What about Vietnam - Traveller Insights

"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 impac...

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-...

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...

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 beg...

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 explosi...

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 th...

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 kno...

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 goe...

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 Viet...

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 i...

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...

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...

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 b...

Xin chào and welcome to What About Vietnam. As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to pause — to thank you, to reflect on this journey that began back in 2020, and to share a few lasting lessons for travellers heading to Vietnam. What started during lockdown as a way to “travel through stories” has grown into more than 100 episodes shared across 70 countries. Together we’ve explored V...

Ever heard of travellers being stopped at check-in because their Vietnam visa didn’t match their flight? Sadly, it happens more often than you’d think. In this no-holds-barred episode of the What About Vietnam podcast, I take you step by step through the visa maze — from exemptions to e-visas — so you can avoid the heartbreak of being denied boarding before your holiday even begins. With new rules...

Ever wondered what it’s like to set foot in Vietnam for the first time?  Is the hype real? Or is it more like overload and no one is really talking about it. In this episode of What About Vietnam , I’m joined by Meghann – one half of the travel blogging duo behind The Grahlife – as she shares her and her husband Zach’s first impressions of Vietnam during their adventure in March 2025. From landing...

Let’s get real about travel planning to Vietnam. If you're heading to Vietnam, there’s one big decision you’ll need to make early on: Should you join a packaged group tour… or plan your own trip? Do you map it out yourself—or get expert help? This isn’t a simple yes-or-no answer. It’s one of the most personal choices you’ll make in your travel planning—and one that can completely shape how yo...

Get ready to discover a side of Vietnam that remains largely unknown to most Western visitors Vietnam’s northern provinces hold secrets beyond the usual tourist trail—and in this episode, we go “church hunting” to uncover them. Joined by my returning guest, Ha (Hannah) from S5-E18 – Hanoi Below the Surface , we explore the stunning Catholic heritage in regions like Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh. With roo...

If you've ever felt put off by wellness retreats that seem more like boot camps — all strict schedules, silent meals, and mandatory sunrise yoga — then this episode is for you. Join me as I broadcast from the tranquil grounds of Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, where wellness takes on a much more inclusive, luxurious, and deeply personal meaning. In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Ford ,...

Hoi An continues to enchant—and in 2025, it feels overflowing, more layered, and more revealing than ever. That’s why I’ve chosen to revisit one of my most loved conversations on the show—this time with a fresh perspective, and a few heartfelt reflections from my recent trip. You’ll hear from the delightful Sharon Sweeney, a long-time visitor to Hoi An who once co-created the popular website and m...

Join me as we uncover Ha Giang, Vietnam’s breathtaking last frontier, with Ying, a local Black H’mong guide, who shares insider tips and cultural insights for an unforgettable adventure!  If you have ever considered venturing into this part of the country, then this episode is one NOT to miss. ( Please forgive some of the local background sounds) Key takeaways:- The Ha Giang Loop time allowance –...

A Thrilling Underground Adventure – Exploring the Tu Lan Cave System with Oxalis If 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 adrenal...

What About Vietnam – Kicking Off 2025 with Ian Paynton To start the year with a bang, I wanted to explore some essential insights for travelers to Vietnam—things that first-time visitors might not know but, if they did, could make their experience even richer. Joining me for this deep dive is Ian Paynton , a Vietnam enthusiast who has spent years uncovering the country’s hidden gems. Through his p...

With Tet just around the corner, this episode is your ultimate guide to preparing for Vietnam’s most vibrant and culturally rich celebration—don’t miss it! Tet, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is Vietnam’s most cherished holiday, marking the Lunar New Year with vibrant traditions, family gatherings, and a festive spirit. This magical time lasts over nine days, featuring rituals like home cleaning, flower displ...

If you have the chance to spend a little extra time in Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City), you're in for far more than just the usual sightseeing—it’s a whole new adventure!  Join me In this lively episode, as I chat with Matt Cowan, an expat of 15 years, travel aficionado, and fellow podcaster, as we uncover the hidden gems that only reveal themselves to those willing to go off the beaten path. S...