Send us a text Get ready to discover a side of Vietnam that remains largely unknown to most Western visitors Vietnam’s northern provinces hold secrets beyond the usual tourist trail—and in this episode, we go “church hunting” to uncover them. Joined by my returning guest, Ha (Hannah) from S5-E18 – Hanoi Below the Surface, we explore the stunning Catholic heritage in regions like Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh. With roots dating back to the 16th century and flourishing during French colonial times, Ca...

Send us a text If you've ever felt put off by wellness retreats that seem more like boot camps — all strict schedules, silent meals, and mandatory sunrise yoga — then this episode is for you. Join me as I broadcast from the tranquil grounds of Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, where wellness takes on a much more inclusive, luxurious, and deeply personal meaning. In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Ford, GM of Namia and CEO of Lumina Wellbeing, and Dien Pham, Director of Sales and a holisti...

Send us a text Hoi An continues to enchant—and in 2025, it feels overflowing, more layered, and more revealing than ever. That’s why I’ve chosen to revisit one of my most loved conversations on the show—this time with a fresh perspective, and a few heartfelt reflections from my recent trip. You’ll hear from the delightful Sharon Sweeney, a long-time visitor to Hoi An who once co-created the popular website and map guide HoiAnNow (now retired). Sharon still returns regularly, drawn—as so many ...

Send us a text Join me as we uncover Ha Giang, Vietnam’s breathtaking last frontier, with Ying, a local Black H’mong guide, who shares insider tips and cultural insights for an unforgettable adventure! If you have ever considered venturing into this part of the country, then this episode is one NOT to miss. ( Please forgive some of the local background sounds) Key takeaways:- The Ha Giang Loop time allowance – How long do you need for your adventure through stunning valleys, waterfalls,...

Send us a text A Thrilling Underground Adventure – Exploring the Tu Lan Cave System with Oxalis If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to swim through ancient caves, trek through dense jungle terrain, and uncover one of Vietnam’s most pristine underground worlds, this episode is your backstage pass. In this episode of What About Vietnam, I sit down with my husband, Andrew Newsome, who is still riding the adrenaline rush from his once-in-a-lifetime expedition through the Tu Lan Cave system in ...

Send us a textWhat About Vietnam – Kicking Off 2025 with Ian PayntonTo start the year with a bang, I wanted to explore some essential insights for travelers to Vietnam—things that first-time visitors might not know but, if they did, could make their experience even richer.Joining me for this deep dive is Ian Paynton, a Vietnam enthusiast who has spent years uncovering the country’s hidden gems. Through his podcast, You Don’t Know Vietnam, and his agency, We Create Content, Ian focuses on help...

Send us a textWith Tet just around the corner, this episode is your ultimate guide to preparing for Vietnam’s most vibrant and culturally rich celebration—don’t miss it!Tet, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is Vietnam’s most cherished holiday, marking the Lunar New Year with vibrant traditions, family gatherings, and a festive spirit. This magical time lasts over nine days, featuring rituals like home cleaning, flower displays, and the gifting of red envelopes. Being prepared is the difference between acce...

Send us a textIf you have the chance to spend a little extra time in Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City), you're in for far more than just the usual sightseeing—it’s a whole new adventure! Join me In this lively episode, as I chat with Matt Cowan, an expat of 15 years, travel aficionado, and fellow podcaster, as we uncover the hidden gems that only reveal themselves to those willing to go off the beaten path.Saigon is a city of contrasts, and we recorded this episode in one of its iconic Frenc...

Send us a textIn 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 (...

Send us a textIn this episode we delve into the vibrant yet often misunderstood city of Hanoi. While it is the capital, it often serves more as a transit point for travellers to visit other places like Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa. This is an opportunity to see Hanoi in a whole new light.I hope you enjoy this insightful conversation with my close associate, Ha (Hannah), a proud Hanoian with deep roots in the city.Spoiler Alert: In the show we don’t walk the well-trodden tourist paths of Han...

Send us a textWelcome to another thrilling episode of "What About Vietnam"! Today, we’re hitting the brakes for a moment to give you an insider’s glimpse into the exhilarating world of motorbiking around this stunning country. Join us as we explore essential safety tips and uncover unforgettable routes that will make your journey truly remarkable!Guest InsightsBen Mitchell shares expert advice on navigating Vietnam's roads. His years of riding and local knowledge is gold.Chris Pantelli r...

Send us a textNo one travels these days without their phone. So, it makes sense to invest in some extra smartphone skills that can significantly enhance your travel experience if Vietnam.In this show we arm you with some of the best Tech Tips and Apps to enhance your experience of Vietnam, including : staying in touch with family and friends back home; Not getting caught out with home country phone fees; saving money on tour costs: feeling confident about exploring outer regions, and finding ...

Send us a textIn this episode of the What About Vietnam podcast, I had the pleasure of uncovering Yen Bai and Tu Le—a region and destination resort I’d describe as a true “diamond in the rough” in Vietnam. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and minimal development, Yen Bai is perfect for those seeking tranquillity and a break from city life. Imagine being able to hear your own breath, surrounded by minimal noise and almost no traffic—just the occasional local cows and chickens.My guest...

Send us a textHey there, fellow adventurers! Today's episode comes straight from my recent Out & About escapade in Phong Nha, and let me tell you, it's a tale worth sharing – but we'll save that for another day. For now, I'm dedicating this special episode exclusively to families, because trust me, you're in for a delightful surprise once you discover all the incredible activities beyond the caves. Believe me, you won't want to miss out on this "life-changing" experience – one kid ev...

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

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

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

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

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

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