Welcome back to What About Vietnam!  Get your ears ready for another insightful episode in our mini-series, Out & About in Vietnam where I check out what Nha Trang has to offer, in a 3 day stay. Nha Trang is not just another beautiful beach destination; it's a cultural melting pot. From the moment you step foot in Nha Trang, you're greeted by its buzzy, somewhat noisy atmosphere along the promenade. For the best stunning beach shoreline view, in the evening, I suggest heading to the...

Here I am, "Out & About in Mui Ne," determined to share with you my findings as experienced through my eyes.  It's a down-to-earth exploration of Mui Ne's hidden treasures and unique vibe. This is as authentic as it gets! Drawing inspiration from a previous episode  S3- E17 I did with Nikki Cornish, I set out to explore this famous beachside location, known for its luxurious resorts like the Sailing Club Resort and its unique sand dune landscape. An Instagram favourite known to be very...

The “Out & About in Vietnam” series continues with Kelley McCarthy and I deciding to go in search of a beach escape from Saigon. Not many people know about this place, and with a new highway making it so much easier to access, it may just be the ticket! Today we're exploring a different kind of vacation experience—one where the hotel itself is the main destination.   Our destination is Hồ Tràm, located about 125 kilometres from Saigon. Just a 2-hour shuttle bus trip away. Our home away...

Welcome to the premiere of "What About Vietnam" – the Uncut Edition!  This marks the second instalment of our Out & About mini-series, where I, Kerry Newsome, along with the ever-adventurous Kelly McCarthy, take you on a journey through the vibrant streets of Saigon.  Get ready for a deeply personal and unforgettable experience as we share candid anecdotes and insider tips. From quirky mishaps to heart-warming moments, we're laying it all bare – glitches and all.  You'll hear some...

Hello, I'm Kerry Newsome, and welcome to my podcast, "What About Vietnam." In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a mini-series "Out & About in Vietnam" that will take you along on my holiday adventures in Vietnam. Over the next 60 days, I'll be sharing my experiences, destinations, and the fascinating people I meet along the way. Today, we're starting with "Out & About in Saigon", my first stop on this journey. Vietnam is a country that benefits from research and...

Join us for an insightful journey into the pressing issue of human trafficking in Vietnam, and discover how, as a traveller, you have the ability to effect real change. In this episode, I'm joined by Kim Miller, who offers firsthand insights into the challenges and the remarkable efforts undertaken by Blue Dragon, an organization dedicated to combatting human trafficking. As a listener, you'll gain a profound understanding of the poverty and vulnerabilities that fuel human trafficking, along...

In our show today we get to explore the evolving food culture in Vietnam, with a focus on the growth of new culinary experiences and the expansion of dining options beyond just street food. Don’t get me wrong, Street Food is still something you must try, but don’t stop there!  Stick around to find some of the up and coming places to eat in Vietnam. My wonderful guest, Jovel Chan a food writer and consultant, shares her insights on the influx of chefs from Vietnam and abroad, the rise of...

Bac Giang, is a picturesque place that often remains under the radar until the Lychee Festival, typically featured in social pages and news around June. This lively event commemorates Bac Giang's distinction as the "Land of Lychees." In today’s episode Bac Giang and the subject of lychees are front and centre, as I get to share the story of a photographer named Jessie Pearlman, a previous guest on the podcast, who embarked on a return trip to Vietnam, driven by his love for the country and...

If you're planning a holiday in Vietnam and have a penchant for motorbike rides and scenic routes, your quest will inevitably lead you to the iconic Hải Vân Pass (Đèo Hải Vân). The Hải Vân Pass is more than just a road; it's a legendary motorbike route nestled in the heart of central Vietnam. In 2008, it garnered global recognition as the BBC and the Top Gear crew ventured through its winding trails, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for motorbike enthusiasts and adventure...

Welcome to another exciting episode of The What About Vietnam Podcast. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the world of expat life in Vietnam, shedding light on the importance of doing your homework before taking the plunge into this vibrant Southeast Asian nation. Vietnam is a country that's been capturing the imaginations of many with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a rapidly growing economy. But, before packing your bags, it's crucial to consider the vital aspect of due...

In this podcast episode, I have the opportunity to introduce you to Vicki Thai, a Health Care Sales professional living in Utah, USA, with Vietnamese heritage.  Vicki's family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when she was four years old, and during her growing up, she had never given much thought to her Vietnamese background. However, a moment of vulnerability in her mother's health led her to realize the importance of experiencing her heritage. She decided to plan a trip to...

I’m thrilled to have such an engaging conversation with our guest today about the digital nomad lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned nomad or just curious about this exciting way of life, this episode is a must-listen! I am fortunate to be joined with Florian Rucker who inspires nomads by providing a unique, friendly, and well fit out co working space in Hoi An called The Hub, to perform this kind of work. If you can imagine having high speed internet, in a glass workspace, in the middle of...

In this episode of "What About Vietnam," Kerry Newsome shares some exciting news about the visa situation for entering Vietnam. As of August 15th, travelers will be able to extend their stays from 30 days to 90 days. Kerry recommends using the official immigration website here to apply for your visa and shares the details in the show. However as this change is NOT effective till 15th August, the website has not been updated to reflect this change. See source here for full...

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 overload that hit him when he first arrived, and the beauty and serendipitous happenings that...

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 boundaries.  For some people visiting any country in the SEAsia region can feel like a deep dive into...

I’m thrilled to announce What About Vietnam is now recommended in the Vietnam Lonely Planet Experiences Guide for 22/23 - Thank you for your support. 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,...

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 thoughtful words and feedback have been heard. In this show I share with you my focus for 2023....

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. Which explains why they often refer to it as the Ha Long Bay on land. It is by all accounts...