Pu Mat National Park, Vietnam – A renowned tourist destination in Nghe An (Source: Collected)

A: We received multiple letters from Vicentiu Daniel Gheorghe, who praised Vietnam’s achievements in HIV/AIDS prevention and control saying they are commendable and set an example for other nations. By involving private healthcare and improving health worker expertise, Vietnam is building a comprehensive approach that could help achieve the ambitious goal of ending AIDS by 2030. This serves as a reminder of the power of coordinated efforts and community-focused strategies in tackling global health challenges.

A: Thank you, Gheorghe, for sending us your regular responses. We look forward to hearing more from you.

B: To José Moacir Portera de Melo of Brazil, we are thrilled to hear you’ve been a loyal listener since the 1990s! Your continued support encourages us to work harder to better serve our audience.

A: To Richard Lemke, thank you for listening to us from Alberta, Canada. We’re glad you enjoy our programming and find the signal strong. Your feedback motivates us to keep delivering quality content.

You can use a self-driving car to connect to multiple tourist spots in Nghe An (Source: Collected)

B: We highly appreciate Juan Diez of Spain for sending a detailed reflection on Vietnam’s development path and the recent visit of General Secretary To Lam to Malaysia which demonstrates our commitment to peace, cooperation, and dialogue. Thank you for your insightful observations.

A: In his correspondence, Hyogo of Japan asks about breathtaking scenery along Vietnam’s borders.

B: Well, Vietnam borders several countries: China, Laos, and Cambodia. We share a long border with China, boasting a lot of scenic spots but the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang province and the Dong Van Karst plateau in Ha Giang are the most popular.

A: Along the Vietnam-Laos border, Pu Mat National Park offers lush landscapes, while along the Vietnam-Cambodia border, the Mekong Delta is famous for its serene waterways and floating villages.

The ecosystem of Pu Mat National Park is highly diverse (Source: Collected)

B: On this occasion, let’s explore Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An province, the largest forest in north-central Vietnam and a world nature reserve. Its beautiful landscape and abundance of fauna and flora have also made Pu Mat a popular tourist destination.

A: The Park is located on the eastern slope of the Truong Son mountain range. Pu Mat, in the Thai ethnic minority language, means ‘high slopes’. The park was established in 2002 and recognized by UNESCO as a World Nature Reserve in 2007. At more than 1,800 meters above sea level, Pu Mat is cloudy the year around.

B: It is one of Vietnam’s principal nature reserves, with 2,400 flora species that include numerous valuable herbal plants. 37 of these species are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book and another 20 are listed in the world Red Book.

Trekking in Pu Mat (Source: Collected)

A: The forest is also home to 240 fauna species that include elephants, tigers, and a rare animal called a saola, that looks like a cross between an antelope and a goat or cow. The saola, also known as the ‘Asian unicorn’ is one of the world’s rarest species. It was completely unknown before 1992 and has been found living only in the Truong Son forest of Vietnam and Laos. The saola is on the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Cao Tien Trung, an official of Nghe An-based Vinh University said that Pu Mat Nature Reserves has great biological importance, representing a rich source of rare and precious genetic materials.

A: Running across Pu Mat National Park is the Giang River, whose magnificent waterfalls, channels, and caves draw many tourists and has boosted local incomes. Nguyen Van Vinh, a tourism official in Nghe An province says that Pu Mat National Park has great tourism potential for mountain climbing, kayaking, and camping. Ecological tours are becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam as in the rest of the world.

B: In the buffer zone of the National Park are villages inhabited by Thai, Kho Mu, O Du, and Dan Lai ethnic minority people, who still cling to their traditional customs and culture.

Ngo Kim Hong, a tourist from Hanoi, says: “Dancing over bamboo poles and drinking rice liquor through bamboo tubes are impressive experiences. Visiting the Thai villages, I love to watch the locals weave their brocades. It’s fun to pose for a photo in a beautiful Thai brocade dress while standing beside a waterfall or in the dense forest.”

A: Seeing is believing. We hope that our listeners can explore Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes through our stories and also have a chance to visit Vietnam one day.

B: Now we would like to acknowledge a detailed reception report dated November 25 from Omar Faruk of Bangladesh. We are delighted to hear that you enjoy our programs like Digital Life, Discovery Vietnam and Letter Box, among others.  

B: We will gladly send you a QSL card as confirmation of your report. Regarding your interest in collecting badges, stickers, and calendars, we will do our best to include some items in our response. Your enthusiasm for VOV’s English Service is highly appreciated, and we hope you continue to enjoy listening to us. Wishing you a joyful New Year ahead!  

A: Shivendu Paul of India, we appreciate your efforts to popularize radio programming through exhibitions and events. Your dedication is inspiring! We wish you great success with the Annual Listeners’ Meet and Radio DX Exhibition, as well as your celebration of World Radio Day 2025.  

B: Alan Roe of the UK shared with us his Christmas and New Year Broadcast Schedule. Thank you for your message and for compiling the holiday broadcast schedules. We truly appreciate your dedication to shortwave listening.  

A: For the upcoming Christmas and New Year season, we will air a mix of festive programming, cultural features, and special music shows. We wish you a joyful festive season. Thank you for helping us reach listeners worldwide!  

A: In his email to VOV this week, Lutz Winkler of Germany praises Vietnam’s water puppetry which is a unique art form with origins in the Red River Delta. Performances feature wooden puppets dancing on water, accompanied by live music and stories of rural life. It’s a must-see tradition reflecting Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

B: Volker Willschrey, also from Germany asks about Vietnam’s cultivation of grapes, particularly in Ninh Thuan Province, which has ideal conditions for viticulture.

Ba Moi grape farm in Ninh Thuan province (Photo: Ngoc Anh/VOV5)

A: Well, Ninh Thuan is the only province in Vietnam with a climate and soil suitable for growing grapes. It has the least rainfall in the country and plentiful sunshine which makes the vines grow and produce high quality fruit. The province has 1,200 hectares of grapes under cultivation. Grapes and grape products are among the 69 OCOP products of Ninh Thuan.

B: Grapes are harvested twice a year, the main crop between March and May and a smaller crop between September and October. Grapes are a valuable crop, 6 to 8 times more expensive per kilo than rice. Depending on the variety they grow, grape growers earn between 11,000 and 13,000 USD per hectare after costs.

Product packaging at Ba Moi grape farm (Photo: Ngoc Anh/VOV5)

A: We hope these answers bring Vietnam closer to your hearts. Keep sending your letters and questions—we are always here to share more about our country, its land, people, and culture with you. Stay tuned!