Quang Lang beach of Thuy Hai commune, Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province is an ideal place for people to explore nature and enjoy tranquility.

B: From Lima, Peru, Johnny Antonio Ramírez López sent his thanks: “Thank you, VOV, for your words of encouragement and solidarity in the face of the Amazon forest fire disaster in Peru and Brazil.”

A: Johnny, we are deeply moved by your appreciation. The Amazon forest is vital to the world, and our thoughts are with everyone affected. We will continue to stand in solidarity with all those working to protect the environment.

B: Juan Diez from Santander, Spain, shared his thoughts on Vietnam’s diplomacy: “The bamboo diplomacy that Vietnam is applying in Asia and the world is bringing positive results, both in theory and practice. This achievement is shown through the Vietnamese Government's active diplomatic efforts, especially in supporting the United Nations and advocating for dialogue in conflict areas, such as the East Sea. Vietnam and ASEAN have focused on realizing the Code of Conduct (COC) based on international maritime law. Vietnam must continue enhancing its position and responsibility for peace and dialogue.”

A: Thank you, Juan, for your insightful comments. We are proud of Vietnam’s commitment to diplomacy and peace, and it is rewarding to see that this approach is recognized and appreciated by our international listeners. Your support inspires us to continue striving for meaningful contributions on the global stage.

B: Sun Phol, a former student of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, expressed: “Congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Hanoi, a city that holds many memories for me. Hanoi is both ancient and modern with wonderful flavors of food.”

A: Thank you, Sun Phol, for your heartfelt message. It’s always special to hear from former students with cherished memories of Hanoi. We are glad that you continue to hold this vibrant city close to your heart.

B: This week, Sou Sambath of Cambodia expressed his interest in tombs of Vietnamese Kings during the feudal time.

The enchanting natural setting of Tu Duc Tomb (Source: internet)

A: The Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue, designed by the Nguyen kings, evoke a forgotten, mythical world. These tombs not only embody the lives and legacies of the Nguyen rulers but also reflect key historical periods, including Vietnam's unification, military victories, and French colonialism. If you’re visiting Hue City, exploring these emperor tombs is a must.

B: Founded in 1802 by Emperor Gia Long, the Nguyen Dynasty was Vietnam’s last monarchy, lasting for 143 years. The dynasty’s rule experienced significant events, including the French invasion in the mid-19th century. In 1945, Emperor Bao Dai abdicated, marking the end of the dynasty.

A: The royal tombs are no ordinary graves. They are the final resting places of the Nguyen emperors, Vietnam's last royal family, and are built with great care to reflect their grandeur. These tombs hold valuable artifacts and provide rich insight into Vietnamese history.

B: Although 13 emperors ruled during the Nguyen Dynasty, only 7 royal tombs were built due to various reasons. These tombs belong to emperors Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, Duc Duc, and Khai Dinh. The tombs of King Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh are usually most visited by tourists.

B: Emperor Minh Mang, the second Nguyen emperor, was known for his Confucian ideals and political reforms. His tomb, built in 1840, is a complex of 40 structures, including palaces and pavilions. The tomb is laid out symmetrically, blending natural and manmade beauty, and stretches 700 meters from front to back with majestic views of nearby hills and rivers.

Minh Mang Tomb is a prominent cultural and historical site in Hue (Source: Collected)

A: Emperor Tu Duc, who reigned from 1847 to 1883, built his own tomb long before his death. Known for its exquisite architecture, the tomb complex includes nearly 50 structures. Despite personal difficulties, including infertility, Tu Duc is remembered as a good ruler. His tomb, a blend of beauty and history, also serves as a resting place for his adopted son, King Kien Phuc.

Khai Dinh Tomb is one of the best tombs in Hue to admire (Source: Collected)

B: The tomb of Khai Dinh, the 12th Nguyen emperor, stands out for its blend of Vietnamese and Western influences. Constructed from 1931 to 1935, the tomb is an elaborate monument with Gothic elements and intricate ceramic mosaics. The Honor Courtyard is guarded by statues featuring a mix of European and Vietnamese aesthetics, while the interior is richly decorated with murals of the Four Seasons, precious objects, and Taoist symbols.

A: A trip to Hue is incomplete without visiting the royal tombs of the Nguyen kings. These historic sites are not only the final resting places of Vietnam's last monarchs but also testaments to the country's cultural and architectural heritage. For Vietnamese visitors, these tombs provide a profound connection to their nation’s history. For international travelers, the tombs offer a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam's fascinating past and immerse themselves in the rich Eastern cultural traditions.

B: Also sharing interest in Vietnam, its land and people, Frank Bresonik of Germany, asked about the most popular destinations in Vietnam in winter.

A: Winter is often seen as an ideal time to explore Northern Vietnam, as the landscapes become especially captivating. The average winter temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, with the northern areas, including Hanoi and Sapa, experiencing the coldest conditions. In these regions, temperatures can sometimes dip as low as 10°C (50°F). In contrast, central and southern Vietnam remain relatively warm throughout the year, lacking a distinct winter season.

B: The North of Vietnam experiences four distinct seasons, making it an excellent destination for winter travel.

The poetic Hanoi in winter (Source: Collected)

A: Nestled in the northern mountains, Sapa in Lao Cai province transforms into a winter wonderland with frost-touched terraced rice fields and misty valleys. Though snowfall is rare, it occasionally blankets the town in white. Trekking through the scenic countryside, visiting ethnic minority villages to experience their way of life are highlights of a trip to Sapa in winter.

A: Mau Son mountain in Lang Son province offers adventure opportunities such as mountain biking and off-road motorbiking. Visitors can also experience the rich culture of the local ethnic groups, including the Dao, Tay, and Nung.

Ta Xua - a paradise in the clouds (Source: Collected)

B: Known for its terraced fields and serene atmosphere, Ta Xua is perfect for a peaceful winter escape. Misty valleys and the sound of flowing streams provide a tranquil retreat from city life.

7. For adventurous travelers, Ha Giang offers dramatic landscapes and unique cultural experiences. A must-see is the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark, where mist-covered limestone peaks create an ethereal winter scene.

A: Time is up for VOV’s program today. We welcome your feedback at the English Service, VOVWORLD, the Voice of Vietnam, 45 Ba Trieu street, Hanoi, Vietnam.

B: You can email us at englishsection@vov.vn. You’re invited to visit us online at vovworld.vn, where you can hear both live and recorded programs. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!