Temple Of Literature

The oldest university in Hanoi is the Temple of Literature, which was established in 1070 and served as the first national university in Vietnam. Initially a temple dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first national university, known as the Imperial Academy (Quoc Tu Giam), a place for scholars to study and prepare for royal examinations. There are colourful pagodas. In the centre u have several souvenir shops. In the middle of the Bai Duong house, there is an ancient wooden incense burner with a particularly delicately carved Le Dynasty pattern. On the two sides of the altar are a pair of bronze cranes standing on the back of a turtle. Above, in the middle, hang the picture “Van the Master’s speech" praising Confucius; In the east, there is a horizontal painting of “Co Kim Nhat Nguyet" (the light of eternity) and the Bich Ung bell by Tu Nghiep Quoc Tu Giam Nguyen Nghiem, made in 1768; and the east is a stone altar with many diaphragms, couplets praising Taoism. Thus place had a lot of history . It was i deed interesting.

Random visit during free time in Hanoi. Ticket costs 150k, you can avail a guided audio tour for 100k. It’s fine not to get an audio device because information on posters are complete (and are in Vietnamese, English, and French). Good place to go to immerse in Vietnam’s education system and culture. I finished touring the place alone in 1hr 30mins — I took some pictures and skipped some posters so allot some time if you want to read everything and watch the cultural performances. I suggest to go on weekdays because when I went there on a Saturday, a class of graduating students were taking formal photoshoots so I had to be really careful not to block any of their sight and equipment while trying to soak in the place. Remain respectful and mindful when inside because locals come here to worship.

A beautiful and historically rich landmark dedicated to Vietnam’s first national university. The Temple of Literature blends serene gardens, traditional Vietnamese architecture, and a deep cultural atmosphere. A peaceful place to walk, take photos, and learn about the country’s academic heritage. Truly a must-see in Hanoi.

Temple which showcases the importance of education in traditional Vietnamese culture. Also notable is the extensive Chinese influence on Vietnam over time, and the localization of it into Vietnamese culture over the years. Much of what we see today was reconstructed - notably with help from the Australian government. The majority of the temple was destroyed over the ages, and during the Vietnam war. The temple, impressively so, makes a point of incorporating local artists and art, and not merely historical items to complement the presentation. For the front of this temple, the modern artistic representation of Chu Van Anh was quite notable. Highly recommend devoting some of your time in Vietnam to visit this significant historical landmark. Do not recommend renting the audio guide, which seems to simply narrate the information on placards within. Will further elaborate on separate reviews within.

Absolutely worth the visit! The entrance fee is 70,000 vnd per adult. The Temple of Literature is one of the most culturally and historically significant landmarks in Vietnam. The grounds are peaceful and beautifully maintained, with traditional Vietnamese architecture that gives you a real sense of history. It’s a great place to slow down and escape the noise of the city for a bit. Just make sure you’re properly dressed: no crop tops, shorts, or tank tops. If you’re interested in Vietnamese culture, education, or history, this place is a must-see.

One of my favorite spots in Hanoi! The Temple of Literature is such a peaceful and beautiful place to explore. It's full of history, with stunning traditional architecture, quiet courtyards, and lovely old trees that give it a really calm and serene vibe. You can really feel how much respect the Vietnamese have for education and Confucian values. It’s also a great spot for photos, every corner feels like a little piece of the past. If you have time, read a bit about the history before you go or during the visit, it’ll help you appreciate it even more. Definitely worth the stop, especially if you enjoy cultural landmarks.

I arrived at the same moment a hoard of loud white tourists, and this detracted, I think somewhat, from my overall experience... however, the Temple grounds, buildings and accoutrements were spectacular. Set in a wide, green acreage, the Literature Temple is a lovely place to wander. Every angle is a photographers dream with ancient architecture, soaring flora, pools, pottery, and brilliant gold and red objects of veneration. There was an art exhibition on at the time that was very good also. A nice selection of non-traditional pieces that showcased the emerging artists of Vietnam.

As a history enthusiast, I often visit ancient sites of worship, but this complex in the capital offered a genuinely surprising and enriching experience. What initially appears to be a beautifully preserved place dedicated to Confucius quickly reveals itself to be something far more profound: the nation's first national university, established nearly a thousand years ago. Frankly, this fact alone—that this country founded a formal, centralized institution of higher education back in the 11th century—was a moment of genuine awe and admiration. It immediately speaks volumes about the early civilization and intellectual value placed on learning and meritocracy here. The architecture is serene and balanced, guiding visitors through five distinct courtyards, each representing a step toward scholarly achievement. The most impactful feature for me was the third courtyard, which contains the 82 well-preserved Stone Stelae of Doctors. These giant stone turtles, each carrying a stele inscribed with the names and birthplaces of successful scholars, are not just monuments; they are a tangible, historical ledger of academic success spanning over three centuries. This tradition offers remarkable insight into the rigor and prestige of the ancient examinations. Visiting this location is not merely sightseeing; it is stepping directly into the heart of this nation’s enduring commitment to learning and intellectual merit. It’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to grasp the true historical depth and the sophisticated foundation of this country.