Explore the Temple of Literature in Hanoi’s Văn Miếu Ward! Discover history, pricing, activities, eco-friendly tips, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your cultural adventure now!
Capture the timeless beauty of Hanoi’s cultural gemThe Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám), located in Hanoi’s Văn Miếu Ward, is one of Vietnam’s most iconic cultural landmarks, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, this Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first national university (1076–1779) spans 54,000 square meters, offering serene courtyards, ancient stelae, and traditional Vietnamese architecture. With entry at $3 (70,000 VND), it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts, showcasing 82 doctoral stelae recognized as UNESCO World Documentary Heritage in 2011.
Nestled 2.5 km west of Hoan Kiem Lake, the temple honors Confucius, scholars like Chu Văn An, and Vietnam’s academic legacy, with its Khuê Văn Pavilion featured on the 100,000 VND banknote. Eco-friendly initiatives, 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 guide you through this historic sanctuary, ensuring a cultural, green 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 cultural tours in Hanoi, tailored for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric cyclos, led by English-speaking guides who share the temple’s history, photo tips, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting local artisans and 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 explore the Temple of Literature responsibly!
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Built in 1070 under the Lý Dynasty, the Temple of Literature initially served as a Confucian worship site, evolving into the Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám) in 1076, Vietnam’s first university. Educating nobles, princes, and later talented commoners until 1779, it graduated over 2,000 doctors, with 82 stelae (1442–1779) honoring top scholars on stone turtles, symbolizing longevity. The temple’s five courtyards, featuring the Well of Heavenly Clarity, Khuê Văn Pavilion (1805), and altars to Confucius and Chu Văn An, reflect Vietnam’s reverence for education. Restored in 1920, 1954, and 2000, it retains Lý and Trần dynasty architecture, with sustainable features like digital exhibits and recycled materials in its Thai Hoc Courtyard museum, making it a living testament to Hanoi’s intellectual heritage.
These eco-friendly activities, mostly included in the $3 entry, offer cultural immersion:
Capture the iconic Khuê Văn Pavilion, best at 8:00 AM for soft light, included in entry ($3 or 70,000 VND), a symbol of Hanoi’s academic pride.
Cost: Included in entry; professional photography permit $2 (50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital photography reduces waste; stay on paths to protect gardens.
Tip: Use a 50mm lens for pavilion details; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Photography Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Admire 82 UNESCO-recognized stelae on stone turtles in the third courtyard, best at 9:00 AM, included in entry, showcasing 15th–18th-century scholars.
Cost: Included in entry.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital guides minimize paper; respect barriers to preserve stelae.
Tip: Read English plaques for scholar stories; avoid touching stones.
Pay respects at the Dai Thanh Sanctuary in the fourth courtyard, best at 10:00 AM, included in entry, with crimson columns and Confucius statues.
Cost: Included in entry; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable incense; maintain silence for worshippers.
Tip: 16–35mm lens for sanctuary interiors; dress modestly.
Experience the “Quintessence of Education” night tour with light shows and cultural exhibits, best at 7:00 PM (select days), for $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).
Cost: $5–$7; book via temple office.
Hours: Select evenings, 7:00–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Solar-powered lights; digital tickets.
Tip: Reserve 3–5 days ahead; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Buy traditional Chữ Hán calligraphy at temple gift shops, best at 11:00 AM, for $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND), supporting local artisans.
Cost: $1–$5/item.
Eco-Friendly Note: Handmade paper products; avoid plastic packaging.
Tip: Request lucky phrases for Tet; located near Thai Hoc Courtyard.
Start your Hanoi Travel with tranquil vistas (Source: Internet)Visit from September to November for cool, dry weather (20–28°C or 68–82.4°F), ideal for strolling courtyards and photography. The dry season (November–April) minimizes humidity, while the rainy season (May–October) requires rain gear but offers lush gardens. Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are quieter (2,000–5,000 visitors) than weekends (10,000–20,000), especially during Tet (January/February) when students pray for exam success. Early mornings (8:00–10:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat; night tours (7:00–9:00 PM) offer a unique experience on select days.
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:
By Walking: 15–20 minutes from Hoan Kiem Ward via Lê Thái Tổ, Tràng Thi, and Nguyễn Thái Học. Free, eco-friendly.
By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 2.5–5 km rides (e.g., Hoan Kiem to Văn Miếu), 5–10 minutes, $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM apps.
By Cyclo: From Old Quarter, 10–15 minutes, $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND) for 1–2 people.
By Electric Bus (VinBus): Routes 02, 23, 38 to Văn Miếu stop, 10–15 minutes, $0.30–$0.40 (7,000–10,000 VND). Departs every 10–20 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): To Quốc Tử Giám, 10–15 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Car (Legend Travel Group): $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) round-trip for up to 4 people, ideal for groups.
By Air (to Hanoi): Noi Bai Airport (HAN), 25 km. Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then VinBus/taxi ($2–$4); direct taxi/Grab ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu Ward”; locate via Nguyễn Thái Học or Tôn Đức Thắng intersections. Note one-way traffic around the temple.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, VinBus, or Xanh SM taxis reduce emissions; carpooling lowers fuel use.
Safety: Watch for motorbikes on Nguyễn Thái Học; secure valuables. Confirm xe ôm fares upfront.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable experience:
Clothing: Light layers, closed-toe shoes; modest attire (no shorts or sleeveless tops) for temple respect; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Photography Gear: DSLR/mirrorless camera, 16–35mm lens, tripod ($20–$50), extra batteries.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs; biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for cultural notes; cash for vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry ($3), incense ($0.20), or souvenirs ($1–$5); secure gear against pickpocketing.
Capture the sustainable charm of Hanoi’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Entry and Activity Fees
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): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Coffee, Water): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Walking: Free.
Xe Ôm: $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND) for 2.5–5 km.
Cyclo: $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND).
VinBus: $0.60–$1 (14,000–24,000 VND).
Electric Taxi: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Private Car: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND).
Airport Bus No. 86 + Taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Parking (Bikes/Cars): $0.20–$1.20 (5,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $5–$15 (walking, entry, street food).
Mid-range: $20–$40 (xe ôm, night tour, souvenirs).
Luxury: $60–$100 (private car, guided tour, premium dining).
Tip: Budget for entry ($3), activities ($0.20–$7), transport ($0.80–$8), and food ($2–$5); carry cash for ticket office (no cards accepted).
Timing: Arrive at 8:00–10:00 AM for fewer crowds; September–November for dry weather. Weekdays avoid student groups (10,000–20,000 weekend visitors). Night tours require pre-booking.
Booking: Purchase entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve night tours or Legend Travel Group’s tours 3–5 days ahead for peak seasons.
Sustainability: Use digital guides/tickets; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support local calligraphy artisans ($1–$5).
Navigation: Save “58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu Ward” in offline maps; note one-way traffic on Nguyễn Thái Học.
Safety: Watch for motorbikes around temple; secure valuables in courtyards. Avoid taxis without meters to prevent scams.
Weather: Dry season for comfortable visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and non-slip shoes. Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); say “cảm ơn” to staff. Avoid loud talking in worship areas.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer for hygiene.
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Hanoi Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Our sustainable tours showcase the Temple of Literature and Hanoi’s cultural heritage:
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, a 1070 Confucian sanctuary and Vietnam’s first university, captivates over 2 million visitors yearly with a $3 (75,000 VND) entry fee. From the iconic Khuê Văn Pavilion to UNESCO-listed doctoral stelae, this historic gem offers a serene escape, preserved by eco-friendly practices like digital ticketing and solar lighting. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you through this cultural treasure, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience with activities like photographing ancient courtyards, joining night tours, and visiting nearby Hoan Kiem Lake. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly cultural adventure today!
Ready to explore the Temple of Literature in Hanoi’s Văn Miếu Ward? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural adventure!
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.
Sources:
Temple of Literature Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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