On the morning of November 29, during Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni's state visit to Vietnam, President Luong Cuong and the King visited the historic Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam) in Hanoi.

In the ancient setting of Vietnam’s first university, the two leaders shared a tea ceremony featuring Shan Tuyet ancient tree tea infused with West Lake lotus flowers.

The tea was accompanied by traditional Vietnamese treats, including banh cha (crunchy rice cake), coconut candy, and coconut cake.

President Luong Cuong introduced the Temple of Literature as a symbol of Hanoi’s thousand-year-old culture and a UNESCO-recognized World Documentary Heritage site with 82 Doctoral Steles. The President also reminisced about the visit of King Sihanouk and the Queen Mother in December 1995.

The ceremony highlighted Vietnam’s rich tea culture. Tea artisan Dao Duc Hieu presented Shan Tuyet tea from ancient trees in Yen Bai province, harvested and processed from centuries-old trees growing at Suoi Giang’s summit.

President Luong Cuong expressed delight in witnessing the continued development of Vietnam-Cambodia relations, emphasizing the deep trust and solidarity between the nations’ leaders and people.

He encouraged King Sihamoni to further promote this friendship and inspire younger generations to appreciate the shared sacrifices and bonds between the two nations.

Artisan Dao Duc Hieu explained the meticulous preparation for the event, which aimed to embody Vietnam’s cultural essence.

“The tea service involved six rounds of tea, allowing the leaders to engage in meaningful conversation. The session lasted longer than planned, reflecting their mutual appreciation,” he said.

Vietnam’s tea-drinking tradition represents hospitality, respect, and a moment for meaningful exchanges, embodying values cherished across East Asia.

Earlier that morning, King Sihamoni and Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son visited Hanoi’s Quan Su Pagoda. As the King entered the temple grounds, drums and bells resonated through the tranquil space.

In the main hall, King Sihamoni paid homage to the Buddha and later met with Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

The Venerable welcomed the King, reflecting on the historical and spiritual ties between Vietnam and Cambodia, particularly their shared Buddhist traditions.

On this occasion, Venerable Thich Thien Nhon extended an invitation to King Sihamoni to attend the 2025 United Nations Vesak Day celebration in Ho Chi Minh City.

The King expressed his honor and joy at visiting Quan Su Pagoda, a meaningful stop during his state visit. As the national religion of Cambodia, Buddhism holds a significant place in the King’s efforts to promote peace and unity.