Markets. Here, you can find traditional colourful handicraft products made using skills developed and passed down over many generations. We find out there is much to learn about those amazing handwoven scarves and bedspreads we see in our travels throughout Vietnam. Mau Chau is a surprising delight. Not as overrun with tourists, as in places like Sapa, and offers a very authentic view of local village life. Surrounded by beautiful forests, and a major reservoir with its own sense of beauty, you will be charmed by this little idyllic location and Cynthia's experience. Cynthia highly rated a new place to stay called Mai Chau Hideaway – details here if you are interested - http://maichauhideaway.com/ I mention a very lovely Eco Lodge which I stayed at and highly recommend for its location, quality of rooms and views - https://maichau.ecolodge.asia/ Cynthia Operates a gorgeous textile designer showroom in Hanoi – Called Future Traditions and you can find all her details here. Pop in or order online through her Facebook page here ;- https://www.facebook.com/FutureTraditions/ 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. 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 Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Follow us and share our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
July 30, 202024min
Number 4: What 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 culturally too diverse? What about the food? You will hear what Bella rated as her best things to do! And Suzie shares some insights into what parents should consider when they travel to Vietnam with a young family. Let this be the beginning of your research into Vietnam as a great destination to take a family. Suzie talks about the Hoi An Memories show - see my blog link here https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/post/hoi-an-impression-cultural-show-a-hit Please SUBSCRIBE, 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. 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 through my Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/whataboutvietnam Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Follow us and share our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
July 06, 202016min
Number 5: What About Vietnam - Series 2 - 2 - Shopping Vietnam | Tailoring | Designer | Sustainable
You 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 to share about all kinds of products produced in Vietnam. Listen to Judith's advice on the best cities to shop... including the best streets, districts and localities. You will hear lots of laughing about tailoring, and shoe purchasing, and the sheer pleasure of exploring the shopping scene in Vietnam. Maybe it is a girl thing, as we do share information about our Shopping and Pampering tour next year - 2021. Details below. Stay tuned for information and buying tips from well-known fashion designers and brands like Chula Fashion, Tan My Design, Future Traditions, Eugenie Darge homewares, Cushnart cushion covers and bags, Valerie Cordier bags but also buffalo horn jewellery, luxury lacquerware, art and embroidery. Your virtual shopping experience awaits you. Let's go shopping... Please SUBSCRIBE, its FREE, rate, review and share my podcast with any of your friends or fellow travelers who are considering a visit to this beautiful country. Check out our website for further Traveller information, Tours, Tips, Hints and Experiences to consider. www.whataboutvietnam.com Check out the SHOP EAT LOVE OUR VIETNAM tour here - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/tours See some of the beautiful gifts and fashion at Judiths store - https://templesandmarkets.com.au/ Email me for further information. I am happy to help: [email protected] Please rate, review and share through my Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/whataboutvietnam Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Follow us and share our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok
June 23, 202030min