Ho Chi Minh City

People wearing protective masks collect fishes on a beach during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Da Nang city, Vietnam, May 6, 2020.

Is Vietnam the coronavirus-fighting champ of the world?

COVID-19

Is there any other sizable country that has so thoroughly vanquished COVID-19 — and without the resources of a wealthy nation? 

A Buddhist monk walks through a crowd with his hands in a prayer position

The ‘father of mindfulness’ prepares for the next life

Religion
An African American man sits on a stair step with a towel around his neck

For black GIs in Saigon, ‘Soul Alley’ was an oasis of food and vice

Arts, Culture & Media
vietnam

US to begin massive Agent Orange cleanup in Vietnam

Conflict
An internet user browses through the Vietnamese government's Facebook page in Hanoi.

Vietnam unveils 10,000-strong cyber unit to combat ‘wrong views’

Conflict
Although same-sex marriage isn’t legal, Vietnam is at the forefront of gay rights in the region and gay weddings are not uncommon.

Photographer Catherine Karnow captures a changing Vietnam

Culture

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Art Vietnam Gallery in Hanoi is showing “Vietnam: 25 Years of Documenting a Changing Country,” a photo exhibition of National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow’s lifelong work in that country. In his introduction to the exhibition, Andrew Lam writes that the photographs capture a country that has many versions of itself.

The fight hasn’t even started, but some pillow fighters can’t wait to take a friendly swing at their friends.

If only all wars were waged this way — with pillows

Lifestyle & Belief

The first rule of pillow fighting is — everyone talks about pillow fighting. About 100 residents of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, participated in this year’s International Pillow Fight Day.The first rule of pillow fighting is — everyone talks about pillow fighting. About 100 residents of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, participated in this year’s International Pillow Fight Day.

Sold! Wyoming Town Goes to Highest Bidder, A Vietnamese Businessman

Arts, Culture & Media

For today’s Geo Quiz we are looking for the name of a town in Wyoming just of I-80. The town is just 10 acres or so large. The one resident is also the mayor. He’s planning to leave so he put the town up for auction. Can you name the tiny town?

Dylan plays safe in Vietnam

Arts, Culture & Media

Many of Bob Dylan’s biggest hits were written and recorded in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. Last night the folk music hero performed in Ho Chi Minh City and he played it safe. BBC reporter Nga Pham went to the show and talks to Marco Werman.

Vietnamese birdsong

Arts, Culture & Media

We’re looking for a southeast Asian city for today’s Geo Quiz. The Saigon River flows through it and the city’s name honors a Communist leader. Early in the morning people come together with wicker bird cages to escape the hustle and bustle.