What about Vietnam - Traveller Insights

Arriving into any big city can be daunting for even the most seasoned traveler. Arriving into Saigon with a population of about 8.6 million people and over 9 million motorbikes can be downright “hair raising”.  It's 2020 and most of the world is in lockdown, except maybe Saigon or HCMC as it is also known.  Vietnam is doing well, despite it all. You’ve heard about the nightlife. You’ve read a...

When some people talk about Vietnam they say “It's all about the food”,  and while that is partially true because it’s so fantastic. Wouldn't you like to know about the different flavours and influences between the North and the South, and some of the reasons why it tastes so good? My guest Monika Czerveniak has this knowledge and love of Vietnamese food,  its people and culture in &quot...

Today, we are going to help you discover and mastermind the experiences you want to have in Vietnam. How to pre-plan so it meets your expectations. How can you get everyone on board, and savour the anticipation of going there, even though you may not know when that will be!! It's tricky, but not impossible to do, as you will find out. I am delighted to have Kerstin Pilz on the show, a TED X s...

In a wonderland of natural beauty and culture, you may find the one thing you didn’t know you were missing – yourself.  What about a holiday that ended up being a life-changing healing experience.  “Why not”, you say.  Is there a “booking.com for wellness and transformational healing retreats in Vietnam?"  No, not yet, but it’s coming. Is it a safe place to visit post-Covid?  Find out. My gue...

Hear how Danang offers up a new kind of experience for my guest today, Jonathan Kiely. A fun Irish lad who left Ireland in search of adventure and who found himself drawn to the beachside city of Danang where he has decided, he might just settle for a bit, as he rates it as one of the best  “Chilled out” cities he has ever visited. Jonathan left his high pressure job in Ireland to go traveling. He...

Kerry gives an update of how Vietnam has managed the Covid Crisis and what drove Vietnam to take such a strong stand to close the borders early on and mandate wearing masks and hand sanitation. Currently, Vietnam has recorded the following:- Total cases | 1377 Total recovered | 1224 Total active case | 118 Total deaths | 35 You can find a very comprehensive guide to travel to Vietnam as it stands...

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. Ph...

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&apo...

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 expl...

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. This show is still keeping it's main story line, but I am including the link to Emma's new retreat you might be interested in, details here  - https://omwithe...

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 so...

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...

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 m...

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.  ...

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...

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 ver...

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 manage...

Vietnam has so much to offer the tourist. You have all heard this said before! However, not all of its lively cities, or tranquil beaches, are played out in mainstream media or travel guides. Tam Ky is the capital of Quang Nam ( The same province Hoi An is located in) and Tam Thanh Beach are two of those places the tourist's HAVEN'T overrun or for that matter know much about. Meet Sander...

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...

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 happi...

Welcome to "The Traveller experience series". Today we feature the city Hoi An and take a step back in time talking about the history of this famous city with Paul Simpson, my guest. Hoi An, is a very popular and famous Old Town. It will almost always feature in any tour you are looking at doing. If it doesn’t, it should!   As a Unesco World Heritage site, it’s charm stems from its many...

In this episode, I’d like to give you some general background to the country you will be visiting, from a cultural and historical standpoint. What to expect when you arrive! For most of us, it resembles - Organised chaos! Heat, smells and officialdom. Cities where there are more bikes than cars. What is the Visa process amid Covid19, and what are the things you need to watch out for? Do you need a...

Accommodation - The best place to rest your head. Amongst other things? Your trip planning is going well and you have your preferred dates and locations in mind of where you want to go - It's time to book accommodation. This is the exciting part of trip planning because if you are like me, this is when you really feel like "THIS IS REALLY GOING TO HAPPEN". I'm going! Listen up...

Welcome to What About Vietnam - Series 1 - Episode 4 - Money Matters Money ; A fairly Important ingredient for any holiday!  So what does your Dong buy you in Vietnam? Is there a way to manage money so you don't feel like you are getting ripped off? Yes, there is. #Tipping , what's the protocol? And do you need a Sim Card? Let's get your head around money and exchange rates before y...

Welcome to What About Vietnam - Today we take you one step closer to getting you on your plane to Vietnam all set for a fantastic holiday. Today we discuss the “when” to go? This is probably one of the most common questions I get asked as a travel blogger. The reason being is….. “its important”.  Its where you move into that commitment phase and by plotting dates you feel like "this is really...