Temple of Literature Tours

Temple of Literature showing a temple or place of worship as well as a large group of people
Temple of Literature showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and interior views
Temple of Literature which includes a temple or place of worship
Temple of Literature which includes a temple or place of worship and a park
Temple of Literature which includes a garden and a temple or place of worship


Five sacred courtyards, each with a unique history, honorary inscriptions and manicured gardens, revere Confucius and the country’s best scholars.

The Temple of Literature, known as Van Mieu, has honored Vietnam’s intellectual elite for centuries. Originally a university dedicated to Confucius, this historic temple pays homage to the philosopher and the many intellectuals who have contributed to building Vietnam’s scholarly culture. The grounds have a tranquil air, providing a welcome escape from the bustle of the city. Admire the traditional architecture, relax in the gardens and marvel at the historic stelae (honorary inscriptions).

The temple was built in 1070 during the Ly dynasty. When it was first established, only people of noble birth were admitted to the grounds. In 1442 the university opened its doors to receive talented students from across the country. In the 15th century the emperor Le Thanh Thong had commemorative inscriptions made for all who were given a doctorate. Today 82 stelae for 1,307 laureates remain.

Five courtyards reflect the different eras of Vietnamese architecture. Pass by eight tall stelae before entering the first courtyard where you'll see the Great Portico. Walk under the Great Heavenly Gate to the second yard where the 200-year-old Khue Van Cac pavilion stands. This opens to the third yard, known as the Garden of the Stelae. Here see tombstones with the names of honorary doctors. Relax by the Well of Heavenly Clarity and view the inscriptions in the halls.

Confucius is honored in the Courtyard of the Sage. Another well-known teacher, Chu Van An, is also honored and 72 students are recognized. A temple replica and historic photographs are in the fifth yard. In this final courtyard, Thai Hoc, see Vietnam’s first university.

Access the Temple of Literature by taxi or walk there easily from Ba Dinh Square. It is open daily, from morning until afternoon, with the exception of Monday, and is closed during lunch hours. There is an entrance fee. Much of the information is written in Vietnamese, so bring a guidebook or book a tour to fully appreciate the complex.

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Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2

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Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel

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L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi

L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi

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Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
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GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi

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O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa

O'Gallery Premier Hotel & Spa

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Melia Hanoi

Melia Hanoi

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44b Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Temple of Literature

Visiting the Temple of Literature in Hanoi offers a variety of activities, including guided tours, shopping, and leisurely walks through its beautiful gardens. Consider joining a Hanoi night tour for a different perspective of the city, or explore nearby attractions and sightseeing areas. You can also find a meditation center nearby for a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling surroundings, making your visit a well-rounded experience.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots near the Temple of Literature include the Hanoi Old Town Night Market and Dong Xuan Market, both offering vibrant city vibes just 1 mile away. For a family-friendly experience, check out Trang Tien Plaza, also 1 mile away, featuring entertainment options.

Recreation

At My Dinh National Stadium, immerse yourself in energetic sports activities just 5 miles from the Temple of Literature. For golf enthusiasts, King's Island Golf Resort offers a beautiful outdoor setting only 0.4 miles away. Meanwhile, SEVT Park, located 28 miles away, provides a serene space for wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water adventures at Ho Tay Water Park, located 3 miles from the Temple of Literature, where you can enjoy slides and wave pools. For more excitement, visit VinWonders Water Park, located 10 miles away, or Royal Wave Park, 11 miles away, both offering fun-filled family entertainment.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Temple of Literature is vibrant and inviting. Enjoy a captivating performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or the Lotus Water Puppet Theater, both offering cultural experiences just a mile away. For a more extensive entertainment experience, visit Mega Grand World Hanoi, located 11 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Temple of Literature

Your visit to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi promises a rich cultural experience, featuring nearby attractions like museums and cathedrals that cater to various interests. Explore the historical significance of the temple while enjoying outdoor activities and romantic spots in the area. Don't miss the chance to delve into Hanoi's vibrant culture at this iconic site, where the beauty of the Temple of Literature beckons travelers to uncover its stories.

  • St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi: Located 0.8 miles from the Temple of Literature, this stunning neo-Gothic cathedral is a centerpiece of Hanoi's French colonial architecture. Its towering spires and stained glass windows create a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciating local culture.
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Just 0.5 miles away, this monumental mausoleum is dedicated to Vietnam's revolutionary leader. Visitors can pay respects while marveling at its impressive architecture and the surrounding gardens, which reflect the nation's deep cultural heritage.
  • Train Street: Situated 0.3 miles from the Temple of Literature, this vibrant street offers a unique glimpse into daily life as trains pass closely by. The lively ambiance and local cafés along the tracks create an unforgettable city experience.

Best time to go to Temple of Literature

Visitor numbers around Temple of Literature is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Temple of Literature is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. June is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
April77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May82.9°F (28.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June86.2°F (30.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July85.3°F (29.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December64.6°F (18.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Temple of Literature

To save money on your visit to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, plan your trip during the cheaper months of June to July or September. Book hotels at least one month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturday is the least expensive day to stay, while Wednesday is the most costly. Utilize Expedia’s price filters to find budget-friendly accommodations, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Temple of Literature are June to July and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Temple of Literature is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Temple of Literature is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Temple of Literature is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Explore Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best deals and lowest prices, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Temple of Literature with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.