Temple of Literature

The original uploader was Chuoibk at English Wikipedia. · CC BY-SA 3.0

Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070, with 82 doctoral stelae mounted on stone tortoises.

In 1070 Emperor Ly Thanh Tong founded the Temple of Literature to honour Confucius; six years later the Imperial Academy opened beside it and became Vietnam's first university, training the country's officials for seven centuries. The site unfolds through five courtyards linked by brick gates, each quieter than the last. In the third stands the square Thien Quang well, flanked by 82 doctoral stelae on stone tortoises — each recording the names of one examination's laureates, now inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World. Students still come before exams, and each Lunar New Year calligraphers set up along the outer wall.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Temple of Literature?

Autumn (September to November)

How much does it cost to visit Temple of Literature?

70,000₫

How long do you need at Temple of Literature?

1 - 2 hours

What are the opening hours of Temple of Literature?

08:00 - 17:00

Did you know

The temple was founded in 1070 under Emperor Ly Thanh Tong.
The Imperial Academy served as the first national university from 1076 to 1779.
Its 82 doctoral stelae on stone tortoises entered UNESCO's Memory of the World in 2010.
The complex includes Van Lake, five inner courtyards and the Giam garden.
In 1803 the academy moved to the new Nguyen capital at Hue.

Travel tips

Arrive before 8:30am to beat the tour groups and get the courtyards empty.
Visit near Lunar New Year for the calligraphers' street along the outer wall.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Literature,_Hanoi

Updated: 2026-08-06