In six months, British couple Jordanna and Grant Sanderson have returned to Vietnam twice, with two months on each stay, to discover the natural beauty of the Southeast Asian country.
Besides making videos capturing their experiences exploring the country, the couple has also been enthusiastic in answering questions about Vietnam on Vietnam Travelers, a travel group on Facebook.
Jordanna and Grant Sanderson (right) while in Vietnam. Photo: Supplied |
“Addicted” to Vietnam
It all started when the couple took a trip to Vietnam in September – October 2022, which greatly inspired them to record their journey in their videos.
“I have been so amazed by Vietnam’s natural beauty that I want to introduce Vietnam to international friends so they would have the opportunity to get to know a beautiful country with many unique travel experiences,” Jordanna Sanderson told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper via a Zoom interview.
“Also, I want to share my travel experiences and inspiration with everyone,” she explained how their YouTube channel Shot In The Dark Travel was initiated.
Jordanna Sanderson enjoys a moment in Vietnam. Photo: Supplied |
Meanwhile, considered himself as being too "addicted" to traveling around Vietnam, Grant Sanderson has become one of the most active members on Vietnam Travelers recently.
"If you want to find a great tourist destination with diverse cuisine, super friendly people, safety and many spectacular sights, Vietnam is the place you must visit,” he said.
“I can guarantee you that.
“However, do remember that detailed and clear planning for the trip is always necessary.”
The couple used Lonely Planet Guide Book, Youtube and travel forums to find information and advice from experienced travelers before each trip.
Jordanna and Grant Sanderson (left) are seen in a photo taken during their trip in Vietnam. Photo: Supplied |
“Top priority destination”
“Vietnam deserves to be a top priority destination,” the couple, who has traveled to 40 countries, expressed.
Jordanna and Grant Sanderson have spent time on exploring and making videos about their journeys to Sa Pa, Ha Giang, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An ancient town, Hue, Da Nang, Da Lat, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc and the Mekong Delta.
Jordanna and Grant Sanderson (right) while in Vietnam. Photo: Supplied |
While they are still in Vietnam, the Sandersons have already planned to be back to the Southeast Asian country for the third time.
Not only admiring the country's landscape, the pair has become a big fan of Vietnamese cuisines, with bún thịt nướng (vermicelli with grilled pork), phở, bánh mì, bánh xèo tôm nhảy (Vietnamese central style sizzling pancakes topped with shrimps) being some of their favorite dishes.
Many Vietnamese dishes are also featured in their vlogs.
In addition, language in Vietnam is something interesting for them to dig in.
"Vietnamese is very beautiful but at the same time extremely hard language to learn,” Grant Sanderson said.
“Regardless, I am surprised by the fact that many Vietnamese speak English very fluently, which makes communication so easy for foreigners like me.
“I will learn more Vietnamese on the next return!" he added, naming “xin chào" (hello) and “cám ơn" (thank you) the first words he learned.
After two trips to Vietnam, Sanderson acknowledged how to say cheers in the common way of Vietnam (by shouting "1-2-3-dô") when bottoming up his drinks during a meal.
Jordanna Sanderson enjoys basket boat service in the central province of Quang Nam. Photo: Supplied |
Jordanna Sanderson visits Trang An tourism area in the northern province of Ninh Binh. Photo: Supplied |
Jordanna and Grant Sanderson made their first £1 million by starting a business with a set of quiz cards called Shot In The Dark that sold very well during the COVID-19 social distancing period.
The cards contain hundreds of random quizzes providing players with daily-life knowledge, which is viewed as easy to play, funny and surprising.
The game set is suitable for families, meetings, long-distance travel, online meetings, which sparks up stories for everyone to get through the social distancing period.
With positive reviews about the product, the couple currently earns around £20,000 a month and is constantly developing their ideas.
Jordanna and Grant Sanderson eventually quit their jobs as an accountant and a telephone operator to focus on the business, and realized their biggest dream of traveling around the world both to experience the world and to help them get more material for Shot In The Dark.
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