Temple of Literature
Founded in 1070 and converted five years later into Vietnam's first national university. Five walled courtyards run back from the entrance to the old lecture hall, past a pond and the 82 surviving stone stelae recording the names of doctoral graduates from 1442 to 1779 — a UNESCO Memory of the World inscription.
About Temple of Literature
Founded in 1070 and converted five years later into Vietnam's first national university. Five walled courtyards run back from the entrance to the old lecture hall, past a pond and the 82 surviving stone stelae recording the names of doctoral graduates from 1442 to 1779 — a UNESCO Memory of the World inscription.
Temple of Literature is one of the places most visitors to Hanoi make time for. A thousand-year-old capital that still runs on plastic stools, motorbike horns and the smell of charcoal — and the natural first stop for the north.
Before you go: Go first thing. It is a graduation-photo destination for Hanoi students, and by late morning the inner courtyards are full of gowns and tripods.
Read the full Hanoi travel guideOther places in Hanoi
Planning to visit Temple of Literature?
Open the destination guide, or pull it up on a map.
Vietnam travel tips, once a week
New guides, seasonal advice and the occasional route we think is underrated — straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.