What about Vietnam - Traveller Insights

In today’s show we explore Vietnam and the high hopes of a young traveller, singer and songwriter, who through his love of adventure and music found himself falling in love with Vietnam and its people. Our guest Luke Webster talks about his travels and how he found himself enjoying a more relaxed pace, with happy smiling people and welcoming feelings of family and home. He describes the sensory ov...

Is Vietnam for the daring? The brave hearted. Or is it a country that you can feel confident about challenging yourself in, no matter what is daring for you! If Vietnam feels like a leap of faith to you, then this is the right show to tune into. In todays show we explore some of the things that contribute to making Vietnam a country you can feel safe in, and yet you can push your own personal boun...

Today the show welcomes my lovely guest Alexandra Hepworth to talk about luxury travel in Vietnam. Alexandra lived in Vietnam for 9 years up to 2020, and worked with some of the big brands such as the Fusion Group ;  The Vietnam Tourism board, the Caravelle Saigon and  the Hyatt Regency in Phnom Penh.  She now resides in Bogota, Colombia.  Together we take you through some of the big brands you ma...

As we welcome in the Year of the Cat in Vietnam, I wanted to kick the year off with a very personal show. Having had a break and feeling super refreshed I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for listening, and to those that reached out to me during the break, I was extremely touched. I want you all to know that despite being a broadcaster of sorts, I am also a good listener. So, your...

Ninh Binh stands out in more ways than one if you set your compass to the north of Vietnam. Located 60 miles south of Hanoi lies this magical, almost mystical province featuring mountainous peaks and a labrynth of waterways inviting you to explore its many viewpoints.  Sharp limestone peaks, shoot up from the ground reminiscent of what you might see doing the same thing out of water, in Halong bay...

There are many reasons why Vietnam is a stand out favourite destination amongst female solo travellers. One of the dominant reasons is safety. The others reasons we explore more deeply in the show as they stem from the Vietnamese people themselves, and how they recognise women empowerment in their own culture.  I hope my male guests will forgive us for making this show about the female solo travel...

My guest describes this destination as ,“it's probably my favorite spot in Vietnam, and maybe ever, just due to its complexity and beauty”.  If I could call this show the “reality Check-in to Con Dao” I would. As while it features some of the best beaches in Vietnam, it is not quite the same as what you would expect to find in Danang, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. Its attraction is in its isolation....

This show is what we call a Podswap, and it's a great one with Mark Arinsberg from Citizen 44.  Mark has kindly allowed me to share the interview with you. I am the guest this time, and with Mark's skills as an interviewer he is able to draw out lots of things about ourselves and Vietnam you may be surprised to find out about: Including how we navigated our way through Covid and came out...

Contemporary art is shining fresh eyes on Vietnam. Why are we talking about contemporary art as part of a traveller’s experience of Vietnam?  It’s because the art you are seeing today in Vietnam and in galleries all around the world, wasn’t always there. The artists coming through the last few decades are showing their skills, and they are painting their version of history.  Some with a view to bu...

Finally as your host of the What About Vietnam podcast, it's my turn to revisit Vietnam and check it out for myself. I will share with you my experience from leaving Australia to arriving into Vietnam. I'll attempt to give you as much detail as I can about the  travel experience entering the country and how that felt. I open up about my first impressions? I speak about the changes I see...

This is part two of the series talking with Corrin Carlson, please welcome her back to the program. Please refer to Episode S4-9 for Part 1. When you think of Hanoi, do you automatically think of food? Probably not, but after you have a  listen to this episode which is the 2nd part of this 2 part series, you may very well change your mind! You may even decide to spend more time in Vietnam’s capita...

When you think of Hanoi, do you automatically think of food? Probably not, but after you have a  listen to this 2 Part Series, you may very well change your mind! You may even decide to spend more time in Vietnam’s capital city to explore its rich culture, history, labyrinth of tiny streets in the old quarter and, of course, its hearty food. My guest on today’s show is a prime example of someone w...

Todays program is about sharing another Podcasters show, which will give you a whole new perspective on travel as seen through the eyes of a different host, on a different show. In this scenario I am the guest. Our topic is, as you would guess- Travel In Vietnam post covid. Malcom Teasdale is the host of the Travel addict podcast where he talks to all kinds of people and explores travels all over...

Hué is a city not to be missed on your journey throughout Vietnam. Boasting a patchwork of imperialism and French colonialism you will find yourself delving back hundreds of years as you explore the legacy of war and a dynasty spanning 13 generations.  It’s a fascinating place. Quite beautiful as you find beaches and a river in the same city. Over a 3-4 day visit you can take your time meandering...

The Craft Beer scene is probably one of the “ biggest ” and best leaked travel secrets about Vietnam to hit the tourist map. It is unmistakably an industry that is being fast tracked as we head out of Covid.  It is a “scene”. It's a taste sensation. It's a "thing" you have to try. As you will find out in today’s episode, it’s a product produced from passion, skill and local fla...

When looking for beachside locations in Vietnam, you are absolutely spoiled for choice.  While the country has a long coastline, what is still very much unknown, is information about one such beach paradise and the easy access it has to a sprinkling of islands that make for exquisitely restful getaways from the world. If you are looking for a beach side city with access to several beautiful island...

When planning a wedding there are so many factors to consider. While you start with - Who to invite? It quickly moves into - the venue and destination. And along with that comes the budget, and what style of wedding you want? How traditional, creative or crazy do you want it to be? For those exploring options in this space I say “What about Vietnam?” As you will hear from my lovely guest Jenny, a...

This is a Podswap from the Conor Kelly & Kerry Newsome interview - ComebaCK Podcast #371 If you are sitting on the sidelines Googling madly, watching and reading social media chatter, but still unsure if it’s a good idea to take your next holiday in Vietnam, or go back there?;- then this show is for you. Why? Because Conor asks the questions I think many of you want to know the answers to. And...

Meet some of Vietnam's talented chefs. Vietnam is legendary for its street food and fresh flavoursome cuisine.  However you may be surprised to find out it also has a fast growing "Fine Dining" industry championed by some very talented Chefs.  Hear what they have to say about their style of cuisine and restaurant experience. The best part of dining out at one of the Vietnam's t...

Art in Vietnam is everywhere. Sometimes it’s hard to actually know what you are looking at. As a tourist busy trying to cram so much in to a stay in Vietnam, the artist’s true technique or storytelling, is often lost on us.   Art takes many forms in Vietnam, as in lacquerware, paintings, silk, lanterns, pottery, fashion, homewares, and as you will learn in this show, there is a difference between...

When planning a trip with a family, we are always looking for places that will be of interest to the “whole” family. However, sometimes the late teen in the family is not always as enthusiastic as the rest of the clan. If you are thinking about bringing your family to Vietnam and not sure if Vietnam will hit the button for children, in particular your teen son or daughter, you might be pleasantly...

An island blessed with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and an abundance of sunshine is attractive in its own right.  If you add a jungle forest, waterfalls, pepper trees,  a theme park for kids and an underwater world for divers, it makes for an unbelievably rich island  getaway. Phu Quoc, which is the focus of our episode today with Patricia Marques is only a short 45 min...

Vietnam in the past 2 years of lockdown has really seen an opportunity to develop itself as a  “Wellness destination”.  The country not only offers sheer beauty, open spaces to explore and discover, hot springs, culture, over 3,000 kms of coastline, quality food and wellness practices such as meditation and yoga are becoming easily accessible in properties and locations around Vietnam. Today we ta...

Phong Nha caves have been described as a "a bucket list adventure travel destination" and after this podcast, I think you will understand why. Phong Nha as a location, is fast becoming the major draw card to Vietnam for adventure seekers. If its magical scenery and surprisingly clean and green flourishing forests you are seeking, then you will want to give some serious thought to Phong N...

Shopping in Vietnam is “awesome” on so many levels.  And while it may sound obvious -  knowing some phrases or a few words in Vietnamese can really make the experience even more fun. In this episode ( part 3) Ms Ha and I expand on the ‘game” of shopping or bartering, as Ha gives us some keys words to use to help you get the item you want, at the best price. Because lets face it. That's what w...