If you google “what to see in Hanoi”, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi is probably one of the first things that come up. This is totally understandable because of its rich history dating way back to the 11th century. But what’s so special that’s got it recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Stick around and find out because this is all you need to know about the Temple of Literature Hanoi.

What Is The Temple Of Literature Known For ?

This ancient complex was once both a temple and an academy, it is known as “Van Mieu” in Vietnamese and “Temple of Literature in Hanoi” in English, though the correct translation should be “Temple of Confucious”, as the word “Van” (文) doesn’t mean “literature” but refers to Confucious. The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's first national university, originally established in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to educate Vietnam's bureaucrats, nobles, and royalty in Confucian principles.

The Temple of Literature has become a symbol of education, scholarship, and Confucian values. It houses beautiful pavilions, courtyards, gardens, and stone steles inscribed with the names of successful scholars who passed the royal examinations.

Where Is The Temple Of Literature? How To Get There?

Address: No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi

The Temple of Literature is located at the intersection of 4 central streets of Dong Da District: Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ton Duc Thang, Van Mieu, and Quoc Tu Giam, and about 2 - 3 km from Hoan Kiem Lake.

If you’re taking the bus, you can choose bus No. 02, 23, 38, 25, 41 to get off at the nearest stop and then walk to the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi. You can also reach the Temple of Literature on a double-decker bus tour, which also includes many other famous tourist destinations in Hanoi.

Temple Of Literature History

In 1070 and possibly in the lunar month of August, King Le Thanh Tong constructed the Temple of Literature in Hanoi as a place of worship for Confucius, his Four Disciples, and the Seventy-Two Confucian Scholars, and held ceremonies for them each season.

Besides its function of worshiping the saints and scholars of Confucianism, the Temple of Literature also served as a royal school. Its first student was Prince Ly Can Duc, the son of King Ly Thanh Tong and Queen Y Lan, who was only 5 years old at that time. In 1072, he ascended the throne and became King Ly Nhan Tong. In 1076, he established the Quoc Tu Giam school next to the Temple of Literature, which can be considered the first university in Vietnam. Initially, the school was exclusively for the king's children and children of high-ranking officials (hence its name, “Quoc Tu Giam”, which meant “Imperial Academy”).

In 1253 during the Tran Dynasty, King Tran Thai Tong renamed Quoc Tu Giam to Quoc Hoc Vien to expand its scope and admit exceptional children of commoners.

During the Later Le Dynasty, Confucianism flourished. In 1484, King Le Thanh Tong erected steles for those who passed the doctoral exams starting from 1442, one large stone stele for each year, with names of the scholars engraved on it.

Temple Of Literature Architecture And Layout

The complex is divided into three main areas: the Van Lake (exterior), the Giam Garden, and the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi (the main structure). The interior complex measures over 54,000 square meters and is enclosed by brick walls. The complex is arranged symmetrically, simulating the Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius in his hometown of Qufu, Shandong, China. However, Van Mieu is simpler and smaller in scale, following traditional Vietnamese architecture from the 17th to the 19th century.

The interior of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi is divided into 5 courtyards. 

The first courtyard starts with the two-tiered gate named Van Mieu Mon. The gate has three entrances, with the middle one being tall and built on two floors. The middle entrance is reserved for the monarch, the left entrance for administrative officials, and the one on the right for military officials. The upper floor has the characters “文廟門” (Temple of Literature gate) and houses a large bronze bell. The first courtyard ends with a large gate called Dai Trung Mon, flanked by 2 smaller ones on either side.

The main structure in the second courtyard is the Khue Van Cac, or the Khue Van Pavilion (“Khue” is one of the 28 mansions of the Chinese constellations, representing literature). It’s an iconic structure that has become the symbol of Hanoi. It’s also the thing that comes up when you google “Temple of Literature in Hanoi”. The pavilion consists of four square brick pillars, each side of the pillar measuring one meter, with intricate floral patterns delicately carved on them. The upper level is made of lacquered wood with gold-plated decorations.

In the third courtyard, there is a well called Thien Quang Tinh, meaning "well reflecting the light of the sky". The well is square-shaped, symbolizing the earth, while the circle on the Khue Van Cac symbolizes the sky. Perhaps the most valuable relic here is the 82 doctoral steles placed on stone turtles, erected on the left and right sides of the Thien Quang well, with 41 steles on each side arranged in two horizontal rows, all facing towards the well.

The fourth courtyard is where ceremonies are held and where the altars of Confucius’s disciples are placed. The Dai Bai Duong is the house of ceremonies, this is where you’ll find valuable lacquered boards, incense burners, two bronze cranes, each one standing on a turtle’s back, and a large bell cast in 1768.

The fifth courtyard is where the university once stood. In 2000, the Thai Hoc Courtyard was constructed on the site and it also serves as a museum. Inside, panels and displays are arranged for visitors to explore, including an altar for Chu Van An, various exhibits, showcasing students' uniforms, learning materials, writing tools, and even ancient manuscripts. Noteworthy is a miniature replica of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi encased in glass. The second floor houses altars dedicated to Ly Thanh Tong, Ly Nhan Tong, and Le Thanh Tong—three emperors with almost identical names, who were pivotal in shaping the Temple of Literature. Ly Thanh Tong initiated its establishment, Ly Nhan Tong founded the associated university, and Le Thanh Tong commissioned the erection of the Doctors' Stelae.

Temple Of Literature Night Tour - Quintessence Of Education

The Night Tour of the Temple of Literature in Hanoi named "Tinh Hoa Dao Hoc" or "Quintessence of Education", offers a more unique experience compared to daytime visits. The entire space of the heritage site is transformed by a system of lighting and 3D Mapping, creating a dazzling, and enchanting appearance, while still maintaining the solemnity.

The highlight of the tour is the Thai Hoc courtyard, where you can enjoy a 3D Mapping performance depicting stories related to the theme of education, including stories about ancient scholars, determination, dreams of success, and the difficulties and challenges that everyone needs to overcome.

Temple Of Literature - FAQs

Was the Temple of Literature the first university of Vietnam ?

It's a common misconception. The first university is "Quoc Tu Giam", which was built within the Temple of Literature complex. 

Is The Temple of Literature worth a visit ?

Absolutely, the Temple of Literature is definitely worth a visit. It is not only a historical landmark but also a beautiful architectural complex. You can explore its rich history, admire the traditional Vietnamese architecture, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of its courtyards and gardens.

How long does it take to see the Temple of Literature in Hanoi ?

It depends. Generally, around 1 to 2 hours is enough to explore everything. But those who wish to delve deeper into its history and architecture may spend more time.

Temple of Literature entry fee

• Adults: 70.000 VND
• Students and people over 60 years old: 35.000 VND
• Children under 16 and people with disabilities: Free
• Night tour: 199.000 VND/person (free for children under 1 meter tall)

Temple of Literature opening hours

It is open every day, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Temple of Literature facts

• The Temple of Literature is featured on the back of the 100.000 VND banknote.
• In 2010, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• There were originally 116 stone stelae but 34 were lost or ruined over time.
• Each new year or before important exams, the Temple of Literature is flooded with students seeking calligraphy works for good luck. Old calligraphers will write them a Chinese letter, usually “才” (Talent), “智”(Mind), or “德” (Virtue) in black ink, on a large piece of red paper, for about 100.000 VND/piece.

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