Temple Of Literature

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.

I think this is one of the most beautiful places in Hanoi, especially during the night, beautifully lit. There's a free guide tour once you purchase the ticket and a laser show (not available every day), including tea and small snacks. You can also try to write in Vietnamese, since this is a temple of literature. I absolutely recommend to visit this place after the sunset.

The Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070 under Emperor Lý Thánh Tông. It’s dedicated to Confucius and honors scholars, education, and learning. Its layout (five courtyards, gates, ceremonial halls, stone stelae) is designed to reflect Confucian values: order, respect, the scholar’s path. A sense of history and scholarship — the feeling that you’re walking through a place that shaped Vietnam’s educational and intellectual traditions. Serenity and reflection — many people come not just as tourists but students praying for exam success, locals visiting for respect, photographers. School children were visiting when we were there and praying in a ceremony. A break from noisy traffic and street bustle — once inside, it tends to be more peaceful, shaded, contemplative.

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.

An absolute gem and a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture. We were immediately struck by the lively and beautifully maintained gardens. They offer a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, perfect for a leisurely stroll and some quiet reflection. The architecture is truly stunning, showcasing traditional Vietnamese design with intricate details and a sense of timeless grandeur. Each courtyard and gate tells a story, and you can truly feel the historical significance of the place. Briefly, the Temple of Literature was established in 1070 as Vietnam's first national university. It was dedicated to Confucius, scholars, and sages, and for centuries, it served as a center of learning and intellectual pursuit for the country's elite. Walking through its hallowed halls, you can almost imagine the students and scholars who once studied there, striving for knowledge and wisdom. Overall, it's a wonderfully preserved site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's past. Highly recommend!

Interesting visit to Vietnam's first university It is the first university in Vietnam, with a very elaborate architecture that reflects Vietnamese tradition. On site there are exhibitions to learn more about its history and culture. At night they offer a special program called "Night at College". Explanations and posters are in English, Vietnamese and French, but not in Spanish. The visit lasts approximately two hours, enough time to appreciate everything calmly.

The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is a beautiful, historic Confucian temple founded in 1070. It’s Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucius and scholars. Expect peaceful gardens, ancient courtyards, stone stelae with turtle bases, and traditional Vietnamese architecture with red pillars and curved roofs. It’s a calm, photogenic spot that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s educational and cultural heritage. Time needed: 45 minutes – 1 hour. Best for: Culture, history, and striking photography in a serene setting.

This is an excellent location to visit, where you can learn a lot about the history of education in North Vietnam. There are a few different areas within this complex, with accompanying informational signs for most things (in Vietnamese, English, and French). Although it is titled as a temple, it is also a museum, a ceremonial area, artistic complex, and more, in addition to the couple of temple/altars dedicated to ancient teachers. The layout of the area is very well organized, leading visitors through many different places of interest and buildings - audio guides and personal tour guides are available for even more information. The restoration work here has been incredibly well done, and I hope that conservation work continues to make sure that this revered area can be enjoyed for many more generations!