 Chinmoy Mahato, President of Guide International Radio Listeners Club, sends us photos of their Radio Exhibition to celebrate World Radio Day, February 13, 2026. |
A: It’s great to have you with us again after a week. We hope you’ve had a pleasant few days.
B: We begin today’s show with a message from Juan Carlos Pérez Montero of Spain, who told us about his thoughts on the changing seasons where he lives. “March is already upon us, and with it, we begin to feel the arrival of spring. The days are gradually getting longer, the change to summer time is approaching, and the atmosphere invites us to go out more, to take leisurely walks, to watch everything blossom, and to face each day with renewed energy.”
 White Xua flowers blossom in early March, signaling the arrival of spring. |
B: The instrumental melody “My dear, spring has arrived” brings the cheerful spirit of Vietnamese spring. Here in Hanoi, March also brings a gentle change in the weather. The days are becoming warmer. The sunshine lasts a little longer. And the air carries that fresh feeling of early spring.
A: After the celebrations of the Lunar New Year, Vietnamese people are beginning to enjoy the many traditional spring festivals. Families and friends are taking this opportunity to visit temples and historical sites in the pleasant weather – very much like the springtime atmosphere you described in Spain.
B: So although we’re far apart geographically, it seems that spring is bringing the same energy and sense of renewal to people in Spain and Vietnam.
 Huong Pagoda Festival on the outskirts of Hanoi takes place from March 2 to May 1, 2026. (Photo: chinhphu.vn) |
A: Mr. Montero also told us about his daily routine and the little moments that give meaning to his life. “I continue to enjoy quiet walks with my mother, accompanying her and helping her with her daily needs. I also continue my weekly visits to my father in the nursing home, spending time with him and making sure he feels accompanied and loved.”
B: That’s very touching. Those simple moments spent with family often mean the most. We’re sure your presence brings great comfort and joy to your parents.
A: Mr. Montero also makes time to meet up with his longtime friends, and he enjoys meeting new people as well, expanding his circle of friends and gaining new perspectives.
B: It sounds like a meaningful and balanced life, caring for family, nurturing friendships, and staying open to new connections. In his daily routine, Mr. Montero also sets aside time to listen to VOV, which we truly appreciate.
A: He wrote: “As I do every month, and with the hope of being able to continue doing so for a long time to come, I’m sending you my report on reception of your radio broadcast. I’d like to sincerely thank you for the replies you sent me. It’s a gesture that I greatly appreciate and that encourages me to stay in touch with you.”
B: Thank you for your continued support and taking the time to send us your reception reports. Your feedback is always appreciated.
 Sun World Ba Na Hills hosts a series of festivals throughout the year. |
A: Now, let’s head to the Ba Na Hills Festival in Da Nang city and explore the lively spring celebration there. This topic comes from a question asked by Rattanak of Cambodia about activities at the Sun World Ba Na Hills Tourism Complex.
B: Perched on the mountains west of Da Nang, Sun World Ba Na Hills hosts a series of festivals throughout the year, transforming the hilltop resort into a lively cultural and floral destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
A: One of the highlights early in the year is the Spring Tulip Festival from February to March. The largest tulip festival in Vietnam features more than a million tulips of 15 varieties, grown in Vietnam or imported from the Netherlands.
 Tulip Festival on the Sun World Ba Na Hills (Photo: Cam Thi) |
B: Summer, the height of the festival season here, has a series of international Carnival events between April and August, bringing together artists from Brazil, Colombia, and Europe. The “Thousand Sunflowers Festival” will feature 1.2 million sunflowers and the “Million Roses Festival” where 999 rose bushes will create a romantic setting reminiscent of a fairytale garden.
A: In autumn Ba Na Hills has the “Mid-Autumn Festival” from September to October. That celebration draws lion and dragon dance troupes from all over Vietnam. Visitors join moon cake workshops guided by experienced pastry chefs, and learn to make their own moon cakes.
B: Toward the end of the year, Ba Na Hills becomes mysterious and dazzling. The “Halloween Festival” transforms the French Village into a spooky city filled with giant monsters, haunted houses, and immersive 3D sound effects. The “Wine Festival” presents 20 premium wines from France and Italy paired with European cheeses and baguettes.
A: In December, the “European Christmas Market” opens, featuring stalls selling handicrafts, chocolates, and holiday food. Millions of decorative lights illuminate the streets, turning Ba Na Hills into a dazzling winter wonderland, with a Christmas atmosphere that feels straight out of a Hollywood film.
B: Talking about Sun World Ba Na Hills, we shouldn’t neglect to mention the symbol of Da Nang tourism – the Golden Bridge located at the top of Ba Na Hills. TIME magazine included the Golden Bridge in its list of the “Top 100 Greatest Places in the World”.
 European Christmas Market on Sun World Ba Na Hills (Photo: danangfantastic.com)
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A: Among the feedback we received this week, some listeners expressed concerns about conflicts in the world and their serious impact on the economy. Hattori Tasuaki in Japan asked: “What are energy prices like in Vietnam? And what is the Vietnamese government doing to stabilize the price of oil and gas?”
B: That’s a good question, and one that many countries are struggling with. In response to rising petroleum prices and fluctuations in the currency exchange rate, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance have created a fuel price management plan to stabilize domestic oil and petrol prices.
A: Starting Wednesday, petroleum wholesalers and fuel traders will set retail prices according to new regulations – E5RON92 petrol will not exceed 26,570 VND (1.01 USD) per litre, which is 5.3% above the current base price; and RON95-III petrol will not exceed 29,120 VND (1.1 USD) per litre, which is 7.6% above the current base price.
B: The Ministry of Industry and Trade has asked relevant agencies to make E10 or E20 biofuel a larger portion of the domestic fuel supply, saying ethanol has an advantage in price stability over fossil fuels. About 60% of the world’s ethanol comes from the US and Brazil, and shipments to Vietnam are not affected by the current Middle East shipping disruptions.
A: These measures are aimed at keeping the domestic energy market stable and protecting consumers from sudden price shocks.
 Paul Jamet sends us a photo of his ATS Mini V4 mini receiver (80 x 35 x 18 mm) weighing about 103 g with a 48 cm telescopic antenna. Locator: JN18HS61. He also sends us an audio file recorded with his smartphone placed near the receiver's speaker. Very good signal, Paul said. |
A: Before we wrap up today’s program, we’d like to send a warm greeting to some listeners who wrote to us this week, including Silvestro, a listener from Italy, Paul Jamet who is also a regular listener to the French Service of VOV5, Ashik Eqbal Tokon of the VOV Spectators Association in Bangladesh, and Dino Manfredi of Austria.
B: Thank you all very much for listening. We hope you’ll join us again for our next program. Until then, goodbye.