Tran Bien Temple of Literature

Lam Tr Th · CC BY-SA 3.0

The first temple of literature in the southern realm, founded in 1715.

In 1715, barely a century after Vietnamese settlers opened up the Dong Nai country, the Nguyen lords founded the Tran Bien Temple of Literature — the first in the south, asserting that the new land had letters as well as fields and rivers. Destroyed in the war and rebuilt in 1998 from surviving records, it now has a tiled ceremonial hall, the Tinh Quang pond, a small Khue Van pavilion and a garden of scholars' statues. Inside are tablets to Confucius and to Vietnamese men of letters, with a bay reserved for sons of Dong Nai such as Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Trinh Hoai Duc and Bui Huu Nghia.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Tran Bien Temple of Literature?

November to April

How long do you need at Tran Bien Temple of Literature?

1 hour

What are the opening hours of Tran Bien Temple of Literature?

07:00 - 17:00

Did you know

Founded in 1715, it was the first temple of literature in the southern realm.
Destroyed during the war and rebuilt in 1998.
It honours Confucius alongside Vietnamese men of letters.
The grounds include the Tinh Quang pond, a ceremonial hall and a statue garden.

Travel tips

Come late in the day, when the grounds are cool and quiet.
Combine with Buu Long and Cu Lao Pho nearby.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Văn_miếu_Trấn_Biên

Updated: 2026-08-06