(VOVWORLD) - Hanoi’s West Lake is beloved for its serene beauty and signature lotus tea, while thousands of kilometers away, Hangzhou in China's Zhejiang province also has a lake of the same name with serenity and is famed for Longjing or Dragon Well tea. In this week’s Cultural Rendezvous, Xinmeng Yang, a Chinese journalist and digital storyteller from CGTN, draws a connection between two nations, two lakes, and cultural ties steeped in tea.

(VOVWORLD) -“South Africa is more than just a beautiful country—it’s a feeling. It gets in your blood. Whether it’s the wild landscapes, the warmth of the people, or the depth of culture, it’s something that stays with you long after you leave.” Those were the words of Ilani Ries, a South African teacher who spoke about her homeland with such passion it immediately sparked something in me. That’s why I’m inviting you on a special journey to South Africa on today’s episode of Culture Rendezvous.

(VOVWORLD) - At the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2025 in Hanoi last month, one of the most unexpected crowd-pullers was the Bhutan booth, drawing in curious exhibition-goers, especially young people, intrigued by a land often seen as distant, yet surprisingly connected to Vietnam in spirit. In this week’s edition of Cultural Rendezvous, we’ll meet Bhutanese Kinzang Coth, who will share a personal glimpse into his country, regarded as the happiest in the world.

(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam and Mexico are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations, and what better way to mark the occasion than through music? Today, we're heading to Mexico — a country where stories are passed down through songs, and melodies carry the spirit of its people.

(VOVWORLD) - More and more Vietnamese people are becoming familiar with Mexico and its culture, especially sombrero and tequila. As part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Mexico, Mexican Ambassador to Vietnam Alejandro Negrín is talking with VOVWorld to share about the spirit of Mexico, its colors and rhythms, its tacos and mariachi music.

(VOVWORLD) - Eid al-Fitr, the joyous festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is a time for Muslims around the world to come together in unity, compassion, and celebration. In Vietnam, where the Muslim community is small but vibrant, Eid al-Fitr has a deep cultural and spiritual significance. This week’s Cultural Rendezvous explores how the Eid al-Fitr festival is celebrated in Vietnam, highlighting the traditions, heartfelt moments, and shared desire for a world built on understanding and harmony.

(VOVWORLD) - The Iran Film Week 2025 will take place in Hanoi next Friday, presenting five acclaimed Iranian films.

(VOVWORLD) - Málaga, a coastal city in southern Spain is famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and lively carnival season. Every year, as February turns to March, Málaga bursts into life with grand parades, colorful costumes, and one final, fiery tradition to say goodbye to the season.

(VOVWORLD) - Uttar Pradesh, a state in northern India, has two of the four most important sites in the Buddha’s life – Sarnath, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, and Kushinagar, where he entered nirvana. In this week’s Cultural Rendezvous, we’ll explore Uttar Pradesh and its popular Buddhist destinations through a report by Bao Tram.

(VOVWORLD) - Talking about Scotland, most people think of men in skirts playing bagpipes which became a symbol of Scottish identity during the Celtic Revival. But like many traditional crafts, bagpipe making faces extinction as Scotland struggles with declining demand for the handmade instrument due to competition from machine-made versions. This week Cultural Rendezvous takes a look at Scottish bagpipes with a group of Vietnamese students who recently visited Edinburgh.