Vietnam Uncovered: Where to Go, What to Eat & How to Avoid Getting Sick (Expat Insider Guide)

In this engaging conversation, Paula Barnes interviews Stacy McCandless, an expat with extensive experience living in Vietnam. Stacy shares her journey from working at Tokyo Disney to navigating life in various Vietnamese cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nha Trang. She discusses the challenges and joys of being an expat, including the cultural differences, the vibrant food scene, and the importance of community among fellow expats. Stacy also highlights the beauty of Vietnam's landscapes and the unique experiences that come with living in such a dynamic country.takeaways"If you can avoid using your credit card, do it.""Pack light. Don't bring a lot. You will want to bring stuff back with you.""If you're cool with getting on the back of a motorbike, it's a pretty easy city to navigate.""Vietnam is a matriarchal society. Most of the CEOs in the country are women."Useful ResourcesDiscover the Pulsating Heart of Vietnam: Your Ultimate Guide to Ho Chi Minh City!A Day Exploring The Mekong Delta and The Cu Chi TunnelsThe Best Things to Do in Hanoi for First-TimersThe Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: A Guide by DistrictA Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City5 Reasons to stay in the Old Quarter Hanoi in 2026Everything you should know about Halong Bay cruiseIf you want to book a tour with Stacy, message her on Whatsapp https://chat.whatsapp.com/KrMOPuA6YO053lw1LDfWdp?mode=hqctswiChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format02:34 Stacy's Expat Journey Begins05:59 Moving to Vietnam: Challenges and Surprises10:41 Life in Ho Chi Minh City vs. Hanoi16:50 Travel Recommendations in Vietnam21:14 Culinary Delights: Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes25:46 Food Safety in Vietnam29:18 Exploring Northern Vietnam's Beauty32:21 Culinary Delights of Hanoi37:28 Three-Day Itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City46:08 Souvenirs and Local Products47:24 Exploring Vietnamese Coffee and Local Delicacies49:10 Unique Souvenirs: Pepper and Pearls51:01 Handicrafts and Artisan Experiences59:48 Travel Tips: Navigating Vietnam01:02:49 Packing Light and Authentic ExperiencesSend us Fan MailHelp Truly Expat Travel by leaving a review or making a donation Here is the link - https://buymeacoffee.com/trulyexpatVisas Made Simple Skip the embassy lines. iVisa handles it all online—fast, easy, and stress-free.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Find me on:Website: Truly Expat Travel Facebook: Truly ExpatInstagram: Truly Expat Travel TikTok: Truly Expat Travel Running this podcast takes a lot of coffee (and countless hours exploring every destination!). If you found this helpful and want to support more honest, detailed travel guides and itineraries, you can buy me a coffee. No pressure though – I'm just happy you're here and hope you have an incredible adventure! 🙂