Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) was founded in 1070 by Emperor Lý Thánh Tông as a temple to Confucius. Six years later, in 1076, an Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám) was established within the grounds — Vietnam's first university, which educated the children of mandarins and later commoners who passed entrance exams for roughly 700 years.

The complex is laid out across five walled courtyards running north to south. The second courtyard contains the Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature (Khuê Văn Các), built in 1805 — the circular wooden pavilion printed on Vietnam's 100,000 dong note. The third courtyard holds the most historically significant feature: 82 stone stelae mounted on stone tortoises, each recording the names, birthplaces, and dissertation topics of doctoral graduates from 1442 to 1779. Of the original 116 stelae, 82 survive. The fourth courtyard has the main ceremonial hall with a statue of Confucius. The fifth honours Chu Văn An, the academy's most respected rector, and three kings who contributed to the institution.

Entry costs 70,000 VND for adults, 35,000 VND for students. Open 08:00–17:00 daily. Cash only — no cards accepted at the gate. Allow at least an hour. No tank tops or miniskirts; remove hats inside the sanctuary buildings.

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