B: We’re delighted to hear from our longtime listener, Mr. Gerry Neumann, whose connection with Vietnam goes back more than twenty years. He describes Vietnam as his second home, having spent time with friends in Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. He says VOVWORLD’s daily broadcasts help him stay connected with Vietnam, from news and current affairs to cultural programs.
A: It’s good to know you’re doing well and continuing to listen to VOV regularly. Mr. Neumann told us that he was inspired by our Sunday Show on October 11, which featured local efforts to teach children the Cham language and keep it alive for future generations. He hopes similar efforts will be made to preserve the languages of other ethnic minority communities in Vietnam.
B: He also enjoyed Monday’s “Colorful Vietnam – Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic Groups”, which explored efforts to preserve traditional ethnic costumes. The program brought back fond memories of his visits to Sa Pa and Bac Ha years ago, where he saw local children and adults wearing their traditional attire. He is also interested in our “Personality of the Week” feature about a woman in Lao Cai province who established a mulberry-growing and silk-making cooperative.
A: Thank you, Mr. Neumann, for sharing your memories and for being such a keen follower of our programs. We hope our stories will continue to bring you closer to Vietnam and its people.
B: Next, here is a message from Idriss Bououdina, a listener of Moroccan origin living in the US. We’re delighted to know that through our programs, you have explored Vietnam’s culture, history, traditions, and everyday life over the years.
B: As you pointed out, shortwave reception in North America can be challenging, especially when signal conditions are poor and broadcast times are inconvenient. But you’ve found a way to stay connected through our website, and listening to VOV5 has become a pleasant part of your daily routine after work.
A: Mr. Bououdina also told us that since learning about Vietnam, he has developed a love for Vietnamese cuisine, especially fish and seafood dishes and wanted to know about the differences between northern and southern Vietnamese food.
B: Vietnamese cuisine varies considerably from region to region, due to differences in climate, local ingredients, and culinary traditions. Northern cuisine is often known for its delicate, balanced flavors and restrained use of sweetness and spices. Some well-known dishes include Hanoi-style pho, a noodle soup with beef or chicken and a fragrant broth; bun cha, grilled pork served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce; and cha ca, turmeric-marinated fish cooked with dill and scallions.
A: Southern cuisine, by contrast, often features sweeter flavors and plenty of fresh herbs, tropical vegetables, and coconut milk. Popular dishes include hu tieu, a noodle soup often served with pork and shrimp; banh xeo, crispy rice-flour pancakes filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts; and canh chua, a sweet-and-sour soup commonly prepared with fish, pineapple, tomatoes, and tamarind.
B: Of course, these are just a few examples. Vietnam’s central region also has its own distinctive culinary traditions, with dishes such as Hue beef noodle soup. Across the country, fish sauce, fresh herbs, and rice remain important ingredients, but each region gives them its own character.
A: Mr. Bououdina, thank you again for your message and for continuing to listen to VOV. And if you ever have the chance to visit Vietnam, you’ll find that exploring its regional cuisine is a wonderful way to experience the country’s diversity.
B: We also have an email from Francisco Gonzalez, a member of the Spanish Association of Radio Listeners, known by its Spanish acronym, AER. He tuned in to our broadcast on 11885 kHz in Córdoba, Spain, on October 9 at 16:23 UTC, and gave it a SINPO rating of 43333, noting that the signal was strong but background noise and static affected the audio quality.
A: He sent us an audio recording of the program so we could check the reception quality for ourselves. Mr. Gonzalez also recalled that the program featured traditional crafts, handmade production techniques, and efforts to preserve cultural values.
B: Thank you for sending us such a detailed reception report and audio recording. This week, Chinmoy Mahato, President of the Guide International Radio Listeners Club told us that VOVWORLD helps him learn about Vietnam’s festivals, weather, and village life as well as culture and business. He has been exploring our website and enjoying our stories about Vietnam’s international activities, the special fishing village in Ha Long Bay, and the Hanoi World Cultural Festival.
A: Mr. Mahato has an interesting suggestion. He’d love to hear a weekly program about Vietnam’s film industry and learn about Vietnamese movie stars.
B: Vietnam has many talented performers, some of whom have become major box-office draws. Thai Hoa, for example, is known for his versatile acting and commercial success. In 2025, he starred in two hit movies, Tunnels: Sun in the Dark and Hijacked (or Death Battle in the Air).
A: Tran Thanh is another big name. He’s an actor, director, and screenwriter whose films often explore family relationships and everyday struggles. His movie Mai became Vietnam’s highest-grossing domestic film when it was released in 2024.
B: Among the actresses, Kaity Nguyen has made a name for herself with films like The Last Wife, Camellia Sisters 5 - Living Like Royalty, Daddy Issues, Blood moon party, Jailbait… . Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc is also a favorite among Vietnamese moviegoers, known for her expressive acting and roles in popular romantic comedies and dramas.
A: And if you’d like to explore Vietnamese cinema further, Mr. Mahato, Vietnam hosts several international film festivals. The Hanoi International Film Festival brings together filmmakers from Vietnam and around the world.
B: The Da Nang Asian Film Festival celebrates Asian cinema and gives local filmmakers opportunities to connect with international colleagues. Meanwhile, the European–Vietnam Documentary Film Festival showcases documentaries that offer fascinating insights into different cultures and ways of life.
A: So, there’s plenty to explore in Vietnamese cinema, from popular blockbusters to thought-provoking documentaries. We hope you’ll get a chance to watch some of these films!
B: Thanks again, Mr. Mahato, for writing to us quite regularly. We always enjoy hearing from you, and we look forward to receiving your next letter.
A: We’ve also received a reception report from M. Saleem Akhtar Chadhar in Pakistan, a member of the VOV Seven Stars Radio Listeners Club. He tuned in to our broadcast on October 1, using a Tecsun PL-660 receiver with its telescopic antenna.
B: And last but not least, we’d like to acknowledge our regular listeners in Japan, Fumito Hokamura and Hayato Furukawa. They listen to VOV’s English program every day and write to us regularly. They report that our signal on 12020 kHz is well received in Japan, giving it an overall rating of 4 to 5.
A: And that brings us to the end of today’s Letter Box. Thank you, dear listeners. Your messages help us understand which programs and stories resonate with you.
B: And remember, you can stay in touch with VOVWORLD on shortwave, at vovworld.vn, on Facebook at VOV5 English Service, and through our podcast channels VOV5 English Service and VOV5 Beat The Rush. Wherever you are, we hope you’ll stay tuned and keep in touch with us! Until next time. Goodbye.
