Madam Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, and Madam Naly Sisoulith, wife of Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, made a meaningful cultural visit to Vietnam’s former imperial capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province on January 27.

Their first destination was the Temple of Princess Nhoi Hoa, located on Den Hill in Tay Hoa Lu ward. Surrounded by ancient trees and dramatic limestone cliffs, the temple stands as a rare symbol of centuries-old solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

Locals welcomed the guests with waving flags of both countries, as the two women, dressed in traditional attire, listened to stories about Princess Nhoi Hoa - a Laotian royal figure from the 15th century who led troops to aid Dai Viet in its fight against foreign invasion.

Following the campaign’s success, the princess fell ill and passed away on Vietnamese soil. King Le Thanh Tong later ordered the construction of a tomb and temple in her honor, ensuring her legacy would be remembered for generations. The site is the only temple in Vietnam dedicated to a foreign princess, embodying a chapter of mutual sacrifice and unwavering support between the two nations.

Recognized as a provincial historical site since 2007, the temple hosts an annual festival on the third day of the third lunar month, featuring traditional Vietnamese and Lao cultural activities.

Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and Madam Naly Sisoulith lit incense and observed a moment of silence at the princess’s tomb, honoring her memory and the historical ties she represents. Both praised Ninh Binh province for its efforts in preserving the sacred site and voiced support for the proposed Vietnam–Laos Cultural Tourism Park, envisioned as a living space where history and modern identity converge.

Madam Naly Sisoulith expressed her deep emotion during the visit, saying she hoped the temple’s natural beauty would be preserved so future generations of Lao people could feel at home in this shared place of remembrance.

The two guests later met with Vietnamese and Lao students from Hoa Lu University, who performed the piece Vietnam–Laos, One Song - a celebration of unity through dance and music, including the graceful lamvong.

Madam Ngo Phuong Ly encouraged the students to serve as “cultural ambassadors,” carrying the spirit of Vietnam–Laos friendship forward with passion and purpose.

Madam Naly Sisoulith reminded the Lao students to cherish the memory of Princess Nhoi Hoa, urging them to see the site as a spiritual origin of togetherness: “Let this place remind us to support each other and take the Vietnam–Laos relationship to new heights.”

Both guests offered warm words of encouragement, wishing the students health, success, and a strong sense of cultural pride.

Their journey continued at Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s largest spiritual complexes. In the calm surroundings, they explored the site’s Buddhist heritage and interacted with artisans from local traditional craft villages.

As a heartfelt gesture, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly presented Madam Naly Sisoulith with an embroidered scarf featuring the Champa flower - Laos’s national blossom. The scarf was handcrafted by Van Lam village artisans, based on a design she personally created. The gift symbolized both friendship and shared cultural values.

The two women also visited exhibits showcasing intricate handmade goods, each blending historical symbolism with modern artistry. The experience left a lasting impression, reflecting not only the craftsmanship of the region but also the enduring spirit of connection between the two nations.

Tran Thuong & Pham Hai