Plan your trip to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi’s Văn Miếu Ward! Discover transport options, pricing, eco-friendly tips, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book now!
The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám), located in Hanoi’s Văn Miếu Ward, is a cultural cornerstone, attracting over 2 million visitors annually as Vietnam’s first national university (1076–1779). Founded in 1070 by Emperor Lý Thánh Tông to honor Confucius, this 54,000-square-meter complex, just 2.5 km west of Hoan Kiem Lake, showcases ancient Vietnamese architecture and 82 UNESCO-recognized doctoral stelae. With entry at $3 (70,000 VND), it’s an accessible gateway to Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long heritage, offering serene courtyards and the iconic Khuê Văn Pavilion.
As a special national relic since 2013, the temple embodies Vietnam’s reverence for education, with its image on the 100,000 VND banknote. Eco-friendly practices, such as digital ticketing and solar-powered lighting, align with Hanoi’s “Green Capital” initiative, set in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 15–28°C or 59–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours ensure a seamless, green journey to this historic site, enhancing your cultural experience. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has reclassified Hanoi’s districts as wards or communes, with former Đống Đa District now including Văn Miếu Ward under Hanoi City’s administration, simplifying navigation to the Temple of Literature using ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group excels in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering guided eco-friendly tours to Hanoi’s cultural landmarks, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric cyclos or VinBus, led by English-speaking guides who share navigation tips, temple history, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local communities, we align with Hanoi’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we make planning effortless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and reach the Temple of Literature responsibly!
The Temple of Literature, at 58 Quốc Tử Giám Street, Văn Miếu Ward, Hanoi, is 2.5 km west of Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 10–20 minutes via various eco-friendly and budget-friendly transport options:
Overview: Stroll 15–20 minutes from Hoan Kiem Ward via Lê Thái Tổ, Tràng Thi, and Nguyễn Thái Học, enjoying Hanoi’s vibrant streets and capturing photos along the way.
Cost: Free.
Best For: Fit travelers; those in Old Quarter; eco-conscious visitors.
Eco-Friendly Note: Zero emissions; supports pedestrian-friendly Hanoi.
Route: Hoan Kiem Ward → Lê Thái Tổ → Tràng Thi → Nguyễn Thái Học → Quốc Tử Giám.
Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu Ward”; stop for street food en route ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Overview: Take VinBus Routes 02, 23, or 38 to Văn Miếu stop, a 10–15-minute ride from Hoan Kiem Ward, costing $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND).
Cost: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND) round-trip.
Best For: Budget travelers; group outings; eco-conscious visitors.
Eco-Friendly Note: Electric buses reduce carbon footprint; integrates with BusMap app.
Route: Hoan Kiem Ward (e.g., Lý Thái Tổ stop) → Văn Miếu stop (Nguyễn Thái Học).
Tip: Check schedules via BusMap app; buy tickets onboard with cash or app.
Overview: Book a Xanh SM electric taxi via app for a 10–15-minute ride from Hoan Kiem Ward, costing $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way.
Cost: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND) round-trip.
Best For: Solo travelers; couples; eco-conscious comfort seekers.
Eco-Friendly Note: Zero-emission VinFast vehicles; optimized routes via app.
Route: Direct to 58 Quốc Tử Giám; input “Văn Miếu Ward” in Xanh SM app.
Tip: Book during off-peak hours (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) to avoid traffic; confirm fare in app.
Overview: Hail a Grab or Xanh SM xe ôm for a 5–10-minute ride, costing $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND) for 2.5–5 km, ideal for navigating Hanoi’s traffic.
Cost: $1.60–$4 (40,000–100,000 VND) round-trip.
Best For: Solo adventurers; budget travelers comfortable with motorbikes.
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM electric xe ôm emits zero carbon; Grab optimizes routes.
Route: Hoan Kiem Ward to Quốc Tử Giám via Nguyễn Thái Học or Tôn Đức Thắng.
Tip: Wear helmets (mandatory; fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND); confirm fare in app to avoid scams.
Overview: Book a private car ($30–$50 round-trip for 4 people) or cyclo ($4–$10/hour for 1–2 people) through Legend Travel Group for a 10–15-minute scenic ride.
Cost: Private car $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND); cyclo $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND).
Best For: Groups; families; those seeking comfort or cultural experience.
Eco-Friendly Note: Private cars offer hybrid options; cyclos are human-powered.
Route: Direct from Hoan Kiem Ward to Quốc Tử Giám; cyclo via Old Quarter.
Tip: Book 24–48 hours ahead for private cars; negotiate cyclo fares upfront.
Overview: From Noi Bai Airport (HAN, 25 km), take Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then VinBus ($0.30–$0.40) or Xanh SM taxi ($2–$4) to Văn Miếu Ward. Direct Xanh SM taxi costs $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND, 40–60 min).
Cost: Bus + VinBus/taxi $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND); direct taxi $12–$18.
Best For: International arrivals; those needing direct transfers.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bus + VinBus minimizes emissions; Xanh SM taxis are electric.
Tip: Book airport taxis via Xanh SM app; Bus No. 86 departs every 20–30 minutes.
Travel from September to November for cool, dry weather (20–28°C or 68–82.4°F), ideal for walking or cycling to the temple. The dry season (November–April) ensures clear roads, while the rainy season (May–October) may cause delays but offers lush scenery. Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) have less traffic and fewer visitors (2,000–5,000 daily) than weekends (10,000–20,000). Avoid Lunar New Year (January/February) for lower crowds and fares (up to 30% surcharge). Depart Hoan Kiem Ward at 7:00–9:00 AM to avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) and reach the temple by opening time (8:00 AM).
Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for walking; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; modest attire (no shorts, sleeveless tops) for temple entry.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat (remove in worship areas).
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps (Maps.me), portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs; biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Sunglasses for xe ôm rides; cash for vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for transport ($0.80–$4), temple entry ($3), or snacks ($0.50–$2); secure valuables in crowds.
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Walking: Free.
VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Xe Ôm: $1.60–$4 (40,000–100,000 VND).
Cyclo: $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + VinBus/Taxi: $3.70–$6.40 (92,500–160,000 VND).
Direct Airport Taxi: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).
Parking (Bikes/Cars): $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Temple Entry and Related Costs
Temple Entry: $3 (70,000 VND) adult; $1.50 (35,000 VND) student with ID; free for children under 16.
Night Tour (Tinh Hoa Dao Hoc): $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).
Photography Permit (Professional): $2 (50,000 VND).
Incense: $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Calligraphy Souvenirs: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Street Food (Nearby Nguyễn Thái Học): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Coffee, Water): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $5–$10 (walking, entry, street food).
Mid-range: $15–$30 (VinBus/xe ôm, entry, night tour).
Luxury: $50–$80 (private car, night tour, souvenirs).
Tip: Budget for transport ($0.80–$8), entry ($3), and food ($2–$5); carry cash for ticket office and stalls (no cards accepted).
Timing: Depart Hoan Kiem Ward at 7:00–9:00 AM to avoid rush hours; September–November for dry roads. Weekdays for less traffic (2,000–5,000 visitors vs. 10,000–20,000 on weekends).
Booking: Book VinBus via BusMap app; reserve Xanh SM/Grab or Legend Travel Group’s private cars 24–48 hours ahead. No advance temple tickets needed; buy QR code e-tickets on-site.
Sustainability: Choose walking, VinBus, or Xanh SM for zero emissions; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support local vendors for souvenirs ($1–$5).
Navigation: Save “58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu Ward” in offline maps; note one-way traffic on Nguyễn Thái Học. Use Vietnam Fine Arts Museum as a landmark.
Safety: Wear helmets on xe ôm (mandatory); secure valuables in temple crowds. Confirm fares via apps to avoid scams; beware of persistent street vendors.
Weather: Dry season for safe travel; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and non-slip shoes. Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees) for temple entry; say “xin chào” to drivers/staff. Maintain silence in worship areas; avoid touching stelae.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer for hygiene.
Our sustainable tours ensure a seamless journey to the Temple of Literature and beyond:
Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric cyclo to Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, and Old Quarter at 8:00 AM, with street food lunch. Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi Nightlife Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Temple night tour, Tạ Hiện’s bia hơi, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Temple of Literature, Ninh Bình’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi’s Văn Miếu Ward is a breeze to reach, with eco-friendly options like walking (free), VinBus ($0.60–$1), or Xanh SM electric taxis ($4–$8) taking you 2.5 km from Hoan Kiem Ward in 10–20 minutes. This 1070-founded cultural icon, Vietnam’s first university, enchants over 2 million visitors yearly with its $3 entry, ancient stelae, and Khuê Văn Pavilion. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you to this historic haven, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience blending eco-conscious travel with cultural immersion. Whether strolling from the Old Quarter or booking a private car, your journey to the Temple of Literature promises an unforgettable Hanoi experience. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your cultural adventure today!
Ready to travel to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi’s Văn Miếu Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.
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