In this episode, Senior Writer Chin Teh Liang takes us to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and fastest-changing metropolis. Once known as Saigon, the city still carries the echoes of its wartime past and its elegant French colonial heritage—yet today it’s a booming, modern powerhouse with a skyline that surprises first‑time visitors.

Chin arrives during the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, where long lines form outside the War Remnants Museum. Inside, he encounters some of the most powerful wartime photography in the world, along with reconstructions of prison “tiger cages” and even the original guillotine once used on prisoners.

Outside, the museum grounds display decommissioned helicopters, tanks, and fighter jets—sobering reminders of the country’s past.

Ho Chi Minh City’s nickname, “The Little Paris of the East,” becomes clear as Chin explores its architectural gems:

1. Museum of Fine Arts — originally a tycoon’s mansion, now a museum filled with contemporary art, ancient sculpture, and breathtaking interior details like spiral staircases, stained glass, and Art Nouveau balconies.
2. Saigon Opera House — modeled after Paris’s Petit Palais, still offering nightly performances and pre‑show tours.
3. Street shoe‑shiners — a living remnant of the French colonial era.

Along the Saigon River, glass towers rise above the water, including the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81. Chin takes a nighttime river cruise, gliding under the color‑lit Ba Son Bridge while a violinist plays on board.

And for the first time ever, the city now has a brand‑new metro system, with 14 stations already running and more on the way—transforming how both locals and visitors move around the city.

Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is as diverse as its architecture:

1. The Café Apartment — a nine‑story residential building where every unit is a café. Perfect for people‑watching along the river promenade.
2. The Albion at Hôtel des Arts Saigon — a fine‑dining tasting menu featuring goose mousse, Hokkaido scallop, Wagyu tenderloin, and desserts made with Vietnamese chocolate, all served with panoramic city views.

From war relics to world‑class dining, from colonial mansions to a futuristic metro, Chin reflects on how astonishing it is to see a place once defined by conflict now thriving as a vibrant, modern metropolis.

Episode Title: Humboldt County: Redwoods, Oysters, and Coastal Charm

Host: Max Hartshorne

Episode Summary: In this episode, Max takes us to the far northern reaches of California to explore Humboldt County—a region defined by towering redwoods, rugged coastline, and laid-back towns like Eureka and Arcata. From oyster farms on Humboldt Bay to Victorian architecture and vibrant farmers' markets, this is a place where nature and culture intertwine.

What You'll Hear About:

1. The magic of Eureka’s Old Town, with its colorful Victorian buildings and waterfront charm
2. Humboldt Bay’s oyster scene and why this region is a hidden gem for seafood lovers
3. Arcata’s community vibe, redwood forest hikes, and Saturday farmers market
4. Scenic drives through ancient redwood groves, including the Avenue of the Giants
5. Local events like the Friday Night Market in Eureka and the arts scene woven into the county’s culture
6. Understanding the area's homeless and drug problems, and how they affect travelers
7. Why Humboldt County is perfect for travelers seeking quiet beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town hospitality

Featured Highlights:

1. A sailboat ride across Humboldt Bay
2. Sampling oysters fresh from the farm
3. Walking beneath the world’s tallest trees
4. Discovering tide pools and coastal wildlife
5. Meeting local makers and artists at the market

Links & Resources:

1. Explore Humboldt County
2. Eureka Visitor Info
3. Arcata Farmers Market
4. Redwood National and State Parks

Subscribe & Follow: Listen to more episodes of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Max’s adventures at GoNOMAD.com and on Instagram @gonomadtravel.

In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max heads to Central Oregon to explore one of the most surprising ski destinations in the United States: Mt. Bachelor. This massive, 9,065‑foot volcanic peak offers something rare in North America — true 360‑degree skiing from the summit. With more than 4,300 acres of terrain and plans for even more expansion, Mt. Bachelor is a mountain that keeps skiers coming back year after year.

But the story doesn’t end on the slopes. Just 25 minutes away sits Bend, Oregon, a high‑desert city packed with breweries, outdoor adventure, and a laid‑back culture that draws people from all over the world. Max checks into the Oxford Hotel downtown, samples local beers at Brother Jon’s and Ten Barrel, and meets one of Bend’s most famous residents — former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe — who shares why he loves skiing Bachelor and living in this fast‑growing mountain town.

You’ll also hear about dog‑sledding with Oregon Trail of Dreams, the unique restrictions that keep Mt. Bachelor wild and undeveloped, and why this mountain is beloved by families, intermediates, and powder‑hungry locals alike.

In this episode:

1. What makes Mt. Bachelor’s terrain and snow so unique
2. Why the summit is often closed — and why it’s worth waiting for
3. Bend’s booming craft beer scene
4. Meeting Drew Bledsoe at a local brewpub
5. Dog‑sledding through the Deschutes National Forest
6. How Bend has transformed from mill town to outdoor hub
7. The future expansion of Mt. Bachelor’s ski terrain

Links & Resources:

1. Visit Bend: https://www.visitbend.com
2. Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort: https://www.mtbachelor.com
3. Oregon Trail of Dreams Dog Sledding
4. Oxford Hotel Bend
5. GoNOMAD story about Bend and Skiing Mt Bachelor
6. https://www.gonomad.com/3468-bend-mount-bachelor-oregon

About GoNOMAD Travel Podcast: Hosted by Max Hartshorne, the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you stories from around the world — unusual destinations, memorable characters, and the kind of travel experiences that stick with you long after you return home.