Overview of the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is a special historical and cultural relic complex, considered the first university in Vietnam, symbolizing the nation's tradition of studiousness and respect for teachers.

Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam

The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is located in the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam Ward area. The relic was built in 1070 under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, initially as a place to worship Confucius and sages. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong built Quoc Tu Giam next door, officially becoming the first university for aristocratic children and later expanded to talented people throughout the country. This area was the most important education and training center of Vietnam during the feudal period.

The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is one of the country's most important historical relics, where traditional architecture through dynasties is preserved. This complex includes five main areas, notably Khue Van Cac (symbol of Hanoi) and Tien Si Stele Area. The Doctor's Steles (established in 1484) are engraved with the names of those who passed high scores in the imperial examinations, demonstrating the court's respect for talent and the academic tradition. This is an ideal place for tourists to learn about the history of Vietnamese education and show respect to talented people.

Outstanding attractions at Hoa Lo Prison

The Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is a relic complex divided into five areas with unique traditional architecture, each area has a distinct historical and cultural significance.

Khue Van Cac and Thien Quang Well

Thien Quang Well

Khue Van Cac is a two-story square building with unique architecture, a cultural symbol of Hanoi Capital. The work symbolizes the constellation Van Xuong, the main star of literature. Right in front of Khue Van Cac is Thien Quang Well (Sky Illumination Well), built in a square shape, symbolizing earth, opposing heaven, showing the harmony of heaven and earth. The well also has the meaning of illuminating the knowledge and qualities of the learner.

Doctor's Stele Area

Area Doctor's Beer

This area is where the Doctor's Steles are concentrated, built on the backs of stone turtles. A total of 82 stone steles, engraved with the names, hometowns and achievements of 1,307 doctors who passed the Imperial examinations from 1442 to 1779. This is the most precious relic, demonstrating the nation's tradition of respecting teachers and learning. Doctor's Stele is not only a historical document but also a sacred spot, attracting students to learn and pray for luck in their studies.

Dai Thanh Dien and Thai Hoc House

Dai Thanh Dien

Dai Thanh Dien is The central area of the Temple of Literature, where Confucius and Tu Phoi (four excellent students of Confucius) and Confucian sages are worshiped. The palace has solemn architecture and is the place where traditional ceremonies take place. Behind the Dai Thanh Palace is the Thai Hoc House (ancient Quoc Tu Giam), restored. This place worships kings who were instrumental in establishing and developing education, and is where visitors learn about the training and examination process during feudal times.

In addition to the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, the surrounding area also has many places and relics rich in cultural and historical value, creating a rich journey of discovery:

  • Vietnam Fine Arts Museum: Located right near the Temple of Literature, displaying works of painting, sculpture, and handicrafts through the ages.

  • Ho Van: The lake is located right outside the gate of the Temple of Literature, with the Van Mieu architecture, adding a poetic look to the area.

  • Hoa Lo Prison: (Ca Nam Ward, away from Van Mieu). Temple about 1.5 km), a historical relic marking a period of arduous struggle.

  • One Pillar Pagoda: One Pillar Pagoda Street, Ba Dinh Ward (new administrative unit), the pagoda has unique architecture, shaped like a thousand-year-old lotus.

Best time to travel

Visiting the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is an outdoor cultural and architectural experience, so the best time to visit depends on weather factors and traditional events.

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (February to April) are the times when the weather in Hanoi is coolest, driest and most pleasant. This weather condition is ideal for walking and exploring the entire vast campus of the monument. Especially in the spring, the atmosphere at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam becomes more solemn and sacred, when this place often takes place activities to ask for letters and start writing in early spring, attracting a large number of students and tourists.

The time before and after the Lunar New Year (around mid-January to February of the solar calendar) is when the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is most vibrant and rich in cultural significance. This is the season when traditional activities such as asking for Ong Do letters take place in the neighboring Ho Van area. This activity represents the tradition of respecting words, praying for luck, and passing the exam. Visiting on this occasion helps visitors not only admire the architecture but also immerse themselves in the deep traditional cultural atmosphere of Hanoi.

Transportation information

By Air

  • Arrival airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), about 28–32 hours from the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam km.

  • Popular flight route:

    • HCMC (SGN) → Hanoi (HAN) – Flight time about 2 hours.

    • Da Nang (DAD) → Hanoi (HAN) – Flight time is about 1 hour 20 minutes.

    • Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines.

  • Transportation from Noi Bai Airport to the Temple of Literature area:

    • Taxi/Tech vehicle: Travel time is about 40–60 minutes (depending on traffic density), price ranges from 280,000 - 450,000 VND (depending on time and type of vehicle).

    • Public bus (Route 86/86CT): High quality bus route to center, visitors get off at Hanoi Station or Hanoi Post Office and then take a taxi/motorbike taxi a short distance or walk about 1.5 km to the Temple of Literature. Ticket price is about 45,000 VND/way.

By Road and Rail

  • Road route: Tourists from the provinces can take high-quality buses to Hanoi's major bus stations (My Dinh, Giap Bat). From there, you can easily catch a taxi or city bus to get to the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam.

  • Rail route:

    • North - South railway line (Thong Nhat Train SE) stops at Hanoi Station (Hang Co Station).

    • Arrival station: Hanoi Station is located very close to the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, only about 1.5 - 2 km away.

  • Transportation from the Station/Bus station to the Temple of Literature: Taxi, traditional motorbike taxi or technology motorbike taxi.

Moving Around the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam

The Temple of Literature is located in the city center (Ward of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam) and has many bus routes passing by, facilitating travel.

  • Inner City Bus: The Temple of Literature is a stop for many bus routes public (e.g. Route 02, 23, 32, 41), very convenient and low cost. This is the most suitable choice for traveling to explore nearby locations.

  • On foot: Ideal for visiting nearby locations such as the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (nearby), Hoa Lo Prison (about 1.5 km) and Hanoi Railway Station area.

  • Technology Taxi/Xehicle: Suitable for moving to farther locations such as Thang Long Imperial Citadel (about 2.5 km) or Hoan Kiem Lake (about 3 km).

Note: The Temple of Literature area can be crowded on holidays and exam season. Visitors should check opening hours and tour times to avoid traffic jams.

Accommodation information

Luxury (4–5 Stars)

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel is located at 360 Kim Ma Street (in the new Ngoc Khanh Ward), about 3.5 km from the Temple of Literature. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious 5-star hotels in Hanoi, featuring luxurious space, large outdoor swimming pool and classy culinary services. The hotel regularly organizes major events and is the top choice for international visitors. Room prices at Hanoi Daewoo Hotel range from 2,500,000 - 5,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time.

Hanoi Daewoo Hotel

Hotel Apricot Hotel is located at 136 Hang Trong Street (in Hang Trong Ward), about 2.5 km from the Temple of Literature. This is a 5-star hotel with an artistic style, with a design inspired by Indochina architecture. The hotel has beautiful views of Hoan Kiem Lake, a unique art collection and a romantic rooftop bar area. The average room price is about 3,500,000 - 6,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type.

If you want more options for a luxury vacation near the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, you can consider other quality hotels:

  • Grand Vista Hanoi – 146 Giang Vo (Ward) New Giang Vo) - Price about 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 VND/night

  • The Chi Boutique Hotel - No. 16 Hang Dieu (Hoan Kiem Ward) - Price about 1,800,000 - 3,200,000 VND/night

  • Acoustic Hotel & Spa – No. 32 Hang Be Street (Hang Bac Ward) – Price about 2,200,000 – 3,800,000 VND/night

Experience (2–3 Stars)

A25 Hotel is a 3-star hotel chain, with a facility near the Temple of Literature located on Quan Su Street (in Tran Hung Dao Ward). This is a hotel chain famous for its convenience, clean, modern rooms and 24/7 reception service. This type is very suitable for business travelers or those who want to save costs but still ensure quality. Average price is about 700,000 - 1,300,000 VND/night for 2 adults.

Hotel A25 

Hanoi Impressive Hotel located on Bat Dan Street (Hoan Kiem Ward), about 2.5 km from the Temple of Literature. This is a boutique-style 3-star hotel, highly rated for its central location, cozy design and friendly staff. The hotel provides complete amenities and is close to famous dining locations of the Old Quarter.

For travelers who love a cozy space, reasonable cost but still fully equipped, the following places are worth a try:

  • Hanoi Friendly Hotel – No. 1 Hang Dau Street (Hoan Kiem Ward) – Price from 650,000 – 1,000,000 VND/night

  • Hanoi L'Heritage Hotel – No. 10 Hang Be Street (Hang Bac Ward) – Price from 750,000 – 1,400,000 VND/night

  • Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel – No. 33 Bat Dan Street (Hoan Kiem Ward) – Price from 600,000 – 1,100,000 VND/night

Cuisine and festival culture

High-class restaurant

T.U.N.G Dining Restaurant located at 2C Quang Trung Street (in Cua Nam Ward), about 1.5 km from the Temple of Literature. This is one of the leading Fine Dining restaurants in Hanoi, famous for its Tasting Menu that changes seasonally and uses Vietnamese ingredients. The restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, highly appreciated by experts. The average price per person is about 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND (not including drinks).

Restaurant T.U.N.G Dining

Salmonoid Restaurant is located at 32C Cao Ba Quat (in Dien Bien Ward), about 1.5 km from the Temple of Literature. The restaurant specializes in serving European cuisine, focusing on dishes made from salmon and seafood, in a cozy, romantic atmosphere. This is a good choice for diners who want to enjoy high-quality international cuisine. Average price 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person.

Some other high-end/special culinary places you can refer to near the Temple of Literature (1-3 km radius):

  • Vi Quan Restaurant - 16 Phan Boi Chau (Ca Nam Ward): Serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine in an ancient, elegant space. Average price 400,000 - 800,000 VND/person.

  • 4P's Cat Linh Pizza Restaurant - 11B Cat Linh (Giang Vo Ward): Serving famous Japanese Pizza, a favorite international cuisine choice.

Local cuisine method

Pho Thin 13 Lo Duc is one of the most famous pho restaurants in Hanoi, located about 3km from the Temple of Literature. The restaurant is famous for its rare-rolled pho, beef stir-fried under high heat, creating a rich, fatty flavor.

Suggested address:

  • Pho Thin Lo Duc - 13 Lo Duc (Pham Dinh Ho Ward): Famous for its rare-rolled, rich, greasy pho.

  • Bun Rieu Cua Huyen - 24 Quan Su Street (Ca Nam Ward): Traditional crab vermicelli restaurant, sour broth, quick service.

  • Hot Banh Duc Quan Coc - 14 Le Ngoc Han Street (Hai Ba Trung Ward): Hot, soft banh duc with minced meat sauce, lychees Ideal for cold days.

Tea and Coffee Shops: The area surrounding the Temple of Literature also has many long-standing tea and coffee shops. Tho Coffee Shop on Quan Su Street is famous for traditional coffee.

Suggested address:

  • Four Seasons Tea - 4 Hang Can (Hoan Kiem Ward): Specializes in traditional teas, serving all four seasons.

  • Tho Coffee Shop – 112 Quan Su (Ca Nam Ward): Famous for egg coffee and traditional coffee.

  • West Lake Ice Cream Shop – 1 Thanh Nien (Tay Ho Ward): Traditional ice cream, often enjoyed after walking around West Lake.

Cultural Experience & Festivals

Early Spring Letter Asking Association

Ask for the First Spring Letter at the Temple of Literature

This is the most typical cultural event in the Temple of Literature area, usually taking place before and after the Lunar New Year (January-February of the solar calendar). Ong Do (calligraphers) will sit and write in the Van Lake area (right outside the Temple of Literature). This activity represents the tradition of respecting letters, praying for luck, and passing.

Amusement area

Sword Lake and Opera House Area

Hoan Kiem Lake Area (Hoan Kiem Ward) and Hanoi Opera House (Trang Tien Ward) are the largest entertainment centers near the Temple of Literature. The Opera House is a beautiful classical French architecture that regularly hosts concerts, operas and major art events. Visitors can check the performance schedule to experience a night of enjoying top art. The Hoan Kiem Lake area on weekend nights is a vibrant Walking Street, where street entertainment and diverse culinary activities take place.

The area around the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam also has many other attractive entertainment and cultural venues, suitable for tourists who want to relax and explore:

  • Lotte Center (Ngoc Ward) Khanh): Providing a shopping area, cinema, modern children's play area and sky bar (65th Floor).

  • Bat Quan Su Coffee Shop: An area with many coffee shops near the Temple of Literature, where young people often sit, relax, chat and observe the rhythm of urban life.

  • Bars/Pub: Scattered on Ly Thuong Kiet, Hai Ba Trung streets and the surrounding Old Quarter area, providing rich nightlife entertainment services.

  • Vietnam Fine Arts Museum: Located right next to the Temple of Literature, it is a place to display works of art, providing an experience of exploring visual culture.

Suggested tour

Experience tour

Tour Temple of Literature - Honoring the Tradition of Filial piety (2-3 hours)

  • Itinerary: Explore the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam (Khue Van Cac, Doctor's Stele, Dai Thanh Palace) - Visit Van Lake and Ong Do inscription area (early spring) - Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (right near the relic).

  • Transportation: Mainly walking.

  • Reference tour price: 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person (Only includes guide local tour guide, admission ticket not included).

  • Organizer: Groups of guides (Volunteer Guides) or Local Tour.

Family tour

1-Day "Capital Discovery" Tour

  • Itinerary: Temple of Literature - National Tu Giam - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Imperial Citadel of Thang Long (Ba Dinh Ward) - Lunch in the central area - Afternoon visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem Ward). This tour covers the main historical and cultural relics of Hanoi.

  • Transportation: 16–29-seat tourist car.

  • Reference tour price: 750,000 – 950,000 VND/person (including lunch and tour tickets agency).

  • Organizing unit: Travel companies specializing in organizing family tours.

Shopping and Souvenirs

The souvenir shop located right on the premises of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam is the main place for tourists to buy educational and historical gifts. The products here are often miniature models of Khue Van Cac (symbol of Hanoi), book publications, postcards recreating architecture and Doctors' Steles. In particular, visitors can buy gifts with images of Doctors, or handicraft products inspired by traditional patterns, meaning good luck and success.

Souvenir counter in Van Temple

The Temple of Literature is located near areas specializing in handicrafts and fashion in Hanoi. Visitors can walk or take a short trip to Hang Bong Street and Hang Gai Street (in Hoan Kiem Ward) to find silk products, embroidery and exquisite handicrafts. These areas also have many shops selling lacquer paintings, souvenirs and traditional ao dai.

Support information and other information

Regional Security and Police Support

In the vicinity of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, the security system is always guaranteed to serve visitors and residents. The general emergency phone numbers of the city and the nearest ward police agency are important information that visitors should note:

  • Hanoi City Police/Emergency Switchboard:

    • Report/Emergency security support: 113

    • Fire alarm/Fire prevention: 114

    • Emergency: 115

  • Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Ward Police:

    • Address: No. 138 Van Chuong Lane, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi (Address of the ward police agency after restructuring the administrative unit).

    • Support phone: (Visitors should use emergency number 113 for urgent security cases).

>Nearest Medical and Emergency

When in need of emergency medical assistance or examination, visitors should quickly contact the general emergency number 115 and know the large, reputable hospitals near the relic area, especially hospitals in Dong Da District or nearby.

  • Switchboard Emergency: 115

  • Hanoi Dermatology Hospital (Facilities 1 - Nearest):

    • Hotline: 1900 8186

    • Address: 79B Nguyen Khuyen, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District (Located right in the Van Mieu Ward area).

  • Other major nearby hospitals:

    • Dong Da General Hospital (Near)

    • Xanh Pol Hospital (About 2km from the Temple of Literature area)

Contact Information of the Relics and Tourism Management Board

To have the best sightseeing experience and protect tourism rights, visitors can contact the monument management agency directly to have questions about tickets, opening hours, and sightseeing regulations, or contact the national tourism hotline.

  • Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam (General information):

    • Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Weekdays).

    • Sightseeing ticket price: 70,000 VND/adult (Applies to Vietnamese and foreign guests).

    • Preferential/free tickets: 35,000 VND (Vietnamese students, seniors aged 60 and over) and Free (Children under 16 years old).

  • National tourism support hotline:

    • Contact number: 0941 33 66 77

    • Useful for answering questions, consulting on general travel information and receiving feedback.

Hope this support information will help you have a safe journey and a memorable experience at the Temple of Literature!