Hanoi (VNA) - The year 2023 ends with a series of events of the “Vietnam Days Abroad 2023” programme, held by the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After a 5-day journey across three continents-Asia, Africa, and Europe-Vietnamese culture has left a lasting impression on not just international communities but also among Vietnamese diaspora. From Pretoria, South Africa, to Paris, France, and concluding in Fukuoka, Japan, the Vietnam Days have been truly meaningful. Amid the Vietnam Days event in Japan on November 30, a multitude of tourists flocked to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture. Among them was Tran Thi Lien, originally from Nghe An and currently residing in Japan with her Japanese husband. His excitement at experiencing Vietnamese culture was palpable. However, for Lien, the experience was far more profound. As she savored a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea at a bamboo table and chair set, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of connection, as if she had returned to her homeland. Slipping into Vietnamese ancient royal costumes may seem like a straightforward activity, but for Beryl Maharage, it left a profound impact. During her visit to Vietnam Days in South Africa (September 14-15), she enthusiastically immersed herself in the intricate hand-embroidered details of these traditional garments. Discovering that each piece reflected different historical periods of Vietnam deeply impressed Beryl. Consequently, these experiences naturally became catalysts, sparking her willingness to include Vietnam in her future travel plans. It is not only about trying on the Nhat Binh costume, tasting a hot bowl of “Pho”, but also the first time making “To he”, lacquer paintings and Dong Ho folk paintings or through performances of Vovinam, fluting and singing in Vietnamese. Cultural encounters go beyond just trying on traditional attire, savoring a hot bowl of “Pho”, or experiencing the first attempt at crafting “To he”, creating Dong Ho paintings, or painting lacquer. They also extend to the first hands-on experience of Vovinam performances, the melodies of traditional flutes, and the soulful Vietnamese songs. The essence of Vietnam gradually seeps through the eyes and ears of hundreds of foreigners during the “Vietnam Days.” The “Vietnam Days Abroad 2023” event series not only focused on celebrating anniversaries of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Africa, France, Japan, but also on finding substantive partners who genuinely care about promoting and introducing culture, cuisine, tourism. They contributed to the preservation and development of Vietnamese culture, contributing collectively to the country's development goals. The 'Vietnam Days Abroad 2023' series not only commemorated the diplomatic milestones between Vietnam and South Africa, France, and Japan but also aimed at establishing meaningful partnerships with entities genuinely committed to promoting Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and tourism. This collaboration contributes significantly to the preservation and development of Vietnamese cultural heritage, aligning with the nation's broader developmental objectives. Hoang Huu Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO, emphasised that the 2023 programme has been tailored to suit the specific characteristics of each region. The objective is to showcase a vibrant and diverse Vietnam to friends in South Africa, fostering cultural exchanges. For Japan and France, nations familiar to the Vietnamese, the programme aims to further enhance cultural ties. "Vietnam Days Abroad 2023" plays a crucial role in fortifying friendships between Vietnam and other nations while promoting the image of Vietnam and its culture to international friends. This lays the foundation for the Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO Department to continue organising and developing the "Vietnam Days Abroad" programme in the future./.