Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam becomes the home to myriad historical and attractive tourist destinations. For those who are keen on exploring ancient buildings and unique values of history and architecture, head to the Temple of Literature to gain a first-hand experience of the first and oldest university of Vietnam. For a hassle-free and secure exploration of Vietnam, reputable Vietnam tour companies can provide valuable insights into local practices, ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
An overview
The Temple of Literature is a living witness to thousands of years of civilization of Vietnamese people. This used to be the place where the most outstanding students of the country studied to become excellent and helpful people devoting their talent to the development of the country. At the contemporary time, the Temple of Literature has become one of the top tourist attractions in Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular.
A long history
Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a Confucian temple, the Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius along with the flourish of the Confucianism. This heartland of the royal Thang Long capital city was chosen as an academic training place for those of noble birth. However, after being aware of the importance of education in preserving and developing the country, in 1442, King Ly Thanh Tong started to recruit gifted students all over the nation to come and study not only Confucianism but also poetry as well as literature.
After existing for thousands of years along with ups and downs of Vietnam’s history from ancient dynasties of Vietnam to the French colonial, the Temple of Literature still preserves its own profound human values, which reflects educational vision and the concerted effort to promote the education development of the country with thousands of years of civilization.
Highlights of the Temple of Literature
Amidst the hustling and bustling atmosphere of busy Hanoi’s streets, the peaceful and tranquil Temple of Literature stays solemn. Visitors to this serene place will be mesmerized by delicately unique architecture.
Enter the main gate of the Temple of Literature, you can feel the solemn with four major pillars. Spreading over an area of 54,331 square meters, the place makes a deep impression on visitors, especially first-timers in Vietnam for uninterrupted green trees with hundreds of years old. The temple was divided into five distinct areas with two main vestiges including Literature worship Confucius and Chu Van An- Quoc Tu Giam career. The first area leads to the entrance with unique architectural gate which consists of dragon of the Nguyen Dynasty. The second one is represented with Khue Van Cac- architecture constructed in 1085 under the reign of Nguyen Dynasty with 2 floors and 8 roots. For a long time, Khue Van Cac has been a familiar area for holding poetry competition. The third area is dotted with a beautiful lake called Thien Quang Tinh surrounded by two gardens. Step into the fourth area, you will encounter Bai Duong Van Mieu and the last area is the old Temple of Literature where competition to select talented people for the country in the past.
Things to do and see in the Temple of Literature
Visit the Temple of Literature and immerse yourself in a wide variety of art performances in this place including traditional art performance, traditional dance music and ethnic music performance which will be served at tourists’ request and demand. Moreover, visitors to the relic will have an opportunity to take photos with artists and performers here. Moreover, those visiting Literature worship Confucius should light an incense stick to show respect to Confucius.
How to get there?
Located in 58 Van Mieu street, Dong Da district, Hanoi, which is 2.5 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, it is easy to approach the place. You can choose to go by public transportation such as bus or taxi or even your own vehicles if you have.
If you want to travel on your own, from Hoan Kiem Lake, you move along Trang Thi Street then turn to Cua Nam and go along Nguyen Khuyen Street to approach the Temple of Literature in Van Mieu Street.
Additional information:
Opening hours:
- From November to March: 8am to 5pm
- The rest of the year: 7:30am to 6pm.
Ticket prices (for both domestic and foreign visitors equally)
- Adults: 20,000 VND
- Children: 10,000 VND
There are millions of interesting things in the Temple of Literature waiting out there to be explored. Do not hesitate to plan a trip to get the taste of the first and oldest university of Vietnam.
