What About Vietnam – Kicking Off 2025 with Ian Paynton

To 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 helping international brands build authentic and engaged audiences in Vietnam.

But that’s not all—he’s also gained fame in Vietnam’s music scene as a rap star. Be sure to check out some of his tracks:
• Oi Gioi Oi
• The Charming Beast

In this episode, we explore 10 fascinating things about Vietnam that might surprise you, including: 

[00:02:59] (1) Surprising perceptions of Vietnam

[00:06:23] Cities worth exploring in Vietnam..

[00:15:08] (2) Pho variations in Vietnam.

[00:20:05] (3) Expect the unexpected in Vietnam.

[00:23:31] (4) Things are done differently in Vietnam.

[00:28:36] (5) Social media's impact on Vietnam.

[00:30:45] Train Street's social media impact.

[00:35:02] Ha Giang Province exploration.

[00:41:11] (6) Next big tourism attraction.

[00:46:03] (7) Vietnamese music festivals

[00:48:50] (8) Tinder scene and how to avoid scams

[00:52:27] (9) Pronouns and hierarchical addressing in Vietnam.

[00:57:09] (10) Ethnic diversity in Vietnam – where to find those 54 minority groups

[01:00:31] Respecting local cultures in Vietnam.

[01:04:45] Value for money in Vietnam.

This episode offers a fresh take on Vietnam’s culture, quirks, and evolving identity, making it a must-listen for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Start your 2025 journey with new insights and a deeper appreciation for this dynamic country.

Thanks for listening and don’t forget to reach out via “message speak” on our website or via email if you have any questions.

Links to follow Ian Paynton:
Ian Paynton
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-paynton-497ba630
You don’t know Vietnam
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/you-dont-know-vietnam/id1669146703
We Create Content
https://wecreatecontent.vn/podcasts

Oi Gioi Oi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezZ_lHNDttI
The Charming Beast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM-d7KqzW8w