For centuries, tea has played a significant role in the Vietnamese lifestyle, blending refinement with spiritual and philosophical practices. From grand ceremonies in Royal Courts to daily rituals, tea symbolized status, grace, and cultural values, leaving a lasting impact on Vietnam’s history and traditions.

Archaeological discoveries in Vietnam have uncovered fossilized tea leaves and plant remains in Phu Tho, a province in northern Vietnam, suggesting the ancient presence of tea in the region. In Suoi Giang, located in Yen Bai province, a vast wild tea forest thrives, home to tens of thousands of trees. Among them, three ancient tea trees stand at remarkable heights of 6 to 8 meters. Similarly, in Lang Son, a province near the modern border with China, another wild tea forest has been discovered, with some trees reaching up to 18 meters tall. These primitive tea trees are believed to date back 4,000 to 5,000 years, highlighting the deep historical roots of tea in Vietnam.

Early Beginnings: Influence of Chinese Traditions

• Pre -10^th Century: Tea is believed to have been introduced to Vietnam by Chinese traders and monks during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). It likely came through the northern regions of Vietnam, which were under Chinese influence at the time. Initially, tea was consumed for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, similar to its use in other parts of East Asia.

• 10th–12th Century: During the Ly Dynasty (1009–1225) and Tran Dynasty (1225–1400), tea began to be consumed more widely, especially in the royal courts and by Buddhist monks. The beverage became more refined, with tea leaves being cultivated for both medicinal and social purposes.

• Tea was introduced to the Vietnamese elite as both a beverage and a symbol of refinement. It was often consumed during formal gatherings and banquets, with particular attention given to the quality and presentation of the tea. Its consumption was also linked to intellectualism, as the Vietnamese court valued tea as an aid to meditation, clarity of thought, and creativity.

Tea and Buddhism: Spiritual Connection

• 13th–15th Century: During the Tran Dynasty (1225–1400), which followed the Ly Dynasty, Buddhism flourished, and with it, the integration of tea into spiritual life. Tea became central to the daily rituals of the royal courts, particularly for monks and intellectuals who used it as a stimulant for long meditation and philosophical discussion.
• The royal family and court elites were influenced by Buddhist principles, and tea drinking was closely associated with meditation and inner peace. The court often hosted tea ceremonies to honor spiritual practices, invoking tea as a symbol of tranquility and enlightenment. The Vietnamese royal court’s connection to tea became increasingly intertwined with Buddhist teachings, where tea was viewed not only as a drink but as a ritual offering of hospitality and respect.

The Le Dynasty (1428–1789): Tea as Symbol of Elegance

• 15th–17th Century: The Le Dynasty saw a rise in cultural sophistication, and tea became firmly entrenched as a symbol of elegance and courtly taste. During this period, tea drinking was refined into an art form, where elaborate tea ceremonies were held, especially in the presence of foreign diplomats or during key events.
• The Vietnamese royal court during the Le Dynasty established formal tea etiquette, emphasizing the importance of preparation, presentation, and the ceremonial aspects of tea drinking. The tea itself was often served with a specific set of pastries or sweets, and these royal tea ceremonies became occasions for poetry, music, and philosophical debate.
• The court also favored high-quality green tea, which was grown in northern regions like Thai Nguyen. This tea was considered a luxury item, consumed only by the most elite. The choice of tea leaves and the process of brewing became a refined and deliberate art form, designed to highlight the virtues of the drink—its freshness, fragrance, and clarity.

The Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945): The Golden Age of Tea Culture

• The royal family would often host large tea banquets, where tea was served with elaborate food pairings, and the entire court would gather to partake in tea-drinking rituals. These ceremonies were a mark of status and social sophistication, where nobles and guests would demonstrate their knowledge of tea and the art of hosting.
• Under the Nguyen emperors, the tea culture reached new heights. The royal court frequently imported rare tea leaves from China, Japan, and other parts of Asia, and some emperors even sponsored the cultivation of tea in Vietnam’s central and northern regions. Tea was seen as both a luxury commodity and a spiritual offering, aligning with the Nguyen Dynasty’s emphasis on Confucian values and proper etiquette.

The Influence of French Colonial Rule

• Late 19th–Early 20th Century: With the advent of French colonial rule, the nature of tea drinking in the royal courts began to change. French influence brought about a shift in the style and presentation of tea. While the Nguyen emperors continued to drink traditional Vietnamese green and jasmine teas, the French introduced black tea and Western tea-drinking customs.
• French colonial officials often brought their own tea habits to Vietnam’s courts, including the practice of adding sugar and milk to tea, which had not been part of traditional Vietnamese tea culture. However, despite these foreign influences, traditional Vietnamese tea practices remained in royal circles, with the court maintaining its distinct customs.
• During this period, tea became more commercialized. The Nguyen royal court began to incorporate tea into state functions and diplomatic events, where guests were served tea as part of formal entertainment.

Tea’s Role in Vietnamese Royal Life During the Fall of the Nguyen Dynasty

• Early 20th Century: By the early 20th century, as French colonial power over Vietnam grew, the power of the Nguyen Dynasty waned. The last emperor, Bao Dai, who reigned from 1926 to 1945, faced both internal rebellion and French interference in royal matters. Even during this tumultuous time, tea retained its cultural significance within the royal court as a symbol of continuity and Vietnamese heritage.
• Despite the waning political power of the Nguyen Dynasty, tea ceremonies continued to play a significant role in the life of the emperor and his court. Tea was often used in daily rituals and ceremonies, providing a sense of connection to the past traditions of the royal family.

Tea Today: A Legacy in Vietnamese Culture

• Though Vietnam no longer has a royal court, tea continues to be a deeply embedded part of the country’s cultural identity. The legacy of the royal court’s tea culture can still be felt in the modern tea ceremonies and social tea-drinking practices across Vietnam.
• Today, tea is a key part of Vietnamese hospitality and is consumed throughout the country in both casual and formal settings. The ceremonial aspects of tea, once seen in the royal courts, have been passed down through generations and are often practiced during family gatherings, special occasions, and formal ceremonies.

Popular Vietnamese Teas

Green Tea (Trà Xanh)

(Vietnamese farmers picking tea leaves)

The most commonly consumed tea in Vietnam, often served as an everyday drink.

• Green tea is immensely popular in Vietnam, with the country being one of the world’s largest producers. Known for its refreshing taste and health benefits, it is consumed daily across homes, tea houses, and restaurants. Vietnam’s diverse climates, especially in regions like Thai Nguyen, produce some of the finest green teas.

Jasmine Tea (Trà Nhài)

(Vietnamese Jasmine Tea)

Jasmine tea is one of the most beloved and fragrant teas in Vietnam, offering a delicate and aromatic experience that has been enjoyed for centuries.

• Vietnamese jasmine tea is typically made by blending green tea with jasmine flowers that have been carefully harvested during the blooming season. The tea leaves are often infused multiple times with fresh jasmine blossoms, creating layers of fragrance that become more pronounced with each infusion. This meticulous process ensures that the tea retains a delicate, sweet fragrance that is highly prized.

Lotus Tea (Trà Sen)

(Vietnamese Lotus Tea)

A premium tea that holds a special place in Vietnamese culture, particularly in the royal courts, where it was regarded not only for its exquisite flavor but also for its symbolic connection to purity, elegance, and spiritual significance.

• This unique tea is made by infusing green tea leaves with the fragrance of lotus flowers, resulting in a delicate and aromatic beverage that has been cherished in Vietnam for centuries.
• The history of lotus tea in Vietnam can be traced back to the ancient royal courts of the Le Dynasty (1428–1789). The lotus, a flower symbolizing purity, beauty, and enlightenment in Vietnamese culture, became intrinsically linked with the concept of refined taste and spirituality.

Black Tea (Trà Đen)

(Tea farm in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam - Source: Unknown)

While less common than green tea, black tea is consumed, particularly in the north and for export purposes.

• Vietnamese black tea stands out for its unique, rich flavor, often described as smooth, sweet, and less astringent compared to other varieties. Grown in regions like Thai Nguyen and Moc Chau, the cooler climate and fertile soil enhance its aromatic qualities, offering a distinct, full-bodied taste with subtle floral notes.

Fun facts on Tea in Royal Courts of Vietnam

• Emperor Bao Dai’s Favorite Tea: The last emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai, was known to have a particular fondness for tea, often choosing lotus tea as his favorite. It’s said that he enjoyed it during quiet moments of reflection and intellectual discussions in his palace.

• Tea and Diplomacy: Vietnamese emperors used tea as a gesture of hospitality and diplomacy. During meetings with foreign dignitaries, tea was often served in ceremonial ways to demonstrate respect and offer a symbolic peace offering.

• Tea as a Status Symbol: In the royal courts, the quality of tea was a reflection of social status. Only the highest quality leaves were used for ceremonial tea, and those who could afford it would receive the most delicate teas, such as jasmine and lotus-infused varieties.

• The Nguyen Dynasty’s Tea Legacy: During the Nguyen Dynasty, tea was often served in special, intricately designed porcelain cups. These cups were considered a work of art, sometimes adorned with gold or precious stones, symbolizing the refined taste and wealth of the imperial family.

• Tea and Meditation: The practice of drinking tea was often intertwined with spiritual and meditative practices in the royal courts. Some Vietnamese emperors, particularly during the Nguyen Dynasty, were known to use tea ceremonies as moments of reflection, helping to center the mind for decision-making or prayer.

Vietnamese Lotus Tea Ceremony in Auckland

In Auckland, earlier in 2024, I hosted the first Mindfulness Tea Ceremony with Vietnamese Lotus Tea at The School of Modern Meditation. This is the tea that I brought from Hien Minh Tea house in Hanoi to Auckland.

There will be more Lotus Tea Ceremonies in Auckland in the summer of 2025. If you are interested in joining us, follow @thegroundedcircle on Instagram or join my email newsletter.