Temple of Literature: An Honest & Complete Travel Guide [2025]

From peaceful courtyards lined with trees to centuries old stone steles honoring scholars, a visit to the Temple of Literature is not just about seeing a tourist site, it’s about stepping into Vietnam’s intellectual soul.

It was Vietnam’s first national university which is dedicated to Confucius, sages, and scholars, and situated in the center of Hanoi. Away from the chaos of the city, this site gives you a chance to take a break, relax and interact with Vietnamese culture.

The Temple of Literature is rich in culture and history, so let's go over everything you should know before you visit.

30 Sundays Honest Review Process

At 30 Sundays, we keep it real. Our travel guides aren’t sponsored or filtered. What you read here comes from real experiences, human perspectives, and practical tips. We blend honest opinions with cultural context so you know exactly what to expect and what not to.

Table of Contents

• TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews
• What Did Visitors Like?
• What Did Visitors Not Like?
• Pro Tips to Keep in Mind
• The Basic Things to Know About
• Deep Dive into Finer Aspects
• Other Things to Do Near the Temple of Literature
• Hotels Near Temple of Literature
• Restaurants Nearby
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews of the Temple of Literature

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.3 (11,257+ reviews)

• Excellent: 5,154
• Very good: 4,561
• Average: 1,369
• Poor: 125
• Terrible: 48

Most visitors found this place peaceful, historic, and calming, which is a welcome break from Hanoi’s chaos. Visitors recommend this place as it’s the most beautiful spot in the city, but few think it is very crowded during weekends and school tours.

What Did Visitors Like About the Temple of Literature?

Visitors appreciate the history, calmness, quietness, greenery, and lotus ponds of the Temple of Literature. Here’s what makes travelers love this place:

• Quiet Escape: Visitors appreciate the peacefulness of this place as it is away from the city’s chaos. The green gardens, shady paths and lotus ponds offer calmness to the mind. Many say they loved to walk around and take in the beauty of this place. 
• Full of history and meaning: Visitors like this place as it is rich in history and Vietnamese culture. Many appreciate that this site offers learning, patience and wisdom, even if they didn’t know about it before coming here.
• Incredibly photogenic: From the bright red doors to the ancient architecture, people really like how this place is beautiful for the dreamy photos. Visitors find every corner of this place perfect, especially late in the afternoon because of the warm lighting.
• Thoughtful Architecture: The layout follows ancient Confucian principles, leading you through five courtyards, and each has its own meaning. Many visitors felt that the architecture is classic, balanced and peaceful while walking.
• Easy to Enjoy: Even if you are not interested in history or architecture, you can still enjoy this place's greenery, calmness and beauty by spending time to make you feel connected to yourself and nature. People often appreciate the quiet atmosphere and natural beauty.

What Did Visitors Not Like About The Temple of Literature?

Even beautiful places are not perfect. Here’s what our reader did not like about the Temple of Literature:

• Crowded: Some visitors said that it gets crowded in the afternoon and on the weekends when school groups show up. Some found it noisy and chaotic, so it's best if you go early in the morning. You’ll find peace, and it will be quiet.
• Not Enough Storytelling: Many visitors felt that the information was too surface level, so if you are really curious about all the stories behind the Temple of Literature, it’s worth getting a guide for your tour.
• Souvenir Sellers Can Be Pushy: Some visitors said that the vendors outside the temple can be too eager, and if you are not in the mood to shop, it can get annoying. You can be polite and say, “No, thank you,” in a friendly manner.
• Limited Food Stalls Nearby: Some visitors show their disappointment regarding the limited food options near the Temple of Literature. There aren’t many places to grab a snack or drinks.

Pro Tips to Keep in Mind While Visiting the Temple of Literature

There is some great advice provided by our travel experts. Here’s what you should keep in mind while visiting the Temple of Literature:

• Come Early for Peace and Better Photos: Try to arrive by 8 AM because the mornings are cool and the lighting is soft so you can enjoy the temple comfortably and get great photos.
• Hire a Local Guide for the Full Story: The temple is more than just pretty walls; it’s packed with meaning. A good guide can tell you old stories about Vietnamese traditions and culture.
• Dress Code: You should cover your shoulders and knees because it is a sacred place. You can wear light and breathable clothes; they will keep you cool and comfortable and show respect for the space.
• Be respectful: Show your respect to the complex architecture. Don’t climb or sit on the stone turtle structure as they carry the names of the scholars from hundreds of years ago and are seen as the symbol of wisdom and luck. 
• Bring Water and a Hat: It is very humid in the middle of the day, so it's a better option to keep a water bottle and a sun hat with you so you can explore the site without melting.

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The Basic Things to Know About the Temple of Literature

Here are some basic things you should know about the Temple of Literature before visiting:

• Location: It is located at 58 Quốc Tử Giám Street in the Văn Miếu area of Hanoi, which is a peaceful part of the city and easy to reach by car or scooter.
• Entry Fee: The cost of the entry to the Temple of Literature is ₹120 (30,000 VND). It is very affordable and worth it for quiet and peaceful vibes with a lot of historical charm.
• Opening Hours: The temple opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 AM. It may also close during lunch break, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit ideally is from November to March because the weather is cool, less humid, and perfect for walking around. 

Deep Dive into Finer Aspects of Temple of Literature

We have covered all the essential things about the Temple of Literature. Now let’s deep dive into more fine aspects of the Temple of Literature:

The Five Courtyards

Each courtyard reflects a step in learning: from the outer gates representing entry into a student’s journey of a new school year into learning to the final courtyard where Confucius and top scholars are honored. Take your time here to explore and learn. It’s designed to quietly walk through history and knowledge. It’s not just the architecture; it is a lesson in humility, patience, and learning.

The Stelae of Doctors 

These stone tablets date back centuries and honor the top-performing scholars who passed the royal exams hundreds of years ago. They sit on the backs of turtles, which is considered a Vietnamese symbol of wisdom and longevity. These scholars were great thinkers, writers, and changemakers. 

The Well of Heavenly Clarity 

Located in the third courtyard, this ancient square pond, called the Well of Heavenly Clarity, reflects the trees, sky, and sometimes even your thoughts if you stop for a second. It’s symbolic of purity and clarity of minds before exams, which is a perfect metaphor for a place of learning. It feels like you are away from the chaotic world and calm. You will see people sitting here in silence or taking photos.

Annual Ceremonies 

You should visit during Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, usually in January or February), the temple turns into a heartwarming scene. Many locals come here to write their wishes on red paper for the year ahead, hoping for success and wisdom. Then hung these wishes in the temple to create a beautiful sea of hope, which is a gentle, moving reminder that this place is not just for history; it still matters and continues to inspire today.

Other Things to Do Near the Temple of Literature

Make your visit even more special and memorable by visiting nearby sites of the Temple of Literature:

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 

It is just across the street from the temple; this museum is a lovely next stop, especially if you enjoy art that tells stories. It houses everything from traditional silk and lacquer paintings to ancient Buddhist sculptures and folk woodcuts. The vibe here is calm and respectful, a perfect match after the quiet beauty of the Temple of Literature. It’s not overwhelming like big city museums; it’s more personal, more connected to Vietnamese roots. Even if you’re not a big “art person,” it’s worth a slow stroll.

Train Street 

You can hop on a bike or take a quick 15-minute ride, and you’ll find one of Hanoi’s most Instagrammable spots named Train Street. It is a narrow street with cafes and homes lined up right next to each other to a working railway track, which is wild and is a total shift from the peaceful vibe of the temple. When the train comes, usually twice a day, the cafes pull back their tables and feel the rumble as it passes by just inches away. Go for a coffee, a few photos, and the thrill; just be mindful of safety and check if the area is open before you go.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Just about 2 km away from the temple, this museum was once a French colonial prison and is one of the most powerful places to visit in Hanoi. It’s often called the “Hanoi Hilton,” which was given by American POWs during the Vietnam War. The exhibits are heavy and raw: prison cells, personal stories, and striking details from both colonial rule and wartime. After the calm and order of the Temple of Literature, this place hits differently, as it’s sobering, emotional, and incredibly human.

Hotels Near The Temple of Literature 

Restaurants Near The Temple of Literature 

Enjoy delicious meals at these nearby famous spots:

Final Verdict: Is the Temple of Literature Worth a Visit?

You should visit this place if you are in love with quiet moments, history, and meaningful experiences. It's a place to slow down your moments and get a close look at Vietnamese history and culture, which values peace, wisdom, and learning. This place is gentle, quiet, and calm, which heals you from the city chaos.

If you are looking for some high-energy sites or expecting adventure, this is not the place for you, as it's subtle, not loud, which makes it very special. You should take a slow walk, and let this place calm your mind, and there are very high chances that this peaceful heaven situated in Hanoi will end up being your favorite part of the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What makes this place so famous and special?

The Temple of Literature is famous and special for Vietnamese history and culture, which represents wisdom and patience.

Are there any dress codes I should know before going?

Yes, this place has a dress code because it is sacred, so you should cover your shoulders and knees to be respectful.

Can visitors go inside the temple buildings?

Yes, visitors are allowed to explore the temple grounds and enter most of the courtyards and shrines. However, some areas like altars are for respectful viewing only, and shoes may need to be removed in certain sections.

How long does it take to visit the Temple of Literature?

Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours walking through the courtyards, reading the plaques, taking photos, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.