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Temple of Literature

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Temple of Literature

Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070, with five peaceful courtyards, ponds and stone steles.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1–2 hours
Entry
Paid (small fee)
Best time
Morning
Area
Dong Da

Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070, with peaceful courtyards.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi

  • Taxi: About 10 minutes from the Old Quarter.
  • Entrance: Main gate on Quoc Tu Giam Street.
  • Time: Allow about an hour.

The story of the Temple of Literature

Built in 1070 to honour Confucius, the temple soon became the Imperial Academy, where future officials studied. It is considered the first national university of Vietnam.

In the third courtyard, 82 stone steles on the backs of stone turtles list the names of graduates of royal exams from the 15th to 18th centuries. Students still visit before exams to pray for luck.

Best time to visit

Best season

October to April.

Best time of day

Early morning, before school groups.

Graduation season

In spring and summer, students come in gowns for photos.

Tips before you go

  • Go early before school groups arrive.
  • Walk through all five courtyards in order.
  • Look for the Khue Van Cac pavilion, a symbol of Hanoi.

Best hotels near the Temple of Literature

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Historic 1901 hotel near the Opera House.

See prices

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

Rooms over the water of West Lake.

See prices

Pan Pacific Hanoi

Tower hotel with lake views.

See prices
All hotels near the Temple of Literature

What's around the Temple of Literature

  • Hanoi Train Street10 minutes by taxi.
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum10 minutes by taxi.
  • Fine Arts MuseumAcross the street.
  • Old Quarter10 minutes by taxi.

Questions travellers ask

When was the Temple of Literature built?

In 1070.

What are the steles?

Stone records of royal exam graduates.

How long does a visit take?

About an hour.

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Travel Plan · Temple of Literature Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure · Contact us