The Temple of Literature is one of the main historical monuments in the wider centre of Hanoi. The complex, also known as Văn Miếu–Quốc Tử Giám, consists of a series of interconnected courtyards, gardens and traditional pavilions.

I particularly enjoyed it here because of the pleasant atmosphere and the shade.

However, I wasn’t exactly blown away: if you’ve visited the temples in Bangkok or Kyoto, don’t expect the Temple of Literature to offer a comparable spectacle.

In my opinion, it’s worth a quick visit, but it’s best to keep your expectations in check.

What you’ll see inside

The temple was built in 1070 in honour of Confucius. Six years later, the imperial academy Quốc Tử Giám was founded here, considered to be Vietnam’s first university.

During the tour, you will walk through the various courtyards, eventually reaching the temple halls and the grounds of the former academy.

Particularly noteworthy are the Khuê Văn Các pavilion, the Thiên Quang pond and the stone steles commemorating successful graduates of the imperial examinations.

For me, the greatest charm lay in simply strolling amongst the pavilions and greenery. It took me about 20 minutes to walk through the whole complex. For a standard visit, I’d set aside about half an hour.

For me, however, the most striking structure is the southern entrance gate, which you’ll also see in most photographs of the Temple of Literature.

Admission and opening hours

• 💰 Admission: 70 000 vnd per adult; children under 16 go free.
• 💵 Payment: at the time of my visit, cash only.
• 🕒 Opening hours: daily 8.00–17.00.

You can also find the admission price and opening hours on the official website of the Temple of Literature.

How to get to the Temple

The entrance is at 58 Quốc Tử Giám, west of the Old Quarter. It is approximately 2 km from Hoan Kiem Lake; allow around half an hour for the walk, depending on where you set off from.

You can also get there comfortably by Grab. You’ll find details in the section on Transport in Hanoi.

You can combine your visit with a trip to the Thang Long Citadel, or continue on to Hoa Lo Prison.

Where to stay

If you’re planning to explore the city, I recommend choosing accommodation in the Old Quarter or its surroundings. You can find specific tips and my own experiences in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’.

I found the WECOZY apartments on Train Street to be just right. I had a large, clean and modern flat there with a kitchenette and a microwave, and it was well-located for walks around the city centre.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hanoi.