 Du Gia is a small commune located in Yen Minh district, approximately 70km from the center of Ha Giang city, and is endowed with serene and unspoiled natural beauty. |
B: In his correspondence, Asik Eqbal Tokon from Bangladesh told us about the festive season of Eid al-Fitr and the Bengali New Year. “On April 11th, Muslims around the world, including myself, will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This is a time of joy, gratitude, and reflection for Muslims. After the main prayer of Eid, we come together with family and friends to share meals, exchange gifts, and express our gratitude for the blessings we have received throughout Ramadan.”
A: He continued: “Just a few days later, on April 14th, we in the Bengali community, will be celebrating Pôhela Boishakh, which marks the first day of the Bengali New Year. The day begins with traditional rituals, with people dressed in colorful attire, the most popular being the traditional Bengali ‘panjabi’ for men and the ‘sari’ for women. The streets come alive with music, dance, and festivities as people gather to welcome the New Year with open arms.”
 Vice President of HCM City's Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Pham Minh Tuan presents flowers to a representative of the Muslim community in the city. (Photo: VNA) |
B: Thank you Mr. Tokon for sharing this beautiful story with us. We wish you good luck and happiness in the Bengali New Year.
A: Next, we’d like to acknowledge Muhammad Aqeel Bashir of Pakistan for sending us his audio reception report. Mr. Bashir said he is pleased to learn Muslims in Vietnam observe Ramadan.
B: These days, Chăm Muslim communities in the southern province of An Giang are observing Ramadan month. These communities are located in An Phú, Châu Phú, and Châu Thành Districts, Tân Châu Town, and Long Xuyên City.
A: During the month, Muslim adults have to fast and cannot smoke in the daytime as an act of worship. This kind of spiritual discipline guides people towards sympathy, love, and sharing, and thus bridges the gap between the poor and the rich.
 The Chăm Muslim communities in An Giang Province are celebrating Ramadan month from March 11 until April 9. VNA/VNS Photo Công Mạo |
B: During the month, Muslims have to pray five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and evening. Sity Hara, deputy head of the Social Charity Department of An Giang province, said that during Ramadan, daily work activities, such as weaving, fishing, and farming still continue as usual.
A: The province’s Chăm Muslim community performs many charity activities during the month, as this is a practice among the Five Pillars of Islam.
B: In an email to VOV this week, Karnuna Pal of India expressed his interest in VOV’s programs, especially its news and current affairs.
A: Juan Carlos Pérez Montero wrote: “As a DXer, I would like to express my appreciation for your tireless efforts to maintain shortwave broadcasts which enable me to keep in contact with you.”
B: In his correspondence to VOV this week, Rous Chantra of Cambodia asked about famous trekking routes in Vietnam.
A: Vietnam offers a diverse range of trekking routes that traverse lush forests, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and remote ethnic minority villages, providing adventurers with an unparalleled opportunity to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
B: Lung Cu is a mountain peak in Mu Cang Chai District in Yen Bai Province. It reaches a height of 2,913 meters with its peaks covered with white clouds all year round.
A: A suitable time frame for trekking in Lung Cu is 2 days and 1 night. It is enough time for you to complete this difficult and arduous journey.
B: A Pa Chai in Muong Nhe District, Dien Bien Province is the westernmost point in Vietnam. It’s located at the convergence of Vietnam, Laos, and China. Coming to A Pa Chai, you will have a chance to put your hands on a landmark located 1,400 meters above sea level, on which each side has the name and the national emblem of one of the countries.
A: Compared with the most beautiful but challenging trek in Vietnam – Fansipan, A Pa Chai is a bit easier. However, this majestic spot for trekking in Vietnam still quickly tires many trekkers. Conquering A Pa Chai will cost you 3-5 hours to ascend and descend, depending on weather conditions.
B: With an altitude of more than 3,100 meters, Fansipan is not only the highest mountain in Vietnam but also the highest mountain in all of Indochina. It is so famous that there are many people who wish to conquer Fansipan at least once in their lifetime. The trekking segment takes from 2-4 days. Climbing to the top of Fansipan, you can explore a diverse ecosystem with over 2,000 species of flowers and over 300 animals.
A: Situated in the remote northern province of Ha Giang, the Ha Giang Loop offers an unforgettable trekking experience amidst towering limestone karsts, winding rivers, and picturesque valleys. The rugged terrain and winding mountain roads make it ideal for motorbike or bicycle treks, allowing adventurers to explore off-the-beaten-path villages and encounter diverse ethnic communities, including the Hmong, Tay, and Dao. The trekking route has attracted a lot of foreign tourists.
"I had really fun time. I drove myself. It’s really amazing. It’s fun on the bike. You meet a lot of people from all over the world. You get socialized," said a foreign tourist.
"Ha Giang loop is very fun, feeling motivated. We drank a lot of water. I love the countryside," another tourist shared.
"It’s incredible route, stunning scenery and warm people I met there. It’s really fun," said a foreign tourist.
B: Pu Luong is a stunning valley located in northwest of Thanh Hoa Province. With an area of up to 18,000 hectares, Pu Luong Nature Reserve preserves the values of rich natural landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. If you are a lover of nature and wild scenery, do not hesitate to come to Pu Luong at your first opportunity.
A: Taking only five hours to reach the 1,700-meter-high peak of Pu Luong, you will have an extremely interesting experience. It will offer you an opportunity to admire the grandeur of the rice fields gently terraced on the mountainside and the lush green, primeval forests below you.
B: The best time to visit Pu Luong is when the rice is ripe, in the middle of June and October. It is also quite safe for memorable overnight trekking in Vietnam.
A: As one of the highest mountains in the South of Tay Ninh at 986 meters, Ba Đen Mountain attracts numerous mountain climbing enthusiasts every weekend. From the foot of the mountain to Điện Bà situated between the mountain and the temple system, there are 3 transportation options including cable cars, slides and hiking. For the trekkers, the only way in is to follow the trail behind Điện Bà, weaving through rocks and caves to reach the top. Total time will range up to 60 minutes.
B: The terrain is considered to be extremely complex and dangerous, with trekkers sometimes encountering rock slides or poisonous snakes in the mountains. However, when reaching the top, you can see the surrounding landscape and immerse yourself into a wild but poetic land.
A: Tà Năng-Phan Dũng, a trekking trail through Lam Dong‑Binh Thuan provinces is attracting a lot of explorers on their Southern Vietnam tours. With a starting point in Tà Năng of Đức Trọng District, Lam Dong province, it takes about 2 or 3 days and nights to experience more than 30 kilometers of forests and mountains.
B: From the view above you will surely be impressed with the wonderful natural scenery of this site. Once you are standing on top of Tà Năng, you will also be enveloped with nature facing a hilly mountain, cool springs, and floating clouds. Such diverse and rugged terrain! Moreover, it will require you to be equipped with knowledge and preparation before trekking.
A: The most impressive scene is the immense grass hills strewn with pine trees. Far away is a cloudy sky, the magnificent landscape that is as peaceful as it is picturesque. The last point of the journey is Phan Dũng Commune. After that, you can take a motorbike taxi to Lien Huong crossroads in Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan province, to catch a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City or onward to another province.
A: Well, we have more trekking destinations in our list but time is up. We will reveal the rest of our list in later shows. We hope that you will visit Vietnam soon and explore its imposing trekking routes. Thanks for your listening and goodbye.