Visit the tranquil 11th-century Confucian temple of literature, Van Mieu, in Vietnam. It now serves as a memorial to outstanding professors from its days as a leading Vietnamese institution. Here, you can stroll around its picturesque halls, pavilions, and sculptures set among peaceful gardens and ponds, and absorb the wealth of knowledge it contains.
Enter the Temple of Literature on your Vietnam trip, sometimes referred to as Van Mieu, a tranquil place where the whispers of age-old knowledge make time seem to stand still. Built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong in 1070, this holy place was one of the first places where people in Vietnam could learn about Confucianism. Walk through its holy rooms, where the names of famous scholars are carved into the walls as a reminder of their lasting influence.
Walking around the huge complex, which covers 54,000 square metres, each corner shows you a new amazing thing. Explore beautiful pavilions that are reflected in calm ponds and well-kept grounds that are perfect for quiet reflection. Take a moment to pause at the shrines where dedicated students continue to pray for success rewards.
The Temple of Literature is more than just a reminder of the past; it's also a living example of Vietnam's rich cultural history. The intimate building that looks like an old Chinese temple gives it a timeless quality, taking you back to a time of learning and spiritual awakening.
Highlights
• Visit the Temple of Literature which has appreciated Vietnam's scholars since 1070, and is originally a Confucian university that symbolises the nation's intellectual heritage.
• Escape the city's hustle in serene gardens and admire traditional architecture where the peaceful ambience invites reflection amidst historic stelae and lush greenery.
• Explore five courtyards representing various Vietnamese architectural styles, stand beneath the Khue Van Cac pavilion or stroll through the Garden of the Stelae's tombstones.
• Delve into Vietnam's scholarly past at the Courtyard of the Sage, honouring Confucius and educator Chu Van An.
• Immerse yourself in Vietnam's academic heritage amid temple replicas and historic photographs and witness the enduring legacy of intellect and learning.
How To Reach
Temple of Literature is located at No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, which is around 3 kilometres from the centre of Hanoi Capital.
1. By Car: If you're travelling from downtown Hanoi, simply head southwest on major roads towards Dong Da District. Drive for about 15 to 20 minutes, covering approximately 3 kilometres, and you'll arrive at the Temple of Literature.
2. By Bus: From various parts of Hanoi, you can hop on local buses to reach the Temple of Literature. For instance, take bus number 4, 2, 38, 23, or 25 from locations like Hoan Kiem Lake or Kim Ma Bus Station. You can get off at the stop nearest to Quoc Tu Giam Street, and it's a 5-10-minute walk to the Temple of Literature.
Best Time To Visit
You can visit Hanoi's Temple of Literature all year round, as its timeless beauty and rich history welcome visitors regardless of the season.
1. Best Day of the Week: When compared to the hectic weekends, the weekdays, particularly Monday through Thursday, provide a more serene atmosphere. If there aren't as many tourists, you can enjoy the temple's peace and learn about its cultural importance without being interrupted.
2. Best Time of the Day: The best time to go is in the early morning, right when the temple opens, between 7:30 AM and 8 AM. You can explore the grounds before the masses arrive, and the peaceful ambience is enhanced by the chilly early air. Use the quiet atmosphere to take beautiful pictures and feel the spiritual energy of this historic place.
Other Essential Information
1. Plan your visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.
2. Arrive early in the morning when the temple opens to beat the crowds.
3. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the expansive grounds.
4. Respect the dress code by dressing modestly, and covering shoulders and knees.
5. Bring water and sunscreen, especially during hot weather.
6. Purchase tickets at the entrance and consider hiring a guide for insightful information.
7. Take your time exploring each courtyard and reading about its historical significance.
8. Be mindful of cultural customs, such as refraining from loud noises or inappropriate behaviour.
9. Capture memories responsibly, respecting the sanctity of the temple.
Admire the first courtyard (Dai Trung Mon)
When you walk through the Great Middle Gate, Dai Trung Mon greets you with a cool green glow. Standing at your sides are the Virtue and Talent Gates, which were designed by Vietnamese aristocracy to honour your academic achievement. A fish on top of these gates represents an old custom that said finding the strongest fish was like finding out what talents a country had. According to legend, some competitions were like the search for smart people who would become government officials. Immerse yourself in the rich Vietnamese tradition and the quest for intellectual excellence in this tranquil courtyard, where history comes alive.
