What about Vietnam blog about travel tips and holidays in Vietnam S3-25 One teenagers holiday views Episode 25 Be pleasantly surprised by the views of this teenager Go to Episode S3-21 Learn "shopping words" Episode 21 Language tips in Vietnam Learn best shopping words Go to Episode S3-17 Mui Ne Beach bliss experiences Episode 17 A sun kissed paradise with amazing experiences. Go to Episode S3-13 Vietnamese Noodles Episode 13 Experience the quintessential favourite, Pho. Go to Episode S3-09 Photographic experiences Episode 9 Rich in history and culture and yet bursting to change. Go to Episode S3-05 Ha Giang Loop Episode 5 Ha Giang Loop adventure, Vietnam's final frontier Go to Episode S3-01 Travel Industry Experts Episode 1 Insights into Vietnam travel beyond 2021 Go to Episode S3-24 Phu Quoc A scenic island paradise Episode 24 Pgu Quoc is a highly sought after destination Go to Episode S3-20 Learn "special dietary needs" Episode 20 Language tips in Vietnamese Learn "special dietary needs" Go to Episode S3-16 Things NOT always in a tour Episode 16 Discussing the broader challenges in travel planning Go to Episode S3-12 From Tourist to Resident Episode 12 What would it be like to live in a foreign country? Go to Episode S3-08 Food Adventure Episode 8 Fun Hanoi foodie adventure to blow your mind Go to Episode S3-04 Dishes of Danang Episode 4 Must try local dishes with Vietnam Food Safari Go to Episode S3-23 Your next wellness destination Episode 23 The Alba Wellness Resort - a great destination Go to Episode S3-19 Learn "Greetings" Episode 19 Language tips in Vietnam week 1 - "greetings" Go to Episode S3-15 Travel time in Vietnam P2 Episode 15 How much time to allow for a visit and to where. Go to Episode S3-11 Saigons Covid Recovery Outlook Episode 11 Lockdown insights and upcoming travel advice Go to Episode S3-07 Positive tourism Episode 7 Leaving a positive footprint through social enterprise Go to Episode S3-03 Saigon HCMC Districts Episode 3 Samantha Coomber guides us through Saigon's districts Go to Episode S3-22 Phong Nha Caves in depth Episode 22 Fast becoming a major draw card for adventure seekers. Go to Episode S3-18 Emerging comedy in Saigon Episode 18 A happening comedy scene for laughs in Saigon Go to Episode S3-14 Travel Opening up P1 Episode 14 After months of being closed, the doors are opening Go to Episode S3-10 Top 5 Travel Podcasts Episode 10 These episodes remind me why I started this journey Go to Episode S3-06 Diving in Vietnam Episode 6 Jeremy Stein takes us diving in the best locations Go to Episode S3-02 Mu Cang Chai Episode 2 Colourful landscapes of the village of Mu Cang Chai Go to Episode

What about Vietnam blog about travel tips and holidays in Vietnam S4-25 A fun Guide to droning - Photos Part 3 Episode 25 A fun guide to droning in Vietnam - Photos Part 3 Go to Episode S4-21 Beyond the Phong Nha caves Episode 21 There is more to Phong Nha than just the caves Go to Episode S4-17 Vietnam Traveller Insights 2022 Episode 17 The best Vietnam traveller insights from 2022 Go to Episode S4-13 Citizen 44 podswap Episode 13 A feeling of an injection of colour into my soul Go to Episode S4-09 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P1 Episode 9 What is truly distinct about Northern Vietnam cuisine Go to Episode S4-05 Nha Trang 10 best things Episode 5 10 best things about Nha Trang you may not know Go to Episode S4-01 Art in Vietnam Episode 1 The artist’s true technique of storytelling Go to Episode S4-24 Take beautiful photos Part 2 Episode 24 Mastering photography in Vietnam - Part 2 Go to Episode S4-20 Life changer for singer songwiter Episode 20 Hoi An – A life changer for a singer songwriter Go to Episode S4-16 Mystical Ninh Binh Episode 16 Mountainous peaks and a labrynth of waterways Go to Episode S4-12 Contemporary Art in Vietnam Episode 12 Contemporary art is shining fresh eyes on Vietnam. Go to Episode S4-08 Travel Addict podswap Episode 8 Travel Addict Show (podswap) talking Vietnam with Kerry Newsome Go to Episode S4-04 Vietnam Wedding Planning Episode 4 When planning a wedding there are so many factors... Go to Episode S4-23 Take beautiful photos Part 1 Episode 23 Mastering photography in Vietnam - Part 1 Go to Episode S4-19 Vietnam wins the heart of the daring Episode 19 A country to feel safe in while pushing boundaries Go to Episode S4-15 Travelling as a solo woman Episode 15 A favourite destination amongst female travellers Go to Episode S4-11 Revisiting Vietnam Episode 11 It's my turn to to revisit Vietnam and check it out Go to Episode S4-07 Hue the city Past Present Future Episode 7 Boasting a patchwork of imperialism and French colonialism Go to Episode S4-03 Travel Outlook 2022-23 Episode 3 I am the guest here talking about Vietnam travel Go to Episode S4-22 Trekking in Sapa A wide lens view Episode 22 The cultural component of trekking in Sapa Go to Episode S4-18 Luxury Brand Travel Experiences Episode 18 Luxury brand travel experiences in Vietnam Go to Episode S4-14 Con Dao Islands Eprisode 14 An archipelago of pristine beauty and complexity Go to Episode S4-10 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P2 Episode 10 Northern Vietnam cuisine diversity and charm Go to Episode S4-06 Craft beers in Vietnam Episode 6 The “biggest” best leaked Vietnam travel secrets Go to Episode S4-02 Fine Dining Vietnam Episode 2 Vietnam is legendary for its street food and chefs Go to Episode

What about Vietnam blog about travel tips and holidays in Vietnam S2-25 River Cruising Vietnam Episode 25 Cruising Vietnam is a truly immersive experience Go to Episode S2-21 Vietnamese Trail Marathons Episode 21 We discuss the fun of trail marathons in Vietnam Go to Episode S2-17 Wellness and Healing Episode 17 In all the natural beauty and culture you can find yourself Go to Episode S2-13 Skin Wellness retreat Episode 13 Special retreat focusing on skin wellness Go to Episode S2-09 Phong Nha Caves Episode 9 World's largest cave at Phong Nha National Park. Go to Episode S2-05 Explore Mai Chau Episode 5 Exploring the threaded history of textiled in Mai Chau Go to Episode S2-01 Historical Hoi An Episode 1 We share with you some of the history of Hoi An. Go to Episode S2-24 Explore Bac Ha Markets Episode 24 Discover a world time forgot at Bac Ha markets Go to Episode S2-20 Saigon Nightlife scoop Episode 20 Finding the best nightlife in buzzing Saigon Go to Episode S2-16 Danang Community Sprit Episode 16 How Danang offers up a new kind of experience Go to Episode S2-12 Health and Wellness Retreats Episode 12 Health and wellness retreats - what to look for. Go to Episode S2-08 Vietnam wedding Destination Episode 8 Inspired by love, Vietnam is an idyllic wedding destination Go to Episode S2-04 Tam Ky and Tam Thanh Beach Episode 4 Tam Ky and Tam Thanh beach - not on the regular tourist track yet! Go to Episode S2-23 Vietnam Cooking Classes Episode 23 Why you should do more than one cooking class Go to Episode S2-19 Culture History through food Episode 19 When it is about the food it is because it is fantastic Go to Episode S2-15 Sapa North Vietnam Episode 15 Phil Hoolihan takes us beyond the tourist tracks Go to Episode S2-11 Golf in Vietnam Episode 11 Unrivaled golfing experiences and locations Go to Episode S2-07 Hoi An Top 10 must dos Episode 7 Expat guides us through the top 10 must do things in Hoi An. Go to Episode S2-03 Family Friendly Vietnam Episode 3 Is Vietnam family-friendly? With guest Suzie Slingsby. Go to Episode S2-22 Wild Monkeys of Danang Episode 22 Monkeys in the wild at Son Tra Nature Reserve Danang Go to Episode S2-18 Masterminding your trip Episode 18 Discover and mastermind your Vietnam experiences Go to Episode S2-14 Social Enterprise Travel Episode 14 Vietnam is the ideal place for social enterprise travel Go to Episode S2-10 Dental Holiday in Vietnam Episode 10 Holiday and save money on dentistry Go to Episode S2-06 Top 5 Photography locations Episode 6 The best locations in Vietnam for photographic scenic delights. Go to Episode S2-02 Shopping Vietnam Episode 2 Shopping for Designer, Tailoring and Sustainable in Vietnam Go to Episode

What about Vietnam blog about travel tips and holidays in Vietnam S1-E11 Episode 11 As 2025 draws to a close here are some reflections. Go to Episode S1-07 8 Tips for travel during Tet Episode 7 8 Tips for Vietnam travellers during TET Go to Episode S1-03 Travel within Vietnam Episode 3 How should you travel to and in Vietnam and is it safe? Go to Episode S1-E10 Getting your Visa right Episode 10 No Visa or Evisa – Getting it right in 2025 Go to Episode S1-06 Culture and Visas Episode 6 Vietnam from a cultural and historical standpoint. Go to Episode S1-02 Best Time to Travel in Vietnam Episode 2 Know the best time to as a travel manager and “its important”. Go to Episode S1-E09 Vietnam Travel First Impressions Episode 9 Travelling Vietnam for the first time? Go to Episode S1-05 Accommodation Episode 5 Five golden rules on getting the best accommodation Go to Episode S1-08 Join a packaged group tour or DIY Episode 8 The big Decision. A packaged tour or DIY Go to Episode S1-04 What can you buy Episode 4 What does your Dong buy you in Vietnam? Go to Episode

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S4-16 Mystical Ninh Binh Ninh Binh - The mystical rival to Halong Bay Episode 16 S4-16 Mystical Ninh Binh 00:00 / 25:27 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 Halong Bay’s mystical rival. My guest, Jack Taylor joins me on the show. His talents lie in the skilful way he has captured the essence of the region in his videos. Jack, an English teacher by profession has been travelling and living abroad for most of his adult life. You must check out his You Tube channel “I go cool places”. As you will see in Jack’s video of Ninh Binh the outstanding beauty and serenity are breathtaking. Jack does a great job in giving us some handy tips for staying in the region, what are the best times to visit and some of “The Must Do” things. I hope you enjoy the show. I wanted to wrap up the year of 2022 and go out with a bang, and I couldn’t think of a better way to do it. Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and safe and prosperous New Year. See you in 2023. Time Stamps:- 8.14 How best to describe Ninh Binh 9.45 How long should you stay 11.19 Must do things 15.16 The cave system 18.00 Foods unique to the region 19.57 How to spend your time wisely 20.10 The stand out experience 21.27 Best accommodation in nature Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

22d51e23-8e77-4448-b2e9-230c6f281ad0The best locations in Vietnam for photographic scenic delights. What About Vietnam - Series 2 – 6 The TOP 5 travel photography locations in Vietnam Kerry: Xin Chao and welcome to What About Vietnam. If there's one thing I know about travel, that is that we all love to take photographs, we all want to record that beautiful journey that we've had to that special place. Today, I'm going to be talking to someone who knows a lot about this subject, as he runs his own photo tours all through Southeast Asia, but in particular, his favorite spot is Vietnam. Etienne Bossot joins us today from Hoi An and he opens our discussion with a little bit about what's happening in Vietnam, amid the COVID crisis and the upsurge in a second wave. As we're recording this in August 2020, we didn't want to get too stuck on that, but it was good to hear from Etienne, just a little bit of the background to what's been going on with COVID and how Vietnam has handled it so valiantly up until now. And it still goes on to really get it under control as the center point is in, Danang very close to Hoi An, more about Etienne in the sense that Etienne does offer some fantastic tours throughout Southeast Asia. He's been doing this for over 13 years. He specializes in people photography, and there certainly is an art to taking people photography seriously and an art to getting it right and doing it in a way that from both you as the photographer, and the person you taking the photograph of, are both very happy about the outcome, he will share with us some of the best places. His top five best places to visit in Vietnam. And we're going to get lots of tips and hints about how to take great photos. Please welcome Etienne to the show. Hello Etienne, how are you? Etienne: I'm fine thanks and you? Kerry: Not too bad. Well, I'm in cold winter rugged up Sydney. How is things in Hoi An? Etienne: Oh, I am in hot summery, sweaty Hoi An. Kerry: Nothing has changed. Etienne: Nothing has changed, no. Kerry: As far as the weather anyway. So, tell us a little bit about how things have changed amid COVID…. a lot going on in the news. So, I’d love to get your recap on just what's going on in Vietnam and of course your local Hoi An. Etienne: Okay, so what happened is at the beginning of what I could call the COVID crisis in March, April, actually Vietnam managed the situation really well and managed to trace the few people who were tested positive. So, they managed to handle the spread of the virus. And there was about three months of time in Vietnam when there was no COVID anymore you could travel freely, there was not a single case recorded, tested, there was not a single death happening with COVID and something strange happen about 10 days ago, they tested someone positive in the Binh Nam and no one knows where it comes from, this person had actually already passed away, but he was an old man who was already sick with like kidney disease and things like this. But no one really knows where these things come from. You know, people talk about illegal Chinese immigrant, but in Vietnam, people always take shortcuts to start blaming the Chinese very quickly. So, you need to take things with a pinch of salt. So, what happens now is since four days, we are back into complete lockdown in Danang, in Hoi An, it's a semi locked down, but the difference this time is, is the first time it was a lock down, but people were like going out a little bit and going to have coffee with friends and things. I mean, people were following the rules, but it was pretty chill. This time I can really feel between the expat community and the Vietnamese people, everyone is taking things much more seriously because there was not a single case of COVID in Vietnam for a long time and it was like the pride of the country. And you can tell people really want to get back to this last three months when you could travel freely in Vietnam, Vietnam was back to normal except for the international tourism. So, everyone is really taking things seriously, this time people are staying home, everyone's wearing masks and the government is actually testing as many people as they can in the central Vietnam area. And I actually believe if they continue to do the job they do now in a couple of weeks, we might be COVID free again. Kerry: Let's hope so. I think what I have admired the most about the Vietnamese government and the Vietnamese people themselves is that they have been very strict on themselves. I mean, here in Australia, we have unfortunately some stories around people just, taking things too lightly and being vagrant, and that has caused outbreaks in particular in Melbourne. But what I do admire about the Vietnamese and I think it actually leans to their fear of illness, which I know is very high. They fear illness, almost the highest thing that they fear in the world. So, they go to all ends that I've noticed to avoid illness. So, I really admire just the attitude and them being proactive and jumping on this really early. Etienne: Yeah, and definitely the Vietnamese people are people who listen to what the government tell them. They trust in the government because I mean, let's be honest for the last 20 years Vietnam has been doing really well. So, what people think is not to be critical towards the government so much, because things are doing really well in Vietnam. And Vietnam and like a lot of Asian countries, it's a more collectivist country than in the West, we are more individually. So, we think about ourselves a bit too much, we tend to be a little bit more selfish and then it tends to happens, people say, no, I don't want to wear a mask because it's my freedom and really ridiculous things like this, yeah. Whereas people are not like this in Vietnam, because people understand it's for the good of everyone that everyone should wear a mask. Kerry: It's a collective, yes agreed. Alright now you've been in the tourism industry for a long time and specializing in your photographic tours, which you do so well. I mean, just really quickly, how do you see Vietnam and tourism in the future? Like, just if you were to crystal ball, what would you say? Are we going to have the buses outside the old town? Like we have in the past, what are your thoughts there? Etienne: Well, I actually I sold my crystal ball last year because I realized that was not a good idea. Kerry: Good idea. Etienne: I'm really good at predicting things for the future, honestly, I do not know. It completely depends on how the situation evolves around the world. Let's say if Europe and the US and maybe Australia is still stuck in a COVID crisis, the first people to come back to Vietnam will be the Asian markets. And the Asian market is the one that is being shipped by bus and electric car through the old town and making the streets very busy with groups of people doing selfies and things like this, which is fine for the businesses located into the old town, but every other tour business, every little homestay located in the countryside around Hoi An, things like this, they don't really rely on this market to survive. So, for Hoi An to be doing well, like it used to, we need Asian tourism, and we need Western tourism, but who knows when things will get back to normal, if they ever get back to normal. Kerry: Yes. And what normal will look like in the future, I think is up for grabs in anyone's language. Etienne: Yeah. Kerry: So, let's concentrate on the stuff we do know about and certainly what you know about which is photography. And let's talk about your experience in that area and if you were to talk to our listeners who are avid or keen travel photographers, what is it in Vietnam that would be most appealing to a travel photographer? Etienne: So, the best thing about Vietnam, and I would say Southeast Asia in general is mostly what people appreciate is the facility, how easy it is compared to the West to take photos of people. And this is something that is really amazing when you're arrive in Southeast Asia, is that you can take photos of people and you can interact with them and it's fine. Whereas in the West, people are very suspicious when you take photos of them. Kerry: Yeah, for sure. Etienne: For the wrong reasons, I believe people are a little bit too paranoid. But that's one of the first thing that people enjoy when they come here, and which is what I enjoy as well. And which is the reason why our photography tours and workshops focus 99% on people, photography, and the art of approaching people to take their picture and to compose great images with the human element inside. Kerry: Okay. Etienne: The other thing people enjoy is how easy it is to travel around, and you go around, and you grab a bus, and you grab a driver, and you can go pretty much everywhere you want. So, you've got the freedom of traveling, things are not restricted, etc. So, you feel safe, you feel free to travel where you want, and it really helps when you can focus on your photography then. Kerry: Okay, and I mean, I think our social media and all of our travel guides are absolutely always full of the most amazing scenery photography. I mean, there is some amazing scenery you and I have both seen that. Is that something that photographers also come to capture and to do well, obviously it's a different style and a different skillset. Can you talk to us a little bit about that? Etienne: Well, it's a little bit more, I mean, if you come from Australia and you're used to a driving an hour and find this huge empty wide landscape, where you can compose some really good sceneries, it's a little bit more difficult to find these things in Vietnam, because there's a very high density of population on the coastline. So, as soon as you're on the coastline, you will have electric wires and new pictures. You will have some big flashy signs in the background that will be a little town or a little city that is kind of spoiling your background. There are some amazing spots, the difficult thing about Vietnam is that we are facing East. And if you want to catch the beautiful lights, you have to wake up really early to catch the sunrise because the sunset is over the mountains of Laos. And we usually don't have that amazing sunset, but the sunrise is just mind blowing. So, it's a little bit trickier, you;ve got to wake up at 3:30 or 4 in the morning to catch a 4:30, 4:45 sunrise, you know what I mean? Which is what we do on our photography tours because there is human activity as early as four in the morning in fishing villages and things like this. But it's a little bit more difficult and sometimes I've tried it. I've tried with my groups and I've tried myself and I say, okay, this morning, I'm going to take a landscape photo, yeah. And I arrive in the morning and I set up my tripod and I wait for the light to be good and here's people going on around me and I'm thinking, ooh, if I should shoot that woman here in the water, that would be so nice, and I just forget about my scenery shot and jump on the people. Kerry: So, people is your love is, is that capturing them in motion? And I've heard you often speak about the reality of photos rather than how shall I say staged photos. I think you've spoken quite vividly about that, and I admire you for that because I think that's reality. And I've done one of your tours, which I loved, which was about creating and being able to take photos of real people in real life situations and I definitely rate that highly. I'm going to jump in here and ask a big question and I know some people hate answering it, but if I were to say to you, do you have like five, just five top places in Vietnam that you would say would be extremely desirable, for other travel photographer to visit. Do you have five that you would recommend? And we can actually go through one, two, three, four, five, and we can break them apart, but do you have five? Etienne: Alright, so okay well my first choice would be obviously Hoi An. Okay, because I'm based and because I live in Hoi An. Anyone who has ever been to Hoi An or have seen images of Hoi An, you know that Hoi An is basically like a movie set. The old town is just magnificent with his old Vilas, all the walls are yellow, and it's still a mix of modernity and tradition in Hoi An. So of course, if you go into the old town, I mean, one year ago, if you were going into the old town 5:00 PM, it was just tourist everywhere. But if you go into the old town at five in the morning or six in the morning, it's basically Vietnamese, there are no tourists, you are back into the real Vietnam, it's just amazing, the market is busy, people are very friendly. In between two photos you stop on the side of the road to have some noodle soup and some good coffee. I mean, it's just so easy to travel and being in Hoi An, there is choice of hotel, there's a choice of restaurant, there's a choice of spa. You can go have a massage in between two photo shoots, I mean, it's just so easy. So, that would be my first choice and that's why we run a lot of photography tours in central Vietnam. Kerry: Okay, we put that down as number one. Etienne: Yeah, number one. Kerry: So, number two. Etienne: Number two well, I don't know if I'm allowed to do that, but I'm just going to spread the area a little bit wider. And I would say the countryside around Hoi An, which is very highly unexplored. A lot of people come to Hoi An and stay in Hoi An. But if you drive five, 10 kilometers outside of town, you are 20 years behind Hoi An. You suddenly reach this countryside where people have never seen a tourist before. It's just that easy, you drive 10 minutes on a motorbike, and you are in a place where people have never seen a tourist before. And it's just then so easy to go and take photos there because naturally when you are positive and you have a positive way of thinking and approaching people and you come with a big smile and you come and talk to the people and take photos and chat with them, people are very curious because they never see tourists here. So, you don't have to do the work of approaching them to take their picture. They come to you already, oh, what are you doing here, are you lost? Which country are you from? And oh, why you speak Vietnamese and how long have you been here and why. And boom you don't have to do anything; people come and approach you. So, it's so much easier to go and take photos of them because you don't have to deal with this. Ah, maybe they don't want me to take photo of them, no they just come to you already and smile. So, it just makes it so much easier and it's something I recommend anyone coming to Hoi An to do, is to rent a motorbike or even a bicycle. And to cross that giant Cam Nam bridge that new bridge on the river. And as soon as you arrive south of Hoi An, it is completely untouched in this whole area. Kerry: And there's beautiful cultural aspects to that as in farming and handcrafts and the markets. And so, it's not just the people, but it's also their environments, isn't it? Etienne: Yeah. Kerry: It's where they live and they carrying on as if time has forgotten them, almost. Etienne: It’s a jump back in time, you do one more kilometer and it's like five years before, and then you do five more kilometers and then you arrive in a field where they don't harvest the rice with the machine, they're still doing it by hand, but two kilometers behind you saw the machine, yeah. I mean, the more you go towards the mountain area to Laos, the more you get back in time, more and more and more and more. Yeah. So, it's just fantastic to travel there and the people are so, so friendly. Kerry: Yes, so number three. Etienne: Number three, which I was about to put that into number two, but I put it in number three, but still, it should be number one, like really, it's for me, it's the mountains of North Vietnam. And once you go into North Vietnam and you see these mountains, which have been sculpted into rice patties and the way the minority people have just modify the whole landscape to create this stunning, like for landscape photography it is just amazing and for people photography as well, that rural markets and people in the field and minority villages, this is just, we run photography tours in North Vietnam every year in September during the rice harvest. It's Just still one of my favorite tours to run. Even after eight years of going there every year or several times a year, it's just fantastic. I was there two weeks ago. Kerry: And you know, it's funny, you say you've you go there several times and you still find something new, don't you. That's what I find about Vietnam, I go back to some of the same places, but there's just something new to discover; you talking about Sapa and Hanoi, can you give me locations where you go in North Vietnam specifically? Etienne: Well, from North Vietnam you can go from Hanoi, you can basically go to Mai Chau. Either on the highway or with a train and from Mai Chau you either go left towards Sapa, which Sapa was a place to avoid from the last three, four years. Kerry: Yeah. Etienne: It's been overcrowded with Chinese and construction and it became ugly full of concrete. But actually, now is a really good time to go there. And I have a lot of friends who live in Vietnam, who are actually in the North right now, it's fantastic time to travel in Vietnam now. If you can, I mean, until five days ago because there are no international tourism, and all the homestays are open. So, you could basically travel through the country without any other tourists, but it's fantastic. But as you said, it's changing every year, every year you go and the field is different and mostly from the photography point of view on that day, the light is different and that field was busy with people, but then you come, two weeks later, the field is gone. There's nothing, the light is different, and they are doing something else on some other field or in the market. And there's always new things to find. And when it's about people, photography is what I love about it. Yeah, landscape is a landscape. If you wake up early in the morning, you set up your camera, take a photo, then suddenly your cloud shows up, well, there's nothing you can do, you just go home. People photography, you can move around them and if they're in the field and a cloud shows up and it start raining, well, then you follow them. They will invite you to have some tea in their house, and then you can keep shooting in different environments. and it's just so dynamic and interesting. Kerry: Yes, definitely and let's face it. People make everything don't they like, because they have a personality, because they have a locality to speak to, they have a history, and they have emotions. And I think that is what is most desirable in people photography, certainly from my point of view anyway. Etienne: Yeah, definitely. Kerry: Okay, so I'm up to number four. What's your number four, Etienne: Oh, number four let me think. I think for four, I recently really fell in love with, so, it's not one particular area, but something I would recommend to any tourists coming to Hoi An is to go and explore the coastline between Hoi An and basically Qui Nhon. So, Qui Nhon is located South basically. Kerry: So, we talking Tam Ky. Etienne: I'm talking from Tam ky and heading South of that, the next 200 kilometers coastline. Kerry: Oh, Yeah. Etienne: It's a completely untouched area, Kerry: I know. Etienne: Like they start having tourists come into Qui Nhon. But if you go to Tuy Hoa, if you go to any area between Qui Nhon and Hoi An is just fantastic, the things you can find over there. Kerry: Yes, I was talking to someone about Tam Ky and Kon Tum beach, which is on that way, but you're right. Qui Nhon is an area I haven't been to yet. But it's one I certainly wanted to discover, and it does look so beautiful and so untouched. Etienne: It is really stunning, I mean, it's not something I would recommend any tourist to go, any travel because it's, there's not much accommodation like for Western tourists, the restaurants, you have to eat local because there is no tourism there. But for anyone who has an interest in photography, every single fishing village is mind-blowing, you can find salt fields it's full of rice fields, everywhere calm and the people are just so friendly. They never see foreigners there, so it's very easy to travel in these areas. Kerry: And it is developing Etienne, it is becoming a little bit more, how shall I say international tourist friendly. There are some places being developed in those areas but let's hope it doesn't get overrun. Etienne: Yeah, once again, it's the same thing. Someone will open a hotel in a town, and someone will open another hotel in the same time, but you go 10 kilometers to the next town, there is nothing. So, it's still very easy to get out as soon as the tourism infrastructure happened somewhere, it's still very easy to get out of this place. Kerry: Agreed, okay so number five on your list. Etienne: Number five, I'd say Hanoi, just Hanoi City you know, the Old Quarter around Huon Kiem Lake. Kerry: Yes. Etienne: Early morning, six and eight in the morning is just the ladies pushing the bicycles, going to the market through the old Villa, I know you like this area a lot, yeah. It's just fun to walk around Hanoi and either practice street photography, or do foody travel photography, it's always a pleasure, always a real pleasure, Kerry: Yes, and you know, that it's quite unusual in the sense, it has an atmosphere that goes with it, you know. People are dancing, there's men playing checkers. Etienne: Man doing fishing things on the lake, people once again. Kerry: Yeah, and there's farmers that meet there, it's delightful, it's got a lot happening. Etienne: There are basically thousands of people walking or running around the Lake doing exercise. They actually block the traffic early morning, there are no motorbikes, no cars. And along the Lake is just people running and riding their bicycles and everyone is in a good mood and having coffee and you walk around, take photos and no one cares, it's just very easy. Kerry: So, getting just very quickly, and I don't want to get into this in a big way, but from a technical point of view what do you suggest for a travel photographer to bring as far as equipment. Well, let's say if they were to join you on a tour or they were to do a tour of themselves, you know what would you advise? Etienne: Well, okay, this depends on anyone's photography and what they like, etc. What I usually recommend when people come from, a lot of people come from Australia on the tour and they message me before. And what should I take, etc. What we do here, because we do people photography and because people photography is not fun until you know about your subject a little bit. I believe I tell people just to leave the zoom lens at home here, we usually tend to get close to everything. Because when you get close to your subject, you can interact with them, you can see what they do, you can move around your subject. So, you can compose many different images. if you wear the big zoom lens, you will say something far where you would point and shoot, and you're just not as creative in terms of composition, as you are. If you were with a 35-millimeter close to your subject, where you could easily move, right, move, left, move up and down and change your composition instantly. And people photography for me, it's called travel photography and the photography is important, but the travel, is maybe more important. And if I take a nice photo of a man, but I don't have any interaction or any memory to myself or that, I just don't feel satisfied. I want to take a great photo, but I want to have a good laugh with this person, I want to know about them a little bit and somehow, I want to manage to give them something back and giving them something back, I'm not meaning giving them money. I mean, having an interaction with them, so when I leave this interaction, they're happy and I'm happy. And usually, I mean, many, many of my students have witnessed this and when you come from the West, it's really weird, but we go in a field and there are a group of people working and we talk with them and we laugh with them and we take the photos and then we leave and they say, thank you. Can you imagine in that way, it's just impressive. Kerry: Yes, I can't imagine that in the West at all. It does bring up a subject that I even get asked around the expression of gratitude. You know, there are people that say, should we offer them some money, should we pay them to take a photograph, how do we do this respectfully and do this in a way that as you say, from both sides, it is a wonderful experience and memory to take home. Etienne: This is a really grey area, and I would reply to this question in a different way, depending on who I'm talking to, but because I think your followers are Australian, so it's fine, like I don't have one opinion on this. Kerry: Oh, Etienne, I have followers all over the world Etienne, not just Australia. Thank goodness, I've got them from everywhere. Etienne: Okay, so I'll have to be careful then what I say, but no, it's a very grey area and some people get really sometimes upset when I reply. But what I tell people, you can not show up in a place and think, oh, I have more money than them and so, I'm going to give them some money. It's just not the way the world works and you just giving people the wrong image. If you arrive in a village and in the countryside, no one will ask you for money and you arrive in a village and you take a photo of this old lady in the field and you think, oh, she's old and she looks poor, I'm going to give her some money, but she didn't ask you for anything. And a lot of people do that because in the West, we relate everything with money. Well, that woman who doesn't really know, maybe she's never been to school much. And then she's like, oh, foreigners give money, this is what they do. Boom, the next time I show up in the same field, the day after she's going to wait for me and say, give me money. And the experience will be spoiled, will be destroyed because she suddenly foreigner equals money. And you tend to give this idea to people, that's okay if a foreigner comes in the field and take your photo, he is going to give you some money, which it could be sometimes. I mean, sometimes I give money to people, but I give money to people, when I know they need the money, when I've been talking with them, not just giving them money because I took a photo of them and I feel bad because I took something from them and I feel I need to give them something back, but something doesn't have to be financial, it doesn't have to be material, interact with them, show them the picture and give them a good laugh. That's it, you give them something back, you create this interaction and now they're like, oh, this foreigner people are really friendly. They're actually getting their feet in the mud and they make me laugh and they have a good experience with foreigners. So, if you want to help the people, there are many other ways you can work with a local NGO and give some money to this NGO that will have older people in a certain area. But if you yourself not knowing the people show up somewhere and give money, you have more chance to destroy the place than to help anyone. Kerry: Well, I think that's good advice and I think, it is a very individual thing. However, as you say, if you're going to set a precedent maybe it's not a good idea and there are some great NGOs in Vietnam to support. And I think from a holistic point of view, it's not just an individual, they're very community minded. So, it's more about what you can do to support a whole community when you're entering it, I think it's worth mentioning. Etienne: Exactly, yeah so, if you give your list to someone today, what are they going to do with it? Is it going to help them more, not at all. Kerry: Exactly, okay so just to wrap up and I know it's probably a crazy question to ask you because you do run photography tours, but for a traveler who has a real keen interest in photography and they want to get the best out of Vietnam, do you recommend people, you know, choosing to do a tour to include that as part of their visit or do you think you can like just make it up as they go along and as you say, hire a bike, blah, blah, blah. I mean, I have my own interpretation and thoughts on that, I personally think going with the tour is the way to go, because sometimes you lose time in trying to find the right places. Where if you are with a guide and a person like yourself that knows all the top spots and knows how to get there quickly, and efficiently, and then can add expertise to what you're doing. So, in other words, you know, help me increase my skills at the same time, I think that's a win-win. But maybe you have some broader thoughts. Do you think people can do it on their own? Or is it best they do it with a tour operator? Etienne: Obviously, if anyone who is keen in photography joins like a photography tour, how can I say that which is not a fake, dodgy tour that someone made because photography tour was a popular keyword on Google, but something that really brings them to the right place at the right time of the day. Of course, it is the best way to do things. Where I would start to differentiate from your answer is for people who are into photography here and don't want as you said, hustle, and find a location themselves and rent a motorbike and drive there, which I would recommend people to try and do, because getting lost is a great way to travel. But if people sign up just for tour people find a local tour guide and tell them I'm interested in photography, take me to the right place. You know, most tour guides, they don't want to change the itineraries, they have their routine, they have their places, they know tourists like to go to this tourist place and that will still try to take you to these tourist places. And I think even though you are clear with your guy that I want to do photography, I don't want to go where tourists go. They will still somehow tend to take you to the place where the tourists go, because it's just easy for them. So, unless you find someone who really knows about photography, who really understands what you're looking for then it can make your life much easier, definitely. The way I travel myself is I do a lot of research before, so for example, if I want to open a new photography tour, like what I did in Iran, like three years ago, I did a lot of research about the country. The second thing I do, I check where the tourists go and where I don't want to go then. And then I contact local photographers and I spend a lot of time on Instagram, looking at photos of Iran. And I meet photographers who take photos that I think are really great and then I get in touch with them and I say, okay, I'm coming to your town, can you meet me? Can you take me to these places? And a mix of information, you can find online, a mix of information you can get from local photographers and kind of mixing all this together helps me to create my itinerary already. But most of the time I found amazing locations, not by finding them online, yeah by the local contacts who took me to places that just blew my mind. So, I would recommend people do that. Kerry: Okay, so in wrapping up, we're going to say it's actually good to get lost, to find the best spot. Etienne: Always, not for too long, but it's good, yeah. Kerry: Absolutely and people photography is definitely something that's open to photographers in Vietnam as some of the best shots taken in Vietnam are of the people. And for scenery, we're going to rate North Vietnam as the number one, as in your big panoramic shots. Etienne: North Vietnam number one, I put the lagoons of central Vietnam, number two, we have some amazing lagoons between Hoi An and Hue where the sunrise is just phenomenal. Kerry: Ah, yes and from the Hai Van Pass, all that is beautiful as well. Etienne: Yeah, exactly. Kerry: Yes, I just want to say thank you very much Etienne for coming on the show. I'm sure everyone listening has got a lot out of this, lovely to talk to you and catch up on just what's happening in Vietnam at the moment. Etienne: Anytime. Kerry: And good luck and best wishes to your family stay well, stay safe. And we will be talking to you soon. Etienne: Thanks, Kerry. We'll be staying home for the next days and see how the situation evolves here, but we are confident things will get under control soon. Kerry: Great. Thanks very much Etienne. Etienne: Thanks Kerry. Kerry: Thank you Etienne for coming on the show. It's been great to talk through just so many aspects to Vietnam and the possibilities available for both the professional and the amateur photographer. For everyone I have put Etienne links to a Hoi An photo tours and picks of Asia in the episode notes. Please, don't forget to share this podcast with your friends and family who may be thinking about coming to Vietnam in the future. I mean, we're all in the position at the moment where we're researching, planning, so, please put Vietnam on your map, it's a wonderful destination to visit. I look forward to talking with you in future episodes. Thank you and be safe everyone.

S4-01 Art in Vietnam Art in Vietnam - story telling at its best Episode 1 S4-01 Art in Vietnam 00:00 / 46:18 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 an “Artist” and a Craftsman, who may produce the same style or product many times, yet it takes true skill to do this. We discuss the differences. And then of course how do you know what’s real or fake? Believe it, or not. Not everything is a copy, or fake. With the advantage of my talented artist Bridget March, we are going to take it back 100 years and really talk about how Vietnam has developed in the art world. Bridget is a brilliant story teller. An artist herself of considerable note. She has published 3 books about Hoi An, Sapa and Saigon and has had 7 solo exhibitions of her paintings and drawings in Vietnam galleries and at International hotels. She is also well recognised as the curator for the wonderful art gallery space at the Anantara Hoi An Resort. She has her own delightful gallery located in Hoi An – See our special offer coming soon. For her list of favourite galleries – see the transcript for links. Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

S4-15 Travelling as a solo woman What makes solo female travellers love Vietnam Episode 15 S4-15 Travelling as a solo woman 00:00 / 45:08 There are many reasons why Vietnam is a stand out favourite destination amongst female solo travellers. One of the dominant reasons is safety. The other 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 traveller. You needn’t worry, I have a male solo traveller show on the drawing board featuring bike riding, golf, sports, adventure and lots of other cool stuff. So, stay tuned. However, the aim of this show is to allay any fears a female may have about taking a solo trip to Vietnam. You are going to hear from both a westerner as in myself and a Vietnamese hospitality professional living in Saigon. My lovely guest is Camellia Dinh. With over 10 years of experience working in the hospitality industry for some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands including Park Hyatt, Sofitel, and the M-Gallery Collection, Camellia has a wealth of experiences and local knowledge to share. Currently she holds the position as Director of Sales at Fusion Original Saigon Centre Camellia tells us it is not always convenient to travel with friends or family as matching up schedules with study and jobs makes it almost impossible. She says that she started travelling alone as young as 13, and over time has come to really enjoy her trips alone, and it has afforded her some fun experiences. That’s not to say she doesn’t love travelling with friends and family when she can. Together we’d like to share our own personal experiences to ensure women considering doing this, can do so with confidence. Especially if the female traveller loves food, culture, scenery, shopping, pampering, wellness, adventure and making new friends along the way. The doors for a “female solo traveller” are about to open, and Vietnam is waiting to greet you with open arms. You can find more about Camellia Dinh here - https://about.me/camellia_dinh Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

3da374fb-b972-4815-9137-a9ede5e9a1dcExpat guides us through the top 10 must do things in Hoi An. What About Vietnam - Series 2 - 7 "An Expats guide to the "10 Must Do Things" in Hoi An Kerry Newsome: Let's welcome Sharon Sweeney to the show. Hi Sharon how are you doing? Sharon Sweeney: Really good thanks, Kerry very well. How are you? Kerry Newsome: Yes, very good thank you. How is sunny Cairns? We are very lucky to catch you there at the moment. Sharon Sweeney: Yes, look it’s fantastic, I’d highly recommend it to everyone. Kerry Newsome: You are certainly in the lucky state in Australia at the monument so stay put. So, I am I'm feeling very lucky to have you on the show today to talk about, ….I think certainly yours but certainly my favorite place, as in Hoi An. And I'm delighted that we've decided on the subject around the ten most popular things to do, or the Ten must dp things. Truly must do things. Sharon Sweeney: Definitely, yes. Kerry Newsome: Yes. Okay and I know you've got a Top Ten so. Sharon Sweeney: Okay well you know the top ten moves around and it's very hard to pin it all down but let's hit it with top of the list is Hoi An old town and I mean. Number ONE I've never seen any place like Hoi An old town in all my travels basically. It's a heritage listed small town that used to have its own state. In history it's like a living museum. If you like during the 1500’s it was sort of the epicenter for merchants who were going along the Silk Road and so you had this amazing time. All these merchants from different parts of the world. Like Japan and China, Europe, France just everywhere and the architecture of the Hoi An old town is sort of reflecting, all that melting part of people and during the day. It is just incredible, because it is maintained so beautifully they've got some….. butter cup yellow buildings interspersed with pastel blue, sky blue, baby blue sort of paint works well and It's just incredible is just so well preserved and then. At night it’s like Disneyland, because Hoi An is known as the Lanterns town for good reason. Every shop front there has numerous lanterns. There are lanterns along, the street lanterns over passing the street. I think my favorite time in Hoi An old town is where it's twilight, that magical color. That twilight becomes, it's like pink and soft purple, and orange and happy gorgeous sunsets and when the lanterns light start coming on…. and oh my God. It's like this magical Disneyland experience and then you got the Thu Bon River. It just goes all the way through it and on that, you've got these little sampan boats. They are just all adorned with the same lanterns and all colors of every imaginable colour, really and to see Hoi An at night like that, and from the river is just I mean really amazing. And just a couple of things, Hoi An is also a bicycle town and so you know there's no traffic as well that's allowed in the old town you can walk through it very nicely. But they have little traditions and one very close to my heart because I've got a lot of wishes in me. Kerry Newsome: Let’s not forget those wishes. Sharon Sweeney: Yes, can take a little trip on these sampan boats and you set these little wish candles. You make a wish and you put them in a little cup, like a paper cup and you light your wish candle and you watch it bopping away in the water. And hoping your wish will come true. I mean everybody should see Hoi An old town just once in their life. Kerry Newsome: I think absolutely, and I think a lot of people I have referred it, as maybe the Venice on Vietnam. And they kind of know that, and then I was talking to someone just the other day. And I said you know if you didn't know better, you'd think it was a movie set, because everything is so beautifully preserved. As you say as in the old town buildings, old shop houses and things like that. I think you putting number one as a visit to the old town and during the day and experiencing the Markets only in the morning and the shop houses and having coffee somewhere really cute. Checking out all the alleys or as you say at twilight. Coming into the evening, watching the town light up with the lanterns as you say, there's some areas that are lit by Lanterns, in other words, there's no light without the lanterns. And then of course there are the sampan boats and the wishes bobbing up and down and floating down the river. Number one totally supportive of that one. I think it's a must do thing, so to the people listening, staying close to the old town is sometimes an idea so it's an easy walk into town. And I certainly would recommend that for first time visitors to Hoi An. Because whilst Hoi An has lovely beaches as well the feature of Hoi An is definitely that sixteenth century old town, so as close as you can get to it, I think is a good idea anyway Sharon what's your number two? Number Two Sharon Sweeney: Well number two, is the other thing that I love very much about being in Hoi An is the close proximity of the countryside. There's something about being close to the land. But I think we all need it, and that five minutes on a bicycle will take you into rice fields, rice paddies or you can go a little bit further and you'll go into villages. I mean I have seen images of this, but I never really believe that Vietnam would have people wearing the conical hats, the normal hat. I had never really believed it, but they do. It is very much part of the headwear in Vietnam. And what I love about the rice paddies and the villages, it's like a game stepping back into another time. It's like going back a hundred years because they plant the field with water buffalo it’s really sort of like the old world. And so there's nothing unusual about seeing a water buffalo just on the side of the road meandering across the road. I mean it can actually be a main road and you'll have cows passing and the countryside element of Hoi An. It just fills my soul and one of the most wonderful sites. But still, it gets to my soul when the geese of all the ducks are going back to roost. And you'll see them coming along the main road. And this is about two hundred of them or more just waddling along, with the man hurling them along, and people just go round them, cars go around them Kerry Newsome: Yes, that's the sweetness. I think it's absolutely the sweetness of all those simple things. And I should say just breath in that beautiful fresh air. I mean when you're riding through the paddy fields, it's kind of the only way you can get anywhere reasonably fast and I think that some people might even be you Sharon that has jumped on one of those electric bikes, I think. Sharon Sweeney: You know what? I don't know what the world is thinking. I've never really come across an electric bike until I went to Vietnam. They're everywhere and why do we bother with cycling when you can sit on it and go zip off you go. It’s a dream definitely Kerry Newsome: Right definitely a way to get around so we got to say bicycle around town is number two. Sharon Sweeney: Yes, for sure Kerry Newsome: Okay where we are up now number three. Number three Sharon Sweeney: Well, Hoi An is equally famous for the heritage old town, as it is for its tailoring. And no trip to Hoi An is complete without a trip to the tailor. You must get that! Where can a man get a suit made of high-quality wool. Made a bespoke suit, made just for him about, for around a hundred dollars, and you can get that in Hoi An. And you know the tailors are on every corner. I actually have them on the website. My favorite by the way, because what you can get the top end tailors do charge quite a lot and they're not all that different to many of the other tailors. So you're paying a lot more money. And then sometimes they are very hit and miss, but whatever the case is all great fun. And what I love most are going into a shop going into the cloth market and where there are reams and reams and bulk of all the colored fabrics, and types silks and linens, and choosing the fabric, and then you go to the tailor and they will copy something, they'll design something, or they'll give you a pattern and its addictive…. it's so addictive and it's very cheap. Kerry Newsome: Very cheap and very quick. Well, I think you can get a suit made in two days Sharon Sweeney: You can get a suit made overnight Kerry if you go to the right people. Kerry Newsome: Well, I think those are a little bit more in the hit and miss variety. I mean there are some tailors there that would slap your hand for saying overnight. But yes, those you know might be a little bit more “select”. We had talked about the zippers not working the right way and things like that in the past. But I'm addicted. I am definitely addicted to the tailoring as I told you every time, I literally take over my assortment of pictures from Pinterest or whatever that I like, and I just say I want that one and that one, then also as you say wandering around those fabric markets just picking the exact material fabric, and styles etc. I want dots, or I want stripes, its, whatever. Then I have it made exactly to what my body shape is at the time. I actually started to forget whether I was a ten or twelve or fourteen. Thank goodness because every time I went I just kind of got it made to what I was. So that's a little bit tricky as well, but fun. As you say now definitely tailoring, and there are three thousand tailors in the old town. You might like to check Sharon's website at HoianNow. I know she's got some good recommendations there. But let's not get stuck on tailoring. Let's move on to number four because we've got, we've got a list of ten to get through. Number four Sharon Sweeney: Yes, well look, I take my job very seriously and so while we have tailors on the side, we've got something far more important in terms of the best and that is the spa’s massages and spa treatments, now come on! Kerry Newsome: Yes, what a hard job you had to take so seriously Sharon to check those out. Sharon Sweeney: And it means back to the same type place. It means that you're going to every place in Hoi An, just to see what they are like. And I do so. I know I'm a champion but I do it regularly. Yes, well look at some of the prices, you'd be mad not to. I don't think anyone should go and have a one-hour massage when you could have a five-hour massage. I reckon it, you just book yourself in for the entire trip because I would. About the massages, seriously you've got the high end, very high-class high hotels offering massages. Now they cost a fortune and I've sent writers, reviewers to the top really expensive hotels, and it's very hit and miss. One you know would surprise you. I wouldn't name it but it's one of the best hotels in Vietnam and the spa treatment was very hit and miss. And then again seriously, we do put very much a recommendation of the ones you should go to. And whilst you can get fabulous ones on the street corners, and you can get massages in the night, it's a skill that while they train some just have the gift. The ones I highly recommend, are the day's spas. And then you've got trained masseuses they're premises are clean, and really tasteful. You've got the full sort of western spa with this wafting music the smells that you. Yes? Kerry Newsome: Yes. Sending back there in a heartbeat. Sharon Sweeney: Yes. Kerry Newsome: That is one of the things as far as your trip planning is concerned. I would highly recommend people to include. I think people always think they're going to be “doing, ….doing” all the time, and I think sometimes that takes away some pleasure and enjoyment in the holiday. when you're just able to access things, like massage and be able to just “chill out” but not worrying this is costing a fortune. Sharon Sweeney: Yes, that’s right I totally agree. But there is one thing I was thinking of that surprised me actually, if not startled me, was that when you go to a massage on the street corners and sometimes in the mid range, and sometimes in the high range, the Vietnamese fascination, or they just don't really care. But they don't turn away nor leave the room. Sometimes when you're undressing and that took me a bit by surprise. I've never got too fussy about it, but thinking that they will try to persecute me because I did eat a lot. They didn’t. And while I felt fat and I didn't want anyone witnessing that. Just to be aware of it, they don't mean harm. Kerry Newsome: I think they just want to check out that, you know our bits are white, not like them, as they are slightly toasted. Yeah, I think it’s about the fascination. Yes, because I can remember actually the same thing happening to me when I first went. I actually pointed to my arm and I said yes, same, same. And she got it, like the girl really resonated with me right. Yes that's what it is all about. All right after a spa where we are up to? Number five Sharon Sweeney: Well, this is,....as I’m saying this, I'm not really a person that likes to do cooking, but the cooking schools in Hoi An are a must. Because it's not really just about cooking. It's actually about the cultural learning you gain. I mean, I highly recommend a cooking school.. They have cooking school for all types. So if you're a professional chef and you don't want to look at some pieces of paraphernalia then you can do professional cooking school. You couldn't get a more culturally rich experience, where it's great for kids where they can go out and act like a farmer, dress you up as a farmer and… Kerry Newsome: Oh yes. Sharon Sweeney: And you pick the vegetables and carry them in those round baskets. Kerry Newsome: And you wear those peasant clothes, that are like stinking hot linensacks... looks fabulous!!! Sharon Sweeney: Then you will also get other ones, where you can get everything thrown in, and you can get a basket boat ride, followed by a water buffalo ride. You can even get a massage included…. Kerry Newsome: Just throwing it in! Sharon Sweeney: The thing that is really good about the “hit and miss theory”. I would put equally number five, you take in the markets. As the market is the life blood of Vietnamese society. It's like we go to the shopping centre, they go to the market and it's a daily activity. It's not just to buy, it's to barter, they will barter even though they know each other. Because it's all part of the thing, and yes so I highly recommend people go to the market. Kerry Newsome: Yes, definitely and I think it is a very immersive experience, and what better way to understand a country than to experience it through its food, so definitely as number five. Now what are we missing Sharon? What are we up to now? Well number six. Number Six Sharon Sweeney: Well number six, that has to be one of my highest recommendations. It's in our top ten on the website. It is in the Marble Mountains. And it's set between Danang and Hoi An but twenty minutes from Hoi An. And during the fifteenth century, it was used by the champ people, as a sacred site of worship, and it really has got one of those energies. It’s amazing. There are five mountains, and each one represents an element. You've got fire, water, metal, wood and earth. It's just amazing. You know there is a pagoda, and all the temples and shrines. You've got caves. Massive caves you can go down into, through tunnels. Kerry Newsome: by crawling in very small areas. I have seen some funny pictures where people are getting, their bum pushed through a crevice in the mountain... Sharon Sweeney: I was scared, if they can, people will grab you, and they'll just shove you forward, and then the next thing is, you're climbing into things that you could easily break your neck on. So just be careful if you are claustrophobic. Kerry Newsome: Good footwear very important. Sharon Sweeney: Yes, and be aware of the heat. It's gets very hot there, so you just have to go early morning. It is the best time to go during the summertime and truly I mean it, because it's very hot. But when you get to the top the views of Danang, and all around it is just simply 360 views. I mean it's going to lift your soul, breathtaking and that's so good. They look over what used to be known as China beach, where the troops used to congregate, and it's such a good bird's-eye view of the whole city of Danang. The Vietnamese used to actually use it as a watch tower. And it was also a hospital during that period well hidden from the enemy. Kerry Newsome: Yes. Sharon Sweeney: Incredible and I also love those marble statues at the bottom of the hill. Kerry Newsome: Those marble statues are like the size of King Kong. Sharon Sweeney: Yes, right like you're in the market for a couple twenty-foot lions that you want to put in your backyard. Kerry Newsome: I remember when they used to have just a few show rooms. I think on the straight, but now they line the street. Who buys these ? It’s like you can put it in the back of your taxi or your Grab car on your way back to your hotel?? They are heavy, huge, white kind of stallions, but I always know when I'm nearly at Marble Mountain because those lines of shops appear. Sharon Sweeney: The sightseeing tour is fantastic, but I see what you mean. But in saying that you might liek to check out the amazing marble chess sets. You've got like beautiful, beautifully carved marble chess sets about six inches to seven inches tall each piece, on a marble chessboard and you get that shipped overseas. Back to your hometown or wherever, highly worth it. Three hundred bucks USD was the last price I saw. Kerry Newsome: Okay so we've done marble mountain number seven we are up to. Where are we headed now? Number Seven Sharon Sweeney: Something that came onto the scene about two three years ago. I can tell you it's a show, and it’s outdoors and connected to the theme park, and it's called Hoi An, Memory shows. When I heard about it, and I said I am not going to that, it’s not my sort of thing. But I covered it for the website, and my God, Kerry it costs about three hundred Dong. Which is nothing. Its a world class presentation. People fly through the air, there is music, there's lights, dancers, and over 300 performers. Kerry Newsome: And it’s all staged on water. Sharon Sweeney: It was a real recreational plan and so you’ve got the Thu Bon River in the background and you’ve got the Japanese bridge. Kerry Newsome: Yes Sharon Sweeney: Its folktales. Interspersed with the history of Hoi An and some parts are sad but also uplifting. Kerry Newsome: Up lifts your spirit. Sharon Sweeney: It has a mechanical elephant that would come on stage of the arena. But here is a tip. I covered it for HoiAnnow.com. We got VIP tickets,. which was great. I thought if I went again I would go for the peasant seats, which are right down the front. Yes, that’s where you should be. You are right on that amazing thing, and it's just hard to explain but it's also part of the theme park. Even the people who work in the theme park itself, all are actors who perform later. Some are sales assistants, and they do many shows. It will truly take you back how stunning it is. Kerry Newsome: Yes, it's delightful. I took my sixteen year old grandson and I thought he is pretty hard to impress. A kid at that age. Is he going to think this is a bit out there?? He just said he was blown away because also it's the contrast; you've just come out of a sixteenth century old town, and then a little bit around the corner you're stepping into this amazing theme park with this fully professional choreographed stage on water, that is definitely up in the twentieth century kind of level of action, and the contrast from one to another is just, you can't help but just be blown away. He said it's like watching the opening stage of the Olympic Games. Sharon Sweeney: Yes opening to the Olympics. Yes that's a very good analogy actually. That's exactly right. I just tell everybody you must go as everyone loves Hoi An. The people are lovely and to see a show like that you just feel. I don't know all warm and fuzzy. Okay. Kerry Newsome: So you are all swept away. Kerry Newsome: All right now you're getting me very nostalgic. And now all right let's travel on what. We are up to number eight , I think so. What’s your number eight? Number Eight Sharon Sweeney: You know it shouldn't be number eight but it's hard to put them in order because so many good things in Hoi An and the beaches and I mean Kerry those beaches. Beautiful. I mean those beaches okay. What’s so incredible with the beaches in Vietnam and I'm so surprised that you don't know what I expected, but you've got yellow expanses of sand, blue water, although we still get some waves. All you surfers out there, don't worry but I like it still and it's still and warm. And it is safe, no sharks or crocodiles. And what is something that we don't have, and I haven't seen this in many parts of the world to be honest, is shade, there are beaches in Australia that are very beautiful, but there is no shade. In Vietnam all along the beach front they're either thatch huts or you have a umbrellas, and little tables and chairs, and you know there's room for everybody. Then are not crowded. Everybody can use one, and you get a little “pozzy” as we say in Australia. You order a cocktail or a water. You order what you want, or you do whatever you want, and you can stay the whole day. FREE. Kerry Newsome: Yes, all right I've literally plot my but down with a diet coke a under a umbrella and literally put my headphones on. I read my book for hours on end. I mean if you go to Italy or places like that, its going to cost you about 50 Euros just to sit down, just to have the umbrella. You are so right, the beaches are so divine and what I love is the access to restaurants. They are sitting right on that sand. Sharon Sweeney: I'm leading to that. I am getting to that Kerry. Before we move on. To say that is what they offer is incredible. One of the things about Vietnam is that it is so cheap and never forget that it's really nice. Unimaginable until you experience it. But the other thing is the ladies that come in on the beaches. I've seen some people get very aggressive with them. Try not to, because actually these people are really nice people and they just want to make a living and. People should just be aware because the Vietnamese are all lovely people. Kerry Newsome: I know that. Sharon Sweeney: I know they can get a little bit annoying.. Kerry Newsome: But. They're not aggressive in any way, but you know some tourists take umbrage to them coming around, but as you say there’s very few of them. Some of them are very well known to the restaurant. Kerry Newsome: Now are you up to number nine I think. Number Nine Sharon Sweeney: And it's moving on from your restaurants because this is the other thing you told me and you're quite right that Hoi An has world class restaurants. All types of cuisine. Beautiful Vietnamese. You've got Greek, Spanish, fantastic Italian and Indian restaurants. Everything you can imagine. I'm not going to say that I shouldn't have this on the list, but the thing is it takes it out for me is having a meal in the evening with balmy weather and overlooking the beach. You have that beach. Beautiful still nights you can hear the waves just washing on to the beach, and you were there in one of the restaurants that lay on the beach and I've got a few different ones as favs, I'm just going to give some names which I don't normally do. Kerry Newsome: Now do it.. Sharon Sweeney: But you know I don't like to because it's been used everywhere but I'm going to do this is, for types that I would recommend for me. You and I would agree I think a stand out has got to be Soul kitchen. But I would recommend to a tourist to Soul kitchen as it's an iconic venue. It was one of a kind and many have sprung up since, but Soul kitchen still retains its heart. It overlooks and backs onto the beach. Its got live music and these musicians are world class. You see you know you can hear fantastic music, have food overlooking the beach, and enjoy some drinks or whatever you fancy. It might be it's a sunset to die for and you've got these wonderful little thatched roofed huts, they are not quite little, but easily have a small group. Kerry Newsome: Yes. Sharon Sweeney: These little mini thatch houses with no walls, with breeze coming through. Kerry Newsome: And the day beds!!! Sharon Sweeney: We do love the day beds. Kerry Newsome: We do. Who wouldn't? I mean you can just take off your shoes. I know it's a naughty thing to do, to take your shoes off, but to be able to snuggle up on one of those day beds and drink and eat tasty inexpensive food. I never felt any impetus by the staff to send me off. I can spend hours there. Never have I been pushed out the door, and I can stay there easily a full afternoon and once the evening comes on, as you say with the entertainment, you're not charged for that. It’s free entry. It has a magical atmosphere. Divine. Sharon Sweeney: And then you go other places as well if you're into nightlife like Kukun. Likewise its set on the beach, it starts at nine o'clock with a DJ. Goes to like whatever time...that's very popular in the younger real party set, as Hoi An is really not known as a party town. Kerry Newsome: Yes, they shut the doors upstairs to cut the noise down. Sharon Sweeney: And then if you are in a really wealthy demographic then you've got Shore Club which is very high class, which is run by Mr. Max Lambert. Basically, there is something for everyone. Kerry Newsome: Yes, and they all offer as you just something slightly different to each other. But as you walk past you can pick a seafood restaurant, and pick your seafood straight out of a bucket. You can move on and you can go to Hmong sisters and have a meal there. You can have a pizza next door. It’s got it all. Sharon Sweeney: Yes, it’s happening. Kerry Newsome: It's definitely, Okay last but not least number ten. Number Ten Sharon Sweeney: Well again you know I'm looking for the WOW factor and I was thinking of all my time in Vietnam, what was one of the things that gave me this, Wow. And that was, the Hai Van Pass. Sharon Sweeney: And the Hai Van Pass is extraordinary. It's known by the Vietnamese's as the “ocean cloud pass” and that should give you an idea of the kind of experience you can expect. You go up this mountain right into the clouds and it’s a thrilling feeling. You experience a steep drive up into the clouds, as the roads wind and you pass these jungle covered hills. While looking down on fishing villages. This view from the top is just extraordinary. So if you can go by bike motorbike it’s the best way, but just beware, I recommend you go with a licensed bike driver because… Why does Vietnam have the highest death toll in the world or accident toll in the world ? Kerry, I don't know one expat me included, my husband included, that hasn't had a bike accident. Some of them were fatal, some of them have been nasty, and most say that they are okay, but don't take a chance if you're a tourist. You're more than likely not insured. If you're a tourist, take a car, that's what I did. Or take a jeep you can do that too. Kerry Newsome: Yes, you can do a Jeep or a car. I definitely think so. But don't put that holiday at risk. I'm with you, I’ve known tourists who’ve got themselves into some sticky situations because of bike accidents, and you don't want that kind of trouble. With the jeep or car you will still get that pinnacle view and not expensive. Sharon Sweeney: Just awesome yes. Kerry Newsome: Absolutely Sharon I think we can go on to eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, eighty. And so on...as we agree Hoi An is really up there as a big favorite with the tourists. I know that top ten are important, because you know sometimes the travelers, when they arrive, don’t have all the time in the world, which means to narrow it down to the top ten things that they should do, must do, is very helpful. I'm so grateful for you to share your top ten with us, and I am sure the travelers are going to be able to relate to a lot of them. Hopefully they can put that list together when they go. Sharon Sweeney: Must do. Kerry Newsome: Yes, must do. Sharon Sweeney: Yes, Kerry it always great to talk. Kerry Newsome: Okay. Look after yourself, stay safe and we will talk again. Sharon Sweeney: See you later. Kerry Newsome: Bye.

3da374fb-b972-4815-9137-a9ede5e9a1dcExpat guides us through the top 10 must do things in Hoi An. Top 10 must dos in Hoi An - an ex-pats guide Episode 7 Top 10 must dos in Hoi An - an ex-pats guide 00:00 / 41:42 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 there isn't the language or translation barrier to overcome. Today's episode is a gift. I guarantee you, you will be transported by Sharon Sweeney to those Top 10 things to enjoy in Hoi An, over and over again in your mind. Even before you set foot in Vietnam. Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

S5-E18 - Hanoi below the surface S5-E18 - Hanoi below the surface Episode 18 S5-E18 - Hanoi below the surface 00:00 / 1:01:33 In this episode we delve into the vibrant yet often misunderstood city of Hanoi, While it is the capital, it often serves more as a transit point for travellers to visit other places like Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa. This is an opportunity to see Hanoi in a whole new light.

Get ready for an eye-opening conversation with my close associate and mentor, Ha, (Hannah)—a proud Hanoian professional with deep roots in the city. Spoiler Alert: In the show we don’t walk the well-trodden tourist paths of Hanoi. We go below the surface to uncover its Christian background: Coffee culture, and the history behind the collective living quarters of Hanoi and how the Doi Moi period has shaped Hanoi and essentially the Vietnam you are visiting today.

00:05:31 - Update on Typhoon Yagi
00:12:00 - Discovering Hanoi Below the Surface
00:18:19 - Catholic Heritage 
00:22:15 - Coffee Culture
00:34:03 - Collective Living Quarters in Hanoi
00:36:26 - The Doi Moi Period

Tours
If you would be interested in pursuing a Churches tour, Please email me whataboutvietnam@gmail.com Yagi – Appeals UNICEF - https://www.unicef.org/vietnam/unicef-emergency-appeal-typhoon-yagi-viet-nam Blue Dragon - https://www.bluedragon.org/emergency-appeal-yagi/

The Collective living quarters https://www.tubudd.com/blog/hanoi-s-communal-housing-areas-give-a-taste-of-vietnam-past Half a million coffee shops https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-home-to-half-a-million-coffee-shops-post292030.vnp Vietnam rises from hardship and deep poverty https://www.aier.org/article/how-nations-defeat-poverty/ Book -Bridge Generation – Dau Thuy Ha & Nancy K Napier Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Generation-Spanning-Wartime-Boomtime/dp/B08CWB7PGP.Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Generation-Spanning-Wartime-Boomtime/dp/B08CWB7PGP. In this episode we delve into the vibrant yet often misunderstood city of Hanoi, challenging common perceptions that while it is the capital, it serves more as a transit point for travellers to visit other places like Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa. Whether you're planning a trip or simply curious about the city, this episode invites you to see Hanoi in a whole new light. Be prepared for an eye-opening conversation with my close associate and mentor, Ha—otherwise known as Hannah—a proud Hanoian professional with deep roots in the city. Spoiler Alert: In the show we don’t walk the well-trodden tourist paths of Hanoi. We go below the surface to uncover its Christian background: Its coffee culture, and the history behind the collective living quarters of Hanoi and how the Doi Moi period has shaped Hanoi and essentially the Vietnam you are visiting today. 00:05:31 - Update on Typhoon Yagi's Impact
00:12:00 - Discovering Hanoi Beyond the Surface
00:18:19 - Unique Catholic Heritage in Northern Vietnam
00:22:15 - Hanoi's Coffee Culture
00:34:03 - Collective Living Quarters in Hanoi
00:36:26 - Understanding the Doi Moi Period impact
00:43:00 - Vietnam's Economic Transformation
00:45:20 - Observing Old and New in Vietnam To help guide you to topics covered in the show, See links below for reading. If you would be interested in pursuing a Churches tour in and around Hanoi, please send a message to whataboutvietnam@gmail.com Yagi – Donation Appeals: UNICEF - https://www.unicef.org/vietnam/unicef-emergency-appeal-typhoon-yagi-viet-nam Blue Dragon - https://www.bluedragon.org/emergency-appeal-yagi/ Communal living - The Collective living https://www.tubudd.com/blog/hanoi-s-communal-housing-areas-give-a-taste-of-vietnam-past Half a million coffee shops https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-home-to-half-a-million-coffee-shops-post292030.vnp How Vietnam rises from hardship and deep poverty https://www.aier.org/article/how-nations-defeat-poverty/ Book Recommendation in the show - The Bridge Generation of Việt Nam (Spanning Wartime to Boomtime) Other Hanoi Episodes - S3-E9, S4-E9, S4-E10, Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

S5-E7-- The Rise of Unique Dining Experiences in Vietnam S5-E7-- The Rise of Unique Dining Experiences in Vietnam Episode 07 S5-E7-- The Rise of Unique Dining Experiences in Vietnam 00:00 / 54:10 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! Our wonderful guest, Jovel Chan a food writer and consultant, shares her insights on the influx of chefs from Vietnam and abroad, the rise of upscale establishments, and the overall refinement and enhancement of the dining scene in cities like Saigon and Hanoi. Many talented chefs have come to Vietnam, particularly in cities like Saigon and Hanoi, to set up their own restaurants and cater to both tourists and locals looking for something different. These chefs bring with them their expertise and creativity, introducing new flavors, techniques, and cuisines to the Vietnamese food scene. Additionally, the rise of five-star hotels and the opening of more malls in Vietnam have further diversified the dining scene. This has led to a wider variety of cuisines being available, catering to different tastes and preferences. It was pure joy to have this time with Jovel as we laughed and agreed on so many topics and shared experiences. I hope you can forgive the slight ‘cross talk’ in places, but I think if I didn’t leave that in, you would miss out on the connection we had, and wanted to share with you. If you are looking for new tables to eat at and experience Vietnamese food variations then listen to the end as Jovel shares her favourites in Hanoi and Saigon. You can find all about Jovel’s Saigon Social, dining guides and so much more on her website here, so make sure you check out her dates and plan your trip accordingly. I know I am going to! Follow Jovel here: Website: https://jovelchan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovel.chan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jovel.chan.7/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joveleugeniachan/ Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

27fcfe66-c320-414c-b15d-674d1870cf91Be pleasantly surprised by the views of this teenager One teenagers view on a holiday in Vietnam Episode 25 S3-25 One teenagers holiday views 00:00 / 29:20 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 surprised by the views of one such teenager who visited Vietnam with me in 2019. Ethan Sanders is my guest and just also happens to be my grandson. Ethan was 16 when he came to visit me in Vietnam on one of my trips. 2 years on from that visit;- Find out what Ethan found initially most challenging? Discover the “thing” you thought your child may never do at home, but will try in Vietnam? Learn if he would go back to Vietnam as an adult. What did Ethan find so hilarious in Danang? Vietnam is extremely kid friendly. It is a very safe environment and features lots of activities kids of all ages will love. I hope you enjoy this episode, as this one is for the teens we love. And memorable holidays. Download Transcript PDF Read transcript

f984edd2-9297-48d7-bb3c-1b5898f9e2ddThe big Decision. A packaged tour or DIY What About Vietnam – S1-E8 The big decision: Join a Packaged Group Tour or DIY? – Which Suits You Best? Kerry Newsome :Xin chào and welcome to the What About Vietnam podcast. My name is Kerry Newsome and I am your host. And for today, I'm going to be your host and your only guest speaker as I've got a subject I want to take on and kind of tackle myself and share my thoughts with you as I've wanted to put a show together about this subject for quite some time and I think or I hope it's going to be helpful to you in your trip planning and your thoughts around how you want to experience Vietnam. So the subject I want to talk to you about fits in with series one. When I started the podcast back in 2020 really as a COVID baby I wanted to begin the series I mean at that time I actually didn't know how many series I would do but I certainly wanted series one to be pretty much the series that holds episodes, in helping people design or decide how they want to experience Vietnam. Because that makes a big difference to your takeaway, to what you get out of Vietnam, in my opinion. and I've had a lot to do with putting plans together and working with companies who do group tours etc over the last you know 14 or so years. So I think I've got a fair bit to share with you today and I hope so in the way that I can deliver it so that you can decide for yourself which is the best way to go. So, this is going to sit in Series One and we're going to talk to you today about the how is the best way to experience Vietnam. Is it via a group tour that you participate? And I think that's one category and that's one category I'm going to break down and talk to you about the pros and cons. And then there is the Individual Traveller. In some circles in the industry we call that the FIT Traveller, Free Independent Traveller. And in that category there's to me two types. One, you're the do-it-yourself person where you take on the whole job, the whole conception, the whole planning, the whole booking. You do all the bookings, whether they're direct or whether they're online or whatever. Or there's the individual tour situation where you want to have control over what you want to do, but you want to book it privately. and you want to do that with a travel agent or a travel advisor, someone who really knows the lay of the land and can book everything for you through a destination company or tour operator that can facilitate all that for you. But it's private and it's personal to your budget, your preferences. that's what today's going to be about. I just want you to sit back, let me be the person to kind of feed your thoughts, feed you some information to help you make some decisions. And sometimes these decisions are not made just alone, they're made with a partner, with your family, with a group. You know, you might be sitting around a dinner table and everybody says, hey, let's all go to Vietnam. You know, and I want this show to be fuel for you to help make the wisest decision because It's a real mixed bag as far as feedback from trips in the sense that some people go on a set tour and come back and they're just exhausted. You know, they just like Vietnam just went by in a flash and they don't really come away with that. Yeah, I really want to go back there thing. And then there's some people go oh I should have done this, I really should have got more advice, it was probably not the best time of year to go, I would have liked to have known about these activities. And you know that do-it-yourself person just couldn't deal with the overwhelming swell of information to try and find the best things. to do and best ways to book it, etc. Had they gone to an advisor or a travel agent, that travel agent might have been able to help them to do that. Okay, so let's talk about group tours. Now, my involvement with people who have been on group tours has been extensive. I've also been involved with creating and curating tours for companies to on sale. So over the last 14 years I can really put my hand on my heart and say to you I've had a lot to do with group tours to understand the psychology behind them, the methodology behind them, the processes and you know some of the pros and cons. And one of the pros for group tours that just hits you like right off the bat is probably the sense of connectivity and the ability to meet people, like-minded people who want to visit the country. So, if you would like to go on a holiday where you get to meet people, travel with them extensively for the trip and do it in a set period of time, then group tours might be just the perfect thing for you. One of the things to add to that would be that group tours are almost always strictly run on set dates. So, you know, as long as you're happy to fit into the dates that they're operating, once again, that's perfect for you; they always include you know set time periods. So you're going to see advertisements for you know 12 days in Vietnam and they will probably run those twice a month or three times a month on set dates. As you know the plan, you will be able to plan in that set date on that set budget for those periods of time and those places listed in the tour program. So, for the group option, you have to kind of be a person that you really want to go and you want to be with people and you want to do it the way the tour operator has designed it. and you don't really want to fashion your own kind of experiences out of it. You really like the idea that the tour company that you're going to book with has pre-organized everything from your flights to your accommodation to your activities to literally everything. You know what your budget is, you know what you've paid for, what your inclusions are going to be. So, usually in that set, the only thing you're probably going to think about is the occasional free day that you have and, you know, how you might like to fill in that. And you're also going to, you know, have very limited need for any extra spending other than maybe some souvenirs and some eating, etc. So like it's all there for you and that's very, very attractive for people. And when I talk to people who've done a group tour, It's a real mixed bag about people's enjoyment factor or the feedback that I get from people. And I've even participated as a mystery traveler on some tours, et cetera, so that I can gauge how well the tour is going, whether people wanted to do something differently. There's some people saying, hey, this was really great. They really should promote this as something really special. So, I think the thing that I get mostly from group tours that worries me is that they go, yeah, well, we went to Vietnam and yeah, well, you know, we're done. And I go, well, so would you like to go back? Is there anything? Oh, you know, maybe, I don't know. We probably could have had some more time in Hoi An. We didn't get to kind of further northern regions of Vietnam. Probably would have liked to add in the Sa Pa part. Yeah, could have done without this. But they're not jumping out of their skins to go back. The biggest thing that… And I see this a lot, is they're generally exhausted. Their opinion of Vietnam is a little bit on a flash card. You know, eight days to see a whole country. I don't know, it'd be like me saying, you know, you've got eight days to see all of Italy. Good luck with that. So, from the person who is willing to maybe use it as a bit of a reconnaissance situation, I definitely would think it would be the go. But getting back to the original of, hey, you just want to see Vietnam in a group situation where everything is organized and you want to keep it within a minimum budget, there is tons out there. They are generally cookie-cutter kind of trips that will include the major destinations. So that's, you know, from top it'll be Hanoi, central it will be Hoi An or Da Nang or both, and then going south it will be Saigon, Mekong Delta. And there will be traditional spots. You can choose tours that offer small groups to large groups. And once again, depending on where you're coming from, if you're coming from the Northern Hemisphere, you've got to add in a couple of days of travel to get to Vietnam. you know you're going to be able to manage your time and fit a lot in in it in that space of time. So it's all going to be pre-planned for you, you don't have to search, you don't have to research, you don't have to book other things or add-ons, you just need to get there, pick up the travel manager and the tour operator as he will then take it over from the get-go right through to the finish. Now, I just want to add to this when we're talking about groups that A couple of things that you want to be a little bit aware of is the structure. And one aspect of the structure of these tours is that it's all predestined, it's all pre-planned. There's no changes or revisions to that unless, you know, weather or something happens, et cetera, and it has to be rearranged. But generally they are set plans and you're going to be given a complete itinerary which is full of everything and all the information that you need to do those. and they're also done in strict time plans. So no matter whether or not you've had a big night out the previous night or you are tired or whatever you need to be the kind of person that works well with stringent timings. So, when you need to be out the front to meet the bus or you need to have your bags ready for the bus the next day, then you certainly are suitable for this type of tour. If you're not however and you'd rather luxuriate over your free breakfast that you know would come with your hotel possibly, then you know you're going to struggle. You're going to struggle with the structure and the stringent time frames because you can't think as an independent. You can't think as you know just what you'd like to do because you have to think as part of that group. You are traveling with a group with a group goal and you know whether or not you'd like to do something different in that city, would mean you having to say to the tour operator I do not wish to participate in today's activity and they would kind of have to sign you off to say okay. But you would not get any refund or anything like that for denying those activities for the day as you had pre-purchased them. But it would enable you to you know go off and do your own thing. And I've kind of stressed this to some people who've done group tours and have felt like, you know, they were a little bit like they were back in school and rounded up and having to, you know, be here at this time and back by this time and all this kind of thing. It really started to bug them. And, you know, they then said, you know, we had to do it. And I went, no, you didn't actually. You could have asked the tour operator for, you know, a leave of absence, be naughty, be the one that says no I don't really want to do that activity that's not an activity that is something that I'm really keen on but you know I'm happy for the rest of the group to go and I'll meet you back at five o'clock or whenever the the one is that you're happy to start again. So, the key things for groups and certainly price is another issue because the company is usually able to negotiate really good rates. and you're going to get you know your flights and your accommodation and all wrapped up together with guides and transfers and things like that. You're usually going to get that at a pretty good price because they're buying it on volume and they're buying it on structure and reliability of facilitating those tours. And then you're going to be buying that group on the brand. What do you know about that brand for the kind of travelers that they are attracting to their tour company, to their experiences? Some companies cater to a younger audience, some cater to a more mature audience, some cater to different budgets, different lengths of stays and different accommodation levels. You know, are you a three-star traveller, a four-star traveller or a five-star traveller? Do you travel alone or will you be traveling with someone so that you can share the accommodation and share the twin share? So there's all these kind of things that you will get from group travel. And I honestly I want you to think about that very carefully in the sense that if you know on your pros and your cons columns there's more pros because you know that's just where you're at in life, that's just where how you want to do it. You know you did a group tour to Morocco or you did a group tour to Italy or you're a Contiki lover and you love those group tours and the activities and the joys and fun of meeting a whole group of people on the buses and things like that. You know it's definitely the go but if you struggle as I said with the busyness, the structure, the stringency around time slots and the pace of it is just too too stringent that you're not going to get to kind of just muse a little bit, relax a little bit, then maybe the group tour is not for you. And while people say yeah but you know I want to buy it because you know I'm not going to be able to get that tour for that price. Well that bit you don't know about until you try and that's where the independent and the individual travel options come in. where you get to plan your own trip and devise the trip that you want and, you know, maybe pick some of those places that are in the group tours, maybe not all of them, but maybe spend longer periods of time in some places than others, maybe do different things or maybe do nothing. Maybe do Nothing. Plan in nothing. Lie by the pool. Walk the beach. Have a long coffee in a coffee shop and just sit by and people watch. I think the private or the do-it-yourself traveler is probably the space I've had more to do certainly in the last couple of years. As I said, prior to that, I was more working with companies and helping them design some of these group tours. But, you know, I've found more joy with working with people to get what they want in the do-it-yourself space, in the individual traveler space. However, in saying that it takes some considerations and I want to put a bit of a caveat here in saying that you know if you're confident in doing things online sure you can do it all yourself but you're going to take some risks in the sense of you're depending on the research quality of the networks that you're doing research on to get the right information. And if you feel you aren't able to do that, well, go for it. The other option then is to use a private travel agent where they're going to organize a private tour. Now, when I say private tours, I mean that this tour is going to be just for you, you and your travelling companion or your family or whatever. You're not going to be on a public group tour. You're not going to be joining a group. There's going to be one person meeting you at the airport and taking you in a private car and that's going to be a transfer. Not a bus, not a sign up that says you know the brand and the brand group is to meet on pillar 10 and you're all going to go off together and you're going to follow the flag which is what a group tour does. No, no, no. In a private situation you're going to have a person yes will have your name on it but you'll be in a private car. And you know for some of us that sounds like a bit luxurious but in Vietnam it's amazing you can get some really nice luxuries but not have it break the bank and you can't self-drive in Vietnam so you're not going to see a whole heap of companies offering cars and car hire because that's just not available to you in Vietnam. You can however hire a driver and the driver will be driving a beautiful air-conditioned, very new car. But you're not going to get that advantage of joining a group of people immediately. you're going to have to make an effort at the places that you are visiting to meet other travelers, you know, kind of as part of your travel. The advantage of having someone help you organize this and provide you insights is that if you relate to that person and you feel confident with that travel agent, you know, you're going to be able to form a relationship with them. And you know the important factor that this person has to be able to give you is confidence, that they know what they're talking about, that they have been there, touched that or they know somebody that has. If they don't know they're going to find out for you because the care factor is where the differentiator is, is because this travel agent wants to give you a private tour and a private experience of Vietnam, but in a way that you're going to enjoy it at your own pace and to include the kinds of things that you want to do. Now for me, know I don't want to go to Saigon and then go out to the Cu Chi Tunnels; when I'm there it's too hot and the thought of me going underground touching snakes or you know experiencing any of that kind of fun stuff that other people think is fun is just not on my radar. I don't want to do that. But if that's included in the group tour, that's what the group does. So you're obliged to do it. You don't have to, as I mentioned, but you can reallocate your time to do something different. You know, I might choose to go and find, you know, a crazy cafe that I heard about, you know, out in the suburbs. Or I might want to check out a place that teaches you how to make your own perfume. as in design your own perfume by different scents and make up a bottle to take home. That's just something I might want to do or I might want to go and get pampered or I might want to go and try a Michelin restaurant. That's kind of some of the things that I want to do in Saigon. Or I might want to do a tuk-tuk tour. Or I might want to go on the back of a Vespa and check out all the street food with the guidance of a tour operator that runs around on Vespas. So I want the individuality, I want the personality that I have with my group, with my family, with whoever I'm traveling with to be the determinate of what I experience. So for you, when you're thinking about your private tour, You know, all of these things can get priced and put together in a package, which is kind of all wrapped up. So it's your transfers, your airfares, your accommodation. And that would be spoken about with you, tailored to the kind of hotel and where you want that hotel to be. Do you care whether or not it's far away from, you know, anything or would you like it in walking distance to the old town or be in District 1 or, you know, have certain views or do you want it to include some wellness aspects to it? You know, all of these things can get discussed and plugged in and form the part of your travel experience that you want to have. an individual. It can still as I said get wrapped up into a package so it's a price right at you know the end which is all-inclusive a bit like a group tour but this one is tailored to you. This is one where you have entrusted your your experience to the travel agent that is advising you or you've trusted yourself and your own instincts to know no this is the way I want to do it, somebody's told me about this place they said it's good, you're going on good airlines so you're trusting those airline networks and you can book that online And you feel confident that in the stay that you've decided on, the dates that you've chosen, that you've got yourself covered as an individual traveler and traveling on your own or in your own party. So the reason I wanted to talk about these two is because of the outcomes from either of them. And where I've found the most joy will surprise you I think in the sense that While the group tours do offer, you know, that headache-free, stress-free, don't have to think, budget-minded traveler, there's not the real levels of joy that I hear about versus the person who has been an individual traveler and traveled in their own steam under the guise of a private travel agent or they've booked everything themselves. And I think there's a lot of logic to why the individual traveler gets more out of Vietnam in specified time slots like the 12 days or the 14 days. is because they've really thought about the kind of holiday they want to have and been able to match that to the trip design. You know, if you are a person who, sure, you want to experience a lot, but you've recognised that, you know, it's going to be December as the only time you can go and while you love hiking and you love all that, You know it's going to be too cold to do that in northern Vietnam so for this trip you're going to design it more in the south and you're going to do a different kind of things and maybe have an island hop to Phu Quoc in that because you recognize and you've got information to hand that's reliable to say, you know, it's just not going to be ideal for you to have that hiking experience and get the best out of the north on that trip. However, you might prefer to do another trip at another time of the year when it's going to be perfect to experiencing that. So you might, you know, come back in September the following year or in a couple of years time. And you can still tailor and make it to what you want to experience. I hope that in this episode I've been able to give you some thoughts to help you design your trip. I hope I've given you some thoughts about how you want to spend your time according to your own preferences, your own timing, your own pace and your own personality. Don't knock your own personality out of the park as far as designing your own holiday. It is a holiday. It's the time you get off in a year to go away. So, you know, even if it's, Kerry, can you find us a place where we can attend mass on a Sunday? We're going to be away two Sundays. Can you find us a good place? And the mass times? Yes, yes, I can. Yes, we can do that. Kerry, you know, we're traveling with three children and, you know, these are teenage girls. They're all into shopping. They're all into, you know, we went to Southeast Asia a couple of years ago. They're “pagoded” out. They want to hear about this vibrant city and this vibrant country and can you show us some of the great, real, trendy places for my teenage daughters to go in Saigon? Yeah, we can do that. I think, you know, trip planning is one of those things that people kind of gloss over as not having much value. But when you're traveling with people or, you know, you're trying to sell internally to, you know, your wife or your family members or your kids or whatever that, yes, we're going to go to Vietnam, we're going to have a great time. If you can get to plan it the way you want it to be you've got a much better chance of having a better outcome. You know people go back and forth to lots of countries and I can name Spain, Italy, Thailand because they've been able to generally in the past experience the country the way they wanted to. They were able to go to the country more as individuals, less as tours. I mean, if the tour into Vietnam is a small group tour and it's around a specific concept, I know some great people that do offer very specialized tours. You know, one group in particular that offers, and I'll put a link to it in the show notes, you know around food and textiles. Now that might be your thing. I know another group that does them as a writer so you can go and get writing skills and so might be that time of life where you want to get a bit creative and you want to do it in an environment that inspires creativity. You know this might be the kind of tool but it's because of your personality and because of your likes, desires and the things that you want to experience and you're matching that to Vietnam. Don't try and you know I think make Vietnam match you, you match yourself to Vietnam. You find the kind of experience and if you have to come back a couple of times well wahoo do it. You know I would rather you come back a couple of times to experience different levels of Vietnam rather than try and smash it down and tick that bucket list and go, yeah, we saw Vietnam, got it over and done with. Yeah, 12 days we were done. I don't know whether or not you would have got the full grasp of Vietnam according to its full scope on offering to you if you had done that. Sure, you would have got the glimpses, and you would have still seen the beautiful Halong Bay, and you would have got to have egg coffee in Hanoi. But there's so much to Vietnam. To me, unless you've got extensive time in that first visit, it's a lot to experience in one visit, and especially in limited time. Now, if you are wanting to get some more advice around different options or you've got some questions to ask, please reach out. You know where to go. Whataboutvietnam.com is the website where you might even be listening from because it is free, advert free. You can obviously find this on all your pod channels. But if you want to reach out, just reach out to me at whataboutvietnam@gmail.com . I'm happy to answer any questions and of course I'm happy to do the trip planning for you all inclusive and tailored to you. Happy traveling folks and I'll see you in Vietnam.

S4-21 Beyond the Phong Nha caves Exploring Phong Nha beyond the caves Episode 21 S4-21 Beyond the Phong Nha caves 00:00 / 35:50 If you thought Phong Nha, was just all about visiting the amazing caves you see and hear about, you would really be selling the area short. In this episode of "What about Vietnam?" we get to showcase many other cool fun things to do in the locality.
 My guest, is a bit of a legend in this area of Vietnam, and is none other than Ben Mitchell. Besides being an all round nice "Aussie bloke", he is extremely knowledgeable in travel and tourism overall.
 Ben has been on the program before and along with Howard Limbert in other episodes we have covered the caving aspect of Phong Nha in great detail, which undoubtedly is its main attraction. However what you are about to find out in this show is the caves, ....are just the entry point to other things to do in the region.

 Furthermore, the episode encourages visitors to consider extending their stay in Phong Nha since a couple of days might not be enough to experience all the activities available. Everything from bike riding, walking tours, cycling through villages, farm to table feasts, and surfing, to finally enjoying a G&T watching a beautiful sunset over the paddy fields.

 Ben has done a lot for tourism in the region, and is considered very knowledgeable on its history and many aspects of bike touring along the HCM trail. I feel sure from listening today you may like to consider bringing the whole family, as like Ben's young family, there is something for everyone. And everyone gets into it!
 
On the aspect of history - Ben mentions this Video you may like to look at https://vimeo.com/424932090?fs=e&s=cl&fbclid=IwAR0tf7bfnyxT0z1LGYifi_0tSs6Q18RmZBnrkIMOoItPr-w8mfPx66V8zkQ There is also a Podcast talking about the National Park - The Ke Bang Park
 https://soundcloud.com/user-326960059 You can reach Ben at his local homestay called - Phong Nha Farm stay - https://www.facebook.com/thephongnhafarmstay 

[00:01:28] Phong Nha's diversification efforts during and beyond Covid
 [00:06:18] The Ho Chi Minh Trail. 
[00:11:21] Other attractions in Phong Nha
 [00:14:03] Free-range chickens - a fun story 
[00:18:44] Vietnamese workers leaving travel industry - the impact on tourism 
[00:25:02] Phong Nha Cave tourism and main operators
 [00:29:09] Vietnamese War veterans in Utah. Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

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 S6 E14 What You Can't always know about Vietnam until you get here 00:00 / 24:03 Xin Chao and Welcome to Vietnam's Award winning Travel Podcaster Go to Visa info SERIES 1 SERIES 2 SERIES 3 SERIES 4 SERIES 5 SERIES 6 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 a Vietnam Travel Podcaster 3rd Prize Winner 2025 Vietnam 1st National External Information Service Awards Submit Thanks for submitting!

What about Vietnam blog about travel tips and holidays in Vietnam S5-E27 Discovering Catholic Treasures of Vietnam Episode 27 Church Hunting in Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh Go to Episode S5-E23 - Caving and Trekking in Phong Nha’s Tu Lan Cave System Episode 23 Pushing Limits, Finding Magic Go to Episode S5-E18 - Hanoi below the surface Episode 18 Vibrant Hanoi Go to Episode S5-E14 - Phong Nha. Family fun for everyone Episode 14 The family fun destination Go to Episode S5-E10 - Out and about in Saigon - The Uncut Edition Episode 10 Uncut edition of Out and About in Saigon Go to Episode S5-E7-- The Rise of Unique Dining Experiences in Vietnam Episode 07 Unique Dining Experiences in Vietnam Go to Episode S5- E2 – Choosing Hoi An as a Digital Nomad Destination Episode 02 Hoi An - a digital nomad destination Go to Episode S5-E26 Wellness Tourim - A fresh take from Hoi An Episode 26 Wellness tourism in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E22 - 10 things travellers may not know Episode 22 What tavellers may not know Go to Episode S5-E17 - Motorbike riding tips in Vietnam Episode 17 Safety, local tips and epic rides Go to Episode S5-13 - Out and About in Nha Trang - The city of 300 days of sunshine Episode 13 Out and About in Nha Trang - The city of 300 days of sunshine Go to Episode S5-E9 - Out and about in Saigon Episode 09 Out and about in Saigon Go to Episode S5-5 - The famous Hai Van Pass experience: Insights from a seasoned traveller Episode 05 Hai Van Pass experience: Insights from a seasoned traveller Go to Episode S5-E1-Vietnam Visa updates and Land Travel tips taking in Phan Thiet Hue and Quy Nhon Episode 01 Visa and Travel tips on Phan Thiet, Hue and Quy Nhon Go to Episode S5-E25 - Hoi An in Focus: 10 Things to Love Episode 25 From a local view and traveller return Go to Episode S5-21 - Vietnam's TET holiday Episode 21 Preparation and tips for TET holiday Go to Episode S5-E16-Smart phone Apps and tech tips for travellers to Vietnam Episode 16 Smart phone Apps and tech tips Go to Episode S5-E12 - Out and About in Mui Ne – Laying bare to the winds of change Episode 12 Out & About in Mui Ne Go to Episode S5-E8 – Empowering the Traveller: In the fight against Human Trafficking Episode 08 The Traveller: In the fight against Human Trafficking Go to Episode S5-E4 - Exploring the Case for living and working in Vietnam Episode 04 The Case for living and working in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E19-Facelift and Dental surgery Vietnam – A good news story Episode 19 Facelift and Dental surgery Vietnam – A good news story Go to Episode S5-E24 - Ha Giang: Insider Tips for Adventure Episode 24 An Unforgettable Adventure Go to Episode S5-E20 - Saigon Unseen: Missing the Sights Episode 20 What sights are you missing Go to Episode S5-E15 - Yen Bai- Discover luxury in the heart of nature Episode 15 Luxury in the heart of nature Go to Episode S5- E11 - Out and About in Hồ Tràm Vietnam Episode 11 Out and about in Ho Tram Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E6-Explore the ‘Land of Lychees’ – Bac Giang with return traveller to Vietnam Episode 06 Explore the ‘Land of Lychees’ – Bac Giang Go to Episode S5-E3- Heritage and discovery in Saigon, The Mekong Delta and Dalat Episode 03 Discovering heritage in Saign, the Mekong Delta and Dalat Go to Episode

What about Vietnam blog about travel tips and holidays in Vietnam What You Can't always know about Vietnam until you get here Question 14 Go to Episode S6-E10 Why is Vietnam becoming so popular Question 10 Go to Episode S6-E6 Is tipping required in Vietnam - A practical guide for travellers Question 6 Go to Episode S6-E2 Is TET a good time to visit Vietnam Question 2 Go to Episode S6-E13 How far in advance should I book a trip to Vietnam Question 13 Go to Episode S6-E9 What Vietnamese dishes should I try Question 9 Go to Episode S6-E5 How to handle money in Vietnam Question 5 Go to Episode S6-E1 Is it safe to travel to Vietnam as a solo traveller Question 1 Go to Episode S6-E12 What about medical care in Vietnam Question 12 Go to Episode S6-E8 Where should you go first in Vietnam Question 8 Go to Episode S6-E4 When is the best time of year to visit Vietnam Question 4 Go to Episode S6-E11 What is the authentic experience of Vietnam Question 11 Go to Episode S6-E7 Is now a good time to travel to Vietnam Question 7 Go to Episode S6-E3 Do I need a Visa to enter Vietnam Question 3 Go to Episode

e3006e0d-2050-43b4-8931-3fe27f6b5457Special retreat focusing on skin wellness What About Vietnam - 2-13 A special kind of retreat that focuses on Skin Wellness, Part 2 Kerry Newsome: xin chào and welcome to what about Vietnam? Today we're going to be talking a little bit further about health retreats and on Wellbeing in Vietnam, & the focus is going to be on skin wellness. And I've asked Kim La Sambolec to come on because she is an expert in this field and she is running retreats in Hoi An in Vietnam. She is founder of the Skin Wellness Academy, and she's clearly ahead of the game in this area. Now, when you start looking at retreats and finding locations for them and looking for destinations which can offer you a range of experiences, you probably can't go past Vietnam as a location to do that. And certainly, the focus could be on a place called Hoi An, because Hoi An offers just such a beautiful range of experiences to add to whatever retreat you might choose to do. Today, Kim's going to take us and quite deeply into skin wellness. We're going to learn lots about what she offers in her retreats. And so lots of lessons to take away from today. Skin wellness is a specialty. It is quite unique. And it's absolutely fabulous that you can find a retreat such as this in Vietnam. I hope you're welcome Kim to the program, Kim. Welcome to the show. It's lovely to have you on. And I'm so excited to be talking about retreats in Vietnam and what you do in the skin wellness space. Kim La Sambolec: Thank you Kerry for having me on here, and I'm really, really excited to be talking about that with you and everyone who is listening as well. Kerry Newsome: Great. Look, You know, we hear a lot about wellness retreats in Vietnam. I mean, what for? For a person looking to come to Vietnam, especially post COVID. What should they be looking for in a wellness retreat in Vietnam especially, in the post COVID environment? Kim La Sambolec: Yeah. There's two separate questions there I can hear Kerry, one is like what to look for in a wellness retreat in Vietnam. I could tell you for that question alone that there's not many of them here. At all, and I, in fact, like skin wellness, you know, there's not really that many in the world at all. I'm actually quite happy to say that I host one of the world's first skin wellness retreats, and it just so happens to be in Vietnam's. I guess that's why I was on your radar and then for yeah, and then the second question; What could they look out for here? Is that correct? Kerry Newsome: Yes. Kim La Sambolec: My retreats are held currently only in Hoi An which is near Danang in Vietnam. It's a UNESCO heritage site, and it has a beautiful old town and rice paddies and, you know the beach and the mountains all in one. And it's actually a very unique place because there are not really many places in the world that has all of those four elements in the one place within literally five kilometers from one end to the other, like mountain to beach kind of thing. And so, when I have the skin wellness retreat here, it really, is complimentary to what we offer in the retreat because it really has that holistic and healing and added relaxation benefits to it as well to help to restore, recharge and relax a person that may have been in lock down for multiple times in COVID. And so, when you come to look for retreats after COVID, then you probably want to, you know, get away to a place that maybe has a lot of elements that your town or city, the place that you're coming from doesn't have. And so, I feel like Vietnam’s got food, it's got nature, it’s got beaches. It's got beautiful tourist destinations and scenic things, and it has beautiful retreats and stuff here to choose from as well. So why not? Kerry Newsome: Yes, definitely. I mean, you're right, you couldn't get a better setting than Hoi An. And I think the thing that I really want to hone in on with you in this episode is around the difference in I guess what we read in Brochure, and what we see on Google and all the kinds of promotions around wellness. You know, it's kind of the hip word to use to describe retreats and eco and all of those words kind of get mixed up a little bit, I think or confused. The good thing about yours for me and in understanding yours was that it's really centered and focused around your skin. And, the wellness retreat that your offering is all around looking at the barriers to poor treatment off your skin or you know, any information and things like that. I have been listening, and I think what I'd like you to tell us a little bit more about is just what that means for the person who's booking a tour like that to experience that with you. Because you know, there's products to talk about this. You know what? What do they do there? What do they do with you? That kind of gives them this wellness? Kim La Sambolec: Yeah. Great question Kerry, thank you for that. Skin wellness okay, like skin alone is generally something that you know. We often think it’s separate, its superficial. It's on the surface and everyone sees and everyone touches it., you know, and it's protecting us. It's meant to be protecting us from the environment, right and holding us together like, well, without our skin and functioning and body intact. You know, we would be a blahmess. What I mean by skin wellness is that well, you need to be well and have wellness and have health and have vitality from within before your skin can then look and feel amazing and radiate literally your glow from the inside out. So that's why I've made it skin wellness rather than just a blanket term off general wellness. Because, yes, there are plenty of retreats out there all over the world., that a wellness treats like yoga retreats or exercise retreat or boot camp. It treats. Yeah, but this is very specific in skin wellness treats and how I have merged my skills and what I love to do and how I transform my client’s skin into a skin wellness retreat is basically incorporating all the elements of my skin transformation system into three days. And so, you probably want to know like, Well, okay, what is that system? Right. The system, in order to get your skin to be glowing and healthy and radiate; for it to age gracefully and also not even just the more superficial side of it. But what about the comfort side of it? There are people that you know, have itchiness and redness and rash and stuff, and they kind of are uncomfortable in their own skin. It is hard to sleep. They've scratched themselves until they bleed at night and stuff. I'm talking about, you know, a whole general wellness level, that will transform into a healthy, beautiful, resilient organ which is the largest organ in our body. And that's our skin, right? And so, my skin transformation system, when we incorporate all of the elements of that into a wellness retreat, is the fact that you will get all the tools that you need to rebuild your skin by rebuilding your health at the same time, which then equal being well. What if we talk Post COVID in particular? Well, what is happening during COVID? Okay, there's a lot of stress. There's a lot of anxiety. All of a sudden, moms and parents and stuff find that they're doing now, like 50 jobs rather than 20 and a lot of roles and responsibilities. I just before this podcast started, like, you know, you saw that I have to message multiple people to keep the kids that they, you know, so that they come here and don’t make noise and stuff. It's really challenging for the world right now, and we're in COVID right now, so we're really, definitely, projecting that Post COVID. It will be soon on what? You know, you are going to think about what you are dealing with right now during COVID and then what? What do you want at the end of COVID? The Skin Wellness Retreat gives you, then you know, tools and elements that you need, in your pocket to just reach in and manage to feel well, to feel balance, you know? It's got meditation techniques, mindfulness techniques. You learn different things, different breathing techniques, like there are multiple different kinds of breathing techniques. I simplify everything to make it suitable for the most beginner as well. And then we do yoga to move the body, and then we eat amazing food. And what better product that there in Vietnam, like all of the food we get from the organic three organic fields in Hoi An. And the chef that I work with. He's a Vietnamese American chef who has so much flair in his food. And so, he personalizes everything. And so all of the ingredients and the food are high with nutrients that are known to regenerate skin and give energy for a person; he helped me incorporate that into the menu. So basically, moms or parents and stuff who come to the retreat, they don't have to think about everyone else for once, they can be taken care of. So, I think that's really important for Post COVID. It is that Yeah, you go. You're kind of like, hitting quite a few birds with one stone, right? Learn something that you could take back, and it'll last forever. Treat yourself so then you can show yourself some care, some care, some love, some respect and actually recharge your batteries. Because otherwise, if you keep going and going, going, going like an energy bunny, doing everything for everyone else, when is your battery going run flat? And when your battery runs flat it’s much harder to recharge. And then you're talking about a health condition. You're talking about disease. You're talking about cancer you're talking about, you know, like lots of things. Like, I mean, I ran into that myself, So I don't want that to happen, um, to anyone else, because it's really not pleasant, I tell you. Kerry Newsome: No, definitely not on. I think, we’re not really aware of the pressures or the impact of COVID until we start to see evidence of it in things like our skin. And, you know, as skin is one of those things, I think that, you know, it's something that everybody can see. So, you know, if its kind of, you can't hide from it. So, you know, if you're not well or you are feeling anxiety or whatever. It's very easy for the skin to show that up. And I love the fact that you take responsibility and you want to encourage the people who join you at your retreat, to look at the inside and to look at you know, your mental attitude and your mindfulness around it because, as you say, they're all very, very connected. I think one of the things I just want to add, which is, is possibly something that comes up for people that I engage with in my role as a foreigner. They kind of see Vietnam is, um oh, gosh, you know, we're going to get all this pampering and they're going to, use locally made products and there's, you know, there's going be Citrus oils and, uh, you know, alot theseddifferent kinds of skin rubs and masks, and I'm going tell you I've had some disasters where people have tried this with every good intention I might add, as they tell me that are you will feel so much better with this, and your skin will love this and only to walk out with my skin totally gone berserk and uh, me walking away thinking No, I will not be doing that again. Can you talk a little bit about how that happens and, like, what can people do to avoid that? Kim La Sambolec: Yes. But it all comes down. Kerry to having an awareness of what your body needs and what your body is capable of handling. So, if you think all of these lotions and potions and rubs and Citrus this and that that you locally made of Vietnam, and you know you had disasters when you were here last time, think back off. Say, for example, when you were 10 or 12 and you had these lotions and potions put on you. Do you think that you would have reacted the same back then, as you did previously? Like just recently? Kerry Newsome: I don't know. Probably not. Kim La Sambolec: Exactly. I mean, what is that? Kerry Newsome: I mean, I think you know, if you have skin that has a highly allergic aspect to it, then it's pretty difficult to not hit that note, I guess. But I just find that in Vietnam because there is a a propensity of the Vietnamese to want to lather you in locally made oils. And coconut oil especially, because it’s kind of the standard, but it's not of the same standard as a foreigner would be used to applying to their skin so often, I'm not the only one. Our skin can react quite violently. Kim La Sambolec: Totally. I totally get that. And most of my clients who come to me their skin has reacted violently due to the fact of using incorrect products. You know, because our skin is the largest organ in the body and it's designed. It's designed to protect us, and so when it's weak and it’s down and it's not strong, as strong as it used to be, um, then it's going to be highly sensitive to reacting to anything so and then. So that's one factor. But the other factor is like, “What is it that you're putting on your skin?” You know? How is it made? What is the formulation? What is the ingredient inside? It's all really important, too. Being able, understand where you're at, and also what are you being exposed to, so I'm very, very careful about that. Like in my skin consultations and stuff. When I look at every single product a person is using, analyze every single ingredient in each of those products to find the root cause of what is aggravating their skin. Because if we don't find the root cause of why the skin is breaking down, why the skin is not being as resilience a it should be. Then, of course, we're going to, we're not going to get the outcome that we want. Does that make sense? Kerry Newsome: Yes, yes. No, definitely. And I think I guess what I’m trying to hit the note on is in Vietnam. There's such a great, uh, opportunity for people to experiment in the sense with food, with different oils with different experiences of oils, as in pampering. And there are different processes that are offered at various different locations around Vietnam. And you would know this. I just would love to give some guidance to travelers around the experience on skin wellness. And, maybe, between you and I, we can give some tips to people to avoid those reactions, those negative negative reactions. Because I don't want anyone going to Vietnam after they've been listening. to my podcast about wellness and going Oh, we were told that we could do anything. Well, that's not right. So yeah, I just think it's great that you have been able to focus on what's most important from an ingredient perspective and not fall into the “You know, it's organic and it's made locally” and lets not fall down that route and that that's not what your retreats based on them. A little bit more scientific, I think. What I'm what I'm trying to get to;- Kim La Sambolec: Yeah, no, we definitely want, you know, scientific elements, clinical aspect, holistic aspect. And if, after all of that, then whatever could be organic and, you know, no chemicals and preservatives like nasty preservatives and stuff, then great, right, because then we get the best of both worlds then. But where, where we're getting out, we don't want the listeners to, you know, we want to actually guide the listeners to get to Vietnam and be able to have a bit of a bit of knowledge on what they can do to protect them from getting reactions from these treatments that are available on every street corner. Correct? Kerry Newsome: Yes. And I think definitely. Yes. Kim La Sambolec: Well, I have never had a facial or treatment in Vietnam or many countries. Actually, um, if it's not in a clinic like a proper, clinical, well established environment where I can see that, people are well trained and the hygiene standards, uh, there and everything, you know, like a massage. Okay, I'm a little bit more liberal about massage. But I also asked them to change the towels right in front of me, you know? When I walk into the room, I will ask him, “Can you please change the towels in front of me?” Because if I put my face on those towels, what if the previous person to me has some skin rash or infection or something? on so that is something that I always do, but otherwise carry, facials and letting them rub stuff on my face. No, that does not ever happen in Vietnam. I've been to places like, the Intercontinental. . And I've had a facial there but then they're just, like, therapeutic. Relaxation kind of facials. They're not. They're not, like, skin transformed, regenerating, you know, rebuilding skin health kind of stuff that I'm me into. Because for me, all of my stuff is like, it goes deep, all the ingredients. Everything you use literally goes into yourselves, right into cells. If you have superficial treatments that they just lather oils and stuff on top, then if you have an acne skin. If this comes thento having awareness of what your skin needs on what your skin is able to take is that, say, for example, you already have sensitive and acne skin on you. Allow them to rub like essential oils on you. It doesn't matter how it's made. really or oils. Then it's going clog your pores, it is going irritate it more. And then afterwards you break out more and also the creams and the cleanses and stuff like how can you be sure that you know the ingredients in there is not going to strip your skin; is not going leave it susceptible to bacteria invasion. As soon as you step out the door and it's hard, it's human. It's dusty and sunny, all of those things, I question. But of course, thats the reason why I don't have treatments. And I miss out probably because I know too much? Yeah. And it comes in a paranoia comes with knowing all these things and being out to see it. Where to a person that doesn't maybe doesn't know as much, then they don't notice these things. Then you just go in and hope for the best, right? So… Kerry Newsome: Yeah, I think there's a difference. Yeah, you're so right. I think you know that aspect of going in and having an expectation that you're going to have all these local, locally made and produced oils. And it's organic this and. that?? You're going to walk out with, a fully restored skin, from a cellular level, as you say is too high. That expectation is too high. And I think what I'm trying to warn people about is to not go in there and just be, mindless in the sense off. You know, saying yes to everything, instead be a bit more inquisitive, as you say, ask about the towels. You know, what oils are they using? You want to know what specific method or treatments are they going to apply. Really do a little bit of homework rather than just going in, because you can walk out; not the same as the way you walked in, and not for the better. And I think there's a different cost to that to that scenario as well. You're thinking about that, and it will be, you know, I don't know about $500,000 dong, or whatever it is for, you know, a couple of hours treatment, etc in mask and face mask and things like that. Where, as you say, you could even go to the intercontinental Danang where it'll cost you, 3 times as much, you know? And arm and a leg., and it's still a therapeutic treatment for relaxation. So and yours is kind of that next step over again, isn't it? It's like, Well, this isn't just like a short buzz. You're going to walk out in a half an hour and you're an hour's time and, you know, totally refreshed. This is a treatment isn't it's three days of applying a process. So maybe walk us through just very scantily. Maybe just that three days. So the person arrives. What's the first thing they do? Kim La Sambolec: Well, the first thing you do is relax by the pool and get a head and shoulder massage, and you can choose your location to get the massage. So underneath the coconut tree by the lake. Or, you know, like underneath a little chalet over the ponds that lily ponds and then Just settle into your room and just be like in awe. I've got my own space. Finally, no kids screaming, no one asking me to do anything except to come and have my nails painted and get a massage and then get my program for when my yoga and meditation classes will be. And when my next meal is going to be. That's already cooked for me, and it's already planned out that it's going be good for my skin and my body and for my digestion on. Then all these next three days. It's just about me. And then people have an option. Like we advise people just to be on your phone as little as possible, because you want to be here. You want to be immersing yourself and you want to immerse in the experience here for three whole days, right? Not 1 foot in, 1 foot out and the other foot is at home worrying about whether the kids they're going to survive or the husband is going to survive with kids or the nanny or whatever. You're right. They can deal with it. And I mean, I've had a lot of moms who come, and it's their first time leaving their kids at home. And really, it was not easy for them to say yes to themselves and to come. But once they did now, they're like, Wow, everyone can live without me. It's awesome because that's the pressure that moms and women put on ourselves as well. We tend to think we're so used to doing everything for everyone else that we tend to think that the world can't function without us, and so that's the pressure. And that's the guilt as well, because we think if we're out doing something for ourselves, then we're being selfish. And what about everyone else suffering at home? Well, you know what? You've kind of been suffering slowly every single day since you had that. Not to say that children aren’t a blessing in disguise and, they teach us lots of lessons and kids are amazing. I've got two myself and you know, no regrets there, but it's really hard work. It's definitely one of the hardest challenges that I have ever yet overcome, you know? Kerry Newsome: I think you're right Kim, I think it’s about us entitling ourselves to that kind of gift isn’t? It's a self gift and a gift that we want to say. Look, we deserve this. We do deserve this and, you know, guilt free. Absolutely. Kim La Sambolec: So even just once a year. You know, once a year, just go for a week on your own, with your girlfriends or somewhere you can just relax, and then just be pampered and just I mean, do it for me. I always like to do things I don't usually do. I tend to choose one thing, that one reason. I like to make sure that I get multiple benefits out of one decision. I feel like this skin wellness is to “treat” it like that because, you know, you're going in and you're treating your skin, you're going to look better. You're going to feel better and you're going to blow everyone away when you leave. And so, when you go home, people are going to be like, WOW,.... Yeah. People do leave with just a glow and then guess what? You've now got the tools to be able to maintain that glow because you get a full, thorough consultation with me to analyze. You know what's going on in your body. You get a treatment as well, like a clinical treatment that I have never had anyone had reactions to. Because, you know, when you know and understand the skin to the level that I do, then you know how to treat it. So then there is no reaction. And if there is a reaction or response, I wanted to use the word reaction. Okay, there's a response within the skin. And guess what. If you want to age gracefully and for your skin to be strong, you need to do things that your skin will respond to say, for example, you go and want to build a six pack. You're not going build a six-pack sitting, lying back. Relax on the couch. You know you're going be lifting weights and jumping around for a long time and your muscles are going to hurt quite a bit, but you're guided. If you're guided by a personal trainer to then lift things correctly and move things correctly, then you're going to get the results faster. So that's the exact same thing of me, that I often refer to myself as like a skin cell trainer. Kerry Newsome: I'm going to write that down skin cell trainer. Kim La Sambolec: I whip yourself. I whipped your skin cells into shape. Kerry Newsome: In three days. Kim La Sambolec: Well, it's the start of the journey, but usually my retreat. Kerry uh, I mean, I I've only ever had two people I ran two last year and one from each group that have never actually had had exposure to my work before, But otherwise these retreats are kind of like an upgrade to my existing clients who know my work already. And I've started on this journey of skin transformation with me already. They used the products I've prescribed. They follow my meal plans. They do basically everything I tell them to, and they literally have the results pretty much already. And they don't want to get back to that place where it felt horrible. and so they know that with the tools that you need, like breathing and yoga and meditation and eating right that it is necessary if they want to maintain their glow. And so, if they want to continue showing their glow to the world and to themselves when they look in the mirror forever, then they've got to learn some new skills. Because isn't it the definition of insanity to, you know, do the same things over and over again, expecting a different result. Kerry Newsome: Exactly, I think you know, if there's a place to do it that you can achieve results like you are talking about, but also get a holiday out of it, in a beautiful environment, in a country that offers the most amazing food, beautiful beaches, weather, and people. I think people is a big factor; the staff and the people that do the massages and things like that, they are just so lovely. Kim La Sambolec: Yes, bingo, Kerry Newsome: Bingo, Kim, I just want to say thank you for coming on the show and its been great to delve a little bit deeper to what your perspective is around wellness treats and the focus being skin for you. Really loved getting your insights. Kim La Sambolec: Well, thank you much for having me.

a3cb4594-a983-42bd-8f42-90bb440d760aNo Visa or Evisa – Getting it right in 2025 No visa or evisa - Getting it right in 2025 Episode 10 S1-E10 Getting your Visa right 00:00 / 32:38 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 simple, right? Well, the devil is in the details. A single typo or misunderstanding can cost you precious time and money. That’s why I’ve put this episode together: to give you clear guidance, in plain English, so you know exactly what to do. In this episode, I become the devil of detail explaining in simple language;- • The latest visa exemption updates for 2025 (the official Vietnam Immigration link for the full country list below). • The two types of e-visas available and which one best suits your trip. • Common pitfalls that stop travellers at the airport — and how to avoid them. • How to prepare your application with the right documents and photos. • The timeline for applying, and why leaving it too late is a risky move. • What “visa runs” really mean • Real-life stories from travellers who got caught out — and how it was resolved I have tried to cover all kinds of instances to help make sure you “Get it right”, first go. No sweat! Check out the page on the website for more details - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/visa-info And if all of this still feels like a bit too much — that’s exactly where I can help. Through What About Vietnam travel services, I can arrange fast-track arrivals, curated itineraries, and personal guidance with fixes if needed, so feel free to reach out to me at whataboutvietnam@gmail.com To check your country status as either being exempt or requiring an Evisa ( including making your application go to https://evisa.gov.vn/ Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

09c8bf5a-9903-4573-9ce5-3306acfa70c2Discussing the broader challenges in travel planning Travelling to Vietnam part 3 - Things NOT always in a tour program Episode 16 S3-16 Things NOT always in a tour 00:00 / 14:32 The final episode in this series. A short episode to close out the series, I am again joined by Miquel Angel as we discuss the broader challenges of trip planning. “While time is in your hands” says my knowledgeable guest Miquel, it does take astute planning to get the best out of the regions within a restrictive 14 day trip, which was the basis of this series. This is a 3 -part series, so may I suggest you start with Part 1 to get the full benefit of my guest’s insights. Miquel further shares his take on places like Dalat, Phong Nha, Hanoi, Northern Highlands, Phu Quoc and Dalat. You will discover things you may not have thought possible to see in Vietnam, as they are not featured in your average program, like Tulips in Dalat and Bee farms in Phu Quoc. Because as he says “You cannot fit everything in." Download Transcript PDF Read transcript