Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, French President Emmanuel Macron and their spouses visit the Temple of Literature. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

During separate visits to Việt Nam, both French President Emmanuel Macron and Hungarian President Sulyok Tamas, along with their spouses, took time to explore the cultural soul of Hà Nội through leisurely strolls, impromptu conversations with locals and visits to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron on May 27 began their cultural exploration shortly after arriving in Hà Nội. Their walk through the capital’s Old Quarter and around Hoàn Kiếm Lake included stops at historic sites such as King Lý Thái Tổ Statue, Ngọc Sơn Temple and St Joseph’s Cathedral. They took in the city’s unique blend of spiritual tradition and colonial architecture, often engaging warmly with local residents along the way.

Madame Ngô Phương Ly, spouse of the Party General Secretary, and Madame Brigitte Macron, spouse of the French President, visit the Việt Nam Fine Arts Museum. VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron listen to an introduction on the history of Hà Nội's Old Quarter. VNA/VNS Photo

French President and his spouse meet with local residents while strolling through Hà Nội’s Old Quarter. VNA/VNS photo

TRADITIONS: Party General Secretary Lâm and French President Macron enjoy a performance of court music by artists from the Huế Royal Court Traditional Art Theatre, along with their spouses. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

TOP MEETINGS: President Macron and his wife meet with residents while strolling through Hà Nội’s Old Quarter. VNA/VNS Photo

The following day, Hungarian President Tamas and First Lady Nagy Zsuzsanna also enjoyed a peaceful walk around the city centre, beginning soon after their arrival.

Despite the evening drizzle, they strolled hand-in-hand through quiet streets and paused at iconic landmarks including Hòa Phong Tower, King Lý Thái Tổ Statue, and the shimmering Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Their visit was marked by warm interactions with locals and an evident curiosity about the cultural and historical layers of the capital.

RENOWNED ATTRACTION: Hungarian President Sulyok Tamás and his wife took a walk to enjoy the view of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

LAKESIDE VIEW: Hungarian President Tamás and his spouse enjoy the view of Turtle Tower in Hoàn Kiếm Lake. VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

MAKING THE MOST OF IT: President Tamás takes a walk with his spouse by Lê Thạch Street at Hoàn Kiếm Lake. VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

TAKING IT ALL IN: President Tamás also visited King Lý Thái Tổ Monument by the lake. VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

These walks, spontaneous and steeped in quiet symbolism, show how cultural connection and personal engagement can complement diplomatic exchanges. Whether admiring the city’s oriental and colonial architecture or pausing in reflection by its ancient lakeside, both foreign leaders revealed a sincere interest in the heart of Việt Nam’s capital.

This photo essay captures those elegant, human moments – moments in which Hà Nội emerged not only as a political host, but as a living archive of history, grace and hospitality. VNS