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  • What About Vietnam | Travel Podcasts | Itinerary Request Form

    What About Vietnam 's Kerry Newsome specialises in informing first-time travelers to Vietnam through podcasts and transcripts. What About Vietnam is your voice of experience. Phone: AUS +614 416 677 793 slide 1 slide 2 slide 9 slide 1 1/9 Travel Services Request Start the discovery process with a trip plan and design? How to arrange a trip plan, click below What About Vietnam Travel Services can be tailored to your needs. 1. Are you looking for a Trip plan and quotation. Great. You are in the right place. Complete the form here and place your order. 2. Are you looking for Travel Companion Services? We suggest you start the discovery process from day 1- And that begins with an interview with our Director of TCS – Kelley McCarthy – Why not set one up today. If you already know this is the kind of service you have been looking for then complete the form here and place your order and Kelley will be in touch with you. What About Vietnam Travel Services is devoting this kind of service as a key deliverable of its Podcast and Travel business, and as a service to encourage tourism in Vietnam. Inquiry and quote request Trip planning and itinerary design for travel to Vietnam requires careful consideration of several key elements, including research, budgeting, itinerary design, accommodation, transportation, food and dining, and culture and activities. By prioritizing these factors, travellers can ensure that they have a memorable and enjoyable trip to Vietnam. At What About Vietnam we place a high priority on designing the best type of tour to suit your preferences, safety and budget. Please email for more information whataboutvietnam@gmail.com Please complete the form and submit along with the Paypal fee so we can get your plan in motion. What does the Trip plan include: A thoughtfully and carefully curated comprehensive itinerary that encompasses all aspects of your trip, fully quoted and inclusive of all travel services such as airport transfers, accomodation and flights. To prepare a comprehensive Trip Plan we charge a fee of $150 USD . Should the itinerary be accepted and the tour booked with What About Vietnam, the $150 USD is deducted from the whole trip cost. PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE ANY NURSING, WHEELCHAIR TRAVEL, DRESSING, BATHING OR MEDICATI ON AS YOUR COMPANION TRAVELLER. If any of these needs are currently required to maintain your optimum health we are not qualified to provide the travel companion service for you. First Name Last Name Phone Email Gender Date of Birth Intended travel date Describe your preferred level of travel Places of interest and activities Special dietary needs Have you ever travelled to Vietnam or Asia Describe level of fitness What are you looking for from your travel companion? Select an option Request for a comprehensive Trip Plan (see fee below) Request for a Travel Companion (no fee) To prepare a comprehensive Trip Plan we charge a fee of $150 USD . Should the itinerary be accepted and the tour booked with What About Vietnam, the $150 USD is deducted from the whole trip cost. FINAL FACT: The fee is required upfront when requesting the Travel Plan Itinerary and is non-refundable whether you proceed or not with the final plan. We look forward to creating your trip plan. Submit form

  • What About Vietnam | Travel Podcasts | Trip Planning and Design

    What About Vietnam 's Kerry Newsome specialises in informing first-time travelers to Vietnam through podcasts and transcripts. What About Vietnam is your voice of experience. Phone: AUS +614 416 677 793 Trip planning & Design Services What About Vietnam Travel Services _ Home Page share Trip planning Trip planning What About Vietnam Travel Services _ Home Page share 1/15 with Kerry Newsome Request a Quote Request an eMeet Trip planning and itinerary design services provided by What About Vietnam Travel Expert - Kerry Newsome The best travel plans need to be well thought out and NOT one size fits all. If you are starting to feel a bit overwhelmed and confused by so many websites and tours out there, stop here and consider designing your own tour with my help. At What About Vietnam we recognize the importance of trip planning and design. You will have heard from Kerry many times during her shows, talking about managing expectations, planning and being clear about what is most important about your trip to Vietnam. How to arrange a trip plan, click below Request a Trip Plan - Click here To that end, we want to become your specialist in this area. If you are being overwhelmed with the internet flooded with pages and pages of Tour Operators, Tour Companies, Tourism Boards, Facebook post and Travel groups, you may like to hand the job of designing your trip over to us and let us do the work of designing the best trip according to your interests, budget and objective. Your trip planning and itinerary design - isn't one out of the brochure, it's your OWN by design Trip planning and itinerary design for travel to Vietnam requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure an enjoyable and memorable trip. We ask a lot of questions. The process should be tailored and include key elements such as:- Research - Research is crucial when planning a trip to Vietnam. This includes researching the best time to visit, visas and entry requirements, cultural customs and norms, as well as top attractions, cities, and activities. This information will help determine the itinerary and ensure that the trip is planned efficiently and effectively. Budgeting - Budgeting is a key consideration when planning a trip to Vietnam. It is important to determine how much money will be available for travel expenses and allocate it appropriately for accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. This will help ensure that the trip is both affordable and enjoyable. Itinerary Design - Once the research and budgeting have been completed, the itinerary design can begin. This should take into account the traveler's interests, “preferred pace” of travel, travel fitness and budget. The itinerary should include a balance of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation, and should allow for some flexibility to make adjustments if needed. Accommodation - Accommodation should be a priority in the itinerary design. This includes choosing the right type of accommodation, such as hotels, guesthouses, or homestays, and determining the best location based on the traveler's preferences and budget. Do you prefer budget, boutique or do you want to stick to your favourite brands at every possible point? Transportation - Transportation is another key factor in itinerary design. This includes choosing the right mode of transportation, such as flights, trains, or buses, and determining the best route to take to get from one location to another. A well-planned transportation itinerary will help make the trip more efficient and save time, duress on your body and senses, and money. Sometimes spending a few dollars more for a speedy flight in comfort can make all the difference at the other end. Food and Dining - Food and dining should also be considered in the itinerary design. Vietnam is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, and the traveler should make an effort to try as many local dishes as possible. We plan to make it our mission through locals and using favourites of our guests on the Podcast to make sure you have plenty of food experiences to excite any interested palate. Culture and Activities - Culture and activities should be a priority in the itinerary design, as they provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and experience the local way of life. This can include visiting local markets, temples, and historical sites, as well as participating in local festivals and events. In conclusion , In the end the decision is yours. Ultimately we want you to have a great trip that is value money. If we don't provide that, then you have a design to shop around other vendors.

  • Vietnam Travel | What About Vietnam

    The place where you get to discover amazing traveller experiences in Vietnam. Let us know how we can help you with your travel enquiry. WHAT ABOUT VIETNAM with Kerry Newsome Photo Credit - Gerard Gerhard Latest Episode S5-E22 10 things travellers may not know about vietnam 00:00 / 1:11:30 Xin Chao and Welcome to the No 1 Vietnam Travellers Podcast website TRIP PLANNING SERIES 1 SERIES 2 SERIES 3 SERIES 4 SERIES 5 Go to Visa info Welcome to WhatAboutVietnam.com (WAV) as we like to call it! The place where you get to discover amazing traveller experiences in Vietnam Listen - to the "What About Vietnam" - Traveller Insights Podcast here or on your favourite channel. Search - by name of the episode, destination or experience to find the best Podcast, Blog, Transcript or Video to match your enquiry. Read - The Travel Podcast Transcripts and blogs about many different experiences you can enjoy in Vietnam. Save as a PDF or download to print. Watch - Our Trailer Videos on our NEW- YOUTUBE channel Reach out - Send us an email and let us know how we can help you with your travel enquiry. Let me and my guests be your personal guides, mentors, tutors, and fun experts. We all have a story to tell about traveling about, living there or working in Vietnam. Each episode has something for everyone. I hope you will come to know, love, and share this page and my podcast with others to help them discover the true beauty and wonder that is Vietnam. Kerry Newsome Hi, my name is Kerry Newsome and I am your host on the What About Vietnam Podcast. If you have a subject, destination or experience you would like to know more about, why not drop me a quick message here and I will do my utmost to get you the information you have requested. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the next show. Kerry Subscribe to What About Vietnam through your favourite channel And many other channels What About Vietnam is proud to be a member of Auscham Vietnam - Australian Chamber of Commerce Submit Thanks for submitting!

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Blog Posts (30)

  • 10 Festivals in Vietnam travellers should know about

    Of course, TET is the most important festival of the year in Vietnam, and because of that you must see our separate BLOG HERE with everything you should know about TET as a traveler. However, there are 9 other festivals that can affect travellers during the year in Vietnam, totally separate from the universal ones related to westerners as in Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving. 1. Lim Festival So much of the traditional Vietnamese festivals is taken up with its costumes and pageantry. The Lim festival is one of those special ones that includes lots of traditional fair activities in the beautiful setting in the Lim Village. The Lim Festival opens annually on around 12th - 13th day of the first lunar month in the year, February 3, 2023. The festival allows travelers to enjoy the UNESCO-listed Quan Ho folk singing and a variety of traditional games. You’ll see locals performing in traditional costumes and it gives amazing insight into the traditions of Vietnam. The Lim Festival is celebrated in Lim Village which is located in the Bac Ninh Province of Vietnam. The village is only about 11 miles (18 KM) from Hanoi, which you can easily get to by bus or your own rental car. So much of the traditional Vietnamese festivals is taken up with its costumes and pageantry. The Lim festival is one of those special ones that includes lots of traditional fair activities in the beautiful setting in the Lim Village. Photo credit for Lim Festival - https://goviettrip.com/vietnam/lim-festival-vietnam 2. Perfume Pagoda Festival The Perfume Pagoda Festival is Vietnam's famous Buddist pilgrimage site. Held February 5, 2023, this festival welcomes thousands of pilgrims who pray when they arrive at the sacred cave. They pray for a happy and prosperous new year. It takes place in Hanoi at the Perfume Pagoda. During the festival, pilgrims first board boats that pass a beautiful landscape of rice paddies and limestone mountains before going by foot past picturesque historical shrines and up hundreds of stone steps. Photo credit and further information - https://luxtraveldmc.com/blog/perfume-pagoda.html 3. Phu Giay Festival From April 22-27, 2023 in the Nam Dinh Province, the Phu Giay Festival takes place. This festival is a tribute to Lieu Hanh, one of the Vietnamese " 4 immortal gods." Interestingly, Lieu Hanh is the only of the four immortal gods that’s based on a real person. The festival takes place around 55 miles from Hanoi, when the Vietnamese make a pilgrimage to the Phu Giay Temple. The festival offers traditional diversions such as cock-fighting, ​ keo chu , and folk singing. During the festival, many pray for good fortune as they carry decorated bamboo relics while wearing traditional costumes. Further reading - https://vietnamisawesome.com/articles/best-vietnam-festivals 4. Hung King Temple Festival The Hung King Temple Festival takes place on April 29, 2023 and celebrated the birth of Vietnam’s first kings: the Hung Vuong. Hung Vuong became king in 2879 BC, and the story has been embellished over the years. To remember the King and his many sons, people gather at the Hung Temple, located near Việt Trì in Phu Tho province, about 50 miles (80 KM) from Hanoi. Travelers will get to witness hundreds of lanterns being released into the sky the night before the festival. The next morning a beautiful flower ceremony is held, followed by a large processional that begins at the foot of a mountain and ends at the main Hung Temple. Photo credit - https://vietnamisawesome.com/articles/best-vietnam-festivals 5. Hue Festival The Hue Festival of 2023 is to span the entire year! With continuous activities through the entire year, the Hue Festival begins with an opening program known as the Ban Soc ceremony in January, and ending with a Countdown Show on December 31, 2023. The festival is Biennial, meaning it happens once every 2 years. The festival features theater, dance, music, and acrobatics that are performed in different places around the city, although most of the activities are conducted around the grounds of the Hue Citadel. Have a listen to Hue The City - Past, Present and Future for more information about Hue. 6. Reunification Day Celebrated on April 30th, Reunification Day was celebrated when South Vietnam was freed from U.S Troops. This was the day that South Vietnam joined North Vietnam under one government. The people of Vietnam celebrate their Reunification date each year on this date. The day is celebrated throughout Vietnam, but travelers should head to larger cities such as Hoi An or HCMC to take part. There is an amazing parade in Hanoi as well as fireworks displays in Danang. HCMC in particular goes crazy late into the evening and lots of events will be held, so make sure you check these out, and where these are held as traffic is beyond description. Find more detail about this very special day here - https://hoiannow.com/hoi-an-guide/festivals-in-vietnam/reunification-day-vietnam/ 7. Buddha’s Birthday Also known as Vasek, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated each year by the Vietnamese. Celebrated on May 26, 2023, temples are adorned with lavish decorations to celebrate the birth of Buddha. Locals often offer fruit, flower garlands, and traditional Vietnamese dishes. Hoi An is one of the best places to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday, which is held at the Phap Bao Pagoda. Locals then head to the temple to perform religious rites, and listen to the Buddha’s scriptures. During the festival animals are released while flower garlands and lanterns are often placed on river banks. 8. Independence Day Vietnam's Independence Day is celebrated on September 2 every year. This euphoric celebration celebrates the independence of Vietnam in a grand way. This is a public holiday in Vietnam, meaning many things will be closed in smaller towns. Independence Day is celebrated throughout Vietnam, but as a traveler it is best to go to Hanoi or HCMC to celebrate. In HCMC where I was staying at the time of these celebrations the atmosphere was electric. There are many events in the main cities, but more so in HCMC. Beware of traffic if you have to get to the airport as it is crazier than usual and many roads get closed off. For further reading and photo credit - https://www.edarabia.com/vietnam/national-day/ 9. Mid Autumn Festival Celebrated on September 16/17 September, 2024, the Mid Autumn Festival features a wide range of activities for all. You’ll see paper lanterns, lion dancing, and food booths that sell a variety of Vietnamese treats. Otherwise known as the Harvest Festival, households often display offerings in honor of the full moon. Hoi An is a great place to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival. As a traveler you will see plenty of street performances, a beautiful lantern processional, and exhibits throughout the town. This one is a special one and many travellers base their trip around as they want to be part of the pageantry. It is always noisy, fun, colourful and the vibe is always around fun and mainly focused on children, so families, I suggest it would be. areal treat for kids. Find more detail here - https://www.vietravel.com/en/cultures-and-customs/legend-of-midautumn-festival-in-vietnam-v11383.aspx It’s a good idea to keep these festivals in mind when planning your trip to Vietnam. Travellers can certainly get a better glimpse into Vietnamese culture by taking part in them, but sometimes its best to avoid them or plan around them as with nearly 100 million people, things can get congested and make travel plans difficult if you haven'tt planned for them. Happy travels. Kerry Newsome

  • Recent Vietnam Scams and How to Avoid Them

    Staying Vigilant or going in “Eyes wide open” Recent Vietnam Scams and How to Avoid Them There has been a lot of recent hype about Vietnam and scams causing people serious concern and often outrage. While I continue to travel to Vietnam many times in a year, I am mindful of these scams. However I certainly don’t give them any more weight than I would do for any other country I visit. While it’s said a holiday is about chilling out and being super relaxed, that doesn’t mean switching off your normal antennas for trouble or things that don’t sound right, or feel right. That gut feeling is there for a reason. I prefer to recommend “staying alert” rather than being “vigilant’ as vigilant sounds so unnecessarily aggressive, and for the most part, I have not found myself caught by any of the scams I am about to tell you about. That isn’t to say they don’t exist. Maybe because I am well versed in the country’s eccentricities, I don’t confuse issues that rise up as being scams. Sometimes they are just miscommunications. However, I did have a Taxi issue I will explain more about below. 1. Taxi Scams: Reports suggest that some taxi drivers in major cities have been involved in scams where they manipulate meters or take unnecessarily long routes to inflate fares. To avoid this, opt for reputable taxi companies ( VinaSun, Mai Linh) or ride-sharing apps GRAB, BE ; check on Google Maps prior to leaving the approximate time and distance away, and always check there is a meter running. Personally, I prefer to use the GRAB App, as I get to match my name, with the drivers booking, cost of trip and the name of place. I pay in cash and I always tip and give a rating. Trust me, it’s a good thing to do on many levels. My Taxi scam experience: One thing to watch for is taxis lurking in areas close to markets, kind of alone. In the beginning I thought, “great” I am tired and here is a taxi, so my 2 sisters and I jumped in. I showed him the address of our hotel on my phone and he hardly looked at it. I instantly got a bad feeling. I said ‘meter’, he nodded. But no meter was on. I asked how much in Dong? He said 200k for a 50 K trip. I said no. He immediately locked all the doors. I had a moment of panic. I immediately started taking photos of his face, his license on dashboard, and I said “let us out or I will call the POLICE. I shouted police and started to wind down windows. He was going to start driving when I said to my sisters to bash on windows of car. He stopped, opened doors, and I forcefully ushered my sisters to get out of the car fast. Which we did. He drove off at a fast pace. Good riddance. That was it. A reminder that I’d taken my eyes off my game by not sticking to what I would normally do. I used my Grab App and we got picked up by a lovely driver in nice car and made our way back to hotel. So, you see it can happen to the best of us. 2. Street Vendor Overcharging: While street food is a highlight of Vietnamese cuisine, there have been instances of street vendors overcharging unsuspecting tourists. To avoid falling victim, establish the price before making a purchase and consider checking with locals for reasonable price ranges. This is always hard to mitigate as each area may endure different cost factors for the same item, so if its 50c extra you pay and think worth haggling over versus OVER the top $10 extra, then I suggest don’t buy it. Look further afield for better value. The same thing happens when buying water in my country. Shops in the same shopping centre, can vary from $2.50 to $5.00. Isn’t that a scam or overcharging? It’s a hard one to measure and find what to measure it by? 3. Fake Tour Operators: The rise of online booking has given scammers the opportunity to pose as legitimate tour operators. This is scary, and I raise a flag here. Be cautious when booking tours online, especially if the prices seem too good to be true. Research reviews and book through reputable platforms or agencies. Facebook is prolific in Vietnam so there is always the option to check the company out by their FB page and communicate directly with operator. Be thoughtful about how you pay for services. Say you will pay cash on completion if you are doubtful or type the tour company name into a Vietnam travel group page like Vietnam for Smart for tourists and Vietnam - The Travellers Experience and see if it gets any hits? Or reach out to yours truly to design you a private tour through my What About Vietnam Trip planning services. 4. Motorbike Rental Scams: Reports indicate scams involving motorbike rentals, where unscrupulous operators claim damages to the vehicle that were already present. Thoroughly inspect the bike before renting, take pictures of any pre-existing damage, and ensure clear communication about terms and conditions. This is a must. Especially for longer trips, I would advise going through a reputable bike company who can back you up if you have a breakdown, or if you need any further assistance during your ride. One very well known company is Easy Riders, and if you are planning a long trip you shouldn't go past Vietnam Coracle for this trips and local bike riding advice 5. Fake Tickets: In popular tourist destinations like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there have been reports of fake tickets being sold for attractions. Purchase tickets directly from official vendors or the venue to ensure their authenticity. Or if you have a tour Operator, ask your Guide to purchase for you to ensure you get the exact tickets you want. That way nothing gets lost in translation. Tips to Avoid Scams: Research and Plan: Familiarize yourself with common scams reported by other travelers. Platforms like travel forums, facebook groups and blogs can provide valuable insights. However, be warned some situations can be over dramatized and toxic. Without sounding like I am blowing my own trumpet, you might like to listen to some travellers in your area of interest on the Podcast, as we don’t pull any punches and if there is a local scam we usually put it out there. 2. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local news and travel advisories for updates on prevalent scams. 3. Use Reputable Services: Choose well-known taxi companies, established tour operators, and trusted accommodation options. 4. Bargain Wisely: Bargaining is common in Vietnam, especially in markets. However, do it with respect and be aware of the reasonable price range for goods or services. I can’t stress this one enough. I warn people to only bargain if you really are interested in the product. If not say “I just want to know YOUR final price” and if it’s not what you want to pay, then walk away. Special Note: It is becoming increasingly more popular for shops to present fixed price options so if you see a ticketed item, the price is non-negotiable. Unless you buy many and you then you may get a discount. 5.Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts and be cautious in unfamiliar situations. Vietnam's beauty and warmth are best enjoyed when travellers are informed and they go in with “eyes wide open”. Not everything is going to go exactly to plan, so plan on that, and you will be fine. By using those god given instincts, and implementing a few simple precautions, visitors can make the most of their time in this captivating country without falling victim to any unscrupulous practices. Top of Form Written b y - Kerry Newsome - Founder and Host - What About Vietnam

  • Discovering the Enchanting Flowers of Dalat, Vietnam: A Floral Paradise

    Nestled amidst the lush highlands of Vietnam, the city of Dalat is a haven for nature lovers and enthusiasts of all things beautiful. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and pleasant climate, Dalat boasts an impressive array of flowers that paint the city in vibrant colors throughout the year. From stunning gardens to vibrant markets, there's no shortage of places to immerse oneself in the captivating world of Dalat's flowers. In our latest Podcast talking with Vicki Thai, we delve into some of the most memorable elements of her stay in Dalat. You can check out the whole Episode here A little bit about The Everlastings that Kerry and Vicki discuss on the podcast. The "Everlasting flowers", scientifically known as Helichrysum bracteatum, are a remarkable and cherished botanical feature of Vietnam's natural landscape. These unique flowers are commonly referred to as "everlastings" due to their ability to retain their vibrant colors, shape, and texture even after they have been harvested and dried. This exceptional trait has made them popular choices for various decorative and ornamental purposes, including flower arrangements, crafts, and even herbal remedies. If you have never been to Dalat you will notice some very distinguishable differences about the city, in comparison to the rest of Vietnam. A stay here is made extra special if you have time to check out some of the lovely displays of flowers in and around the city and in many of the gardens that adorn hotels and local establishments. In the podcast Vicki refers to Dalat's unique climate, with its cool temperatures and ample rainfall, it provides an ideal environment for a diverse range of flowers to flourish. As a result, the city has earned its moniker as the "City of Flowers" in Vietnam. Visitors can expect to encounter an array of both native and imported flowers, creating a breathtaking symphony of colors and fragrances that captivate the senses. However, it may be the "mist" that accompanies some days while you visit that may give it some of its magical charm. Prime Locations to Admire Flowers Dalat Flower Park Valley of Love Dalat Market What you can hope to see! Dalat Flower Park: A visit to the Dalat Flower Park is a must for anyone looking to be enveloped in a sea of blossoms. The park boasts an extensive collection of flowers, including roses, hydrangeas, and orchids. Each season brings a different set of blooms, ensuring that there's always something new and captivating to see. The park's annual Flower Festival, typically held in December, is a highlight that draws visitors from around the world. Valley of Love: Beyond its romantic reputation, the Valley of Love is also a botanical wonderland. Among the rolling hills and tranquil lakes, visitors can discover a variety of vibrant flowers, from colorful pansies to delicate daisies. The lush landscapes make this destination perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you. Dalat Market: For a taste of local life and an opportunity to bring some of Dalat's floral charm back home, a visit to the Dalat Market is a must. Here, stalls are adorned with an assortment of fresh flowers, potted plants, and handcrafted floral arrangements. It's an excellent place to experience the local flower culture and purchase a piece of Dalat's beauty. The Best Time to Visit Dalat's flowers are a year-round spectacle, with different seasons showcasing varying blooms. However, to make the most of your floral adventure, consider planning your visit during these key times: Spring (January to March): During this time, the city comes alive with vibrant colors as various flowers, including peach blossoms and cherry blossoms, bloom. The Tet Festival (Lunar New Year) adds to the festive atmosphere, making it an ideal time to experience the city's culture and flowers. Summer (April to June): As temperatures rise, a plethora of exotic and tropical flowers come into full bloom, including roses, hydrangeas, and orchids. The Dalat Flower Festival, typically held in December every other year, is a grand celebration of the city's floral beauty. Autumn (September to November): The autumn months bring a sense of tranquility to Dalat's landscapes. Marigolds, chrysanthemums, and dahlias dominate the scenery, providing a soothing palette of warm hues. Find out more about this amazing city from the podcast with the lovely Vicki Thai - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/series-5/episode-3/heritage-and-discovery-in-saigon-the-mekong-delta-and-dalat

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