Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, wife of President Luong Cuong, and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck strolled through Tran Quoc pagoda on Tuesday, taking in the scenery around West Lake. Crowds of locals and tourists greeted them, according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).
 |
Vietnam's first lady and Bhutan's Queen arrive at Tran Quoc pagoda on 19/8. Photo: Giang Huy |
Vietnam's first lady and Bhutan's Queen arrive at Tran Quoc pagoda on 19/8. Photo: Giang Huy
The Venerable Thich Thanh Nha, abbot of Tran Quoc pagoda, welcomed the first lady and the Queen, providing insights into the temple's nearly 1,500-year history. Considered Hanoi's oldest temple, Tran Quoc pagoda sits beside West Lake, its classic architecture earning it accolades as one of the world's most beautiful temples by international websites.
The abbot explained that the Bodhi tree in the temple's courtyard is a cutting from the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. Indian President Rajendra Prasad gifted it to President Ho Chi Minh during a 1959 state visit.
The Venerable Thich Thanh Nha presented the first lady and the Queen with artistically crafted Bodhi leaves and prayer beads.
 |
The Venerable Thich Thanh Nha presents artistically crafted Bodhi leaves to Bhutan's Queen. Photo: Giang Huy |
The Venerable Thich Thanh Nha presents artistically crafted Bodhi leaves to Bhutan's Queen. Photo: Giang Huy
Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck noted that despite geographical distance and cultural differences, Bhutan and Vietnam share a Buddhist faith that values peace, wisdom, tolerance, and compassion. She expressed hope for future visits by the abbot and Vietnamese monks to Bhutan.
She also gifted the temple with a hand-painted image of Buddha and handcrafted Bhutanese incense.
The first lady and the Queen participated in a prayer ceremony at the pagoda's main hall, following Vietnamese Buddhist spiritual rites.
 |
The Venerable Thich Thanh Nha, Vietnam's first lady and Bhutan's Queen beside the Bodhi tree at Tran Quoc pagoda. Photo: Giang Huy |
The Venerable Thich Thanh Nha, Vietnam's first lady and Bhutan's Queen beside the Bodhi tree at Tran Quoc pagoda. Photo: Giang Huy
The King and Queen of Bhutan are on a state visit to Vietnam from 18/8 to 22/8, at the invitation of President Luong Cuong and the first lady.
Vietnam and Bhutan maintain strong relations, with frequent communication between high-ranking officials. Bilateral trade is approximately 20,000 USD annually. Both nations have potential for tourism development, especially in religious and spiritual tourism.
Growing numbers of Vietnamese tourists are interested in Bhutan, drawn to its image as the "Land of Happiness," its pristine environment, and meditation opportunities.
The two countries are also exploring cooperation in religious affairs, particularly Buddhism, as well as education and workforce exchange.
Huyen Le
