If you want to go to Hanoi, you must visit the Temple of Literature. Known as the first university of Vietnam, this place attracts many visitors to explore and pray for luck in the student's exams. 

The scenery here is grandeur and serenity, making you relax and peaceful. Besides, you have an opportunity to learn about history, cultural in Vietnam. 

Temple of Literature Overview

• Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Ward, Van Mieu, Dong Da district, Hanoi city.
• Entrance fee:  35,000 VND ( For student) and 70,000 VND ( For Adults). 
• Opening hours: 8:00 am  - 5:00 pm from Monday to Sunday

The Temple of Literature is located on the south of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, built in 1070 by King Le Thanh Tong. The purpose of constructing the temple was to worship the Chinese philosopher Confucius. 

After that, the Temple of Literature became the first university of Vietnam where only members of the elite for princes, nobles. 

Temple of Literature in Hanoi

Spanning almost 1000 years ago, the Temple of Literature educated hundreds of well scholars and mandarins and perverted and retained its architectural and cultural beauty.

Visitor takes a photo with Vietnamese students

How to get to the Temple of Literature?

Temple of Literature is situated in the heart of city center,   58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội. Visitor find it easily from anywhere in Hanoi city. 

You can book a car through car rental apps like Grab, Bee... If you want to rent a motobike, use google maps to know the exact location to get here. 

If you want to save money, you should get on a public bus with 2, 4, 23, 25, or 38 routes. All of the buses stop near the temple. You only walk about 5-10minutes to see the Temple of Literature. 

The best option is to book a Hanoi city tour by private car through Vietnam Trust Car Rental to explore other spots in the city such as Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature in Hanoi.... 

The big drum at Temple of Literature

Highlight of architecture in Temple of Literature 

With its over 54000m2, Temple of Literature is enclosed by an ancient brick and five courtyards of varying styles. 

Dai Trung Mon - The Great Middle Gate

Entering the gate of first courtyard , you will feel the peaceful scenery here. 

There is a fish figure on the top of the gate, telling the legend of a contest for fish hosted by the gods, the fish can leap over the strongest sea waves and turn into a dragon. 

The Great Middle Gate

Each fish symbolizes students. When you pass all of exams, need to study and try to study to become government officials.

In the past, the system of examination was divided into three parts: Regional (Hương), National (Hội), and Royal (Đình) examinations. If students was not pass, you would have wait three year next. 

Khuê Văn Các - The Pavilion of Constellation

The second courtyard was built in 1805. You can see Khue Van Cac on the 100,000 VND banknote of Vietnam.

The structure is harmonious and beautiful with 4 brick pillars supporting the meaning of its name from Khue. This is a bright star, creating the Chinese character for “Literature.” 

The Pavilion of Constellation is an image on a banknote with par value of 100,000 VND of Vietnam

Thien Quang Well - The Well of Heavenly Clarity

The third courtyard was known as Well of Heavenly Clarity, showing the deep symbolism. In Vietnamese culture, the square symbolizes the earth, the circular pavilion above symbolizes heaven. The earth and heaven create cosmic harmony. 

The Well of Heavenly Clarity

Walk around the Thien Quang Well, you will see a lot of stone turtles carrying big stelae. Temple of Literature is only perverted about 86 stelae in the total of 116 ones. Each stone described Confucian philosophy and the information of examinations and doctoral achievements. 

Đại Thành Môn - The Gate to Great Success

The fourth courtyard features the House of Ceremonies and Confucian sanctuary. The place is designed with red columns and wooden beams, decorated with ancient lanterns. 

The Gate to Great Success

According to traditional worship in Vietnam, the central altar needs to fill 5 five elements like Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The both sides, putting the cranes and turtles flank the altar, showing the harmony and eternity. 

The Grounds of Imperial Academy

The fifth courtyard has two floors. The ground floor is a place that displays a statue of Chu Van An, who was the academy's first rector, dedicated his whole life to development education.

The upper floor worship three kings such as King Lý Thánh Tông , King Lý Nhân Tông (academy founder), and King Lê Thánh Tông. 

The campus of Quoc Tu Giam is a place of worship for three Vietnamese kings.

Tips for visiting Temple of Literature

• Remember to bring cash because the ticket counter doesn't accept credit cards. 
• You should get here before 1 hour. 
• Should come here in the morning. It is hot in the afternoon. 
• Avoid revealing clothes, choose to wear dress politely. 
• Don't make noises, laugh or talk too loud. 

The Temple of Literature is one of the famous attractions in Hanoi with its important historical and cultural significance. If you want to find the history in Vietnam and discover stunning architectural and cultural features of Hanoi, you don't pass up the Temple of Literature.