VOV’s pavilion, part of the exhibition “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness” at the  Vietnam Exposition Center, showcases many precious artifacts, enhanced with modern technology and bilingual captions.

B: Many of your messages continued to celebrate Vietnam’s 80th National Day and the 80th founding anniversary of the Voice of Vietnam and we’re touched by your enthusiasm.

A: Muhammad Aqeel Bashir from Pakistan wrote: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the Voice of Vietnam on its 80th anniversary. Your programs are truly special to me, especially the news bulletins. Broadcasting in 12 foreign languages and building bridges of friendship around the world is a remarkable achievement. I hope that in the future, VOV will place even greater emphasis on sharing Vietnam’s culture and traditions through its international broadcasts, so the world can gain a deeper understanding of the country.”

B: Muhammad, your appreciation means the world to our team! We consider ourselves ambassador of friendship with a mission of linking Vietnam with the world. You know VOVWorld broadcasts programs in 12 languages plus Vietnamese. It’s a lot, isn’t it? We are working to reach out to audiences of various nationalities all over the world.

This is one of many activities marking 80 years of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), and VOV’s 80th founding anniversary (September 7).

A: From Bilbao, Spain, José Ignacio Cos Lezama said: “I hope the 80th-anniversary celebrations will be shared with all listeners and friends, and that your station continues to deliver excellent programs with diverse topics.”

A: David Iurescia from Argentina sent heartfelt words: “Warm greetings on this special 80th anniversary! Congratulations on eight decades of excellent work bringing Vietnam’s daily life to the world! Even though the program isn’t aimed at Latin America, I heard it clearly yesterday.”

B: And in an online forum, Antonio Avelino from South America shared: “The Voice of Vietnam ranks sixth among our favorite radio stations. Its programs teach us valuable lessons and inspire kindness. I hope VOV expands cooperation and returns to Latin America soon.”

A: Antonio, your ranking and encouragement remind us to strengthen connections where our signal is weaker. Latin America remains important to us.

On display are many technical equipment, including the 300W transmitter that broadcast the Declaration of Independence live from Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945.

B: From Mexico, Armando Francisco Higuera del Reyo wrote: “Congratulations to VOV on receiving the Ho Chi Minh Order for the third time—an outstanding achievement.”

A: Here is what Sok Lay of Laos had to say: “Thank you, VOV, for your rich programs that help us learn and love Vietnam more. May you continue to grow and always be trusted by listeners worldwide.” While another Laotian named Chea Sokchan added: “Wishing the broadcasters and editors good health and continued success in connecting Vietnam with international friends.”

B: Jose, David, Antonio, Armando, Sok Lay and Chea Sokchan, thank you for warm greetings and praise!  Your feedback tells us we’re meeting our mission to be a trusted friend.

A: Lutz Winkler in Schmittens, Germany, said he felt relaxed listening to our program and praised the story about Vietnamese Blue Beret peacekeepers in South Sudan.

B: Lutz, many listeners told us that piece was eye-opening. Vietnamese troops serving under the UN flag is a story not widely known.

Vietnam’s field hospital wins people’s hearts in South Sudan

A: Well, let us tell you more. Vietnam has been participating in the UN Peacekeeping Force for 11 years.

B: Since its first deployment of officers to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in 2014, Vietnam has sent 1,083 personnel from the Vietnam People’s Army and the People’s Public Security to UN missions. These include deployments of both individuals and units such as level-2 field hospitals and engineering teams to Abyei (UNISFA), South Sudan (UNMISS), the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and to the UN headquarters in New York.

A: In the field, Vietnamese peacekeepers have worked with local authorities and communities to build and repair roads and classrooms, teach children, drill wells, provide free medical care, and share farming techniques to support livelihoods.

B: In line with Vietnam’s commitment to global peace, the Government, in a new draft law, proposes that civilians be eligible for deployment to UN peacekeeping missions, including government officials, public servants, and state employees. Vietnamese peacekeepers are contributing to confirming Vietnam’s position, credibility, and responsibility in the joint effort for a peaceful, stable, humanitarian world.

A: This week, VOVWorld received many questions about Vietnam from our listeners. For today, we pick the one from Yagura Tetsuya from Hyogo, Japan, who asks about homestays: “Mountain homestays in Vietnam seem to be growing—how big are they and are they successful?”

A: Yagura, many homestays in Sa Pa, Ha Giang, and Mai Chau have between 5 and 15 rooms. They succeed because they offer authentic experiences—like cooking over wood fires, joining rice harvests, and hearing ethnic minority folk songs. Communities benefit directly from tourism revenue.

B: The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has recently ranked Vietnam’s Ta Van village fifth among Asia’s top highland villages, praising its serene setting, authentic culture, and warm local hospitality.

A: Author Tim Pile wrote that Ta Van in Lao Cai province offers a serene escape for travelers seeking an authentic mountain vibe. Set in a verdant valley, this photogenic hamlet is home to the Giay and H’mong people, whose traditional stilt houses can be seen dotted throughout the landscape.

A corner of Ta Van village (Photo: My Tra)

B: Staying with local families at places such as the Ta Van Heaven Homestay where rooms go from 18 USD per night means hearty home-cooked meals and genuine hospitality are on offer, he added.

A: The SCMP suggested that visitors rent motorbikes to explore further afield. Ta Van village is perfect for those looking to leave the crowds behind and immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich culture and scenery.

B: Nestled amidst the emerald hills of Lao Cai province in Vietnam, Ta Van village emerges as a hidden gem, inviting wanderers into a world where time seems to stand still.

A: Ta Van, cradled within the verdant embrace of Muong Hoa Valley, is roughly 11-12 kilometers away from Sapa. Beckoning adventurers with natural beauty and cultural richness, it has become an excellent destination for authentic Vietnam travel experiences.

B: The ideal time to experience the beauty of Ta Van Village is during the spring months from March to May. This season unveils a captivating landscape as the terraced rice fields come to life, adorned with lush greenery. The homestay experience transcends typical accommodation, becoming a window into the community spirit that defines the village.

A: Exploring the markets in Sapa’s Ta Van Village unveils the heart of this picturesque community. The vibrant bustle, coupled with the kaleidoscope of colors from traditional ethnic attire, creates an immersive experience. As you meander through stalls, you will encounter a wide variety of goods, from handwoven textiles to intricately crafted handicrafts that showcase the skilled artistry of the locals.

B: While exploring Sapa, don't forget to sample Sapa food, which is typical of Northern Vietnamese food like grilled stream fish, thang co, a Hmong specialty, featuring hearty offal and fragrant botanical herbs with five-colored sticky rice.

B: Thank you all for your interest in our broadcasts and for sharing your love of our country. 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.

A: Check out our VOV Media App, available on both the IOS and Android platform, to hear our broadcasts. We look forward to your feedback on the mobile version of vovworld.vn. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!