B: Gerry told us: “I usually tune in to VOV for the variety of items about Vietnam that you manage to fit into a 27-minute broadcast. The news segment not only informs us about what's happening in Vietnam but also around the world – sometimes items that don't get mentioned in the UK. For example, Current Affairs on Friday, December 6th, gave far more information about France and the resignation of the Prime Minister than I got in England! The next items, about the skill of carpenters and the one about Hoi An, a place I've visited several times during my stays in Vietnam, were also very interesting and informative.”

A: We’re glad that our stories bring back memories of your time in Vietnam. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Gerry visited Hue city almost every summer. We wish you good health so you can come back to Vietnam again soon.

Hang Ma street sells Christmas decorative items.

B: Gerry said: “Like other countries, I'm sure Vietnam is gearing up for the Christmas season with displays in shopping malls and elsewhere.”

A: You’re right. The St Josphep Cathedral, Ham Long Church, Cua Bac Church, and many other churches in the capital have been decorated with colorful caves and Christmas trees. Christian communities in other localities across Vietnam have also been decorated beautifully, while public places come alive with twinkling lights, colorful decorations, and the enticing aroma of holiday treats.

B: Gerry, you may know Hang Ma street in the Hanoi Old Quarter, where shops sell seasonal decorations. These days all the shops here are full of reindeers, Santa Clauses, Christmas trees of all sizes, ornaments, tinsel, strings of lights, and sparkling candles.

A: In Hang Ma street, you can buy items embodying the spirit of Christmas that have become beloved symbols of the holiday. In Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in District 5 and the area from the Phan Dinh Phung roundabout to Kim Bien market are known as the hub of holiday decorations.

B: Last month Time Out magazine unveiled its list of the Top 5 Memorable Christmas Escapes in Asia. Vietnam placed second.

A: With its striking landscapes, gripping history, and rich culture, Vietnam is astoundingly exotic, absolutely compelling, and full of unforgettable experiences for guests, Time Out said. It’s a country with a stunning natural beauty and a distinctive heritage which keeps visitors coming back for more.

B: From the hustle and bustle of Hanoi to the breathtaking waters of Ha Long Bay, one of Asia’s most spectacular sights, wherever travelers choose to go they are in for an incredible adventure, Time Out reported.

A: Tourists in Hanoi are joining the locals in browsing the Christmas markets, watching holiday performances, and savoring seasonal delicacies. Hanoi’s blend of traditional charm and modern festivities makes it a great place to create some holiday memories.

B: I’m reading an email with winter greetings from Ilkka Rainio, a 57-year-old man from Finland, who has been DXing since 1979. Mr. Rainio lives in Turku in southwest Finland. His interests are winter swimming, comics, home cinema, butterfly observing, and satellite Dxing.

A: Speaking of Finland, the hometown of Santa Claus is on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. We just visited the Turku tourism link that Mr. Rainio sent us. This beautiful place transforms into a magical winter wonderland in December.

B: Thank you, Ilkka, for introducing us to your hometown. Your reception report for our broadcast on October 17^th says you heard VOV on 1242 kHz with great joy.

A: “I often look this frequency up, and I have occasionally heard your station, but usually an Arabic station dominates this frequency. But when the conditions are good you never know what can be heard. I´m delighted that I could hear your station, the time was 1500 GMT. We are near the solar maximum, and because the sun was active this evening it favored hearing your station.”

B: After listening to the attached audio file, we can confirm it was a VOV program in Vietnamese and we’ll issue a QSL to confirm your report.

A: Mr. Rainio said: “I’m very happy that there are still some stations on medium wave. May it stay that way for a long time! So many countries have given up MW in favor of FM and DAB, so keep on keeping MW alive for a long time.”

A: Thank you for your kind words of support. Rest assured that we’re committed to preserving this platform and bringing quality programming to our listeners. Your encouragement inspires us to keep our broadcasts coming for as long as we can. Thank you for being a valued part of our VOV community.        

B: Here’s a message from Rob den Boer of the Netherlands, who tuned in to VOV’s English program on December 9 on the frequency of 9840 kHz. Mr. Boer used a Tecsun 990 receiver with a 25-metre vertical HF antenna. He rated SINPO 43334 and attached an audio file for us.

A: Mr. Fachri of Indonesia reported listening to VOV’s English language broadcast on December 3 on the frequency of 9840 kHz. He rated SINPO all 4s.

B: Shivendu Paul of India said he regularly listens to VOV programs on his Grundig YB 80 receiver and on the VOVWorld website. He said transmission was good at 1600-1630 UTC on the frequency of 7220 kHz.

A: Shivendu Paul shared with us some of his club’s upcoming activities to celebrate World Radio Day on February 13. On December 11-17, they will man a radio stall at the Murshidabad District Book Fair in Berhampore. Materials from different radio stations, including Voice of Vietnam, will be on display to boost the popularity of radio programs.

B: On January 12, 2025, they’ll organize an Annual Listeners’ Meeting and Radio DX Exhibition in Berhampore and publish the Radio DX Magazine “Betar Bhuban” (Radio World).

A: We’re thrilled to know that shortwave holds a special place in your heart. Congratulations on organizing activities to celebrate World Radio Day. It’s an important opportunity to highlight the role of radio in connecting communities, sharing knowledge, and inspiring change.

B: We wish you great success with your activities. May they resonate with audiences far and wide.”

A: Listener Ding Lu of China received our English broadcast at 10:00 UTC on the frequencies of 9840 kHz and 12020 kHz. The signal was very strong and the sound was clear, he said.

B: Lu said, “Time flies. It’s the last month of 2024. This year, I interacted a lot with the English program of the Voice of Vietnam. I’ve provided listening reports to your station every month, and have collected a lot of QSL cards of the Voice of Vietnam in English.”

A: As we are about to say goodbye to the old year and welcome a new year, we’d like to relay Lu’s wishes to all our listeners. He said: “I’d like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas 2024 and a Happy New Year 2025 in advance! In the new year, I’ll continue to interact with the Voice of Vietnam Radio English program!”

B: Thank you all for being part of VOV’s radio community, now and in the future. We welcome your feedback at English Service, VOVWorld, 45 Ba Trieu street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Our email address is englishsection@vov.vn.

A: Thank you all for listening. Goodbye!