A: We’d like to welcome to VOV Frank Skinner of the US. In his letter dated April 25, Mr. Skinner sent us a report for the program on September 25 on the frequency of 7315 khz. We’re not so sure whether he reported for the program on April 25th or September 25th because the details of the program were not reported, except for saying he enjoyed the programming, the news, letters, and music.
B: But thank you, Mr. Skinner, for tuning into our broadcast, the frequency and the timing of the program was correct. We’ll send you our frequency list and program schedule and hope to hear more frequent feedback from you.
A: Our program is also available on the internet at vovworld.vn and a mobile app called “VOV Media”.
B: Next is a letter from 71-year old Bert Sing of Australia. In a letter to VOV this week he wrote: “It’s a pleasure to be writing to you again after almost two years. Yesterday, April 19, 2019, I listened to your broadcast in English on the frequency of 12020 khz from 10:00 to 10:28 UTC on a digital radio using a shortwave reel antenna. The signal was a bit weak, but reception got better.”
A: He continued: “I was very happy to have heard VOV on shortwave. I have been a regular listener of VOV for more than 2 decades. Your program has always been well presented.”
B: Thank you, Mr. Sing, for tuning in to our broadcast. We’ll send you a QSL card to confirm your report. There will be some changes in our program format and content. We look forward to your feedback.
A: This week, we also received a nice postcard from John Felabom of Indiana, in the central US. It has been more than 7 years since we last heard from you, John. On April 15, Mr. Felabom listened to our program on the frequency of 7315 and rated SINPO at 43434 and told us that he enjoyed our program.
B: Thank you for coming back Mr. Felabom. We look forward to hearing from you more frequently. Our QSL to verify your report is on the way.
A: This week, we received more postal letters than emails from our listeners. Though we are living in a digital world, receiving letters by post somehow gives us a special feeling. Reading your hand-written letters sent from a faraway country, we feel your love for our station.
B: Mr. Fumito Hokamura of Japan sent us a letter this week reporting on reception for the program of April 30 on the frequency of 12020 khz and asked about markets in Vietnam.
 Dong Xuan market in Hanoi |
A: Vietnamese markets come in all sizes. In the city, markets are often bigger and more crowded than in a village or commune. City markets often run until midnight while in the low-land, rural, and coastal areas, market sessions take place only for a short period in the early morning or late evening. In the mountain region, market sessions are more sporadic. For the people who live here, the markets are like festivals where they can exchange goods and meet together.
B: In rural areas, a market can be anywhere: at the village gate, by the wharf, or under a banyan tree. Market times vary depending on the lifestyle of each region. It sometimes runs from 1 to 5 AM or in the early evening, at about 6PM, when it’s dark, and then the market is called a hell market. While city markets offer a wider variety of goods, rural markets sell mostly home-grown products.
A: There are some markets which are considered tourist icons of the region. Dong Xuan market in Hanoi’s Old Quarter was the first market in Hanoi. Its history is closely associated with the trade development of Hanoi. It is not just a market but also a cultural venue that reflects the lifestyle of Hanoians.
B: Dong Xuan market was founded in 1889 by the French and named after its location. Previously, trade activities took place along and on both banks of the To Lich river. At that time, the market was a favorable trading place, especially after the French built Long Bien bridge. Previously, it was called Dong Xuan-Bac Qua market and had a traffic lane inside.
A: Following a huge fire in 1994, the market was rebuilt over the course of 2 years. Now, the market has 3 stories and covers an area of approximately 9,600 square meters. The front retains its original architecture. Together with other famous destinations in the Old Quarter, Dong Xuan market attracts a lot of tourists.
 Dong Ba market in Hue city |
B: Like Dong Xuan market in Hanoi, Dong Ba market in the central city of Hue is always included in the must-see list of visitors to the city.
A: Dong Ba is the biggest commercial center of Thua Thien Hue Province and adjacent regions. It stands along the north bank of Huong River.
B: Before the opening of Dong Ba Market, there was a grand market named Qui Gia Thi during the reign of King Gia Long. Not until 1887 did King Dong Khanh rebuild the market and rename it as Dong Ba Market. Since then, the market has functioned as the main resource of food for the palaces, hospitals, army camps and dormitories of the national universities. In 1899, during the Western-style reconstruction project of King Thanh Thai, the market was moved to the position it currently occupies. Even though Dong Ba Market has undergone several construction projects since the beginning of the 20th century, it still embraces many of its original features to this day.
A: When visiting Dong Ba Market, tourists can easily spot the old bell tower standing proudly amidst the complex of buildings. With nine new buildings and four new sections ranging from seafood to clothes, the market spans an area of nearly 16,000 m2.
B: Nowadays, Dong Ba Market still holds an important position in the economy and trade of the city, although many supermarkets have since been established. Apart from providing food and other goods to the area, it’s also a must-see destination for visitors to feel the pulse of local trade and buy a keepsake to remember their journey.
 Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh city |
A: Down south, let’s check out Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City. Being a bustling market in the daytime and a social center after sunset, Ben Thanh market is absolutely a main attraction of the most dynamic city of Vietnam.
A: Built in 1870 by the French, the market was initially called Les Halles Centrales before being renamed Ben Thanh in 1912. From a wet market created by street vendors in the early 17th century, Ben Thanh has experienced many ups and downs throughout its history, and is now the oldest surviving market and one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh city. That makes it a must for any visitors traveling to the 300-year-old city.
B: Today, because the favorable location of the market, transportation is extremely convenient and trade is bustling. In the morning, you can find almost everything from dry food to clothes at a reasonable price. The market atmosphere can sometimes be almost overwhelming in its bustle, but it is an exciting experience nonetheless.
A: From late afternoon until late at night, the shops inside the market are closed, but several restaurants are open outside on the surrounding streets. These small yet interesting restaurants can offer you a variety of choices: from bubble teas to seafood. When you are tired of eating, get up and take a walk along the neighborhood which has in no time transformed into a night market full of bright lights and glamour.
B: It’s amazing that this week we received a lot of postal letters from new listeners around the world. We’d like to acknowledge letter from Adam Brasher of Guyana, who listened to our broadcast on April 11 on the frequency of 7315 khz and said he enjoyed the program very much.
A: We’d like to welcome to VOV Kent Hunt of the US. We’ll send you a QSL card to confirm your report for our broadcast on April 17 on the frequency of 7315 khz and our frequency list and program schedule. We hope to receive more feedback from you.
B: There’s still a long list of listeners we need to acknowledge for sending us feedback on our broadcasts. Thank you all for tuning into VOV and supporting our shortwave.
A: We welcome your feedback at: English Service, VOVworld, the Voice of Vietnam, 45 Ba Trieu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Or you can email us at: englishsection@vov.org.vn. You’re invited to visit us online at vovworld.vn, where you can hear both live and recorded programs. Check out our VOV Media App available on both the IOS and Android platform to hear our live broadcasts. We look forward to your feedback on the mobile version of vovworld.vn. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye until next time.