Culture Rendezvous

21/10/2025

Iranian traditional music builds friendship between Iran and Vietnam

(VOVWORLD) - A special concert called “From the Land of the Phoenix to the Country of the Dragon’s Descendants” by Sar Afshan, a traditional music band from Iran has been recently held in Hanoi, taking the audience on a cultural journey across centuries and from the deserts of Persia to the deltas of Vietnam. Performances took place at two colleges in Hanoi and at the first Cultures of the World Festival at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

04/10/2025

Khoos: weaving the soul of Saudi Arabia

(VOVWORLD) - Saudi Arabia is renowned for its vast oil reserves, sacred religious sites, and a unique heritage closely tied to nature and people. One of the most enduring traditions is Khoos—the intricate craft of weaving date-palm fronds into functional and artistic items. Khoos reflects the creativity and resilience of Saudi people and has long been an inseparable part of daily life and cultural identity, particularly in date-growing regions such as Al-Baha and Najran.

26/09/2025

From language to laughter: An Irishman’s view of life in Ireland

(VOVWORLD) - Welcome back to Culture Rendezvous! In our previous episode, we took our first steps into Ireland - the “Emerald Isle” - exploring its breathtaking landscapes, lively cities, and hidden gems. With Irish native Joe Connolly as our guide, we learned about must-see places like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, and the west coast’s rugged beauty, as well as some insider tips on how to experience Ireland like a local rather than a tourist. But of course, Ireland is more than just scenery and landmarks. Its true charm lies in the everyday life of its people—the language they speak, the humor they share, and the warmth they bring into every interaction. And that’s exactly what we’ll discover in this episode. To help us, we’re once again joined by Joe Connolly.

20/09/2025

Russia’s renowned Eifman Ballet to tour Vietnam in November

(VOVWORLD) - Russia’s renowned Eifman Ballet is set to captivate Vietnamese audiences this winter with its celebrated production of Anna Karenina. Known worldwide for its emotionally powerful performances and innovative interpretations of classic literature, the company’s upcoming tour marks a highlight of Vietnam’s 2025 cultural calendar.

01/09/2025

Minyo, the ancient voice of Japanese folk singing

(VOVWORLD) - Like Vietnam’s Quan Ho folk singing, minyo, Japanese folk singing, has a strong communal aspect and is performed by ordinary people. Quan Ho involves antiphonal singing between male and female groups, often at festivals. Minyo is sung by people across Japan during their daily routine. In this week’s Cultural Rendezvous, we’ll take a closer look at minyo.

18/08/2025

Zapin: The footsteps that carry Malaysia’s identity

(VOVWORLD) - Foreign attendees at a recent press briefing in Hanoi for the Madani Festival 2025 to introduce Malaysia’s tourism, food, arts, and culture were pleasantly surprised by a unique dance performance. The dancers moved in perfect unison with powerful, continuous, and rhythmically precise footwork, silk costumes shimmered under the lights, while drumbeats and the resonant sounds of the gambus lute filled the air. This week’s Cultural Rendezvous takes a closer look at Zapin, one of the most popular traditional dance forms in Malaysia.

01/08/2025

When cuisine connects Peru and Vietnam

(VOVWORLD) - Peruvian cuisine, a melting pot of history, biodiversity, and bold flavors, is emerging as a true cultural ambassador of Peru. In Vietnam, the journey to introduce Peruvian food goes far beyond serving dishes like ceviche (citrus-marinated raw fish), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), or ají de gallina (creamy chicken stew). It is a process of cultural connection and creative fusion. In this week’s edition of Cultural Rendezvous, we delve into the heart of Peruvian cuisine and explore how it has become a flavorful bridge between Peru and Vietnam.

05/07/2025

Knowing table manners, knowing social values of a country

(VOVWORLD) - From table settings to unspoken rules of behavior, Vietnam, China, and South Korea are among Asian countries known for their intricate dining etiquette, with customs so detailed and firmly embedded that they might surprise even seasoned travelers. In this week’s Cultural Rendezvous, our guests - Van Vu of Vietnam, Qing Duo of China, and Jeon Hyong Jun of South Korea - will reveal both the common threads and the distinct practices that shape table manners in these countries.

21/06/2025

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is an attraction of Turkey

(VOVWORLD) - Cappadocia in Turkey’s Nevşehir province is famous for its extraordinary hot air balloon rides, which provide breathtaking views of the area’s unique geological formations. To explore the magic of this experience, let's go with Elif Asena Yildiz, a local tour guide, and two tourists who recently made a flight over the surreal landscape.

16/06/2025

Celebrating 50 years of Vietnam–Mexico friendship in music

(VOVWORLD) - Music travels in ways passports can't - crossing borders, settling into distant corners, and lingering long after the song ends. To celebrate 50 years of Vietnam–Mexico relations, the Mexican Radio Institute has shared a special collection that captures the soul of their country.