 Da Dia Reef is a unique natural wonder in Phu Yen province. (photo: phuyentourism.gov.vn) |
B: Jayanta Chakrabarty of India sent a reception report for the broadcast on March 31st. Reception quality was good with strong signal strength, he noted. “I wish also to mention the excellent presentation by Voice of Vietnam’s friendly-voiced hosts.”
A: Thank you very much, Mr. Chakrabarty.
B: He added: “I was happy to learn of the 49th commemoration of one of Vietnam's most famous revolutionary bases – Phu Yen – which was liberated in April 1975. VOV reported on the elaborate cultural arrangements, like popularizing local products and cuisine, various performing activities, music, photo competitions, and boat racing and other marine adventure sports to highlight the cultural heritage of this tourist paradise.”
A: Mr. Chakrabarty did some research and learned that geologically Phu Yen is made of strikingly arranged volcanic rocks. Its mountains and beaches are surrounded by mango trees. Ancient temples and churches adorn the province. This picturesque coastal province with a unique marine ecosystem is being developed as a major tourist center.
B: We appreciate the effort you put into learning more about Vietnam. Thank you very much for your report, which we’ll definitely verify with a QSL card.
 Xuan Dai bay in Phu Yen province (photo: phuyentourism.gov.vn) |
A: Mr. Najimuddin, a member of the International DX Radio Listeners Club of India, tuned in to VOV’s program on March 29th on the frequency of 7220 kHz. He said he always enjoys the news as well as the songs played on VOV’s program, which is his favourite source of reliable information.
B: Mr. Najimuddin asked about the best tourist destination in Vietnam.
A: Well, it’s hard to name one destination as the best. Vietnam has a fantastic natural landscape of mountains, forests, and beaches. The history, culture, and lifestyle of different localities attract tourists in different ways.
B: Last week VOV reported on a train route called the “Central Heritage Connection” linking Hue and Da Nang city in the central region. I’d have to say that is one of the best tourism attractions in Vietnam.
A: Some of our listeners, including Bunmi of Laos and Phol Phanit of Cambodia, asked for more information about that train route because they’re planning a summer visit.
 The tourism train "Central Heritage Connection" runs between Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang. |
The tourist train called "Central Heritage Connection" has been running between Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang city since March 26. It’s the most beautiful railway route in Vietnam, passing through the superb landscapes of Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay.
The air-conditioned train has comfortable seats and big windows through which to enjoy the scenery. The cabins are decorated in the style of the ancient royal palace, and Hue folk music is frequently performed on the train.
Tourist Hoang Haa Binh said: “On the train I felt relaxed and chatted comfortably with other passengers about the local culture. At Lang Co Bay, everybody took photos and videos. Going through the Hai Van Pass, one of the most famous passes in Vietnam, was very exciting.”
The train makes a stop at Lang Co station in Thua Thien-Hue province so tourists can get off and take photos of Lang Co Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
 Passengers are entertained with Ca Hue during the train. (photo: VOV) |
Tourist Ho Thi Cam Hian said: "It was very exciting. I’m familiar with this route, but being on the train gave me a fresh feeling and viewpoint on Lang Co Bay and Hai Van Pass. After the trip, I’ll make a short video and description of the tour to post on Facebook and TikTok for my friends and others.”
Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Thua Thien-Hue provincial Department of Tourism said: “The train tour serves local demand and lets visitors experience the culture and natural landscapes of the central region. The tourism sector of Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang will work with tourism businesses to diversify products on the "Central Heritage Connection" train tour.”
Riding the train in either direction between Hue and Da Nang in the morning or afternoon, passengers can enjoy a splendid sunrise or sunset lighting Lang Co, one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
 It takes 3 hours for the train to travel from Hue to Da Nang. (photo: VOV) |
B: Richard Lemke, a regular listener in Canada, emailed us to say that he tuned in to our program on Wednesday, March 20, on the frequency of 11885 kHz. The Letter Box was talking about the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi, where visitors can experience the culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
A: Matsumoto Takuya of Aichi prefecture, Japan, asked if there are fairs where people can swap new and used items.
B: Yes, there are a lot. Vietnamese people like to say, “It's old for him but new for me.” Fairs to sell or exchanged used items are held for various purposes, but mostly to raise funds for charity programs.
A: Freecycle Vietnam is a nationwide program that gives away items people don't need anymore. It’s an environmentally friendly way to get good but no longer needed items into the hands of people who need the items but are on a tight budget.
B: Freecycle Vietnam has branches in several cities. To join the group, just search on Facebook for Freecycle Vietnam or Freecycle of the city or province where you live.
A: Another secondhand market is Wide-Grenier, an annual Christmas activity of the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF) to raise money for people in difficult circumstances.
B: Last Christmas, it had many booths selling clothes, stuffed animals, books, toys, stationery, dishes, glasses, and paintings. Every person who attended the festival donated a minimum amount to the fund - 25 USD for students and 50 USD for adults. The proceeds were given to Children’s Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City.
A: We received reception reports from Pablo Urbina Capó of Spain, who tuned in to our frequency of 11885 kHz on March 31, and Budes Andrei Strada Fabricii of Romania who said our signal on the frequency of 11885 kHz on March 9th was strong and clear, without QRM but with moderate fading. He rated SINPO 44344.
B: Fabrizio Savini of Italy sent a report for a program on March 30th on the frequency of 11885 kHz which he rated SINPO of 55545. And Janne Petäjä
Sarvijaakonkatu of Finland listened to VOV on 9840 kHz on January 12th using a KiwiSDR wide-band receiver. The reception was quite good with no particular interference, just a little wobble.
A: Thank you all for listening to VOV and sending us reception reports. We’ll send QLS cards to verify them soon. We welcome your feedback at 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!