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

What about Vietnam blog about travel tips and holidays in Vietnam Special Offers

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 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 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 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-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

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

Vietnam travel podcasts featuring stories and interviews about south Vietnam destinations South Vietnam S2-20 Saigon Nightlife scoop Go to Episode S2-02 Shopping Vietnam Go to Episode S3-25 One teenagers holiday views Go to Episode S3-15 Travel time in Vietnam P2 Go to Episode S3-24 Phu Quoc A scenic island paradise Go to Episode S3-11 Saigons Covid Recovery Outlook Go to Episode S3-18 Emerging comedy in Saigon Go to Episode S3-06 Diving in Vietnam Go to Episode S3-17 Mui Ne Beach bliss experiences Go to Episode S3-03 Saigon HCMC Districts Go to Episode S4-25 A fun Guide to droning - Photos Part 3 Go to Episode S4-18 Luxury Brand Travel Experiences Go to Episode S4-13 Citizen 44 podswap Go to Episode S4-24 Take beautiful photos Part 2 Go to Episode S4-17 Vietnam Traveller Insights 2022 Go to Episode S4-11 Revisiting Vietnam Go to Episode S4-23 Take beautiful photos Part 1 Go to Episode S4-15 Travelling as a solo woman Go to Episode S4-08 Travel Addict podswap Go to Episode S4-19 Vietnam wins the heart of the daring Go to Episode S4-14 Con Dao Islands Go to Episode S4-05 Nha Trang 10 best things Go to Episode S5-21 - Vietnam's TET holiday Go to Episode S5-13 - Out and About in Nha Trang - The city of 300 days of sunshine Go to Episode S5-E9 - Out and about in Saigon Go to Episode S5-E20 - Saigon Unseen: Missing the Sights Go to Episode S5-E12 - Out and About in Mui Ne – Laying bare to the winds of change Go to Episode S5-E8 – Empowering the Traveller: In the fight against Human Trafficking Go to Episode S5-E17 - Motorbike riding tips in Vietnam Go to Episode S5- E11 - Out and About in Hồ Tràm Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E7-- The Rise of Unique Dining Experiences in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E16-Smart phone Apps and tech tips for travellers to Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E10 - Out and about in Saigon - The Uncut Edition Go to Episode S5-E3- Heritage and discovery in Saigon, The Mekong Delta and Dalat Go to Episode Question 12 Go to Episode Question 8 Go to Episode Question 4 Go to Episode Question 11 Go to Episode Question 7 Go to Episode Question 3 Go to Episode Question 10 Go to Episode Question 6 Go to Episode Question 2 Go to Episode Question 9 Go to Episode Question 5 Go to Episode Question 1 Go to Episode

Vietnam travel podcasts featuring stories and interviews about a variety of special interest activiies and adventures in Vietnam Special Interest S2-25 River Cruising Vietnam Go to Episode S2-18 Masterminding your trip Go to Episode S2-11 Golf in Vietnam Go to Episode S2-23 Vietnam Cooking Classes Go to Episode S2-17 Wellness and Healing Go to Episode S2-10 Dental Holiday in Vietnam Go to Episode S2-21 Vietnamese Trail Marathons Go to Episode S2-14 Social Enterprise Travel Go to Episode S2-06 Top 5 Photography locations Go to Episode S2-19 Culture History through food Go to Episode S2-13 Skin Wellness retreat Go to Episode S2-08 Vietnam wedding Destination Go to Episode S3-24 Phu Quoc A scenic island paradise Go to Episode S3-18 Emerging comedy in Saigon Go to Episode S3-12 From Tourist to Resident Go to Episode S3-23 Your next wellness destination Go to Episode S3-17 Mui Ne Beach bliss experiences Go to Episode S3-10 Top 5 Travel Podcasts Go to Episode S3-22 Phong Nha Caves in depth Go to Episode S3-16 Things NOT always in a tour Go to Episode S3-09 Photographic experiences Go to Episode S3-19 Learn "Greetings" Go to Episode S3-13 Vietnamese Noodles Go to Episode S3-08 Food Adventure Go to Episode S4-25 A fun Guide to droning - Photos Part 3 Go to Episode S4-21 Beyond the Phong Nha caves Go to Episode S4-15 Travelling as a solo woman Go to Episode S4-24 Take beautiful photos Part 2 Go to Episode S4-20 Life changer for singer songwiter Go to Episode S4-14 Con Dao Islands Go to Episode S4-23 Take beautiful photos Part 1 Go to Episode S4-19 Vietnam wins the heart of the daring Go to Episode S4-13 Citizen 44 podswap Go to Episode S4-22 Trekking in Sapa A wide lens view Go to Episode S4-17 Vietnam Traveller Insights 2022 Go to Episode S4-12 Contemporary Art in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E27 Discovering Catholic Treasures of Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E23 - Caving and Trekking in Phong Nha’s Tu Lan Cave System Go to Episode S5-E17 - Motorbike riding tips in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E26 Wellness Tourim - A fresh take from Hoi An Go to Episode S5-E22 - 10 things travellers may not know Go to Episode S5-E16-Smart phone Apps and tech tips for travellers to Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E25 - Hoi An in Focus: 10 Things to Love Go to Episode S5-21 - Vietnam's TET holiday Go to Episode S5-E15 - Yen Bai- Discover luxury in the heart of nature Go to Episode S5-E24 - Ha Giang: Insider Tips for Adventure Go to Episode S5-E20 - Saigon Unseen: Missing the Sights Go to Episode S5-E14 - Phong Nha. Family fun for everyone Go to Episode Question 12 Go to Episode Question 8 Go to Episode Question 4 Go to Episode Question 11 Go to Episode Question 7 Go to Episode Question 3 Go to Episode Question 10 Go to Episode Question 6 Go to Episode Question 2 Go to Episode Question 9 Go to Episode Question 5 Go to Episode Question 1 Go to Episode

Vietnam travel podcasts featuring stories and interviews about the culture of Vietnam Cultural S1-07 8 Tips for travel during Tet Go to Episode S1-06 Culture and Visas Go to Episode S1-01 Vietnam Travel Planning Go to Episode S2-24 Explore Bac Ha Markets Go to Episode S2-07 Hoi An Top 10 must dos Go to Episode S2-14 Social Enterprise Travel Go to Episode S2-04 Tam Ky and Tam Thanh Beach Go to Episode S2-05 Explore Mai Chau Go to Episode S2-06 Top 5 Photography locations Go to Episode S4-22 Trekking in Sapa A wide lens view Go to Episode S4-16 Mystical Ninh Binh Go to Episode S4-07 Hue the city Past Present Future Go to Episode S4-21 Beyond the Phong Nha caves Go to Episode S4-12 Contemporary Art in Vietnam Go to Episode S4-05 Nha Trang 10 best things Go to Episode S4-18 Luxury Brand Travel Experiences Go to Episode S4-10 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P2 Go to Episode S4-01 Art in Vietnam Go to Episode S4-17 Vietnam Traveller Insights 2022 Go to Episode S4-09 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P1 Go to Episode S3-23 Your next wellness destination Go to Episode S3-07 Positive tourism Go to Episode S3-11 Saigons Covid Recovery Outlook Go to Episode S3-04 Dishes of Danang Go to Episode S3-10 Top 5 Travel Podcasts Go to Episode S3-03 Saigon HCMC Districts Go to Episode S3-09 Photographic experiences Go to Episode S3-02 Mu Cang Chai Go to Episode S5-E27 Discovering Catholic Treasures of Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E22 - 10 things travellers may not know Go to Episode S5-E12 - Out and About in Mui Ne – Laying bare to the winds of change Go to Episode S5-E25 - Hoi An in Focus: 10 Things to Love Go to Episode S5-21 - Vietnam's TET holiday Go to Episode S5-E10 - Out and about in Saigon - The Uncut Edition Go to Episode S5-E24 - Ha Giang: Insider Tips for Adventure Go to Episode S5-E20 - Saigon Unseen: Missing the Sights Go to Episode S5-E6-Explore the ‘Land of Lychees’ – Bac Giang with return traveller to Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E23 - Caving and Trekking in Phong Nha’s Tu Lan Cave System Go to Episode S5-E18 - Hanoi below the surface Go to Episode S5-E7-- The Rise of Unique Dining Experiences in Vietnam Go to Episode Question 12 Go to Episode Question 8 Go to Episode Question 4 Go to Episode Question 11 Go to Episode Question 7 Go to Episode Question 3 Go to Episode Question 10 Go to Episode Question 6 Go to Episode Question 2 Go to Episode Question 9 Go to Episode Question 5 Go to Episode Question 1 Go to Episode

Vietnam travel podcasts featuring stories and interviews in central Vietnam destinations Central Vietnam S2-23 Vietnam Cooking Classes Go to Episode S2-11 Golf in Vietnam Go to Episode S2-06 Top 5 Photography locations Go to Episode S2-01 Historical Hoi An Go to Episode S2-22 Wild Monkeys of Danang Go to Episode S2-09 Phong Nha Caves Go to Episode S2-04 Tam Ky and Tam Thanh Beach Go to Episode S2-16 Danang Community Sprit Go to Episode S2-08 Vietnam wedding Destination Go to Episode S2-03 Family Friendly Vietnam Go to Episode S2-12 Health and Wellness Retreats Go to Episode S2-07 Hoi An Top 10 must dos Go to Episode S2-02 Shopping Vietnam Go to Episode S3-25 One teenagers holiday views Go to Episode S3-17 Mui Ne Beach bliss experiences Go to Episode S3-12 From Tourist to Resident Go to Episode S3-23 Your next wellness destination Go to Episode S3-16 Things NOT always in a tour Go to Episode S3-10 Top 5 Travel Podcasts Go to Episode S3-22 Phong Nha Caves in depth Go to Episode S3-15 Travel time in Vietnam P2 Go to Episode S3-04 Dishes of Danang Go to Episode S3-21 Learn "shopping words" Go to Episode S3-13 Vietnamese Noodles Go to Episode S4-25 A fun Guide to droning - Photos Part 3 Go to Episode S4-20 Life changer for singer songwiter Go to Episode S4-14 Con Dao Islands Go to Episode S4-24 Take beautiful photos Part 2 Go to Episode S4-18 Luxury Brand Travel Experiences Go to Episode S4-11 Revisiting Vietnam Go to Episode S4-23 Take beautiful photos Part 1 Go to Episode S4-17 Vietnam Traveller Insights 2022 Go to Episode S4-08 Travel Addict podswap Go to Episode S4-21 Beyond the Phong Nha caves Go to Episode S4-15 Travelling as a solo woman Go to Episode S4-07 Hue the city Past Present Future Go to Episode S5-E26 Wellness Tourim - A fresh take from Hoi An Go to Episode S5-21 - Vietnam's TET holiday Go to Episode S5-E8 – Empowering the Traveller: In the fight against Human Trafficking Go to Episode S5-E25 - Hoi An in Focus: 10 Things to Love Go to Episode S5-E17 - Motorbike riding tips in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-5 - The famous Hai Van Pass experience: Insights from a seasoned traveller Go to Episode S5-E23 - Caving and Trekking in Phong Nha’s Tu Lan Cave System Go to Episode S5-E16-Smart phone Apps and tech tips for travellers to Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E3- Heritage and discovery in Saigon, The Mekong Delta and Dalat Go to Episode S5-E22 - 10 things travellers may not know Go to Episode S5-E14 - Phong Nha. Family fun for everyone Go to Episode S5- E2 – Choosing Hoi An as a Digital Nomad Destination Go to Episode Question 12 Go to Episode Question 8 Go to Episode Question 4 Go to Episode Question 11 Go to Episode Question 7 Go to Episode Question 3 Go to Episode Question 10 Go to Episode Question 6 Go to Episode Question 2 Go to Episode Question 9 Go to Episode Question 5 Go to Episode Question 1 Go to Episode

Vietnam travel podcasts featuring stories and interviews about trip planning for Vietnam travel Trip Planning S1-E11 Go to Episode S1-07 8 Tips for travel during Tet Go to Episode S1-E10 Getting your Visa right Go to Episode S1-06 Culture and Visas Go to Episode S1-E09 Vietnam Travel First Impressions Go to Episode S1-08 Join a packaged group tour or DIY Go to Episode S2-23 Vietnam Cooking Classes Go to Episode S2-03 Family Friendly Vietnam Go to Episode S2-18 Masterminding your trip Go to Episode S2-02 Shopping Vietnam Go to Episode S2-14 Social Enterprise Travel Go to Episode S2-06 Top 5 Photography locations Go to Episode S3-25 One teenagers holiday views Go to Episode S3-20 Learn "special dietary needs" Go to Episode S3-16 Things NOT always in a tour Go to Episode S3-24 Phu Quoc A scenic island paradise Go to Episode S3-19 Learn "Greetings" Go to Episode S3-15 Travel time in Vietnam P2 Go to Episode S3-22 Phong Nha Caves in depth Go to Episode S3-18 Emerging comedy in Saigon Go to Episode S3-14 Travel Opening up P1 Go to Episode S3-21 Learn "shopping words" Go to Episode S3-17 Mui Ne Beach bliss experiences Go to Episode S3-11 Saigons Covid Recovery Outlook Go to Episode S4-22 Trekking in Sapa A wide lens view Go to Episode S4-16 Mystical Ninh Binh Go to Episode S4-11 Revisiting Vietnam Go to Episode S4-21 Beyond the Phong Nha caves Go to Episode S4-15 Travelling as a solo woman Go to Episode S4-09 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P1 Go to Episode S4-18 Luxury Brand Travel Experiences Go to Episode S4-14 Con Dao Islands Go to Episode S4-08 Travel Addict podswap Go to Episode S4-17 Vietnam Traveller Insights 2022 Go to Episode S4-13 Citizen 44 podswap Go to Episode S4-05 Nha Trang 10 best things Go to Episode S5-E27 Discovering Catholic Treasures of Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E18 - Hanoi below the surface Go to Episode S5-13 - Out and About in Nha Trang - The city of 300 days of sunshine Go to Episode S5-E24 - Ha Giang: Insider Tips for Adventure Go to Episode S5-E17 - Motorbike riding tips in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E12 - Out and About in Mui Ne – Laying bare to the winds of change Go to Episode S5-E22 - 10 things travellers may not know Go to Episode S5-E16-Smart phone Apps and tech tips for travellers to Vietnam Go to Episode S5- E11 - Out and About in Hồ Tràm Vietnam Go to Episode S5-21 - Vietnam's TET holiday Go to Episode S5-E14 - Phong Nha. Family fun for everyone Go to Episode S5-E10 - Out and about in Saigon - The Uncut Edition Go to Episode Question 12 Go to Episode Question 8 Go to Episode Question 4 Go to Episode Question 11 Go to Episode Question 7 Go to Episode Question 3 Go to Episode Question 10 Go to Episode Question 6 Go to Episode Question 2 Go to Episode Question 9 Go to Episode Question 5 Go to Episode Question 1 Go to Episode

S6-E12 What about medical care in Vietnam < Back S6-E12 What about medical care in Vietnam S6-E12 What about medical care in Vietnam 00:00 / 38:00 Series 6. Episode 12. What about medical care in Vietnam? So….What happens if you get sick in Vietnam? Or have an accident? This episode is particularly relevant for today's independent traveller—the person who has researched extensively, joined Facebook groups, watched countless YouTube videos, and perhaps even used AI to help plan their entire trip. While these tools can provide an extraordinary amount of information, they can't provide real-world experience, local knowledge, or immediate support on the ground when something unexpected happens. In this episode, I explore the reality of life and what can happen, without you even trying. Let me share with you firsthand experiences of travellers Tim and Lucy as they navigate the world as retirees destined to use the world as their new playground. Their experience in Danang will open your eyes to a new standard of treatment you may not experience even in your own country – Now that would be nice, wouldn’t it? I don’t hold back in the show. I discuss the most common health issues visitors encounter, and Lucy and Tim speak to the quality of an international hospital, English-speaking doctors, healthcare costs, and travel insurance. You'll hear how Vietnam's major cities now offer access to modern private hospitals, internationally trained specialists, and healthcare services that may be far more advanced and affordable than many travellers expect including dental and cosmetic surgery. We also cover the simple steps you can take before and during your trip to minimise health risks; Thanks to Tim and Lucy for coming on the show and sharing their experience. You can follow their travels here - https://www.facebook.com/travelingtwoeverywhere Time stamps: 02:00 – Why Medical Care in Vietnam Worries Travellers 06:00 – The Top 5 Health Issues Travellers Experience in Vietnam 14:00 – What Happened to Lucy? A Real Hospital Experience in Da Nang 22:00 – How Good Are Vietnam's Hospitals? 31:00 – Costs, Travel Insurance & Peace of Mind If concerns about medical care have been on your radar, this episode may change your perspective entirely and provide the reassurance you need to travel with confidence. NOTE - Dental Discount with Worlwide Dental - https://worldwidedentalhospital.com/travel-partners/ using Code - WAV25 for a 5% discount. Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on personal experiences, guest contributions, and publicly available information at the time of recording. It should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or conditions. Healthcare facilities, services, costs, and regulations may change over time, and listeners should conduct their own research and obtain appropriate travel insurance before travelling. Do you have a travel question or wish to give some feedback? You have 90 seconds. Click to read the voicemail recording policy Previous Next

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 what-about-medical-care-in-vietnam-s6-e12-what-about-vietnam 00:00 / 38:00 Xin Chao and Welcome to Vietnam's Award winning Podcast and Travel Agency TRIP PLANNING 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 Podcast & Travel Agency 3rd Prize Winner 2025 Vietnam 1st National External Information Service Awards Submit Thanks for submitting!

Vietnam travel podcasts featuring stories and interviews about north Vietnam destinations North Vietnam S2-24 Explore Bac Ha Markets Go to Episode S2-14 Social Enterprise Travel Go to Episode S2-23 Vietnam Cooking Classes Go to Episode S2-05 Explore Mai Chau Go to Episode S2-21 Vietnamese Trail Marathons Go to Episode S2-07 Hoi An Top 10 must dos Go to Episode S2-15 Sapa North Vietnam Go to Episode S2-02 Shopping Vietnam Go to Episode S3-16 Things NOT always in a tour Go to Episode S3-02 Mu Cang Chai Go to Episode S3-09 Photographic experiences Go to Episode S3-08 Food Adventure Go to Episode S3-05 Ha Giang Loop Go to Episode S4-25 A fun Guide to droning - Photos Part 3 Go to Episode S4-18 Luxury Brand Travel Experiences Go to Episode S4-12 Contemporary Art in Vietnam Go to Episode S4-24 Take beautiful photos Part 2 Go to Episode S4-17 Vietnam Traveller Insights 2022 Go to Episode S4-10 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P2 Go to Episode S4-23 Take beautiful photos Part 1 Go to Episode S4-16 Mystical Ninh Binh Go to Episode S4-09 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P1 Go to Episode S4-22 Trekking in Sapa A wide lens view Go to Episode S4-15 Travelling as a solo woman Go to Episode S4-04 Vietnam Wedding Planning Go to Episode S5-E27 Discovering Catholic Treasures of Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E18 - Hanoi below the surface Go to Episode S5-E8 – Empowering the Traveller: In the fight against Human Trafficking Go to Episode S5-E24 - Ha Giang: Insider Tips for Adventure Go to Episode S5-E17 - Motorbike riding tips in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E6-Explore the ‘Land of Lychees’ – Bac Giang with return traveller to Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E22 - 10 things travellers may not know Go to Episode S5-E16-Smart phone Apps and tech tips for travellers to Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E7-- The Rise of Unique Dining Experiences in Vietnam Go to Episode S5-21 - Vietnam's TET holiday Go to Episode S5-E15 - Yen Bai- Discover luxury in the heart of nature Go to Episode S5-E4 - Exploring the Case for living and working in Vietnam Go to Episode Question 12 Go to Episode Question 8 Go to Episode Question 4 Go to Episode Question 11 Go to Episode Question 7 Go to Episode Question 3 Go to Episode Question 10 Go to Episode Question 6 Go to Episode Question 2 Go to Episode Question 9 Go to Episode Question 5 Go to Episode Question 1 Go to Episode

0fb6c539-013e-4680-af6e-b74130a97da9Is Vietnam family-friendly? With guest Suzie Slingsby. Vietnam a family friendly destination Episode 3 Vietnam a family friendly destination 00:00 / 15:51 Is Vietnam Family /kid friendly? The answer is a strong yes from my guest today Suzie Slingsby. Suzie is a seasoned traveller and from a young baby, her daughter has joined her and her partner on many of their overseas trips. Vietnam is one of their favourite locations because it offers them and their daughter so many options. Suzie offers up some of the best things to do and a few tips for the newbie traveller with a family to get the best out of Vietnam. Some great tips Suzie, thanks! Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

S5-E19-Facelift and Dental surgery Vietnam – A good news story S5-E19-Facelift and Dental surgery Vietnam – A good news story Episode 19 S5-E19-Facelift and Dental surgery Vietnam – A good news story 00:00 / 46:22 In this episode of What About Vietnam, we uncover a hidden gem: Vietnam’s rising reputation as a hotspot for affordable, high-quality dental and cosmetic procedures. My co-host Kelley shares her transformative facelift journey with a trusted hospital in Saigon, which combines expert dental and cosmetic care in one “one-stop shop.” So to speak! Kelley’s uplifting experience goes beyond surgery - it’s a unique way to pair self-care with a holiday! With her personal tips and stories (and a few giggles )we got to share along the you’ll learn some of the do’s and don’ts of medical tourism and why Vietnam is fast becoming a destination for consideration. 

With Kelley’s personal story, along with another major dental patient’s experience during the same visit, we aim to share why, in our opinion, the Worldwide Dental and Beauty Hospital in Saigon stands out for its exceptional standards of care - and why we’re excited to serve as their introduction agency. To be frank, we can only speak with full confidence to our experience with this one hospital. It's a "no holds barred" episode packed with insights that will make you see Vietnam in a whole new light. Plus, join our exclusive Facelifts and Dental Vietnam Facebook Group for more real-life stories and support. Listen now and discover why Vietnam could be the perfect place to get the procedure you’ve always wanted - at a price you can afford - while turning the whole experience into a memorable holiday! Check out our previous dental episode here. https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/series-2/episode-10/vietnam-dental-holiday---save-money-on-dental-while-on-your-holiday Go to our website page here talking dental and our enquiry page for more info – (Facelift surgery page coming soon) https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/dental-travel-services Download Transcript PDF Read the transcript here

d32f2f19-abc1-420d-9521-8b3cf274c91fHoliday and save money on dentistry What About Vietnam S2-10 - Vietnam dental holiday Save money on dental while on your holiday Intro: What About Vietnam, a podcast with Kerry Newsome. The series where Kerry talks with travelers about their experiences and adventures; find out more about Vietnam from the people who have actually been there. What about Vietnam? Whether it’s adventure, exploring the culture and cuisine, shopping, or just soaking up the sun; let Kerry and her travelers paved the way for a magical holiday in Vietnam. What About Vietnam? Kerry: Xin Chao and welcome to What About Vietnam. Today we're going to be talking about dentistry. Now, who would have thought you'd be talking about dentistry on a travel podcast talking about Vietnam. So, I've added the session in because it's still a very important experience that you may want to investigate when you do visit Vietnam. Kelly McCarthy is my guest, she's a good friend, and she has been traveling to Vietnam over the past 15 years, as it happens, in the past six years, those visits have included a visit to a dentistry surgery in Ho Chi Minh City. She has had extensive work done and her son and her husband likewise. When she compares quotes, she's going to be able to tell you about the massive savings that she's been able to make. And just speak to a little bit about the great experience that she's had with the people that look after her in these surgeries and just the whole end to end communications and everything. You're going to learn a lot about what you could save in dentistry in Vietnam. And I mean, who knows, you may want to use the savings to pave the way for a fabulous holiday in Vietnam. Please welcome Kelly to the program. Let's start with what made you choose Vietnam as an option for you and your family to have some dentistry work. Kelley: Well, for us, it wasn't a case of, we originally went out searching for dentistry in Vietnam. My husband and I were on holidays in Ho Chi Minh City in 2009, I was six months pregnant with my child. And suddenly, we're at dinner and the husband says "Ooh" I've hurt my tooth, something's gone wrong, only for us to discover he'd broken his tooth. And I'm thinking as men do with any form of pain, it's never just slightly sore, it's excruciating. So with that, I had to sort of rummage around and try and find somewhere that could attend to this. We're looking at two days out from Christmas, so I'm thinking, "Oh, here we go, everything shut down for Christmas. He's going to have to fly back to Australia with this, he's going to be in pain and I'm going to have to suffer all of the above." So, I ventured out and found actually a dentist that could attend to the problem for us and it was on Boxing Day they could attend to us because they were closed on Christmas Day but Open Boxing Day, funnily enough. So, we ventured to the dentist, thinking we were in for numerous amounts of dollars being overseas, being a tourist, they'd take advantage of it, and everything going through our minds, but we still had to attend. They fixed my husband's tooth in speed, the place was amazing and the cost, I think we walked out of there paying $200 or something to rebuild his tooth. Kerry: 200 Australian dollars? Wow! Kelley: 200 Australian dollars and the tooth was completely rebuild on Boxing Day. Kerry: Wow! Kelley: So, that was when we realized that dentistry was an option, so with that, then I delved further into it. Kerry: Okay, just let me stop there for a minute. So, we're in Ho Chi Minh City; when we think about being in a foreign country, we're thinking possibly there could be some language barriers. How did you find that? Your walking in there with your husband, I guess he's kind of holding his jaw, there's pain written all over his face, so that kind of gets through the language barrier fairly quickly. But, how did you go with managing the language barrier? Was there a lot of people there that spoke English? What was the environment that you we greeted with there? Kelley: When we arrived, they were absolutely amazing. I was totally astonished at the level of professionalism, the level of hygiene, and also how innovative they were. It was like I'd stepped into the future, to be totally honest with you. They were doing things far more advanced than what I'd seen here in Australia. So before they even look at you, it was straight to MRI, not x-ray, MRI and dollars are just ticking over in my head. Well, fortunately, that actually came out to be a 25 US dollar charge for an MRI on his jaw to see what was wrong. The language barrier, there was no problems with that, everyone spoke fluent English. They even actually had an Australian and a Canadian dental nurse in there who was studying and was doing some time in the surgery. So, there was literally no communication issues whatsoever. Kerry: Ah, fantastic. So, like paperwork obviously, financially, it's more than affordable. So, kind of did that start the journey for you because I know you've done a lot since then, tell us about that. Kelley: That sort of put me on the road of what I was wanting to do because I had throughout my pregnancy numerous problems with my teeth. And so, we returned back to Australia after that and then I had problems with my teeth after the pregnancy, which then I thought, "Well, I'll go and get a quote here to see what's going, you know, look for this." And the cost was through the roof; it was actually $46,000 Australian to have my teeth removed. Kerry: Sorry, just say that slowly again, were you getting a hole new mouth with that. Kelley: Because all of the enamel had cracked off my teeth, it was basically down to the resort of false teeth, which at 40 years old was not going to be an option. I didn't really want to be gummy, so I then went down path of crowns. So, in Australia it was a $46,000 cost for those crowns, which then just threw it right out of the ballpark. So with that, I said to my husband, "Well, we had such a great experience when we were in Vietnam maybe this is an option I can look at." So, we traveled to Vietnam usually once or twice a year, so I started researching dentists and then when we went over there, I actually then visited the dentist, just the one that I'd seen had good reviews. Kerry: And this one now different from the dentist that you saw with your husband back in 2009. So, you found another dentist. Kelley: It was, I found another dentist, not to say that this first dentist wasn't great, they were amazing. Kerry: No, understood. Kelley: It just opened up my eyes and then provided to me with what's out there, so that was why I looked into it further. And to be honest with you, I actually came across a lady in a day spa when I was over there one day and she'd given me the particular dentist that she had been to because I saw her teeth were amazing and I commented on them and she said, "I'll let you in a little secret. They're all crowns, I had them done here, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah," went on, gave me some details, and then that was when I started looking into the particular dentist that I now regularly visit. So, that was where that went to. And then I started communicating with them and trying to build up a bit of a rapport, a bit of an understanding, everything was done by email. Every email was professional, and then I decided on one of our visits to go and check the surgery and see what I thought of it and that was when I became basically sold on the whole idea. So, I sort of sat with them, they did quotes, did MRIs. Once again, another place that did MRIs, they did quotes, they gave me a fixed quote. And then that was when we made the arrangements for me to return to Vietnam on another occasion to go through the process. Kerry: Right, so, this kind of started a journey, I guess, didn't it? Kelley: It did, definitely. Kerry: Because obviously, it isn't a one hit wonder that kind of work. Can you tell us, like, what was roughly the saving? Now, if we were talking about $46,000, was it half, was it 75%...? Kelley: This one is going to shock you. Like I said, I'll reiterate $46,000 in Australia. And when I got the quote from Vietnam, it was 5,500 Australian dollars. Kerry: Oh, my God. Kelley: There really wasn't any second thoughts after that because that little bit of [inaudible 10:02], Scrooge McDuck in all of us where there's a savings... Kerry: I would have been smiling already. Kelly: Yeah, it was like I can get a great holiday, save all this money, as well as get my teeth done, so I... Kerry: But what comes with that, and I think sometimes the next question on everyone's lips is, but you've got to keep going back and forth to Vietnam. Now, you, and I wouldn't find that a tragedy, I mean, that would be great, what a terrific excuse. But I guess for some people, depending on where they are in the world so, you know, coming back and forth could be an additional cost they have to add to it. And so, just talk about maybe how long your visits and kind of walk us through that journey from yes, lets go start to kind of finish. Kelley: Okay. So, that definitely is something to consider, and that would be something you would need to consider depending on what you need to have done. For example, I know if you have to have implants done, you basically have to go to the dentist, you have the implant socket placed into the bone of your jaw, and then they won't actually put any teeth or anything into that socket for three months, so that is a definite consideration, if that's the path you're going down. If you're not going down that path and it was something like myself, from the quotation had we discussed it, they told me to allow 10 days. Now that was not 10 working, that was 10 days, so they work across the weekend if needed for you to come in and have that dentistry done. So, I then just thought, I would do it smartly and I booked an extra couple of days, purely for I was traveling by myself, so it was some peaceful mommy time. And also, it was just to put a little contingency in there just in case anything went wrong. So I booked my trip for 12 days, I had a full mouth of crowns all but three. And in that I also had three of those were bridging crowns. So, for anyone that doesn't know what a bridging crown is, that's where I actually had teeth missing in a couple of spots and they actually crown one tooth but have a false tooth attached to that, that sits in that socket where your original tooth would have been, so it gives you a full appearance of full teeth. So, I had basically every tooth but three crown, and from start to finish, it took seven days. So, the process was, when I landed, I let them know when I was landing, and they actually arranged and send someone to pick me up. That was part of the journey as well. So, if somebody is out there thinking about traveling by themselves, like I did, I was comfortable with catching taxis or transport, but some other people might not be. So the dentist that I go to, they will arrange to pick you up, they can also arrange accommodation for you if you're totally unfamiliar with the area and that goes on a budget level of what you can afford as well. So, they brought recommendations of that. So, it was kind of like a package for me, but after being a comfortable traveler and traveling to Vietnam quite a few times, I was totally okay with organizing my accommodation and everything. So yeah, I was met with them so that sort of ease you a little bit for somebody who is worried about it. They picked me up, they said, we'll see you this afternoon if you're okay with that. I said, yeah, that's fine., so I went in that first afternoon, they just took further MRIs just to check that nothing had moved from the six months previously. Then they talked about what they were going to do across each couple of days. And there is two days that are quite intense, and they are the days of you're having crown work, where they shave your teeth down and prepare all the bone and everything. So, it can be quite intense for two days of that, but with that, if you are having crowns, don't be afraid because they don't send you out with little shark's teeth. They actually made temporary molds of your original teeth to walk out the door with so you are totally comfortable. I'm the person that's not afraid of the dentist and all one of the days because it was a lot of work. I will admit for anybody, I was a little bit overwhelmed on that day. However, if you've got a traveling partner or whatever, it was probably just because I didn't know realistically what I was in for, but if anyone's interested, I can always be happy to chat to them afterwards and give them a little bit of what you're really in for. Pain-wise, I was pretty much pain-free. It was probably just more of an emotional thing for me, more than anything but pain wise, they also provide you with scripts to... Kerry: Manage the pain. Kelley: To get any pain medication and in fact, now, since my return prior to COVID in Vietnam, so it was actually 12 months ago, this time I would have been there. They actually now have got a pharmacist downstairs, so you don't even have to go to a pharmacy now to find your medication. They give you the script, go downstairs, it's filled within the building, so, it's really quite helpful. So, depending on your work, but they will give you a guide of how long you need to be there. Like I said, mine was roughly, they said 10 days, it was all completed within seven. So, quietly I had a couple of days up my sleeve, which was quite nice. Kerry: Yeah. Kelley: But it's a great experience, it really is for dentistry and the whole time you're sitting in the seat, you're thinking I've just saved $40,000. So, that keeps you quite motivated. Kerry: And I think we need to also speak to the concerns that some people may have is just around the safety side of it, the products that they use, like the quality of the products and just you know, long-term management like, do you go back to Australia and then get an Australian dentist to, I don't know, keep a check on them or something like that. Talk to us a little bit more about what you finished because you didn't finish with the crowns, did you? You went on to get... Kelley: No, I finished with all the crowns and they gave me the full cosmetic smile. So, however I have had other family members have other dentistry work. For example, my mum had dentures done, my husband's had laser whitening and had numerous fillings done over there. And I had even taken my ten-year-old son over there last year to have some dentistry work on that was quoted at three and a half thousand dollars here. And it arose from the fact that it was an error in dentistry here. The dentist, I go to didn't really want to touch on being a young child and not knowing the repercussions of it. However, I just asked my dentist here in Australia to provide me with the x-rays and the report of what was going on with his teeth. And I actually sent that through to my over there and they agreed to do my son. So, my son and I went over, and they fixed up his tooth. So, the tooth here was quoted at three and a half thousand dollars to save a truth, fall out in two years’ time. And so, I took the opportunity to go over to the dentist, have a little bit of a holiday one-on-one with my son. We went over for a week, our accommodation, and airfares because I live in Perth. So, chances of getting in and out of Asia are really easy, we did everything on a budget airline just to outweigh costs. And we traveled over there, had a great week together accommodation, airfare, spending money was about $2,000 and his tooth that was quoted here in Australia for three and a half thousand dollars, cost me $105 Australian. So, we had a holiday and everything for less than the tooth. Kerry: So, you know, everything is kind of pointing to me to some real level of confidence that you have, like confidence in their ability, workmanship, safety, communication. Because I know when I book a dentist here and as I've told you, like once every 10 years I go, like I hate the dentist at any time, but I think dentistry moving to this role that you're describing as being a little bit more than just your average walk in the door and they don't give a hoot thing. Like if they're picking you up from the airport and they've obviously got some serious care factor going there. So, I mean safety wise, do we give them a 10 out of 10? Kelley: I would definitely, give them a 10 out of 10. They will even like anywhere when you're traveling, you always have the risks of bags snatchers or anything. And that's in any travel, you always have your cautions but they even... if you're uncomfortable with traveling to and from the dentist yourself, if you explained that to them, they would arrange for you to have a driver or an Uber or something picked you up every day and drive you to the door. When you get to the door, they've got security at their door and that's just to stop hawkers coming in. It's not for any you know hold ups or anything like that, it's just for hawkers. But safety wise[inaudible20:29] for starters, so it is safe as anything. Hygiene is amazing. Everything I feel supersedes Australia. The products, so all my crowns from Switzerland, they're Swiss crowns, they do their training. He travels all over the world training staff and learning the most innovative products. I'll give you an example so, I've had my crowns now for, I think it's coming up six years. I returned to Vietnam last year when I took my son over and there was just one of my teeth that I wasn't really happy with at the top, I just noticed a few changes in the last 12 months from it. I showed it to them, they weren't really a hundred percent on what I was saying, I thought was wrong with it, but they did all the tests and everything. And to give me some form of satisfaction and knowing that I'm a returning customer all the time, which is an option they provide to everybody, you get a lifetime guarantee on your crowns. So, I wasn't a hundred percent, they realistically got to the point where they weren't a hundred percent. So, they said no problems, Kelley we'll replace it. So, in the time I was there with my son, they remove my crown, replaced it, and I've walked out the door with no charges for that because there's a lifetime guarantee. Now, I don't know any dentists in Australia that will give you a lifetime guarantee on crowns. So, it was just, yeah, the service is definitely their customer services there. I've referred a lot of friends; I have another lady in Queensland who is a friend of mine who is now a pensioner. She was quoted $19,000 in Queensland for her teeth, she flew and spent six weeks traveling through Asia, her dentistry, accommodation, airfares, everything spending money. And she came home, and she'd spent $10,000, so, she was at half and she could basically... Kerry: Including the teeth? Kelley: Including the teeth, she had amazing experience. Kerry: Wow! Kelley: I could go on and on with friends and family that I've actually referred. I've got friends that live in Singapore that fly to Vietnam now to have their teeth done because it outweighs the costs of Singapore and the hygiene. I've got other people in South Wales I referred and same similar thing, they wanted to do bone grafts here for their teeth because they were so poorly. And then when they went to the doctor, he did it in the chair over there and they've never looked back. So, all the experiences or referrals that I've provided to them have come back as positive. So, I guess for me that's just another tick in their favor and reassurance that it is safe, it is hygienic. Kerry: And good value. Kelley: And really good value, you get a holiday, and you get your teeth done for a fraction of the cost. Kerry: Yes, and I think that's kind of the message I want to get across here is that, sometimes people kind of poo poo the idea about, you know, traveling to an overseas destination to have this kind of work because there is the fee of factor that the quality of the workmanship can't be guaranteed. Well, we've just found that out, that there is a lifetime guarantee on things like crowns, the service level is there, languages isn't problem, you know, you're saving money, serious money and guess what, guys, you get a little bit of a holiday at the same time. I can't remember having a holiday attached to any teeth work I've had done, let me show you. Kelly, I want to just say, how great it is to get your insights because I know for yourself have had this work and family and friends, but if you were to give some tips to people thinking about this idea, what would you say? Kelley: I would say if you have already had the work quoted here in Australia or... Kerry: Somewhere else in the world. Kelley: Or anywhere else in the world and you are able to without making a trip there, because of course that's a cost as well. It's not something... it would be get your dentistry reports and your lab ask for these, wherever you go, because you've been in as a patient and you're allowed to say, I'd like a second opinion from another dentist. You don't need to say where that dentist is and email the dentist over there and ask them to quote it for you, or they will give you back the advice. And then, you start the communication with them that will probably then build your trust that you know, what they are doing. And then, you can make times to either what suits in your travel period. I usually tell them, I'll be there between such and such a date, I need to have this done, or I'd like to have this done. They'll give me a timeline or now at the stage where I'll be there for 48 hours. I need my teeth cleaned, I need to check out and they'll fit me. So, also if you're over in Vietnam, currently traveling and you decide after you've heard this podcast, oh, this is something I really like to do. Just give them a call, or if you're in Ho Chi Minh City, you could pop into the dentist and they will fit you in, it's amazing how much [inaudible25:56] Kerry: Is not like you have to do it in advance or anything? Kelley: No, definitely not and I've just found one dentist that I've been absolutely amazed by and follow through. There would be numerous ones out there, so this is not a plug for any particular dentist. Just do your research and there is presently it doesn't come to my mind, but there is actually a website out there where you can actually see where they rate in the world as dentist. The dentist I currently go to when I last checked, he was third best dentist in all of Asia. So, that was a little bit more reassuring as well, but like I said, I've been going to him now, this particular dentist; it would be 10 years, we've been going to him off and on, on our travels, whenever we go over. Now, it becomes part of our travel, were every year, my husband, son, and myself, we always go via Ho Chi Minh city now it might be just for three or four days that's to go in. Hubby is a diabetic, so he actually does get quite a few fillings. We go in, we have our dentistry done on the first day we land, we have it all knocked over either first or second day, depending on what usually what he needs, not what we need and that's it, it's done and then we continue on with our amazing holiday. So, it just becomes part of our routine and once you've got that trust with it, which I'm sure give it a go guy, just give it a go. Kerry: It was simply great, having Kelly on the program, really appreciate her insights into the experience of having dental work in Vietnam and in particular in Ho Chi Minh City; great to get some background to some costs involved and how much she was able to save. Let me assure you, Kelly is definitely the kind of person who does a lot of homework before she entertains anything like this. She's a gorgeous looking girl with a beautiful smile and fantastic teeth, let me assure you. Look, we don't have any affiliation with any particular dentist surgery in Vietnam. I have however, put the links in the episode notes just from Kelly so that if you do wish to make contact with those surgeries in Ho Chi Minh City, it's all there for you to do. So, it's been great to have you on the program as always. Look, we cover all and every kinds of subjects on this program. So, please share, please give me your feedback. We have a Facebook page called What About Vietnam. Please throw your comments on there, let us know what you'd like to hear about, I'm sure I can track it down for you. In the meantime till next time, stay well and we'll talk soon. Let me assure you, we will be traveling soon, so stick with us. Outro: Thank you for listening. Check out the episode notes for more information. What About Vietnam. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review and stay tuned for more fun adventures in Vietnam. Kelleys’ Dentist referred to in the podcast – See reference here - https://dentalcentervietnam.com/worldwide-beauty-dental-hospital-is-proud-to-be-ranked-in-the-top-5-cosmetic-hospitals/ Worldwide Beauty and Dental Hospital 244A Cong Quyinh Pham Ngu Lao, Quan 1 Phanh pho Email: dentalcentervietnam@gmail.com Phone: 1-800-823-058 (Australian Toll Free) (+61) 481 339 579 (Australia)

58347fb1-267b-410e-b060-cf56464b1621After months of being closed, the doors are opening Travel to Vietnam opening up - The inside story Episode 14 S3-14 Travel Opening up P1 00:00 / 15:14 As the doors to Vietnam begin to open to travel after months of being closed, our eyes and ears are keenly focused on what the entry conditions will be. Most importantly for international travellers, as the doors to us have been closed since March 2020. In this Episode which is Part 1 - of a 3 part series, I am fortunate to have Miquel Angel on the program as Head of the Human Resources & Quality working group inside the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board, a private entity advising the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam. Miquel joins the podcast as my guest shortly after meeting with the Ministry which announced that they would open 5 provinces being:- Phu Quoc Island, Danang, Khanh Hoa Province the home to Nha Trang city, Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, and Hoi An in Quang Nam province; under very strict conditions. What these conditions of entry are, and how they roll is what this Episode is focused on. Miquel, a Catalan citizen, originally from 100 km north of Barcelona resides in Ho Chi Minh City. He is highly regarded in the circle of government and it is a great pleasure to have him on the show. Disclaimer: Please note this podcast is not to be taken in any way as a formal news release or announcement from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam. The information shared in this Podcast by the Guest and Host, are related to publicly released documents and are the private opinions of both people. Download Transcript PDF Read transcript

< Back 3 Days 2 nights Nurturing Wellness package Hue – Vietnam At Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion Experience highlights A 3day/ 2 night Nurturing wellness package at Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion is carefully crafted by. Kerry Newsome your Podcast Host and the Alba Wellness team:- For people who are looking for a relaxing and healing retreat - in the truest sense. For people seeking a tranquil atmosphere and the luxury of time to indulge in many spa treatments, meditations and soaking in hotsprings For people who want to travel differently and avoid the crowds but still enjoy locally grown food and a heightened experience of Vietnamese culture For those wishing to explore HUE local culture and cuisine in a relaxed and mindful way This joyful experience will bring harmony and balance to your body – mind and well-being. This Nurturing Healing retreat at Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion has been designed and crafted with a desire to bring a meaningful journey back to your true self. This retreat is aimed at regenerating your wellbeing and setting you on a path of healthy living. This joyful experience will bring harmony and balance on 3 key components: body – mind – soulful well-being, especially focusing on mental health. What to expect during your stay Body treatments We encourage you to participate in and take advantage of the many treatments included in this Nurturing retreat. · Cleansing your physical body through juicing and other healthy drinks (kombucha – fermented probiotic tea) along with vegetarian or healthy meals · Indulge and pamper yourself through our exceptional spa treatments and authentic Japanese onsen. · Boost your immune system by soaking in mineral rich outdoor hot springs · Challenging yourself with our exciting outdoor experiences which include zipline and adventurous highwire circuits or hiking in the forest · Organic cooking class at the farm with fresh picked vegetable and herbs · Yoga classes and meditations taking advantage of the local springs and mindfulness spaces Mindfulness Observe your breath and stay mindful with our wide range of meditation classes : water meditation, forest meditation barefoot, chakra healing meditation with candles, Rainbow shower meditation, qigong and yoga. Learn something : A new way to cleansing, farming or creative crafts to help explore a new-you that you might have forgotten for a long time. Get quality sleep , thanks to all these activities as well as tranquil and beautiful nature and fresh air Soulful wellbeing Even if you prefer to remain secluded and not follow any specific spiritual activity, you will still reduce your stress levels and discover a relief in your soul. Spend time in nature : forest hiking, forest bathing and meditation to connect your inner emotions and feelings Take time to give gratitude to nature earth, your friends and all the people surrounding you to make this a meaningful experience. Be compassionate to yourself and others, by observing your breathing pattern, looking deep inside yourself, appreciating how lucky you are and discover caring for yourself before helping someone else, is a great way to discover true happiness For more information or to book click here DAILY SCHEDULED TIME ACTIVITY DAY 1: ARRIVAL, RELAXATION AND PAMPERING 14:00 Arrival, check in, healthy welcome drink with homemade kombucha 15:00 Resort Tour, Welcome & Hot Spring Knowledge 16:00 - 18:00 Onsen and Yin & Yang spa treatment 18:30 Healthy welcome dinner (Healthy Balance Dinner) 20:00 Wellness Turndown to be set up in guest’s room (Herbal Detox Tea) DAY 2: INTO THE FARM: COOKING CLASS, HEALING MEDITATION 6:30 Celery Juice experience 7:00 Hiking to forest and cold stream biking to local villages, may visit wet market or churches 8:30 Healthy Breakfast anywhere Free time, Zipline (included in the package) 11:00: Yoga class (optional) 12:30 Cooking class by the farm 15:00 Onsen 15:40 Prana Vital Energy treatment 18:00 Early healthy dinner - optional if you choose intermittent fasting method 20:00 Chakra healing meditation Wellness Turndown to be set up in guest’s room (Herbal Detox Tea) DAY 3: PURIFYING YOURS AND CHECK OUT 6:30 Celery Juice experience 7:00 – 8:00 Water Purifications & water meditation 8:30 Breakfast anytime anywhere then check out Hue Half Day City tour (optional) 9.30 – 1.30pm Following breakfast you will be collected at the resort and taken for a “Discovery half day tour” of Hue. Our knowledgeable English speaking tour your guide will assist you to understand the history of Hue as the Imperial capital of Vietnam. You will be guided through the Citadel and you will visit many places of historic significance including one new place of startling beauty - Lebadang Memory Space - https://lebadangmemoryspace.com/ Your guide will advise best place to enjoy local cuisine. At the conclusion of the tour, you will then be taken to your final destination – Airport/train or hotel as per your preference. PRICE - INCLUDED SERVICES: Accommodation at Alba Wellness Resort by fusion Breakfast anytime anywhere Daily morning juices on day 2,3 and 4 1 -Healthy dinner on day 1 with a healthy drink (non-alcohol) 50 min Spa treatment/person/night 30 min Onsen session/person/night Unlimited outdoor hot spring bathing/ soaking Daily Wellbeing follow up Daily Wellness activity classes from yoga, meditation, breath, biking, hiking to revitalize and reinvigorate, reducing stress and resetting inner balance. (Complimentary) Daily herbal tea turndown service Water purification ritual on day 4 PRICE PER PERSON $USD Validity: from 01 Apr 2022 – 31 Oct 2023 (black-out dates applied)

892c01e9-aa45-4558-a940-95412b42bbb7What would it be like to live in a foreign country? What About Vietnam - Series 3 - 12 What it’s like to go from being a tourist to a resident [00:00:36] Kerry Newsome: Xin chào . Welcome to What About Vietnam . Who's ever been on a holiday and come home and thought, "I wonder what it would be like to live in that country?" You've had such a great time. You've come home. You've considered what it would be like for a real change-up in lifestyle. Meg Le is my guest today. Meg and her husband had been traveling for a couple of years around the globe. They had got a bit over the backpacker thing. So they decided to come back to their home in Seattle, unpack, rent out their home and go back to Vietnam and settle there for maybe one or two years. They did this just prior to the pandemic, unfortunately. They've been there for about a year and a half. Giving up corporate lives for a small community town like Hoi An, beautiful beaches, lovely community, the old world heritage site township, just a really divine, little town in Vietnam. Easy choice, I would think, if you wanted to a real lifestyle shift. Meg comes to the program with definitely a wellness bent. She is a wellness coach in Yoga and Pilates and did her study in India. Her corporate background includes being an FTE consultant and business consultant. She's worked in some really high-end startups in the US and including working in Geneva with the WHO organization. They both came to Hoi An with an open mind. In this program, we're really going to unpack the process that they went through to make the decision to go there. We really delve into some details. If you've ever had any aspirations about moving to Vietnam to maybe retire, semi-retire or maybe only just live for big chunks of time, this would definitely be the episode for you to listen to, to really get some detail because you actually have got to sometimes experience this kind of thing to find out the nuances that any guidebook just won't have. Because you have to live it, to know it. Certainly, Meg is a fabulous guest today as she really unravels some of the detail that you wouldn't even think about. They came across an amazing opportunity, which came through something really simple but absolutely, perfect. Meg's going to explain that story. It all starts with a bagel. I hope you will welcome Meg to the program. You're in for a real treat. Let's welcome her now. [music] [00:03:49] Kerry Newsome: Meg, welcome to the What About Vietnam podcast. Lovely to have you on. [00:03:53] Meg Le: Yes, thanks for having me, Kerry. I'm really excited to speak with you today. [00:03:57] Kerry Newsome: If you'll let me, I want to start right back from the beginning and just say “Was Vietnam-- with your first visit, was it like love at first sight?” You went to Vietnam and just went, "Oh my God. Love this place." [00:04:13] Meg Le: Kind of. I do have the background of my husband as a Việt Kiều . We've been together for over 20 years. I've been exposed to the Vietnamese culture for a long time, so the language, the foods. I always, obviously, had an interest. Actually, my last name is Vietnamese. I used to be Irish. Now, I have the last name as Vietnamese, which is cool living here. The first time I visited was-- I think it was 2010, which is the first time that my husband David's parents returned to Vietnam after leaving the country. It was such a great opportunity. I came with them. It was just a vacation. That was a good first introduction into what the cities were, and the country was. It felt actually familiar. The little things that I experienced with David's family like idiosyncrasies or just traditions with culture felt like, "Oh, now. I get it." I visited here just as a tourist a while ago. Then, when my husband and I were traveling, we quit our jobs. We had corporate jobs in Seattle, quite established. We wanted to change. We quit those. We grabbed our dog. We did a little road trip around the US for a while. Then, when our dog passed away, we wanted to go traveling. We became 40 old backpackers. [00:05:43] Kerry Newsome: I love it. [00:05:44] Meg Le: -Because we missed that backpacking experience in our 20s and 30s. We traveled for a while. Traveling is great. Gosh. Because of this pandemic-- thank God, we did that before this all started because we did about two years of travel. Then, after a while of being like, "Okay, we're sick of living out of a backpack. We would like to sit down and be able to unpack, fry an egg, sleep in the same spot for a while." We were trying to figure out where to go. I led my husband through a very nerdy MBA Venn Diagram brainstorming session. We were trying to think of what are the criteria. It's helpful for decision-making. We were looking for a place that was affordable; that had delicious cuisine because we love foo; that had good business opportunities, and was friendly to Americans coming in and establishing residency and potentially starting businesses. [00:06:52] Kerry Newsome: Right. Okay. You did a pros and cons list, okay? [00:06:58] Meg Le: Yes. [00:06:59] Kerry Newsome: Then, did you have a list of pros and cons for this? In other words, what I'm trying to get to is what did you compare Vietnam to as alternatives? [00:07:15] Meg Le: Well, we were comparing to multiple places that met those criteria. We wanted a warm climate. Various things, like what lifestyle do we have and do we want to have. We actually made a list of various places. Hoi An was the first place that we visited when we were in our trek of trying places on for size. To answer your question "Was it love at first sight?" Yes, I had visited before, but never with the lens of "Could I actually live here?" That's very different coming as a tourist versus "Do I want to live here?" I can say that the first place we visited, we said, "Okay. This is where we're going to go." We actually never even tested out those other places. It was love at first sight. [00:08:10] Kerry Newsome: Okay. Hoi An, in particular, not Vietnam as a country, you actually singled out the location of Hoi An. I mention that only because, I hope you'll agree, it's not really fair to brand all cities the same in Vietnam. In particular, Hoi An is quite unique to other cities. Would you agree? [00:08:40] Meg Le: Yes, definitely. I would actually use the word "town." When you think of a city, you think of Hanoi or Saigon. We've lived in cities before. We just wanted something more quiet, a place that you we could bike across. Sounds funny, but is it so overwhelming? We even looked at Danang. We visited, and we're like, "This is too big." We need something quieter. I think it is unique because it has the ancient heritage side of things, the Old Town. It also has the beach. Everyone loves the beach, plus the rice fields. I feel like it's a great mix of culture and rural living. Outside our house every day, we watch the cows go by. Then, having that beach lifestyle. I think it is actually unique. I think a lot of people who live in the cities always vacation in Central Vietnam. Then, their dream is to always retire here if they're working in the city because it seems like this is where people come to retire. In some ways, that's absolutely true, no matter what age you are. [00:09:56] Kerry Newsome: Exactly. You're saying retiring. I think that leads to the description of Hoi An as being a little bit laid back. It's very community-focused. You get to know your neighbors. Everything's a bit cruisier. There's not that “hubba hubba Hubba” that there is in other places, there's still motorbikes. There are motorbikes everywhere. I think Hoi An just has that little bit of nice chill, but you can retire there as a digital nomad. You can retire there as somebody 50, 60, 70. You don't have to be of any age to choose that lifestyle. I think that was something that you and I talked about once before, that we both resonated with. I think that's what a lot of people find attractive when they go. Now, we're going to get a little bit deeper into what that process entails. Just from deciding, okay, Hoi An is where you want to move to. Talk to us a little bit about the process from Seattle to Hoi An and maybe give us a little detail on how long and what some of the steps are that you took to crystallize it. Yes, this is actually going to happen. We're going to be able to do this. [00:11:34] Meg Le: The process does involve okay getting your ducks in a row; like how are you going to make money? Do you need to make money? How much money actually do you need to make? That's like a big mind change, I think, coming from, okay, I had to make this much money to live in a place like Seattle. You actually spend a lot of money, but you have to make a lot of money. To move to a place like Hoi An we were just lucky to use our rental from Seattle, the proceeds from that fund our life in Hoi An, which is absolutely insane when you think about it. If you have a corporate life, you could be spending $10,000 a month on various things, mortgages, cars, all those things. Then, here, we actually aren't really making very much money. That's okay because the life is so affordable. Figuring out your money is key right. You don't want to just show up, whatever age you're at, and expect the country to take care of you. You have to show up with a certain amount of funding I think. Hoi An offers a very high quality of life based on your expenses. I've heard that from various people who have lived all over the world. That's what really makes it attractive for us and keeps us staying here. [00:13:05] Kerry Newsome: Did you know for sure that you would be accepted by Vietnam through immigration? Talk to us about that process because I get asked a lot should I use an immigration broker? There are consultants out there that offer services in this area, and of course, charge for that. Some of them are very legitimate. Some of them are not so legitimate. [00:13:36] Meg Le: Right. [00:13:38] Kerry Newsome: Otherwise, do you go directly? What is the process of acceptance in Vietnam for people considering to move there? [00:13:53] Meg Le: Right now. I can talk pre-COVID and the current situation. [00:13:58] Kerry Newsome: Excellent. [00:14:00] Meg Le: I came in November 2019, so before the pandemic started. It was super easy. As an American, you can get a one-year-- Okay. Let me rephrase. As an American, you used to be able to get a one-year tourist visa, no problem. We came in with those one years. Then, we thought, "Ah, that's plenty of time. We can figure out the business landscape, figure out what we want to do, and then, take it from there." Of course, things changed a lot. The current situation is no one's getting in on a tourist visa. I'm hoping that's changing very soon. The past two years have been about the people that came in on tourist visas have been chasing and trying to understand the various changing rules. It's been a struggle for even just the people living here trying to understand what the rules are. Right now, only experts are getting in. If you are an investor, if you have an investor visa, or you have some sort of special skill. [00:15:13] Kerry Newsome: Skill set. [00:15:15] Meg Le: Special skill set. Yes. The airports have been closed, so very limited flights. Now, it's the beginning of October 2021. Things are starting to open up again. I hope that's going to be changing soon as we get more vaccines. It's really hard to say what the current situation is. Just that right now, you cannot come in as a tourist to the country. The borders have been closed for almost two years. [00:15:46] Kerry Newsome: This ‘one-year visa’, this was still a tourist visa. It wasn't a residence visa- [00:15:52] Meg Le: Correct. [00:15:52] Kerry Newsome: -I ask because most countries are only allowed up to three months, so 90 days. If you leave the country, you can reapply and come back in. Many people chose to do that in the years prior to COVID. There is a great flurry of people out there that left and really want to come back once COVID is under control. Like you say, what are the rules going to be? This is an interesting landscape. We agreed, you and I, that we might do another podcast, say, in six months' time when the rules might be much clearer. We can talk about the changes that have gone on. I think that would be a great idea for my listeners, too. Really, you started with one year. That was your year to establish opportunities whether you like it and just see, as you say, just how well your spreadsheets worked on your financial management whether you could do it and whatever. It doesn't matter how small the detail is because I think people actually want the small detail. When we think about that move, people just say, "Oh, we just did this," but people want to go, "What did you actually have to do?" I think any detail that you can offer is really going to help people with this decision certainly for the future. [music] [00:17:43] Meg Le: Back to the agent thing. Because, hopefully, it will be very relevant, very soon, you can just-- I think I used-- It's like Vietnam e-visa or something like that online where there are all these sites. You're just like, "Wow, is this site from 1998? Is this legit? Okay. It turns out to be legit." It's just an easy way basically to get your letter to come in. Coming in initially as a tourist is not a problem. [00:18:14] Kerry Newsome: Just prior to COVID, you can do this by an e-visa. You were dealing directly through the immigration department of Vietnam. That's all the same-same thing. Yes, there were VIP agents and all those kinds of things. You don't need them. You didn't need a letter anymore. The ‘e-visa’ was to do away with the Introduction letter – (VOA) there was mass confusion with that letter. Let me assure you. People brought the wrong one and didn't have their name on it and all sorts of things. That's why technology finally came of age, and they produced the e-visa opportunity. You had to start from your country of origin, and then, find out what was applicable to you. I'm sure, absolutely 100% sure that that's going to get even more complex as people have to produce their evidence of vaccination to come into the country. [00:19:19] Meg Le: Absolutely. [00:19:20] Kerry Newsome: Proof of that and identification of that I think is going to be integral. Putting all that aside on the visa side of things because that's a work in progress, talk to us about how you planned what to bring, what to leave at home, did you let your house out. I think you said you did let your house [crosstalk]-- [00:19:43] Meg Le: Rented it. Yes. [00:19:44] Kerry Newsome: Rent it out. Yes. I know people that arrived with 50 kgs. That was it. They grew from there. I don't know. Was that what you or did you bring more? [00:19:58] Meg Le: Yes, we came with very little because we had been traveling in our backpacks for a while. [00:20:04] Kerry Newsome: Expert travelers. [00:20:04] Meg Le: Yes, [chuckles] yes. Coming in light is always a good idea because in general, you can always get everything. Hoi An is definitely a simpler life, which I think is one of the joys about living here. Depending on where you're from or what your life was like before, you probably had a household full of stuff. It's not really about that. [music] [00:20:36] Meg Le: Most of the houses here are 100% furnished. I remember asking this on forums when I was moving here. I'm like, "What do I need to bring?" One thing that people definitely bring in would be personal products like makeup or that type of thing or linens. Quality linens are quite a luxury here. Yes. Besides that, you're going to basically find everything, everything you need. Hoi An is the tailoring capital of the world. You don't need to bring in 1,000 kgs of clothes because clothes are definitely not a problem here. You can get nice stuff that's tailored to yourself. Yes. Coming in light is definitely key because you don't really need too much here. [00:21:32] Kerry Newsome: Can you talk to us a little bit about just the cooking side of things because you and I would have been brought up with kitchens that had every single electrical buzzing device from juicers to ovens to microwaves to whatever, whereas Vietnam kitchens tend to be fairly what I'd call ‘minimalistic’. [00:21:58] Meg Le: Yes, that's a good idea. [00:22:00] Kerry Newsome: I don't know whether it's your experience, but I think, attitudinally, people don't always feel the need to cook because they can go out so cheaply. Out of seven days a week where I traditionally have had to cook and maybe go out on a specialty night, people just think the normal thing is to just go out probably three or four nights a week and just get something from a street vendor. Because there's so much cheap and cheerful food, why would you bother slaving over a hot stove? You don't have the convection ovens or all of that sort of stuff. It's just too hot, way too hot. [00:22:44] Kerry Newsome: It is very hot. Yes. Talk to us about the culinary side of things, Meg. [chuckles] [00:22:51] Meg Le: Well, one of the reasons I picked Vietnam was the food. It's a rich culture of food. I would say central Vietnam is not my favorite cuisine, but Hoi An, if your listeners love bánh mì or bánh mì , some people say. [00:23:08] Kerry Newsome: Bánh mì. [00:23:09] Meg Le: Bánh mì. This is the home of the best bánh mì in the world. It's a certain type of water that they use for the bread. Then actually, they use for noodles as well. Even if you go to the city, you're not going to get as good as bánh mì as you get in Hoi An. That's going to cost you at Banh Mi Phuong which is the Anthony Bourdain place that used to have ridiculous lines out the door. Well now, you're the only one there. That's going to be 25,000-- [00:23:40] Kerry Newsome: 25,000 dong. [00:23:41] Meg Le: Yes, which is about 1 USD. Yes, street food is in abundance. People eat out… [00:23:50] Kerry Newsome: It’s Cheap. [00:23:51] Meg Le: -Some places have food stalls in the bottom of their house. Getting food is never a problem. Well, it depends. Sometimes we cook at home. We actually just got a microwave, which is very exciting that I just microwaved something for the first time in two years. I was like, "This is easy." [laughter] I've never been so happy to have a microwave. You appreciate things, small things when you live in Hoi An. The only thing with not cooking at home-- Since Hoi An is such a sleepy town, if you have not eaten by 9 PM, you're out of luck. You're really, really out of luck, more like 8 PM. Especially with typhoon season or times where there are no tourists like now, there are just not as many options. I would say people are trying to get a little bit more in their kitchen to be able to cook at home if you're stuck in there for a while. There's so much delicious stuff out there. [00:24:51] Kerry Newsome: Yes. It was interesting. Some people have said to me, "I've got my special baking dish. I've got my certain cooking utensils." I'll say, "You'll never use them. Once in a blue moon, you might use them. Once you get a taste for Vietnamese food [crosstalk] there are so many fresh fruits and vegetables that you can also buy in the markets very cheaply. [00:25:20] Meg Le: All year long. [chuckles] [00:25:21] Kerry Newsome: All year long. Absolutely. I think it's that eco change, isn't it? It's a real head shift for your typical urbanized commercial dweller in a big city. [00:25:40] Meg Le: Absolutely, yes. When people are looking for houses, I said how things are furnished here. The fridge is small. Lots of places don't have hot water in the kitchen. Your vent on your stove might actually not vent out to the outside. [laughter] They're just quirky things. You just get used to them. Yes, like I said, it's about "Does it have an address?" So I can get packages delivered. [00:26:17] Kerry Newsome: See. That's gold, having an actual address. [00:26:22] Meg Le: Yes, these are the things I didn't even know when I was looking for a house. Does it flood? That's a big thing. Is it on a main street where you can actually get a taxi, so they can they pull up in front of your door versus having to wind through these tiny little alleys? Being on a main street is a big thing. When you get things delivered, can you actually get them to your door? [00:26:50] Kerry Newsome: Yes, very important. [00:26:52] Meg Le: The all-important karaoke. What's the situation? Do you have a big coffee shop that's next to you, that likes to play techno music, or does your house get mold? Look for signs of mold. Now, we're just entering typhoon season. Maybe back where you're from, you're more concerned about aesthetics. Here, it's super practical. Do you have a good landlord? Because you can get really screwed over by some landlords who don't fix things or whatever. We got really lucky by finding all of those things, and our landlords live next door. When there's a problem, they come and fix it. I would say when you're coming in, and you're looking for a place, yes, cute is great but going for practicality is really, really important because I know so many people who constantly change houses. We've been here two years and haven't changed houses, which I think is actually rare. [00:27:54] Kerry Newsome: Wow, that is rare. That's really having your head-on straight when you were choosing the priority of those things. If I could just add to that two things, [00:28:09] Meg Le: Oh, yes. [00:28:10] Kerry Newsome: -Yes, WIFI has become quite a serious aspect of choice in-- because I can remember you couldn't get wi-fi in Hoi An until they put up all those crazy wires that you see twisted around trees and all the rest of it, which is the wonderful WIFI system that now works. It was a big deal because it affected so many things. Good WIFI into your building coming from the street-- [00:28:44] Meg Le: Very important. [00:28:44] Kerry Newsome: How far away is it coming from? Electricity is another-- [00:28:50] Meg Le: Yes, power cuts. [00:28:52] Kerry Newsome: Power. How old is the power system? Then, the other, can I just say, the absolute final, is ‘air conditioning.’ [00:29:04] Meg Le: Oh, yes, really, really important. Hoi An is really hot. Our first year in this house, we had-- which is pretty typical. If you're a westerner looking at a place, there'll be air conditioning units in the bedrooms. Pay attention to the star rating. The Vietnamese love to leave stickers on all their appliances. You can see the five-star energy. If it's like a one and a half two-star, you're going to be paying a lot for your electricity, and your room won't be cooled. In our first year, we were trying to figure out how do you cool the rest of your house through the bedroom with a fan system that doesn't work. This year, because it was so hot-- that first year, we stopped cooking, talking about heating in the kitchen. You lose weight because you stopped cooking. This year, we asked for air conditioning. Luckily, our landlords put a unit in the main area, which is really, really key if you want to be able to have a decent summer here. [00:30:07] Kerry Newsome: Yes. One aspect that has just crept in more of recent times from people I've spoken to is ‘security’. In years gone by, people used to say, "Oh, I left the door open. Nobody ever bothers us," or whatever, or they've got a pet. Pets have gone missing. People have broken into homes much more. I think it's indicative of just some of the struggles over the last 18 months. [00:30:42] Meg Le: Absolutely. [music] [00:30:49] Meg Le: Overall, Vietnam and Hoi An are very safe places to be. If you've traveled, for example, Latin America or Europe or the US where I'm from, comparatively, it's really, really nothing. If you're a dog or a cat here, you're going to have something more violent happening to you than a person. In the cities, you might get your phone stolen. Here, it's more at the beaches. People will leave their phones in their motorbike and park. That's not very smart because everyone has the same keys for their motorbikes. They're really easy to break into. It's basic stuff like not bringing important things with you around, making sure you lock your house, making sure you have security cameras, good lighting, all those different things. Then, in general, it really just seems to be the beach. An Bàng residents complain a lot more than people who live like us in the rice fields. We haven't actually heard of any issues. Knock on wood, we've been quite lucky, but that is an issue. [00:32:03] Kerry Newsome: Yes. As I said, I had people living near the rice fields as you say. I've got two friends there. One's left. The other is still there. It's a lovely home. It's very open. The kitchen is half outside and half inside. That's not a typical style for a western home. It's done really well. Just that openness of-- and door latches not there and things like that, it was the first thing I saw when I went there and thought, "Geepaz-- I'd have to do fix that." And my friend said "Oh, Kerry. If you come and live here, it’s normal; you'll be fine." But that would be a change in my headset to do that with just something as small as; latches on doors and things like that. [00:32:57] Meg Le: Yes, because, like I said, it's so safe here. Of course, you can become complacent and gives you a false sense of security. Definitely, the poverty thing you mentioned with the pandemic, but also around TET is a time where people start to need more money because they want to have their parties and give gifts to their family. That's a time where crime can go up, small petty crime, not violent. [00:33:21] Kerry Newsome: Yes, petty crime. Yes, exactly. [music] [00:33:30] Kerry Newsome: A lot of people say, "I'm worried that I can't speak the Vietnamese language." You are a little bit of a step ahead of that, I guess, with some familiarization with your husband and his family. Maybe he can step through that a little bit better than most. As a tourist myself, when I have a long stay. I think of myself as a part-time resident. I can get away with it, but I wonder if I lived there, whether or not having some better understanding of the language because it's a difficult language to master. I just wondered what your thoughts were on that and is that an obstacle? [00:34:15] Meg Le: Yes, definitely. Hoi An being a traditional tourist town, a decent amount of people will know some basic English like numbers and greetings and that type of thing. Like anywhere, locals always appreciate it if you make an effort even just the smallest amount. I think because my husband speaks some level. He's not even completely fluent. He grew up speaking it, but he's been learning to read and write here. I get lazy. I rely on him. I'm ashamed about it. [chuckles] I did sign up for two lessons. Then, I was like, "This is too hard." I quit. That's embarrassing. [00:34:59] Kerry Newsome: I'd be right there with you. I have to admit. I'm dreadful. I really make an idiot of myself. I feel embarrassed. [00:35:03] Meg Le: It's tough. Just asking questions and learning a word a day can really be helpful. I think starting with things like food can be very helpful. You want to be able to read the signs. This is such a food culture. I mentioned how there are restaurants everywhere. If you know the basic words for noodle and rice and the different types of meats and what vegan means, all those different things. Even if you start there and can say some numbers and ask how much, you'll be in a good spot. [00:35:40] Kerry Newsome: Yes. Always greetings even just to say thank you. Everybody remembers xin chào because it's the welcome. To remember just how to say thank you-- They get surprised at people even knowing how to say that. [00:35:55] Meg Le: Yes. Then, one note about Hoi An specifically is that they actually say that they don't speak Vietnamese. They speak Quang Nam. Quang Nam is, I'd say, like the Kentucky of the United States as [crosstalk] Quang Nam to Vietnam. Just like sometimes garbled words, you don't hear all the enunciation. It's not a different dialect. It's just a different way they literally pronounce words and vowels very differently. [00:36:36] Kerry Newsome: There's nothing you can figure out yourself logically. It's an illogical language including the way they put their names. They always put their last name first or their first name. How many times when I've been doing this podcast, and I'm talking to someone, or someone's going to come on the show, and I'm going, "Oh, which one of those is- [00:36:59] Meg Le: The name. [00:36:59] Kerry Newsome: -the first name. [crosstalk] [00:37:01] Meg Le: Use the last one. [00:37:02] Kerry Newsome: Yes, but sometimes they have two. It's like, "Oh, that's good." [00:37:07] Meg Le: It's confusing. [00:37:08] Kerry Newsome: It is confusing. [music] [00:37:15] Kerry Newsome: Being the devil of detail as I am, just getting down to tin tacks then describe your life as now, you're definitely a year on. You're over your year. You've started a business there. Talk to us just how that process came about and how that opportunity and-- You've got some work aspirational things coming up as well for you. I think it is fantastic. The oyster is starting to really open despite the pandemic because you're doing yoga teaching and Pilates and all that sort of stuff. [00:37:52] Meg Le: I came into Hoi An. I’d just done some Pilates and yoga teacher training. If you've ever been to Bali, especially the Ubud area. It's a big wellness area. When I visited Hoi An, I thought, "You know what? I feel like this could be similar but different, like a big spot for wellness in Southeast Asia." That was my original idea when coming here. That has changed [chuckles] because there are two markets here. There's the local market. Well, the local Vietnamese and then the local foreigners that live here and with such a low cost of living. The cost of services is quite low. A thing like a wellness center, which I was originally thinking of, I was like, "Well, especially with no tourists, it just doesn't make sense." I've had to pivot that a little bit. I've continued to teach. I have a little Pilates studio in my house. I made a little home studio. I have a reformer and all those different things. I do one-on-one. I teach group classes at the gym. I've put that on hold. I do think that Vietnam could be a good or Hoi An could be a great wellness area in the future for both domestic tourists and foreign tourists. Here is a place where there's a low barrier to entry for starting a business in some ways because it doesn't cost very much. It's really about the simple life. If you want something, you have to create it. We actually wound up starting a restaurant and bar here. It started from my husband saying, "I want a bagel." There are no bagels or good bagels I would say. We started making them at home. Then, from there, he was just doing a little home baking business, which is very easy to do here. There are no real regulations on that. There are tons of people who just start something and sell it through Facebook. Facebook community is very important here for good or bad. When he wanted to expand it, he was open to opportunities. Our neighbor across the pool that we share a house a little complex with have a restaurant that wasn't doing so great. She needed some fresh eyes and some fresh energy and some đồng . In speaking to her about how to expand the opportunity was there, he wound up partnering with-- her name is Lan. She's from Hanoi. Then, they have since launched Veranda, which is in An Bàng . That turned out to be quite the community spot. He wasn't really planning on working. He decided to start a little bagel business. Then, that turned into a restaurant. We actually just recently navigated the system of getting our investor paperwork finalized. We're no longer on tourist visas. We have a lot more security there because we're minor shareholders on paper of this Vietnamese corporation. That's where we spend a lot of our time. This is just such a place where you're just like if you want something, you just make it happen. There are lots of opportunities. If you've come from a place where you've traveled a lot, and you can easily see gaps in the market, you can throw something out there, market test it, quick fail fast. If it doesn't work, you just move on. That's really the way you have to go versus if you're planning on coming here to find a job. A big thing is that people think. "I want to move to Hoi An. I'm going to get a job." Not going to happen. Not going to happen. [laughs] [00:41:44] Kerry Newsome: I would have said that was difficult to do even pre-COVID. I think post-COVID, it'll be even worse. I think that Vietnam will want to get their own population re-employed over a foreigner. If there's you or I and a foreigner and a local that can do the same job, he or she is going to get it over us, no matter what. [00:42:13] Meg Le: Absolutely. [00:42:15] Kerry Newsome: They need their own people to be employed. [00:42:17] Meg Le: Definitely. [00:42:18] Kerry Newsome: Just coming out of lockdown in Saigon. I was talking to Michael Tatarski last week. His show went up today. He was saying how the city is going to experience a labor shortage because so many of the workers left the city. Now, it's opened up. Everybody's gone, "Ooh." It's open, but there aren't enough people now to work in the hotels and to work in these businesses. There's going to be quite a clambering of the labor force to see where they flow to, from a wellness perspective, just how they flow based on their health and well-being. In other words, are they fully vaccinated or not vaccinated and their age group, can they bring their whole family, where are they going to live, how they can afford to live. All of those things are going to have to start up again for all those people. They reckon there could be like 30,000 or 40,000 in that boat that are wandering Vietnam after the COVID lockdown in Saigon. I was talking to someone in Hoi An. They were saying that they think that there'll be a lot coming to Hoi An. There was a little bit of nervousness around them coming into the Quang Nam province given that you're COVID-free. [00:43:46] Meg Le: Yes. We've been in, I don't know, this magical bubble. [00:43:52] Kerry Newsome: I hope you stay that way. [00:43:54] Meg Le: Yes. I do know that people are going back to their provinces because they might have had a job in the city, but that job has gone away or [crosstalk]-- [00:44:04] Kerry Newsome: Not great. [00:44:05] Meg Le: Yes. They're coming back here. I think last weekend, there were a bunch of buses that came in. That's definitely happening in the Hoi An area, too. Yes. We'll see what happens. They are starting to vaccinate here this week, which is really, really great news because we know they're vaccinating in the country and the cities. There was radio silence on Hoi An getting vaccines. There's a little sign of hope for all of us. That's really exciting. [music] [00:44:42] Kerry Newsome: Was there considerations given, Meg, to how you would manage your health insurance, or did you give those things serious consideration in this process? [00:44:57] Meg Le: Yes, absolutely. Coming from a country where your health insurance is tied to your job, if you leave your job, and you leave your country, there goes your insurance. [00:45:10] Kerry Newsome: Exactly. [00:45:11] Kerry Newsome: We did have travel insurance for a while. I can't remember who the provider was. It wasn't that cheap. Maybe it was $1,000 or something. Here locally, I use Bao Viet. There are of course different plans. You can get it for inpatient, outpatient. We just renewed. We got, which is crazy, a 15% decrease in our premium this year because we had no claims. [crosstalk] [00:45:43] Kerry Newsome: Incidents. [00:45:44] Meg Le: Yes. We got incentivized for that. That cost about 5,000,000 for two of us. We are healthy, with no pre-existing conditions, young 40s. Really not that much, but something like that is more for you if you have to stay overnight in the hospital. My husband got in a wreck, a motorbike wreck, not his fault last year. He had a quick visit to the local hospital here, got an X-ray, got a little soft cast, that type of thing. I think it cost him about 1 million. That was just paid out of pocket. It's always a good idea to have at least some insurance for inpatient stuff if something happens, and you have to have surgery and stay in the hospital. It's not that expensive. Definitely, something to consider if you live here. I think it depends on your country. Like I said, from the US, you're out of luck. I have no other insurance. Maybe if you're from a different country, you could always fly back and get supported by some universal socialist health care, but yes, not really here. [00:47:00] Kerry Newsome: As you say, it's more of a consideration for people with pre-existing conditions of any kind. I've had friends of mine that have ended up having quite serious back injuries. Because they likewise changed their lifestyle, they would never have ridden a motorbike where they came from. [crosstalk] All of a sudden,-something happens unexpected. [00:47:22] Meg Le: You have to. [laughter] [00:47:24] Kerry Newsome: -you're getting around on a motorbike. You probably are being a little bit. I won't say reckless. I'll just say maybe a little bit carefree. These little things happen. They get stuck. I've certainly known a lot of young people, too. They're having just such a great time. Their consciousness around being careful on motorbikes has led to some atrocious accidents with lots of damage. Yes. I think health will be something in the future because people coming to Vietnam to live are going to have to weigh all those things up more seriously than they have had prior to COVID. That's mainly due to the fact also that the hospital system in Vietnam at the moment is totally overrun. It's cactus. It's going to take a long time to recover. I think there's going to be some new initiatives that come out of that, or I hope so at least. For the short term, and I'm saying 2022, 2023, if I was wanting to come to Vietnam to take up some opportunity, or I just wanted to come back or whatever, these are some of the things that we're talking about now that I think you would need to consider. [00:48:56] Meg Le: Right because when I came here, you always think, "Okay, well, if I need something--" because the healthcare in Vietnam, in general, is not great. Hoi An, especially, is notoriously not good. Then, we were like, "Oh, I'll just go to Danang if I need to." Well, maybe not because they cut off all roads, or you're not actually allowed to go to the hospital, or you'd be like, "Oh, I'd just fly to Bangkok if I need something." Oh, that's not happening either. It is much more of consideration especially if you have existing issues. That's something really to weigh up about whether or not this would be the time and place to come to, a place like Hoi An if you need something. [00:49:46] Kerry Newsome: Yes, exactly. [music] [00:49:53] Kerry Newsome: Did you find dealing with the authority and agencies around your business set up and all of that, did all that come together easily or was it difficult? [00:50:08] Meg Le: It's been very confusing. I think it was confusing to begin with but then add in a pandemic and a change in government. Things always change with rules when there's a change in government every five years. Then, the way that communication flows down from the federal level. Then, the province levels have their own rules. Navigating that has been a really big challenge. That is with my husband having decent Vietnamese skills and his business partner being Vietnamese. Yes. It's a challenge. You have to be patient. [chuckles] We actually wound up finding a good agent here in the Hoi An area. Like I said, we did successfully get our investor visas. That's really good. Yes, just having patience and having someone, especially if you don't speak Vietnamese, to help you with the language is really, really key. Yes. Everything just takes a lot longer. On the flip side, you always say in Vietnam, “there’s always a way” in Vietnam. Just based on how everything is set up, you have to just find the right person. [chuckles] That's definitely part of it. [00:51:32] Kerry Newsome: Absolutely. [music] [00:51:38] Meg Le: This is a beach lifestyle. I don't know if that’s all of Vietnam. If you go to the cities, I'm sure it's different. I've never lived in any other place except Hoi An. It's just one of those things that's like you just have to relax. [crosstalk] [00:51:56] Kerry Newsome: Yes, true. [00:51:57] Meg Le: That's quite a good life lesson, I think, depending on where you've come from. If you're expecting efficiency and things to be really clear, well, you better just toss it out the window and [chuckles] go with the flow. [00:52:14] Kerry Newsome: What out of 10 would you give it as a good place to move to, as you say, for a change in lifestyle and semi-retirement [crosstalk]. [00:52:22] Meg Le: I think it always depends on your age, what kind of life you want, what speed you're looking for. One thing I can say-- I've been in a committed partnership for 20 years, and being here is great. The single people who are younger struggle here because if you're trying to find someone, and there are no tourists coming through, or you're trying to find not even just like someone to marry, just someone to date for long term. That's a real struggle. As a partner or someone who's not looking for someone maybe-- very different experience. If you're, like I said, trying to find a job, that's definitely not a place for here to move to. I have heard if you've had children, it can be a struggle in some ways. In some ways, great because there are some really good international schools here. On the other hand, you might have trouble finding kids the same age and parents you vibe with that you can put them all together. For me at this point in my life where I am semi-retired, and I'm trying to learn to chill out, it's great. For me, I would say, for now, it's a 9. I can never give it a 10 because I don't like how I always feel like I'm going to die when I get on a motorbike or the culture of dog and cat pet theft and violence is personally difficult for me. I don't know. Nine out of ten, that's pretty good. [00:54:06] Kerry Newsome: That's pretty good. Look, I could talk all afternoon with you, Meg, about what I need to know and what everyone should know about moving to Vietnam and changing from a tourist to a resident. I think your points across the board have been really great. I hope my listeners have got a lot out. I'm sure they have. Any last pointers that we want to close out with that you'd like to add? [00:54:34] Meg Le: Yes. I think whether you're moving to Hoi An or a different city or wherever you're headed, it’s important to come in with an open mind and be open to opportunities because a place may look a certain way to you on You Tube, or you might get a certain perspective from a friend who's lived in Hoi An, but really until you get here, you don't know what it's going to be like. I would just say be open to opportunities, meet lots of people, don't pack a big bag. [chuckles] [00:55:14] Kerry Newsome: Don't pack a big bag. Yes. Think minimalistic. [00:55:17] Meg Le: Yes, absolutely. [00:55:18] Kerry Newsome: Thanks very much, Meg, for being on the show. I really appreciated your time. Hope to talk to you again soon. [00:55:24] Meg Le: Yes. See you soon. Bye-bye. [music] [00:55:27] Outro: Thank you for listening. Check out the episode notes for more information. What About Vietnam. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review. Stay tuned for more fun adventures in Vietnam.

S6-E2 Is TET a good time to visit Vietnam < Back S6-E2 Is TET a good time to visit Vietnam S6-E2 Is TET a good time to visit Vietnam 00:00 / 22:41 Series 6 Episode 2 Is TET a Good Time to Visit Vietnam? What travellers should know before deciding to visit Vietnam during the TET holiday. Tết, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, is the most important cultural period of the year — but is it actually a good time for foreigners to visit? Just to be clear from the outset - Tết dates relate to the Lunar New Year Calender and are usually between Late January and February. You should check the dates for the year you are travelling as each year is different. Tết New Year's eve usually marks the beginning of the holiday but it can be a day or two before and can last as long as 9 – 10 days. In this episode, I focus on what Tết means for travellers and how it affects transport, accommodation, tours, and daily life across Vietnam. Rather than diving into history or ritual, I share the real-world impact on your trip , along with practical travel tips to help manage expectations — especially if this is your first time visiting Vietnam. There isn’t a simple yes or no answer to this question. Whether Tết works for you depends on how you travel, what you expect, and how flexible you’re willing to be. I cover what really happens during Tết, when the slowdown starts, which places cope best, what commonly closes, and when travelling during the middle of Tết can work. I also explain why I usually recommend travelling well before Tết or about a week after for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. My honest take: Tết isn’t a bad time to visit Vietnam — but it’s not an easy one. Timing your trip matters just as much as choosing your destination. Tết is one of those moments where thoughtful planning makes all the difference — and it’s something I regularly help travellers get right in trip plans through my Travel services offering. Please reach out if I can be of assistance - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/trip-plan-request-form Do you have a travel question or wish to give some feedback? You have 90 seconds. Click to read the voicemail recording policy Previous Next