VOV's New Year's greeting cards and QSL cards for 2026

A: The photographs were taken by Le Hai Son, chief of the Voice of Vietnam’s bureau in the Central Highlands, and reflect the timeless beauty and gentle rhythm of life in this UNESCO-recognized heritage site.

B: For the QSL cards, we have six brand-new designs cards, each featuring beautiful and iconic scenic spots in Vietnam. As you collect them all, you’ll be able to enjoy a vivid journey through the country’s landscapes, culture, and heritage. Your reports mean a great deal to us, and each verified report will be accompanied by a QSL card.

B: Elraheim also spoke warmly about one VOV’s practice that has left a deep impression on him: “I have always appreciated the beauty and significance of your QSL cards. These cards are far more than acknowledgments of reception reports. They carry cultural meaning, often featuring iconic landmarks or national symbols. For listeners and DX enthusiasts, particularly collectors of historical QSLs, these cards represent treasured windows into the past, sometimes even offering rare and amusing glimpses that make them highly valued.”

A: He concluded his email with words of gratitude and appreciation: “I sincerely thank the Voice of Vietnam for continuing to preserve these rich and beautiful traditions, reminding us always of the station’s remarkable history and its enduring cultural contributions.”

B: Thank you, Elraheim, for your encouraging words, which are a true source of motivation for us. We hope you’ll continue your journey with us by submitting your reception reports and adding VOV’s new QSL cards to your collection.

The book "Rising Vietnam" by Bidhan Chandra Sanyal of India

A: From India, Bidhan Chandra Sanyal shared with us news about his book “The Emerging Era of Vietnam,” which was officially launched on January 24, 2026, at the Kolkata International Book Fair. Written in Bengali, the book explores Vietnam’s development in the new era. Mr. Sanyal also sent us the PDF version of the book, along with photos from the launch event and pictures of himself with the publisher.

B: Congratulations on this meaningful publication, Mr. Sanyal! We sincerely thank you for your in-depth study of Vietnam’s rising era and for highlighting the traditional friendly relationship between Vietnam and India.

B: It’s fascinating that even in today’s digital age, radio continues to connect people across borders and generations. This year’s World Radio Day takes a timely theme, "Radio and Artificial Intelligence," highlighting the fusion of traditional radio with modern technology.

A: Drawing from our own experience of using AI in radio production, we fully agree with Mr. Sanyal’s view that AI is not a replacement for humans, but a supportive tool. “With AI, radio stations can quickly analyze large volumes of data to better understand listeners’ preferences. It also helps with tasks such as audio editing, transcription, and automated sound production. Used properly, AI can enhance creativity in radio and even attract a new generation of listeners.”

B: At the same time, AI brings both opportunities and challenges. As Mr. Sanyal pointed out, it is crucial to prevent the misuse of AI – such as the spread of misinformation or deepfakes – which could undermine the credibility of radio broadcasting. By embracing new technology while preserving the human touch and public trust, radio can continue to thrive in the digital era.

B: AI is also an opportunity to reimagine radio with care, creativity, and deeper connection. It invites broadcasters to dream bigger, reach further, and better respect listeners’ time, intelligence, and expectations.

A: Speaking of the connection between radio and AI, we’d like to echo UNESCO’s message for World Radio Day 2026. It clearly states that “AI is a tool, not a voice.”

B: And that is the core message of World Radio Day, embracing innovation while keeping radio’s human spirit at the heart of everything we do. The spirit remains true since UNESCO delivered a message on the 10th celebration of World Radio Day in 2021.

“The world is changing. Radio is evolving. For more than a century, radio has been the voice of our society. Voices and music have set the rhythm of our lives. Broadcasts mark their time. Radio has survived through the ages, while remaining the relay of a world in perpetual change. The world is changing. Radio is innovating. With new technologies, radio has adapted to our new behaviours and lifestyles. As a medium of mobility, radio has become a multi-platform, accessible to everyone and everywhere. The world is changing. Radio connects. When events change, our daily lives and habits are turned upside down. We have to adapt. Radio provides us with multiple services to exchange, inform, and connect…New world, new radio.”

VOV's QSL cards 2026

A: Welcome back to VOV’s Letter Box. Every week, we receive encouraging messages from listeners, which are a great compliment for our work. French listener Philippe Marsan said: “Radio broadcasting is constantly evolving, and shortwave is undergoing major changes as fewer stations continue to maintain shortwave transmissions. It is truly encouraging to see that the Voice of Vietnam remains committed to combining traditional shortwave broadcasting with modern digital technology. I sincerely thank you for the diverse programs and high-quality news you bring to listeners, as well as for your determination to maintain shortwave coverage reaching Europe, especially Western Europe.”

A: Everyday feedback from Mr. Najimuddin of India lets us know our work is worthy: “The Saturday Report and Weekend Music Program were very enjoyable for me. I enjoyed your very nice songs. Other programs are always my favourite for providing a reliable source of knowledge.”

B: Indonesian listener Safril Susanto reported that although the broadcast had noise and fading, it’s audible. He continued listening to the end of the program on January 18 on the frequency of 12020 kHz.

5-star cruise ship Aida Stella with over 2,100 passengers on board at Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

A: On our website at vovworld.vn, we received an interesting question from Joy Beggs: “I’m looking for a cruise from Vietnam to a closer port to North America so I don’t have to fly 20 hours.”

B: I think you mean you’d enjoy a voyage from Vietnam rather than taking a long flight. It’s a pity that cruise lines don’t operate regular passenger voyages directly from Vietnam to North America. Most cruise ships operating in Southeast Asia stay within Asia. That means you can’t just board a ship at international ports in Vietnam and sail nonstop to ports like Vancouver, Seattle, or Los Angeles the way you can travel by air.

A: Long cruises to North America usually start in other continents. So, while the idea of a slower, more scenic ocean journey is appealing, practical options for cruising from Vietnam to North America remain largely unavailable at present.

B: You could consider flying to Vietnam and then joining a cruise to visit other Asian and Indo-Pacific destinations. In recent years, Vietnam has welcomed an increasing number of regional and world cruise ships, carrying thousands of travelers. 

A: Several popular ones have departed from or docked at Vietnam’s international ports, such as Sun Princess cruise ship, Norwegian Spirit, Spectrum of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in Asia, and Celebrity Solstice, operated by Royal Caribbean.

A: Whether by sea or by air, we hope our listeners will soon find an itinerary that suits their plans and interests.

B: And in Vietnam, you can be sure of a warm welcome, beautiful destinations, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

A: That’s it for this week’s Letter Box. Keep writing, keep listening and, until next time, goodbye from Hanoi!