Vietnam's first national university, founded in 1076 under Emperor Ly Nhan Tong and dedicated to Confucius. Five walled courtyards hold gardens, gates and the Doctors' Steles, 82 stone tablets on turtle bases recording the names of scholars who passed royal exams from 1442 to 1779 (UNESCO Memory of the World listing).
The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam) at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street in Dong Da District is one of the most atmospheric historic sites in Hanoi, Vietnam. Founded in 1070 as a temple to Confucius and opened as the country's first national university in 1076 under Emperor Ly Nhan Tong, the compound served as an academy for mandarins for centuries. Today it is a walled complex of five courtyards laid out on a north-south axis, each separated by a gate and shaded by old trees, lawns and ornamental ponds. Visitors enter through the Dai Trung Mon gate and pass the Khue Van Cac pavilion, a graceful wooden structure that has become an emblem of the city and appears on the 100,000 dong banknote. The Well of Heavenly Clarity (Thien Quang Tinh) in the third courtyard is flanked by the celebrated Doctors' Steles: 82 stone tablets, each resting on a stone turtle, recording the names of scholars who passed the royal examinations between 1442 and 1779. The steles are listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World register. The fourth courtyard holds the main sanctuary with altars to Confucius and his four closest disciples, and the fifth courtyard houses the former Imperial Academy buildings, now used for exhibits and calligraphy displays. A typical visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The best photo angles are the Khue Van Cac pavilion framed by the gate, the rows of turtle-based steles under the trees, and the lantern-lit courtyards around the sanctuary. Crowds build from mid-morning as tour groups arrive, and are heaviest at weekends and public holidays; arriving at 8:00AM on a weekday gives the quietest experience. Graduating students traditionally visit in spring to have photographs taken and to rub the turtle heads for luck, so the site can be busy in exam and graduation seasons. Traditional music or calligraphy demonstrations are sometimes offered around the Lunar New Year. The site is about 2.5 km from Hoan Kiem Lake and combines well with the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
| Admission | Adult 70,000 VND (~$2.70) · Child Free under 15 years; students with ID discounted |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 8:00AM-5:00PM (last entry about 4:30PM); hours can extend in summer |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings right at 8:00AM before tour groups arrive |
| Getting there | Taxi or Grab (~30,000-50,000 VND from Old Quarter); bus 09, 32 or 45 stop nearby; about 2.5 km from Hoan Kiem Lake |
| Address | 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam |
Good to know
- Best for
- history lovers, photographers, culture seekers
Location
58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
21.0287, 105.8356 View on map
Highlights
- Khue Van Cac pavilion, a graceful wooden emblem of Hanoi
- 82 Doctors' Steles on stone turtles, a UNESCO Memory of the World listing
- Five walled courtyards with gardens, ponds and old trees
- Main sanctuary with altars to Confucius and his disciples
- Former Imperial Academy buildings with exhibits
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at 8:00AM on a weekday to avoid tour groups
- Do not touch or climb the stele turtles; barriers are in place to protect them
- Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees
- Allow 1.5-2 hours; last entry is about 4:30PM
- Visit spring exam and graduation season for photos but expect crowds
- Combine with the nearby Fine Arts Museum and Imperial Citadel
When to visit
Weekday mornings at 8:00AM before tour groups arrive give the calmest visit. Spring is popular for graduation photos and brings larger crowds.
Accessibility
Courtyards are mostly flat with paved paths but include stone thresholds and uneven paving at gates. Wheelchair users can see most of the site, though steps at some sanctuary entrances may limit access.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Temple of Literature take?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours walking through all five courtyards. A quick visit focused on the steles and Khue Van Cac takes about 45 minutes.
How much is entry to the Temple of Literature?
Adult entry is 70,000 VND (about $2.70). Children under 15 enter free, and students with ID may receive a discount.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted throughout the courtyards. Visitors should avoid blocking altars and be respectful of worshippers in the sanctuary.
Is it worth visiting with kids?
Children can enjoy the ponds, gardens and turtle-topped steles, and under-15s enter free. Younger children may lose interest in the historical detail after an hour.