 At the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam |
B: And this is a very special week in Vietnam. Vietnamese people nationwide are celebrating a major political event—the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam—with excitement and strong expectations for the country’s future development.
A: On this occasion, we received a large number of messages from international listeners who shared their interest in the Congress and Vietnam’s development path. Let’s start with a letter from China.
B: Fan Hong Jie of China wrote to us, saying “Looking to the future, I hope Vietnam will continue to promote political, economic, and social reforms, deepen anti-corruption efforts, strengthen the ranks of Party cadres, and firmly maintain the Party’s integrity and revolutionary spirit. The interests and well-being of the people must always come first.”
A: He also expressed his hope for stronger exchanges and dialogue between the Communist Parties of Vietnam and China, as well as deeper strategic cooperation, more frequent economic and trade exchanges, and of course cultural exchanges.
B: The Chinese listener concluded that he firmly believes in the successful organization of the 14th National Congress and the election of a capable new central leadership who will guide Vietnam into a new era of development.
A: Thank you, Fan Hong Jie, for your thoughtful writing. We’d like to share a warm message from Chaudhry Fahim Noor in Punjab, Pakistan. He congratulates Vietnam on the opening of the 14th National Party Congress, calling it an important milestone and expressing strong confidence in Vietnam’s path toward becoming a high-income, developed nation.
B: He says he’s especially impressed by the Communist Party of Vietnam’s long-term vision and its commitment to building a modern socialist state that leaves no one behind. He also appreciates how Voice of Vietnam helps international listeners understand Vietnam’s culture and development.
A: Fahim Noor, it’s great to hear your comments and good wishes. Through your letter, we know that listeners abroad are closely following Vietnam’s progress and sharing hopes for the future.
B: In his correspondence to VOVWorld this week O.P. Verma of India praised VOV English program as informative and entertaining and asked about festivals in Vietnam.
A: As a new year starts, Vietnam comes alive with a chain of vibrant festivals that reflect the country’s rich history, spiritual life, and cultural diversity. Let’s check out some of them, beginning with the biggest festival of Vietnamese people- the Lunar New Year Festival or Tet.
 Kumquat trees are the signature trees of Lunar New Year for people in northern Vietnam |
B: Vietnamese called the Lunar New Year festival - Tết Nguyên Đán, which usually falls in late January or early February. This year the festival is celebrated from February 16, the last day of the 12th lunar month to February 22, or the 6th day of the first lunar month. This is the most important festival of all, when families reunite, homes are decorated with peach blossoms and apricot flowers, and the air is filled with hopes for good fortune in the year ahead.
A: As spring unfolds, pilgrims head to the mountains southwest of Hanoi for the Perfume Pagoda Festival, held from the 1st to the 3rd lunar month or usually February to April. Traveling by boat through limestone landscapes, visitors pray for peace, health, and happiness.
 Quan ho is a form of folk duet singing |
B: On the 13th of the 1st lunar month, Bac Ninh hosts the Lim Festival, where the gentle melodies of quan họ folk songs echo across village ponds, celebrating love and community.
A: The Hung Kings’ Temple Festival in Phu Tho province takes place on 10th of the 3rd lunar month, honoring the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation. This solemn yet festive occasion strengthens the sense of national unity and respect for ancestral roots.
B: In lunar April, Hanoi’s outskirts come alive with the Giong Festival, a UNESCO-recognized celebration commemorating a mythical hero who defended the country, featuring colorful processions and symbolic rituals.
A: From the 8th to 15th day of lunar April, there is Vesak, or Buddha’s Birthday, observed nationwide with lanterns, prayers, and acts of compassion at pagodas.
B: Early summer then introduces the dramatic Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival in Hai Phong, a unique coastal tradition symbolizing strength and bravery.
A: The Central Highlands Gong Festival which does not have a fixed date and is usually held between March and December each year, rotating among the five provinces of Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Kon Tum, Dak Nong and Gia Lai. The festival typically takes place during major traditional celebrations such as the new rice festival, buffalo-sacrifice ceremony, and spring festivals.
B: The festival resonates with the powerful rhythms of the Gong Culture Festival, showcasing the spiritual life of ethnic communities.
 Street gong artists perform in Da Lat |
A: The Mid-Autumn Festival, considered the children festival, takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is filled with lanterns, mooncakes, and lion dances.
A: Rounding out the list is the Kate Festival of the Cham people in the 7th lunar month, a colorful tribute to ancestors and cultural heritage. Together, these ten festivals form a vivid portrait of Vietnam through the seasons.
B: Now, let’s move to South America. From Peru, Odilón Ramos Boza sent us warm greetings from Huancavelica City. He wrote: “Thanks to VOV’s radio waves, I have gained more knowledge about your country. It is like an open window allowing me to see politics, culture, economics, arts, and many other topics. It has helped me develop my personal knowledge and connect with people.”
A: Ramos, it’s our job of serving as a bridge connecting Vietnam with listeners across continents.
A: From Northern Europe, Janne Petäjä of Finland said he enjoys listening to stories about different countries told by people who live there and values access to the world from multiple perspectives.
B: He wrote, “It feels warm and pleasant to listen to your programs. Optimism and a forward-looking spirit are the strongest impressions I get from VOV.”
A: Thank you, Janne, for your kind words. Another listener Muhammad Aqeel Bashir from Pakistan sent a letter thanking the organizers of VOV’s 2025 contest “What Do You Know About Vietnam?”
A: He wrote that he deeply appreciates VOV’s recognition of international listeners and efforts to promote Vietnam’s culture and history.
B: Cheers for being part of our global listening community. We’d also like to acknowledge Mohamed Elsayed Abd Elraheim from Egypt, who shared his love for shortwave radio and praised VOV for preserving the spirit of traditional broadcasting.
A: He wrote: “As radio listeners and shortwave enthusiasts, we still carry a deep nostalgia for the golden days when radio was the window that connected us to the world, delivering news, knowledge, and cultural insights. Although modern technology has advanced rapidly and reshaped media consumption, it has not erased the important role of radio.”
B: Abd Elraheim continued: “We are always delighted to see stations like the Voice of Vietnam continuing to preserve the spirit, identity, and authenticity of traditional broadcasting, keeping alive that special bond between the listener and the radio, and allowing your voice to reach audiences across continents.”
A: Abd Elraheim, you remind us why radio still matters. Once again, thank you to all our listeners for your loyalty, thoughtful comments, and insightful questions.
B: Your voices truly shape Letter Box and inspire us every week.
A: Please keep writing to us, sharing your thoughts, and tuning in to VOVWOLRD.
B: Until next time, goodbye and happy listening!