Temple of Literature — Văn Miếu, Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam
About This Activity
Founded in 1070 under Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) was Vietnam's first national university and is one of Hanoi's finest historic sites. Five courtyards unfold in sequence: the ceremonial gates, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, 82 stone doctoral steles (a UNESCO Memory of the World monument), and the main sanctuary dedicated to Confucius. Entry is 70,000 VND (~$2.75) for adults; an audio guide is available for an additional 100,000 VND. The peaceful grounds are a popular graduation photo spot.
Seasonal note: Year-round; expect crowds during Tet (Jan/Feb) and graduation season (May–Jun).
Compare with Alternatives
See how Temple of Literature — Văn Miếu, Hanoi stacks up against other must-see activities nearby.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 91 of our curated itineraries.
Best 3 Days in Vietnam
Hanoi
Best 3 Days in Vietnam — Walking Tours
Hanoi
Best 3 Days in Vietnam — Nightlife
Hanoi
Best 3 Days in Vietnam — Nature
Hanoi
Best 3 Days in Vietnam — from Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City → Hanoi
Best 3 Days in Vietnam — Without Walking Tours
Hanoi
More Activities in Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour
Wander the 36 ancient guild streets of Hanoi's 1,000-year-old merchant quarter — free to explore
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi
Walk the legendary lakeshore and cross the red Huc Bridge to the island temple at Hanoi's heart
Hanoi Evening Street Food Walking Tour
Join a local guide on a 3-hour walk through the Old Quarter eating pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Hanoi
Visit the Soviet-style mausoleum housing Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body — closed Mon, Fri, and summer months
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi
Watch a 1,000-year-old Vietnamese art form on a water stage with live traditional orchestra beside Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoa Lo Prison Museum — The 'Hanoi Hilton'
Tour the notorious colonial prison — French torture chambers, American POW cells, and a Vietnamese perspective on war
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi
Discover Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through 15,000+ artifacts and walk-through traditional houses outdoors
Vietnamese Cooking Class in Hanoi Old Quarter
Cook northern Vietnamese classics from scratch after a market tour — spring rolls, pho broth, and stir-fries