Not only is it a famous cultural site, the Temple of Literature is also one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Hanoi. With its unique architecture and peaceful space, it attracts millions of tourists every year. Let’s learn more about this famous place with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is the Temple of Literature?
The Temple of Literature is located in the south of the Thang Long citadel. It is currently at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is intersects with 4 bustling streets: Nguyen Thai Hoc, Van Mieu, Quoc Tu Giam and Ton Duc Thang. You need to pay attention because there are many one-way streets around the Temple of Literature.
2. How is the Temple of Literature unique?
The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam is the first national school in Vietnam. It has trained many generations of talented people for Vietnam. The Temple of Literature worships 3 wise kings of the nation: Ly Thanh Tong, Ly Nhan Tong and Le Thanh Tong.
Moreover, the relic site is a “mirror” reflecting the spirit of studiousness, respect for talented people and the tradition of studiousness of the Vietnamese people. The Temple of Literature is a famous and typical Confucian relic with great value in terms of art – aesthetics – architecture.
When visiting here, you will admire many valuable documents and artifacts. In particular, the 82 doctoral steles – artifacts that were recognized by UNESCO as “World Documentary Heritage”.
Currently, the Temple of Literature has become an extremely interesting cultural tourist destination. With its cultural and historical values, in 1962, the government ranked this place as a National Monument.
3. History of the formation and development of the Temple of Literature
- In 1070, the Temple of Literature was built under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. Initially, this was a place to worship the Four Nobles, Confucius, and Zhou Gong.
- In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong built the Temple of Literature right next to it, which was a place to teach the king’s children and noble families.
- During the reign of King Tran Thai Tong, he renamed this place as the National Academy, accepting to teach the children of ordinary people with outstanding talents.
- In the King Le Thanh Tong’s reign, the Temple of Literature began to erect steles of those who passed the doctoral exams.
- During the Nguyen Dynasty, people established a new Quoc Tu Giam in Hue. Then, they renovated and later renamed Temple of Literature in Hanoi.
- In 1947, the French colonialists fired cannons, collapsing the house, leaving only the foundation, four stone inscriptions, and two pillars.
4. Unique architecture of the Temple of Literature
This complex of relics is about 54,331m2 wide, including many diverse works such as: Ho Van, Van Mieu, Quoc Tu Giam, Giam garden, Khue Van Cac, … Surrounding the campus are brick walls stained with time.
Covering the Temple of Literature is the architecture of the early Nguyen Dynasty. The main areas are arranged symmetrically in each area, each layer according to the traditional North – South axis.
In front of the Temple of Literature is a large lake – it called Ho Van. From the main gate there are four pillars, on the left and right sides there are “Ha Ma” stele and the high walls surrounded this area.
In addition, the Temple of Literature is divisive into 5 distinct areas separated by walls and to enter each inner area. You will have to go through a system of doors including a main door and two side doors on both sides.
5. When is the best time to visit the Temple of Literature?
When visiting the Temple of Literature, you can choose any time of the year. According to the experience of those who have traveled to Hanoi before, you should go in the spring to ask for calligraphy from the scholars, praying for a lucky and successful year.
The Temple of Literature has become a famous tourist destination in Hanoi. The Temple of Literature is open every day of the week, including holidays, to serve the needs of visitors.
- Monday – Friday: Open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.
- Saturday & Sunday: From 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Seasonal opening hours:
- In the summer (from April 15 to October 15), the Temple of Literature opens to visitors from 7:30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.
- In the winter (from October 16 to April 14 of the following year), you can visit the Temple of Literature from 8am to 6pm.
Therefore, you should arrange your time appropriately to have the most suitable trip.
6. How to get to the Temple of Literature?
Located in a prime location 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. Therefore, visitors can easily get to the Temple of Literature in the following ways:
- Bus: if you use the bus, you can choose routes 02, 23, 38, 25, 41 to get off at the nearest stop and then walk to the Temple of Literature.
- Taxi, motorbike: if you want to move quickly and conveniently, taxi or motorbike taxi service is a good choice. With the popularity of taxi and motorbike services in Hanoi, you can easily search and book a trip to visit and explore the Temple of Literature. However, to avoid security risks and ensure reasonable prices. You should pay attention to choosing reputable and reliable services.
- Double-decker bus: this is a fairly new means of transport, having just appeared in recent years. Visiting the Temple of Literature and other famous places and relics of Hanoi by double-decker bus service, visitors will have extremely interesting experiences.
- Traveling by personal vehicle: traveling by personal vehicle will help you be proactive about time as well as be able to explore many other destinations on the Hanoi tourist map. To find the most suitable route, avoid encountering one-way roads or traffic jams, you should research and look up the map or ask local people.
7. Sightseeings at the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature belongs to the system of special National Monuments of Vietnam. With a long history and culture, the relic site is an attractive destination with many sightseeing coordinates.
7.1 Van Mieu Mon
Van Mieu Mon is the Tam Quan gate outside the relic site. The Temple of Literature consists of 3 doors and 2 floors. The upper floor has the words “Van Mieu Mon” in ancient Chinese characters. In front of the Tam Quan gate are two steles on both sides with the four pillars of the gate in the middle. Especially, the Temple of Literature exudes a solemn and dignified look.
7.2 Van Lake and Giam Garden
Van Lake is also famous as Giam Lake or Minh Duong Lake. The lake is located right in front of the gate of the Temple of Literature relic site. Van Lake is quite large, in the middle of the lake is Kim Chau hill. On the hill is Phan Thuy Duong – where ancient Confucian scholars used to comment on literature.
In addition, it located on the west wall of the Temple of Literature, Giam Garden is home to an octagonal house, a lake, bonsai trees and many other miniatures. The garden is a place for sightseeing, relaxation and attractive cultural activities.
7.3 Dai Trung Mon
Dai Trung Mon is the second gate of the Temple of Literature relic site. This building consists of 3 rooms, built on a high brick foundation with fish-tail tiles designed in the style of an ancient communal house roof.
In front and behind the Dai Trung Mon area is an extremely large space with long parallel roads, trees, grass, and a spacious lake. All create a quiet, peaceful scene in the middle of the bustling Hanoi.
7.4 Khue Van Cac
Khue Van Cac was built in 1805 by Governor Nguyen Van Thanh under the Nguyen Dynasty. This is a square 8-roofed building nearly 9 meters high with 4 upper roofs and 4 lower roofs. Khue Van Cac locates on a square ground, each side is about 6.8m long. This building impresses with its super unique ancient-style architecture.
In particular, the lower floor has 4 square brick pillars with elaborate carvings. The upper floor is painted with gold, with 2 layers of brilliant red tiled roofs overlapping each other. The round windows on the attic create a highlight, like a shining Khue star.
7.5 Doctoral Steles Garden and Thien Quang Well
The Doctoral Garden is a must-see attraction at the Temple of Literature. The 82 doctoral steles here are extremely sophisticated sculptures with spiritual significance.
Especially, these steles are placed on the backs of stone turtles, on which are recorded the information of 82 valedictorians in many dynasties of Vietnam. On March 9, 2010, these 82 stone steles were recognized by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage.
Thien Quang well is located next to the doctoral steles area and right behind Khue Van Cac. The well is square in shape, symbolizing the ground. The well is also famous as Ao Van. The ancients built this structure with the intention of receiving all the quintessence of the universe, illuminating knowledge.
7.6 Khai Thanh Temple
Located at the end of the relic site is Khai Thanh Temple. This place worships the parents of Confucius – Thuc Luong Ngoc & Nhan Thi. Previously, Khai Thanh Temple was a residential area with 150 rooms for students. In 1946, the French colonialists bombarded Khai Thanh Temple, completely destroying the building. Later, they rebuilt and presered this temple to this day.
7.7 Dai Bai Duong – Dai Thanh Mon
Dai Thanh Mon is a building with 3 tiled rooms, 2 sturdy porch columns in front and behind. Through Dai Thanh Mon is Dai Bai Duong (worshiping area). In Dai Bai, there are many valuable horizontal lacquered boards, incense altars, a pair of ancient cranes and a large bell cast in Canh Hung year 1768. Dai Bai Duong consists of 9 rooms, where rituals took place during the spring and autumn sacrifices in ancient times.
8. Activities and experiences at the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature possesses a rich traditional culture and interesting historical values. This place has become a super attractive destination with many attractive activities:
- Participating in the poetry festival held on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year.
- Asking for calligraphy at the beginning of the year at the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy.
- Burning incense to pray for high scores in exams.
- Exploring and learning about the architecture, history, and artifacts displayed at the Temple of Literature.
- Checking in with ancient virtual living corners, …
The Temple of Literature is also a place to honor excellent students. On Tet holiday, many traditional and folk activities will take place here, helping to preserve traditional cultural features.
9. Enjoying Hanoi specialties when visiting the Temple of Literature
9.1 Fried spring rolls
A famous dish that is always present during Tet holiday of the people of Northern Vietnam. That you cannot miss in the list of spring rolls in Hanoi. It is fried spring rolls. People wrapped spring rolls with ingredients including: meat, eggs, papaya, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms,…Then they must fry to be able to eat.
After frying, the spring rolls are golden brown on the outside. The ingredients inside are just ripe and cut into bite-sized and hot pieces for diners to enjoy.
9.2 Hanoi Pho
Hanoi Pho is famous as the “national soul” of Vietnamese cuisine. The dish carries the “sacred soul” of Vietnam, which is the perfect blend of delicious, rich broth with sweet beef and chewy pho noodles. Add a little green onion, herbs, lemon and chili and you will be amazed by the many layers of flavor in the traditional pho dish.
9.3 Hanoi Bun Cha
Hanoi Bun Cha is a dish that you must try once in your life. This specialty “causes nostalgia” for tourists with its soft, white noodles, sweet and sour fish sauce and fragrant grilled meat and grilled sausage. A hot bowl of vermicelli with grilled pork served with raw vegetables and bean sprouts is truly incomparable.
9.4 Bun Oc
Bun Oc is one of the classic delicious dishes of Hanoi street food. Bun Oc has the sour taste of vinegar. The crunchy and rich taste of snails, served with fried tofu, raw vegetables,…Making bun oc is not difficult, but a delicious bowl of bun is still a secret of each person. Depending on the taste of each restaurant, there will be a different flavor, but all are delicious bowls of bun oc, typical of this cultural land.
9.5 Pho Roll
When talking about Hanoi’s capital cuisine, you certainly cannot miss the Pho Roll. Which is cut into square pieces and rolled with herbs and extremely delicious beef. Then, they dipped pho rolls in a very flavorful diluted fish sauce.
10. Accommodation when traveling to the Temple of Literature
When visiting the Temple of Literature, you can refer to some of the following accommodations.
- Hanoi Crocus Homestay. Address: 30 Le Duan, Temple of Literature, Dong Da, Hanoi.
- Grand Mercure Hanoi. Address: 9 Cat Linh Ward, Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi.
- Hanoi Emotion. Address: 26 28 Ng. Hang Bot, Cat Linh, Dong Da, Hanoi.
- A25 Hotel. Address: 88 Nguyen Khuyen Ward, Temple of Literature, Dong Da, Hanoi.
- Lighthouse & Rooftop Hotel. Address: 26 Ng. 62 Tran Quy Cap Ward, Temple of Literature, Dong Da, Hanoi.
- Pullman Hanoi Hotel. Address: Str Entrance, 40, 61 Giang Vo Street, Dong Da, Hanoi.
11. Some important notes when visiting the Temple of Literature
To make your tour in Hanoi visit to the Temple of Literature meaningful and complete. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:
- Absolutely do not smoke or bring flammable materials in the Temple of Literature.
- Only offer incense and burn only 1 incense stick in the designated place.
- Walk lightly, speak softly, and keep the environment clean.
- People allowed photography but do not make noise that affects the worship area.
- Bring cash to buy tickets because the ticket office does not accept card payments.
- Do not damage the exhibits, do not write, draw, stand or sit on them, do not rub the turtle’s head, the Doctor’s stele, and other exhibits
- When coming to a solemn place, everyone should choose polite, neat, and clean clothes. Do not wear skirts or pants that are too short or revealing.
- Do not perform superstitious activities, fraud, or gambling in the Temple of Literature.
- You should not bring food or drinks into the Temple of Literature,…
With its long cultural history and unique architectural works, the Temple of Literature is definitely an attractive tourist destination. That you cannot miss on your journey to explore the capital of Hanoi. This place is not only a valuable cultural heritage but also a treasure trove of knowledge and the quintessence of traditional education of the Vietnamese people.
Contact Origin Vietnam immediately – the leading tour operator in Vietnam. In order to get updates and useful information about other beautiful destinations as well as attractive Vietnam tour schedules. We committed to bringing you the best experiences on your upcoming vacation.
