Off the Beaten Path

Today we head to southern Vietnam, to its largest and most populous city, Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon. Located near the Mekong Delta, often called the “River of Nine Dragons,” it is home to more than 8 million people. Originally settled by the Khmer, the city later came under French influence, followed by a period shaped by the Vietnam War. Renamed after reunification in 1975, it has since grown into a dynamic and modern metropolis. Today, Saigon is full of life, where historic landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office stand alongside busy streets and contemporary architecture. This unique mix of history and energy has also captivated Peter from Slovakia, who now calls this vibrant city home.