Temple Of Literature

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.

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.

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.

A fabulous old Chinese style temple which I presume is Taoist although it never explicitly said so and has been blended with local Vietnamese traditions, such as the river turtle mythology. It's peaceful enough but not tranquil with the many tourists. We paid 70,000 dong per person entry fee but under 16 children are free if you ask.

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.