Founded in 1070 as a temple to Confucius and expanded in 1076 into Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam's first national university, this walled complex of five successive courtyards trained mandarins for more than seven centuries. Its best-known feature is the set of 82 stone stelae mounted on tortoise backs, each inscribed with the names of doctoral graduates from examinations held between 1442 and 1779; UNESCO added them to the Memory of the World register in 2010. The rear courtyards hold the Confucian sanctuary and a reconstructed Thai Hoc hall honouring the scholars and emperors associated with the academy.
The Temple of Literature, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, stands at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street in Dong Da district, about two kilometres west of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was founded in 1070 as a temple to Confucius and in 1076 expanded into Quoc Tu Giam, the country's first national university, which trained mandarins for more than seven centuries. The walled complex is arranged in five successive courtyards, each separated by a gate, and the layout leads visitors from a quiet garden entrance toward the sanctuary at the rear.
The best-known feature is the set of 82 stone stelae in the third courtyard, each mounted on the back of a stone tortoise and inscribed with the names of doctoral graduates from examinations held between 1442 and 1779. UNESCO added the stelae to its Memory of the World register in 2010. Around them stand the Khue Van Cac pavilion, a graceful wooden gate structure that has become a symbol of Hanoi, and the Thien Quang well, a square pool bordered by walkways. The rear courtyards hold the Confucian sanctuary with altars to Confucius and his disciples, and the reconstructed Thai Hoc hall honouring the scholars and emperors associated with the academy.
The site is calm compared with the surrounding streets, with old trees, incense smoke and pavilions with tiled roofs. A visit takes one to two hours. Visitors often see students touching the heads of the tortoises for good luck before examinations, and graduation season in May and June fills the courtyards with photo shoots in traditional dress, which is colourful but crowded. Traditional music and calligraphy demonstrations are sometimes held on the grounds.
Opening hours are usually 08:00 to 17:00 daily, extended to 07:30 to 17:30 from mid-April to mid-October. Tickets are 70,000 VND for adults and 35,000 VND for students, with children under 16 free. The site is best at opening, before school and tour groups arrive, and again late in the afternoon when light is softer. Modest dress is expected, and visitors should avoid touching the stelae themselves, which are fragile.
| Admission | 70,000 VND (~$2.69) adults; 35,000 VND (~$1.35) students; under 16 free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 08:00-17:00; 07:30-17:30 from 15 April to 15 October; evening light-and-sound sessions run on selected nights |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | At opening, before school groups arrive; graduation season in May and June fills the courtyards with photo shoots |
| Getting there | Grab car from the Old Quarter about 50,000-70,000 VND (~$1.92-2.69); city buses 02, 23, 38 and 41 stop nearby |
| Address | 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da, Hanoi |
Location
58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da, Hanoi
21.0274, 105.8354 View on map
Highlights
- See the 82 doctoral stelae on stone tortoises, a UNESCO Memory of the World listing
- Photograph the Khue Van Cac pavilion
- Walk the five courtyards from garden entrance to the Confucian sanctuary
- Visit the Thai Hoc hall honouring scholars and emperors
- Watch graduation photo shoots in May and June
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening to avoid school and tour groups
- Tickets are 70,000 VND for adults and 35,000 VND for students; under 16 free
- Do not touch the stelae, which are fragile; touching the tortoise heads is a local custom, but ask staff first
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered
- Allow one to two hours and add the nearby Fine Arts Museum if time allows
When to visit
Go at opening on a weekday morning for the quietest courtyards. Graduation season in May and June is colourful but crowded.
Accessibility
Paths are mostly flat, paved or gravel, and courtyards are connected by gateways with low thresholds, so much of the site is accessible to wheelchair users with some assistance. Certain halls have steps.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
One to two hours is typical, allowing time for all five courtyards and the stelae.
What is the entrance fee?
Adults pay 70,000 VND, students 35,000 VND, and children under 16 enter free.
What are the stelae?
They are 82 stone tablets on tortoise bases recording doctoral graduates from exams between 1442 and 1779, and are on the UNESCO Memory of the World register.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally permitted in the courtyards. Visitors should be respectful in the sanctuary and avoid blocking worshippers.
Tours and tickets
Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam)
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