Devoted to the Chinese ancient teacher and philosopher Confucius, Temple of Literature & National University houses the first university of Vietnam founded in the 11th century. Constructed under Ly Thanh Tong dynasty in the typical Vietnamese traditional architectural style--from wood and tiles--the temple features five historic courtyards. See the statues representing the ancient teacher and his honored disciples, the 82 stelas commemorating notable scholars, and a small collection of student and mandarin traditional uniforms. Walk the lanes planted with century-old trees and look for a tortoise head--you can see students rubbing it for good luck before taking exams. Plan to visit Temple of Literature & National University and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Hanoi attractions using our Hanoi road trip planner.
Create an itinerary including Temple of Literature & National University

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Temple of Literature & National University Tours
Temple of Literature & National University Reviews
-
Nice place to see the ancient education system in Vietnam. They have audio guide offered at the ticket gate. I noticed a lot of young Vietnamese people come here to pay respect and pray in front of Co... more »
-
Сегодня была приятно удивлена, узнав, что во Вьетнаме первый университет был основан в 1070 году нашей эры. Где преподавали философию Конфуция и много другого. Сохранились до нас огромные плиты с иеро... more »
Today had been pleasantly surprised to learn that in Vietnam the first University was founded in 1070 a.d. Where taught Confucius philosophy and much more. We survived huge plates with hieroglyphs, so passed knowledge and retains data on graduates of the University. Many statues and pagodas, water pools where Lotus Blossom. Statue of Confucius and moulded bronze bird Phoenix thing my impression from visiting this place.View original -
The temple was built about 1000 years ago to train scholars to work as mandarins in local government and was Vietnam's first university. Dedicated to Confucius it contains 82 carved stelae with the na... more »
-
One of the most beautiful and photography-worthy temples in Vietnam. However, when I went it started bucketing down rain and the area started to flood, meaning people could not enter or exit without taking their shoes off. That doesn't detract from the attraction as it is beautiful, but just keep that in mind if it is forecast to rain on your visit. You may want to consider wearing sandals or similar just in case. The only downside is that there are very few English signs around if you are not a Vietnamese local. They do sell audio guides, though a few tourists I spoke to mentioned they were not fantastic. I'd suggest researching the place before you go so that you can appreciate the gardens, stone tablets, etc more during your visit.
-
The location of this place is an advantage for those wanting to visit other famous places inside the central area. They offer a discount price for student at the ticket price of 15,000 VND, so if you are a student, bring your student ID card to get the discount. Honestly, this place is not that much attractive like on the advertisement. The environment is green but the majority of the construction is rebuilt so the historic characteristics are not well remained. No parking area for car, but might be available for bike. However, the bus system is very supportive if you travel inside the center. There is one bus system in front of this place and they also offer discount for student.
-
Hanoi Temple of Literature is the first historical and cultural architecture complex of Hanoi capital as well as Vietnam country. In 1076, the Kinh Ly Nhan Tong allowed to build the Royal college with the purpose as the first university of Vietnam, this architecture was located behind the Temple of Literature, in the first periods this university is just used for the princes, the royals, the gentlemen until 1232 the Temple of Literature has been opened more and selected the locals and persons who learn well to take part in the exams at here. The architecture complex of Hanoi Temple of Literature is situated on the total area around 54331m2. Now a day, in front of Hanoi Temple of Literature still contain a large lake and this lake is called Van Chuong Lake, the old name was still called Thai Ho. This lake looks as a mirror, there are a lot of the different and big trees around the lake so that the tourist will feel very cool and comfortable once walking to this lake in the first time. Hanoi Temple of Literature is located in the center of Hanoi capital, this famous and historical site is mentioned very clearly on Hanoi travel map so that it is very easy for the tourist to find and visit this site from anywhere in Hanoi. Hanoi Temple of Literature is also the proud of Hanoi an as well as all Vietnamese, so that you should not miss to visit this famous destination once travel to Hanoi.
-
It is the oldest University building in Vietnam. The guider audio tour in English is really good. It has detailed information about the history and events of the place. Also there are cultural explanations.
-
One of my favourite place to visit whenever I am in Hanoi! This place has a peaceful and tranquil settings where you can get a gist of life of a scholar in the past.
Places to stay near Temple of Literature & National University
Plan your trip to Hanoi
-
Get a personalized plan
A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences -
Customize it
Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules -
Book it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off -
Manage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Popular things to do in Hanoi
View all >Duration: 3h
Duration: 3h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Museums in Hanoi
View all >Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 1h 30min
Hidden gems in Hanoi
©
Duration: 4h
©
Duration: 8h
©
Duration: 4h
©
Duration: 4h 30min
Shopping in Hanoi
View all >Duration: 30min
Duration: 2h 30min
Duration: 4h
Duration: 1h 30min
Nearby attractions in Hanoi
Duration: 1h 30min
Duration: 3h 30min
Duration: 4h
Duration: 8h
Featured attractions
Duration: 4h
Duration: 4h
Duration: 8h
Duration: 30min
Plans to Temple of Literature & National University by other users
14 days in Vietnam
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
March, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular sights
PREFERENCES: March, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
7 days in Vietnam
BY A USER FROM ESTONIA
January, popular sights
PREFERENCES: January
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
15 days in Vietnam, Bhutan & Siem Reap
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
December, teens, popular sights
PREFERENCES: December, teens
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
10 days in Vietnam
BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE
March, popular sights
PREFERENCES: March
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
10 days in Vietnam
BY A USER FROM INDIA
March, popular sights
PREFERENCES: March
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
14 days in Vietnam, Sen Monorom & Siem Reap
BY A USER FROM ITALY
June, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular sights
PREFERENCES: June, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
27 days in Asia & South Pacific
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
October, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, popular sights
PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
17 days in Vietnam
BY A USER FROM VIETNAM
June, popular sights
PREFERENCES: June
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
23 days in Asia
BY A USER FROM INDIA
August, culture, outdoors, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular sights
PREFERENCES: August, culture, outdoors, romantic, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
8 days in Vietnam
BY A USER FROM INDIA
December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, popular sights
PREFERENCES: December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
8 days in Vietnam
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
March, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, popular sights
PREFERENCES: March, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
13 days in Vietnam
BY A USER FROM PHILIPPINES
April, culture, outdoors, romantic, historic sites, popular sights
PREFERENCES: April, culture, outdoors, romantic, historic sites
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
View more plans
Are you the owner of this business?
Click here for promotion tips.