King Norodom Sihamoni visits historical site, enjoys tea in Hanoi

Cuong introduced the historical complex to the King, saying it is a symbol of Hanoi’s thousand-year-old culture, the first university in Vietnam, and home to 82 doctoral steles recognized by UNESCO as a global documentary heritage. The site had previously welcomed King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Mother during their State visit to Vietnam in December 1995.

They both later heard tea master Dao Duc Hieu introduce the rare and prized tea harvested from age-old tea trees in Yen Bai province, northern Vietnam. They also learned about the techniques of Vietnamese tea brewing and the cultural significance of tea drinking in Vietnam.

Sampling the rare and delicate Red Tea, Cuong shared that tea has always been an integral part of Vietnamese life, with the tea-drinking tradition creating a distinctive cultural identity known as “the soul of Vietnamese tea.” This tradition is celebrated in folk songs, proverbs, and literary works.

The President also discussed the various tea-drinking practices in Vietnam, and said Vietnamese people often enjoy tea in pairs to express sincere feelings with close friends, reflecting on life’s events and hoping for the best.

During the tea-drinking session, Cuong noted that the relations between Vietnam and Cambodia continue to develop steadily, and he expressed his confidence that the King would continue to nurture this positive relationship and support efforts to promote mutual understanding and solidarity, especially among the youth, and further enhance Vietnam-Cambodia friendship.

He also wished the King good health and continued success in leading Cambodia to greater achievements in national development.

Also in the morning, King Norodom Sihamoni visited Quan Su Pagoda, the headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and share his thoughts with the distinguished Buddhist monks at the pagoda.