What About Vietnam – S1-E9 – Vietnam Travel – First Impressions Artwork

What about Vietnam - Traveller Insights

Welcome to What About Vietnam - A Travel Podcast with Kerry Newsome. If you have ever thought about Vietnam as a holiday destination, but unsure, well, this may be just the eye-opener you need to help you decide you must go. A cross between "Trip advisor and a blog" minus the 300+ pages of reading, this podcast aims to give you insights into Vietnam from years of traveling to and from, and as a travel manager. My objective is to give you the information the guide books don't,.... in an easy to listen to, relatable format. Across this series, I will be your guide to "When and How" to travel throughout Vietnam. I will provide you with comprehensive information designed to make your trip fun, safe, and full of great adventures. You will hear from guest travellers about their experiences and the places they have visited. I interview locals, expats, travel experts and tour operators across the board. You never know who you are going to meet on the show, and that's what makes it interesting and entertaining. Check out full shows on the website - www.whataboutvietnam.comPlease SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW; It's free and that way you get notified of new episodes. If you have an Iphone and use Itunes please - Rate and Review.Please share through my social pages;-FB - https://www.facebook.com/whataboutvietnam/IG - https://www.instagram.com/whataboutvietnampodcastLK - https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-about-vietnam/YT - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCavCC1--oE5rUhO_SlENmqw

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What about Vietnam - Traveller Insights

What About Vietnam – S1-E9 – Vietnam Travel – First Impressions

August 06, 2025 • Kerry Newsome • Season 1 • Episode 9

Reach out via email - I'd love to hear from you

Ever wondered what it’s like to set foot in Vietnam for the first time?

Is the hype real? Or is it more like overload and no one is really talking about it.

In this episode of What About Vietnam, I’m joined by Meghann – one half of the travel blogging duo behind The Grahlife – as she shares her and her husband Zach’s first impressions of Vietnam during their adventure in March 2025.

From landing in Hanoi to trekking the famous Son Doong Cave, Meghann walks us through the culture shock, the sensory overload, and the unexpected joys that came with their first time in the country.

We don’t just cover the obvious stuff, we talk about:

Navigating the infamous traffic (Zach famously declared: "I was born for this!" after only his second street-crossing),
Ordering local dishes with curiosity and courage as Meghann is Celiac.
Experiencing the kindness and compassion of the Vietnamese people, unexpected!
And reflecting on the powerful legacy of Vietnam’s war history and its place in the modern-day tourist landscape.
Plus the best take away souvenirs you’d never think of!

This is a candid, light hearted, and insightful conversation about the magic of those first encounters – the planning that went right, and the planning that didn't, the sights, the flavours, the energy – that make Vietnam such an unforgettable destination.

Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next big adventure or simply want to arrive prepared, this episode offers honest insights to help you travel smarter and more confidently.

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and don’t forget to check out the The Grah Life to follow Meghan and Zach’s journey’s and their adventure discovering Son Doong.

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Thank you for listening. Do not send TEXT as I am unable to respond directly. Please email whataboutvietnam@gmail.com
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People on this episode

Kerry Newsome

Host