See & do · Landmarks & architecture
Temple of Literature
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Confucian temple with landscaped courtyards, numerous altars & shrines & an imposing front gate.via Google
A beautifully preserved 11th-century Confucian temple complex that served as the country's first imperial university.
- Good to know
- €; avoid visiting during graduation season when it becomes incredibly crowded with student photo shoots.
Reviews from Google
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars) The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is a beautiful and historically significant landmark that offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural and educational heritage. The architecture is well preserved, and the peaceful gardens provide a relaxing escape from the city's busy streets. I enjoyed exploring the courtyards and learning about the country's first university and its scholarly traditions. While the site can get crowded during peak hours, it remains a worthwhile destination for history and culture enthusiasts. Overall, it is an inspiring and memorable place to visit in Hanoi.
I love the place because many people are visiting this historical place - particularly students. The temperature is quite hot and high humidity but if you want to know the 1000 years of history you will certainly know about temple of literature. As I research it's it is a temple dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars in Hanoi - it is known also the first university of Vietnam, one of the most unique architectural works and oldest historical relics in Hanoi. The temple is featured on the back of 100,000 Vietnamese dong. this is a must visit landmark indeed for every tourists exploring Hanoi. For dress code, you must dress modestly out of respect for it's cultural significances. One of things is always remove your hat when entering the worship areas.
I visited Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám) and really enjoyed the experience. The entrance fee was 70,000 VND, which I found very reasonable for such an important historical and cultural site. The temple is beautifully preserved, with peaceful courtyards, traditional architecture, and a strong sense of history. It’s fascinating to learn that this was Vietnam’s first university, and the stone steles dedicated to scholars add a meaningful touch. It’s a great place to take a break from the busy streets of Hanoi—quiet, scenic, and full of cultural significance. I’d recommend visiting earlier in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the atmosphere more. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Hanoi!
It is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved attractions in the city, and it is also very important for students. The temple was built in 1070 and later became home to the Imperial Academy, which is considered Vietnam’s first national university. Because of this, many students visit the temple to wish for good luck before graduation exams, entrance exams, or other school challenges. The site is divided into different courtyards and sections, one after another, which makes the visit feel very organized and peaceful. It also shows the classic history of education in Vietnam, especially through the displays about scholars, doctors, and people who achieved great academic success in the past. Overall, I highly recommend it. It is a very beautiful place and definitely worth visiting. Sometimes there are also exhibitions, which is another plus.
Beautiful and well kept museum. Many write ups in English to explain the significance of this first university in Vietnam that was built more than a thousand years ago. Nice manicured courtyards and historical buildings add to the charm of the place. There is a nice cafe in the compound if you need a rest. Highly recommended to visit when in Hanoi.