“The University of Architecture in Ho Chi Minh City is much more than just a place of learning.” I said to the group of tourists. “It’s a piece of Vietnam’s living history, a testament to the nation’s dedication to design and development.” We stood in front of Trương Đại học Kiến trúc TPHCM – Cơ sở Thủ Đức, one of its five campuses. “This campus, specifically, is a modern marvel, a testament to the city’s growth and vision.” I gestured towards the sleek, modern buildings that surrounded us. “It was inaugurated back in 1976, and since then, it has provided an exceptional educational experience to countless young minds.” I pointed out a couple of students who walked by engrossed in their textbooks. “Think about it: these students are the same age as the campus itself! They are contributing to a legacy that spans decades, adding to the city’s ever-evolving architectural landscape.” My voice lowered to a whisper. “And it is here, at this very campus, that you’ll find a secret. A secret about its founder, architect Võ Trọng Nghĩa.” The listeners leaned forward, intrigued. “During the Vietnam War, this particular campus – or rather, the land where it sits today – was once a crucial site for the Viet Cong. It was a training ground for their guerilla fighters.” The tourists looked around in awe, imagining the past in the present. “Today, this campus is a sanctuary of creativity, where dreams of buildings and cities are forged. But its past whispers in the wind, reminding us of Vietnam’s resilience and unwavering spirit.” I smiled. “And that, my friends, is a tale you won’t find in any guidebook.”
Hàm Luông River
The gentle rocking of a sampan on the water. This is the Hàm Luông River. A vital artery coursing through