Discover the top things to do at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature in Văn Miếu Ward! Explore activities, pricing, eco-friendly tips, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book now!
Capture the historic beauty of Hanoi’s cultural gem (Source: Internet)The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám) in Hanoi’s Văn Miếu Ward is a cultural must-visit, drawing 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 sanctuary, 2.5 km west of Hoan Kiem Lake, features ancient Vietnamese architecture, 82 UNESCO-recognized doctoral stelae, and the iconic Khuê Văn Pavilion. With entry at $3 (70,000 VND), it offers a serene escape into Hanoi’s 1,000-year-old Thang Long legacy, celebrating Vietnam’s reverence for education.
Recognized as a special national relic since 2013, the temple’s Khuê Văn Pavilion adorns the 100,000 VND banknote, symbolizing Hanoi’s intellectual pride. Eco-friendly initiatives, like digital ticketing, solar-powered lighting, and recycled exhibit materials, 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 enrich your visit with cultural insights and green travel. 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 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 or VinBus, led by English-speaking guides who share temple activities, historical context, 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!
Built in 1070 under the Lý Dynasty, the Temple of Literature began as a Confucian worship site, evolving into the Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám) in 1076 under Lý Nhân Tông, Vietnam’s first university. Educating over 2,000 doctors for 700 years, it trained nobles, princes, and later talented commoners under scholars like Chu Văn An, Vietnam’s revered educator. Its five courtyards, featuring the Well of Heavenly Clarity, 82 doctoral stelae (1442–1779), and the Khuê Văn Pavilion (1805), reflect Vietnam’s academic legacy. Restored in 1920, 1954, and 2000, it preserves Lý, Trần, and Lê dynasty architecture, with sustainable features like digital exhibits and a Thai Hoc Courtyard museum using recycled materials, making it a vibrant cultural landmark.
Photograph the serene allure of Hanoi’s heritage (Source: Internet)These eco-friendly activities, mostly included in the $3 entry, offer immersive cultural experiences:
Capture the Khuê Văn Pavilion, Hanoi’s symbol, best at 8:00 AM for soft light, included in entry ($3 or 70,000 VND), with its red roof and star-shaped windows.
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 close-ups; 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, honoring scholars from 1442–1779.
Cost: Included in entry.
Eco-Friendly Note: Digital guides minimize paper; avoid touching stelae for preservation.
Tip: Read English plaques for scholar insights; 24–70mm lens for courtyard shots.
Pay respects at the Dai Thanh Sanctuary in the fourth courtyard, best at 10:00 AM, included in entry, featuring crimson columns and altars to Confucius and his disciples.
Cost: Included in entry; incense $0.20 (5,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Biodegradable incense; maintain silence for worshippers.
Tip: Dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops); 16–35mm lens for sanctuary interiors.
Experience the “Quintessence of Education” night tour with 3D 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 lighting; digital tickets reduce waste.
Tip: Reserve 3–5 days ahead; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Purchase Chữ Hán calligraphy at Thai Hoc Courtyard gift shops, best at 11:00 AM, for $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND), supporting local artisans, especially vibrant during Tet.
Cost: $1–$5/item.
Eco-Friendly Note: Handmade paper products; avoid plastic packaging.
Tip: Request lucky phrases for Tet; personalize for gifts.
Experience Hanoi Tours with sustainable exploration (Source: Internet)Visit from September to November for cool, dry weather (20–28°C or 68–82.4°F), ideal for courtyard exploration and photography. The dry season (November–April) offers comfort, while the rainy season (May–October) brings lush greenery but requires rain gear. 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 academic success, creating vibrant photo opportunities. Early mornings (8:00–10:00 AM) avoid crowds; night tours (7:00–9:00 PM, select days) offer a magical experience.
Located at 58 Quốc Tử Giám Street, Văn Miếu Ward, Hanoi, the temple 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 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. Use BusMap app.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): 10–15 minutes, $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) one-way; round-trip $4–$8. Use Xanh SM app.
By Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm): 5–10 minutes, $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND). Book via Grab/Xanh SM; helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Private Car or Cyclo (Legend Travel Group): Private car $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people; cyclo $4–$10/hour (100,000–250,000 VND) for 1–2 people.
From Noi Bai Airport: Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min), then VinBus/taxi ($2–$4); direct Xanh SM taxi $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND, 40–60 min). Navigation Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu Ward”; locate via Nguyễn Thái Học or Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Note one-way traffic.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, VinBus, or Xanh SM reduce emissions; carpooling lowers fuel use.
Safety: Watch for motorbikes on Nguyễn Thái Học; secure valuables. Confirm app-based fares.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable experience:
Clothing: Light layers, closed-toe shoes; modest attire (no shorts, sleeveless tops, hats in worship areas) 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 (remove in sanctuary).
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, 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, student ID for discounts ($1.50 entry), VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs; biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for notes; cash for vendors.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry ($3), incense ($0.20), or souvenirs ($1–$5); secure gear against pickpocketing.
Start your Hanoi Travel with tranquil vibes (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 Nguyễn Thái Học): $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.
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).
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: Visit at 8:00–10:00 AM for fewer crowds; September–November for dry weather. Weekdays avoid student groups (10,000–20,000 weekend visitors). Book night tours 3–5 days ahead.
Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve night tours or Legend Travel Group’s tours 3–5 days ahead for peak seasons. Students bring ID for discounts.
Sustainability: Use digital guides/tickets; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support local calligraphy artisans ($1–$5) near Thai Hoc Courtyard.
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: Avoid touching stelae or artifacts; secure valuables in courtyards. Stay on designated paths to preserve landscapes.
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); maintain silence in worship areas. Say “cảm ơn” to staff; avoid smoking or eating in sacred spaces.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer for hygiene.
Our sustainable tours showcase the Temple of Literature’s cultural treasures:
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 offers unforgettable experiences, with $3 entry granting access to Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070, enchanting over 2 million visitors yearly. From photographing the Khuê Văn Pavilion to exploring UNESCO-honored stelae and joining magical night tours, eco-friendly practices like digital ticketing and solar lighting enhance its allure. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours guide you through these cultural gems, ensuring a sustainable Hanoi Travel journey. Whether seeking historical insights or local calligraphy, the Temple of Literature delivers a profound Hanoi adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your cultural journey 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 at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.
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