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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Temple of Literature Summary
| Opening hours: |
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| Public website: | vanmieu.gov.vn |
Vietnam – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Vietnamese Dong (VND) £1 ≈ ₫34,381 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Cash is still commonly used in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Vietnam, but drinking in certain public spaces, like parks, may be regulated. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces, but there are smoking restrictions in some indoor public areas. |
| Independence Day (2 September) |
Celebrates Vietnam’s independence from France |
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| Tết (January/February) |
The most important holiday in Vietnam, typically in January or February |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 113 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 114 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Grab |
| Other: | Vietnam is famous for its vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning landscapes like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, offering a rich and diverse travel experience. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Temple of Literature, Vietnam
Tet (Lunar New Year), late January to mid February: students and families come for blessings and calligraphy, very crowded in first days
Graduation season, May to June: students in gowns pose for photos in the courtyards
Don't miss
- 📜 Walk through Vietnam’s first university founded in 1070
- 🏯 Admire ancient courtyards dedicated to Confucius and scholars
- 📸 Take photos of the beautiful pond and traditional gates
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Founded in 1070 as Vietnam’s first national university, the Temple of Literature is a landmark dedicated to Confucius and the scholarly traditions that shaped Vietnamese culture. The serene compound consists of five courtyards, each with symbolic and educational features that display a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese architectural styles.
The site is renowned for its tranquil ponds surrounded by lotus flowers, shaded by ancient banyan trees that provide a cool retreat from Hanoi’s urban pace. The fourth courtyard is especially famous for its stone steles inscribed with the names of successful imperial exam candidates, resting on the backs of artistic stone turtles symbolizing wisdom and longevity.
Visitors can wander peaceful gardens and halls while enjoying the intricate woodwork and traditional roofs that evoke a quiet dignity throughout the temple. The altar of Confucius honors the great teacher and serves as a focal point for cultural ceremonies.
Note: The temple is a place of respect and quiet reflection, so loud behavior and inappropriate attire are discouraged. Modest clothing is advised. The site can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so visiting early or late in the day is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
Knowledge before you go
- Arrive early; crowds peak after noon.
- Wear comfortable shoes, the grounds have uneven stone paths and multiple staircases.
- Respect quiet zones: no loud music or photography with flash near statues and inscriptions.
- The Temple of Literature hosts a monthly poetry reading in Vietnamese; attending offers insight into local literary culture.
How to travel to Temple of Literature
Located in central Hanoi, the Temple of Literature is easy to reach from Noi Bai International Airport via taxi or shuttle bus. It’s about 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Within the city, buses, motorbike taxis or walking from the nearby Old Quarter are common ways to get to the temple.
Access summary
- From Noi Bai Airport (HAN): Taxi or rideshare to Dong Da, about 40–60 min.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight to HAN, then taxi to temple area, roughly 3–4 hours total.
- From Hanoi Old Quarter/Hoan Kiem: Taxi, Grab, bus or walk, usually 10–25 min.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Temple of Literature
Many visitors stay in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where a broad selection of accommodations offers convenient access to the Temple of Literature and other historic landmarks.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Temple of Literature
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
👛
Cash in small denominations
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
🩴
Slip-on shoes
🧦
Warm socks
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 71% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to VND) is 12% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is generally safe for visitors. Crime rates are low and tourist areas are well‑patrolled. Stay vigilant against petty theft – keep valuables secure – and follow local advice on respectful behavior to ensure a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi offers limited accessibility: some pathways are uneven and many staircases lack ramps or elevators. However, the main courtyard is relatively flat and signage is clear. Visitors with mobility issues should plan ahead and consider a guide for assistance.
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