January
17.3°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Hanoi
Temple of Literature
Vietnam’s first national university, with five courtyards, old stone stelae and quiet gardens.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Entry fee
- 70,000 VND
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
- Best time
- Morning, soon after opening
Overview
The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam) was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s great scholars. It also housed the country’s first national university, so many Vietnamese students still come here for good luck before their exams.
The complex has five courtyards. Walk through the Khue Van Pavilion gate, past the garden with 82 stone stelae on the backs of turtles, and into the last courtyard. Stay for the old trees, the roofs and the calm that you rarely find elsewhere in central Hanoi.
Highlights
- Walk through five courtyards in a line
- See the 82 stone stelae on turtle backs
- Find the Khue Van Pavilion, a symbol of Hanoi
- Watch students in graduation gowns take photos
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily 8:00 – 17:00 (last entry about 16:30) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 70,000 VND |
| Time needed | 1 hour |
| Best time of day | Morning, soon after opening |
| Good for | History fans, photographers, students, couples |
| Accessibility | Mostly flat; uneven stone paths in the courtyards |
| Facilities | Toilets, souvenir shops, small cafe |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hanoi by month.
February
18.3°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.7°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.7°C ~ 82°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.1°C ~ 84°F
20 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.4°C ~ 81°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.1°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
17.9°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
From Hanoi centre
The temple is about 2 km west of Hoan Kiem Lake. A taxi or Grab from the Old Quarter takes 10 minutes, and the walk is about 25 minutes. The entrance is on Quoc Tu Giam street.
Tips before you go
- Arrive at opening time for fewer people and softer light
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees
- Do not touch the stelae or the turtles
- Pair it with the Imperial Citadel and the Mausoleum area on the same day
Location
58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi
About 2 km west of Hoan Kiem Lake
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
How long do I need at the Temple of Literature?
About one hour is enough to walk through all five courtyards at an easy pace.
Who is the temple dedicated to?
It honours Confucius and the scholars of Vietnam. The first national university was also built here.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes, if you like history or want a quiet break from the Old Quarter. It is one of the most peaceful places in the centre.