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, based on a story by Jerry Olivas. drolivas@hotmail.com

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.

The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through Chiang Mai reveals the many layers of its New Year festivities, from its breathtaking natural beauty to the deep-rooted cultural practices that make this time of year so special. Among the most striking sights during this season is the blooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A short trip to Kun Chang Hian allows visitors to witness these stunning flowers in full bloom, creating a magical setting for exploration. Here, one can engage with local traditions, such as listening to the kyan, the traditional bamboo mouth organ played by village children, or trying one's hand at archery using bamboo bows.

The culinary scene is equally delightful, featuring local delicacies, including the famous grilled pork sausage, which embodies the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. As the celebrations culminate on New Year's Eve, a profound sense of spirituality envelops the city. Temples become sanctuaries for nighttime prayer, and the flickering lights of candles enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Participants gather to release floating lanterns, a symbolic gesture of releasing past burdens and inviting new fortunes into their lives.

This ritual not only enhances the visual splendor of the night sky but also fosters a deep connection among participants, creating a moment of shared hope and renewal. The New Year in Chiang Mai is more than just a celebration; it is a heartfelt embrace of tradition, community, and the promise of new beginnings.

📝 Episode Summary: In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max takes us deep into Brazil’s interior for a road trip to Chapada dos Veadeiros — a wild, luminous UNESCO wonderland of waterfalls, quartz-rich plateaus, and golden savanna skies. From the bureaucratic grid of Brasília to the rolling cerrado, this is Brazil at its most primal and beautiful.

We explore the three key bases — Alto Paraíso, São Jorge, and Cavalcante — each offering a different flavor of adventure, comfort, and access to Brazil’s best waterfalls. You’ll hear practical tips on logistics, car rentals, e-SIMs, and why you should never skip Jardim de Maytrea at sunset. Plus: where to stay, what to eat, and how to hike smart.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned trail-hopper, this episode delivers an unvarnished guide to doing Chapada right — no brochure talk, just local knowledge and a few hard-earned lessons.

🌄 Highlights Include:

1. What makes Chapada dos Veadeiros so otherworldly
2. Why renting a car is non-negotiable
3. The best time to visit (May–September)
4. Choosing your base: comfort, trails, or remote gems
5. Must-see waterfalls: Santa Bárbara, Loquinhas, Vale da Lua, and more
6. Food stops that surprise and delight
7. Safety tips, gear advice, and how to stay connected off-grid

📍 Locations Mentioned:

1. Brasília
2. Alto Paraíso de Goiás
3. São Jorge
4. Cavalcante
5. Jardim de Maytrea
6. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

🧭 Travel Tips:

1. Use Discover Cars for rentals
2. Get travel insurance and a reliable e-SIM
3. Bring cash and hiking shoes
4. Always ask locals before swimming
5. Santa Bárbara requires a guide

Find our more about this part of Brazil from the tour operator who helped us write this episode, TripVista360.com, in Brasilia, Brazil. Felipe Santos, is our contact.

In this episode, we journey to Nuquí, one of the most remote and biodiverse corners of Colombia’s Pacific coast. It’s a place where the rainforest crashes into the ocean, where there are no roads, and where life moves to the rhythm of tides, rain, and community.

Our host revisits a 2008 expedition to the region—complete with a disastrous boat ride, rainforest hikes, dugout canoe journeys, and encounters with the pioneering eco‑lodges that helped shape sustainable tourism in Chocó.

We also explore how Nuquí has evolved over the past 15 years, marked by improved access, stronger community leadership, and a growing movement toward conservation and responsible travel. Yet despite these shifts, Nuquí remains wild, raw, and unforgettable.

1. A firsthand story of arriving in Nuquí by boat during a torrential Pacific storm
2. The rise and fall of El Cantil, one of Colombia’s early eco‑tourism pioneers
3. How local entrepreneurship reshaped coastal life in a region without roads
4. A magical journey up the Río Joví by dugout canoe to a hidden waterfall
5. What’s changed since 2008—from flights to whale‑watching to community‑run tours
6. How new eco‑lodges like La Kuka are continuing the legacy of sustainable travel
7. Why Nuquí still feels wild and untouched despite increased tourism
8. The enduring truth behind Colombia’s old tourism slogan: “The only risk is wanting to stay.”

1. Nuquí is accessible only by plane or boat—and the boat option is not for the faint of heart
2. Chocó is one of the rainiest places on Earth, shaping both daily life and travel
3. Humpback whales migrate here from July to October, making it one of Colombia’s top wildlife experiences
4. Afro‑Colombian and Indigenous communities now lead many tours, surf lessons, and jungle hikes
5. Sustainable tourism is growing, with lodges partnering directly with local families and conservation groups
6. The region remains pristine and remote—a rare “off the map” destination in a crowded world

Nuquí, Colombia, is more than a destination—it’s a case study in community‑driven tourism, environmental stewardship, and the delicate balance between access and preservation. This episode offers a window into a coastline that feels almost prehistoric, yet is evolving through the leadership of the people who call it home.

1. Wild, remote travel stories

Episode Title: Bishkek: The Green City Under Tian Shan

Episode Summary:

In this episode of GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, senior writer Chin Liang teams up with Talgat from Datka Travel to uncover the overlooked charms of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. While most travelers rush to the countryside for horse riding and yurt stays, Bishkek rewards those who linger with leafy boulevards, Soviet‑era architecture, vibrant festivals, and mouthwatering Central Asian cuisine.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• 🌳 Green City Design: How Soviet planners shaped Bishkek into a “model socialist city” with tree‑lined boulevards and parks.
• 🎡 Panfilov Park: A mix of war memorials and retro amusement rides that blend history with fun.
• 🌸 Nowruz Festival at Ala‑Too Square: A spring celebration filled with flowers, costumes, dancing, and the sweet wheat treat Sumalak.
• 🏛️ Hidden Gems: Talgat’s insider tips, including the striking Wedding Palace and the massive Dordoi Bazaar with over 60,000 stalls.
• 🏔️ Day Trips from Bishkek: Scenic escapes to Kegeti Gorge, Kol‑Tor Lake, and Chunkurchak Gorge for hiking, horseback riding, skiing, and photography.
• 🍲 Food Culture: From plov and laghman to samsa and manty, Bishkek’s cuisine is about hospitality and sharing. Restaurant highlights include Papuri, Supara, Twelve Kamin, and Faiza.
• 🚎 Getting Around: Marshrutkas, buses, and Yandex rides make navigating Bishkek simple—even if you don’t speak Russian or Kyrgyz.
• 🖼️ City & Mountains: The dramatic backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains against Stalinist‑era buildings creates a daily watercolor scene.

Key Quote:

Why Listen:

This episode is perfect for travelers curious about Central Asia, those planning a Kyrgyzstan adventure, or anyone who loves discovering how history, culture, and nature intertwine in a city often skipped by tourists.

🚆 Episode Overview

In this episode, we journey by train from Massachusetts to Wilmington, Delaware—arriving at the Joseph R. Biden Station in the heart of the city. Wilmington may be small, but it’s packed with history, culture, and surprises. From the spotlight of the 2020 election to the legacy of the DuPont family, this city offers a fascinating blend of small‑town warmth and corporate power.

🌆 Highlights You’ll Hear About

1. Arriving Downtown by Rail: The ease and charm of stepping off the train right into the city center.
2. Wilmington in the Spotlight: How the 2020 election put this city of 70,000 on the world stage.
3. Riverfront Adventures: Biking the Jack Markell Trail, beer gardens, and the youthful energy along the Christina River.
4. The DuPont Legacy: Touring Hagley Museum’s black powder mills, gardens, and patent models.
5. Bucolic Delaware: Country drives past colonial bridges, farmland, and Biden’s family home.
6. Corporate Delaware: Why Fortune 500 companies flock here—no sales tax, low property tax, and the Court of Chancery.
7. Dining Delights: From Buckley’s Tavern to Bardea’s inventive small plates, plus cocktails at De‑CO.
8. Hotel DuPont & Le Cavalier: Grandeur, gilded ceilings, and French‑inspired cuisine.
9. Longwood Gardens: A breathtaking conservatory and outdoor wonderland just across the Pennsylvania line.

✨ Key Takeaway

Wilmington is a city of contrasts—corporate powerhouse and small‑town charm, Biden’s hometown and DuPont’s empire, youthful energy and colonial history. Whether you’re biking the riverfront, savoring small plates, or wandering through Longwood Gardens, Wilmington proves that Delaware, though small, has a big story to tell.

📸 Photos

See images from the trip: Max Hartshorne’s Wilmington gallery

🔗 Resources Mentioned

1. VisitWilmingtonDE.com
2. It’s Time Delaware
3. WilmToday
4. Longwood Gardens

🎙️ Listen & Subscribe

Catch this episode wherever you get your podcasts, and join us for more journeys that uncover hidden charms across the globe.