What about Vietnam - Traveller Insights

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  What you can't always know about Vietnam... until you get here - S6-E14 - What About Vietnam 18.07.2026 24min

  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 ...
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  How far in advance should I book a trip to Vietnam? - S6- E13 - What About Vietnam 30.06.2026 43min

  "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 impact on your experience in Vietnam—from budget backpackers and families to luxury travellers and adventure see...
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  What About Medical Care in Vietnam - S6- E12 - What About Vietnam 16.06.2026 37min

  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-world experience, local knowledge, or immediate support on the ground when something unexpected happens.&n...
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  What is the authentic experience of Vietnam? - What About Vietnam - S6-E11 02.06.2026 17min

  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...
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  Why is Vietnam becoming so popular? - What About Vietnam S6-E10 19.05.2026 16min

  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 beginning. From the shift in how Vietnam is perceived globally… to the incredible value it offers f...
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  What Vietnamese dishes should I try?- What About Vietnam S6-E09 05.05.2026 36min

  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 explosiveness of food in Ho Chi Minh City, where every bite—from Cơm tấm to sizzling Bánh xèo—carr...
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  Where should you go first in Vietnam - What About Vietnam S6-E8 21.04.2026 20min

  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 think about your starting point. Because the real question isn’t just where you should go first — ...
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  Is now a good time to travel to Vietnam in 2026?- What About Vietnam S6-E7 07.04.2026 18min

  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 know if you’re planning a trip this year. Because here’s the truth… Vietnam isn’t slowin...
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  Is tipping expected in Vietnam? A practical guide for travellers- What About Vietnam S6-E6 24.03.2026 22min

  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 goes a long way and is very much appreci...
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  How to Handle Money in Vietnam – Cash, Cards, ATM Fees & Travel Tips for 2026 - What About Vietnam S6-E5 10.03.2026 29min

  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 Vietnamese Dong works (and why the zeros and note colours can cause confusion), when cash...
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  When is the best time of year to visit Vietnam ? - What About Vietnam S6-E4 24.02.2026 33min

  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 it down clearly and practically: • The best months for Northern Vietnam — including when the...
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  Do I need a Visa to enter Vietnam? - What About Vietnam S6-E3 10.02.2026 22min

  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 for something you didn’t need, or realising far too late that one small decision here has sh...
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  Is TET a good time to Visit Vietnam? - What About Vietnam S6-E2 27.01.2026 22min

  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 dates for the year you are travelling as each year is different. Tết New Year's eve usually mar...
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  Is it safe to travel to Vietnam as a solo traveller? - What About Vietnam S6-E1 14.01.2026 22min

  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 book, pack, or board a plane. Short episodes. Clear answers. Real context. And when it matters, pr...
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  What About Vietnam – S1-E11 – Last words for 2025 15.10.2025 15min

  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 Vietnam’s hidden gems, met local legends, and uncovered stories far beyond the guidebooks and Ins...
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  What About Vietnam – S1-E10 – No Visa or Evisa – Getting it right in 2025 11.09.2025 29min

  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 for 2025, e-visas are now open to all nationalities, and exemptions have been extended. Sounds ...
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  What About Vietnam – S1-E9 – Vietnam Travel – First Impressions 06.08.2025 50min

  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 in Hanoi to trekking the famous Son Doong Cave, Meghann walks us through the culture shock,...
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  What About Vietnam – S1-8 – The big decision: Join a Packaged Group Tour or DIY? – Which Suits You Best? 10.07.2025 36min

  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 you experience Vietnam. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on both options, sharing the hon...
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  What About Vietnam – S5-E27 – Discovering Catholic Treasures of Vietnam: Church Hunting in Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh 12.06.2025 41min

  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 roots dating back to the 16th century and flourishing during French colonial times, Catholicism in V...
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  What About Vietnam - S5-E26 - Wellness Tourism in Vietnam – A Fresh Take from Hoi An 19.05.2025 46min

  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, GM of Namia and CEO of Lumina Wellbeing, and Dien Pham, Director of Sales and a holistic wellness pra...