[VOVWORLD] - In 1947, a Norwegian ethnographer named Thor Heyerdahl hand-built a raft made of balsa wood and crossed 8,000km on it to prove that ancient people could have crossed the great seas to far-off lands on primitive tools. This is his story.

[VOVWORLD] - In this week's Beat The Rush podcast, we explore the viral trend that's turning traditional markets into must-visit fashion stops. From choosing straps and colors to watching skilled craftsmen assemble each pair by hand, these retro wooden wedges are giving travelers a stylish way to take home a piece of Vietnamese culture. Plus, we share where to find them in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hội An, along with other handcrafted souvenirs that support local artisans and traditions.

[VOVWORLD] - "Do you believe in elves?" - In 1998, a local newspaper in Iceland did a quick survey asking this question to 600 people. More than half said yes. Even today, if you visit Iceland, and ask Icelanders the same questions, more often than not, people would say "Why not?" Our episode today will take us to Iceland to look into these elves and their cultural impacts here.

[VOVWORLD] - Forget city marathons and mountain trails. This time, we're heading to Mu Cang Chai for Footprints of the Water-Pouring Season — a race where runners climb and splash their way across flooded terraced rice fields.

[VOVWORLD] - Today's episode takes us to Mars to meet 2 of the many robots NASA has sent to space - Opportunity and Spirit! We will hear what they have learnt about the universe and humanity itself.

[VOVWORLD] - Over 4,000 km on foot across Vietnam and beyond. From Hanoi all the way to Chiang Mai, Jake Norris and Sean Down turned their journey into a mission of compassion: raising funds for disadvantaged children and victims of human trafficking in Vietnam. The walk may have ended, but the impact keeps moving forward!

[VOVWORLD] - Don't you just hate rush-hour grocery runs? Too many options, so little time! And if you happen to live in Hanoi, a city with some of the most hectic markets in the world, good luck to you... Or maybe not! On today's episode of Beat the Rush! Hung Nguyen and Hong Phuong will show you how to shop smart and get that grocery list crossed out in no time!

[VOVWORLD] - In today's episode, one of our listeners, Fushi, shared with us his road trip story biking across Vietnam, as well as what he learned about cross-country travel and himself!