Hoan Kiem lake in the center of Hanoi is a popular venue for local residents and tourists. (photo: VOV)

B: Volker Willschrey of Germany thanked VOV for “interesting and diverse programs that keep him up to date with what is going on in Vietnam, a beautiful country”. Mr. Willschrey said he hopes to have the opportunity to experience everything in Vietnam at some point.

A: Spanish listener Jose Ignacio Cos Lezama said: “We value and appreciate your work, especially the ‘Letter Box’, a listener’s forum that attracts our special attention and makes us really excited.”

B: Here I have an email from Julio Cesar Pantigozo Barreto of Peru. He said: “You can think of me as a local correspondent for Peru, especially for the city of Trujillo. I really want to make friends with Vietnamese pen pals. You will be welcomed as honored guests in my home. I have strong feelings and love for Vietnam."

A: Thank you all, dear listeners, for listening to VOV’s programs and for your great support for our station and our country. You’re welcome to visit Vietnam and our station anytime.

B: Vietnam’s climate diversity due to the great distance from north to south means there is no bad time to visit Vietnam. There are always areas with comfortable weather to suit different tastes, from beaches with abundant sunshine to mist-shrouded mountains and forests.

B: If you prefer a laid-back beach vacation, come to the coastal cities and islands in Vietnam’s southern region.

A: India's travel magazine Outlook Traveler recently published a list of recommended beach destinations in Vietnam. Author Waquar Habib included the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, the sandy dunes of Mui Ne, and the island escapes of Con Dao and Phu Quoc.

B: He said a day trip to Ha Long Bay, an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. Ha Long Bay is famous for its limestone formations and stunning beaches. In order to get the whole experience, visitors are advised to take a boat tour on the bay and visit some islands.

Nguyen Hai Linh, Head of the Culture, Information, and Tourism Division of Co To island district, Quang Ninh province, said: "This year Co To is organizing 20 cultural events to promote tourism. We’ve started a scuba diving service, becoming the first locality in the north to be licensed for this activity. Co To is opening new beaches and calling for investment in marine cultural and sports products to give tourists a new experience."

A: Con Dao, which comprises 16 islands in southern Vietnam, is another good place to visit. Con Son, the main island of the Con Dao archipelago, is blessed with wonderful beaches, turquoise water, and rich coral reefs.

B: Another beautiful beach destination in Vietnam is Phu Quoc, which offers palm-fringed shores, white sand, and breathtaking views.

A: You’re also recommended to visit Doc Let, a beautiful bay just an hour from Nha Trang city. It’s a hidden gem with 11 miles of white sandy beaches and blue water so transparent you can see the ocean floor.

B: In Da Nang city travellers can surf, snorkel, and jet-ski, or explore Tien Sa Beach north of the Son Tra Peninsula on a motorbike.

Vong Kieu Van, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City said: “There are many interesting entertainment activities in Da Nang. In Ho Chi Minh City, we can’t see beautiful beaches at night like this. I’m having an exciting and enjoyable time here.”

A: Another hidden gem is Ho Coc, a coastal region in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, famous for quiet, clean Ho Coc beach, which is nestled in a bay surrounded by forests and dunes.

B: The final destination on Habib’s list is Hoi An, a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage Site that dates back to the 15th century. It’s famous for well-preserved architecture that reflects the French, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. The ancient port town also boasts beautiful beaches, including Cua Dai beach, a serene escape. 

A: If you prefer a serene, tranquil mountain retreat or trekking through a primeval forest or a subterranean cavern, there are abundant options from Vietnam’s northern mountains to its central highlands and southern forests.   

B: Mountains in Vietnam are often listed among the best in the world to explore because of their unspoiled beauty. Fansipan, often called “The Roof of Indochina”, in Lao Cai province, is the highest peak in Vietnam – over 3,000 m above sea level. The mountain is in the Hoang Lien Son range, which scientists say was formed 250 million years ago. This majestic region boasts a rich biodiversity.

A: A recently discovered peak in the Hoang Lien Son range, Phu Si Lung in Lai Chau province, is the third highest peak in Vietnam after Fansipan and Phu Ta Leng.

B: It’s rated Vietnam’s most difficult mountain to conquer. The climb requires at least 4 days and 3 nights of trekking over 100km of rugged forest trails, mountain cliffs, and streams.

A: Down to the central highlands, Langbiang near Da Lat city is famous for the romantic beauty of its pine trees, its dazzling variety of flowers, and the unique culture of its indigenous ethnic minority.

B: Ba Na Hills near Da Nang city is a mountain resort created in 1919 by the French in the Truong Son range at an elevation of 1,500m. The resort contains western-style accommodations, entertainment venues, and a game center for children.

A: The places we mentioned today are just a few of the many great places you can explore when you come to Vietnam. Just check the weather forecast before you come to make sure you’ll have the right clothes.

B: This week we acknowledge a reception report from Daniel Bonifácio of Brazil, who listened to VOV on October 13th from 21:30 to 22:00 UTC on the frequency of 11.885khz. He rated SINPO all 5s.

A: From Toronto, Ontario in Canada, Stellan Peters-Millar told us that he is doing a high school project on biodiversity and ecosystems, and he found a story about Pu Mat National Park in Vietnam’s Nghe An province.

B: Stellan asks about biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability at Pu Mat National Park.

A: Stellan, we recommend you to visit the website at pumat.vn for more information. The website provides information about the National Park both in Vietnamese and English.

B: Thank you all for your interest in VOV, for sharing your love of our country, and for sending us your feedback. We hope to see you soon in Vietnam.

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.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!