On May 26 afternoon, General Secretary To Lam and his wife Ngo Phuong Ly, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, visited the Temple of Literature in Hanoi and enjoyed a performance of traditional Vietnamese court music.

Hanoi’s weather was pleasant, with light breezes sweeping through the temple grounds shaded by green canopies. The two leaders and their spouses visited ancient architectural landmarks such as the Great Gate (Dai Trung), the Khue Van Pavilion, the Dai Thanh sanctuary, and the Stelae Garden.

Khue Van Pavilion is one of Hanoi’s iconic architectural works and has been the official symbol of the capital since 1997.

As part of the Temple of Literature complex symbolizing Vietnam’s cultural evolution, the pavilion was historically used to discuss outstanding scholarly works by successful examination candidates.

While listening to an introduction about the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national university – President Macron and his wife learned more about its role as a cradle of education and the cultivation of talented scholars during Vietnam’s feudal era.

At the Stelae Garden, the two couples were introduced to the 82 stone steles of doctoral laureates, a recognized UNESCO World Documentary Heritage.

In front of the altar dedicated to Chu Van An, a revered teacher in Vietnamese history, General Secretary To Lam and President Emmanuel Macron offered ceremonial incense in tribute to “the eternal teacher of the nation.”

At the Thai Hoc courtyard, General Secretary To Lam invited President Macron to strike the ceremonial Thunder Drum three times.

Crafted by artisans from Doi Tam village in Ha Nam Province, the drum was made to commemorate the 990th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi. It is called the Thunder Drum for its deep, resounding sound likened to rolling thunder.

Afterward, the Vietnamese and French leaders and their spouses moved to the temple’s main courtyard to enjoy a live performance of Nha nhac - Hue royal court music.

Thriving during the Nguyen Dynasty, Nha nhac was a refined and sacred musical genre performed during grand imperial ceremonies.

It became an essential part of court life, embodying the dignity and splendor of the royal tradition. Today, Nha nhac remains a top cultural attraction for visitors to Vietnam.

The performance gave President Macron and his wife a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese cultural life, offering insights into the people's worldview and values expressed through music and dance.

Vietnam and France share a deep-rooted historical relationship, with cultural cooperation serving as a key pillar of friendship between the two nations. Cultural exchanges with France have always been a focal point in Vietnam’s international cultural policy, helping to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai