Learn about the Historical Significance and Architectural Wonder of the Temple of Literature

Have just half a day to spare and are organizing a city trip in Hanoi? See the famous Temple of Literature, too. The Confucius-dedicated old temple is a representation of the architectural beauty and rich educational legacy of Vietnam. What is there for you to investigate?

Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature

The earliest university complex in Vietnam was the Temple of Literature. Apart from being a cultural and historical monument, a lot of students visit there to ask for good fortune on their impending tests and academic endeavors.

A well-liked cultural and historical landmark on any Hanoi vacation, the Temple of Literature was the first university in Vietnam. You will be charmed by the beauty,majesty, and tranquilly of this place. This place will help you grasp Vietnam’s development history from the beginning.

An overview of the Vietnamese Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature

Located: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi

Emperor Ly Thanh Tong built the Temple of Literature in 1070 to honour the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Then, under the name Imperial Academy, it became Vietnam’s first university. It had taught hundreds of well-known academics and mandarins during its more than 700-year existence until the colonial era. The temple is still architecturally and culturally beautiful, despite the effects of conflict.

Architecture Five separate courtyards that each symbolize a different facet of Confucianism make up the Temple of Literature‘s traditional Vietnamese architecture. In a calm and beautiful location, the well-preserved buildings include pavilions, halls, statues, and doctor stelae. A basic idea of Confucian philosophy, the arrangement and design depict the harmonious balance between nature and man.

Background information The Vietnamese national university, the Temple of Literature, was founded in 1070. With generations of academics and Mandarin officials, it has a deep historical relevance. Its courtyards evoke a sense of the thousands of students who have attended here in the past.

Restaurant Selections By the Temple of Literature

You’re going to want to sample some regional food after touring the temple. Several local restaurants near the Temple of Literature are listed here:

KOTO Dining Room

KOTO Dining Room

Situated a short distance away, KOTO serves customers mouthwatering Vietnamese food and trains underprivileged young people in hospitality near the Temple of Literature. 

OVERVIEW

One of the most visited tourist attractions in Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, is just a short distance from our flagship restaurant, KOTO Van Mieu.

Serving people from all over the world, KOTO Van Mieu has been essential in bringing KOTO’s goal of giving underprivileged young people in Vietnam life skills and hospitality recognition to a global audience. Meet friends or business partners on the first floor. Our bar provides an other sanctuary to escape the bustle of Hanoi’s busy streets with its full drink menu and KOTO’s variety of cocktails and smoothies. Naturally, there is also free WiFi!

The first-floor shop corner is a great spot to showcase and sell products from our partners, including Hope Box and, of course, KOTO’s best-selling products. Apart from helping a worthy cause, our beloved visitors can select exquisite and distinctive cultural products to take a little piece of Vietnam home with them!

Essence Dining Restaurant

Essence Dining Restaurant

Essence Dining Restaurant, near the Temple of Literature, is a gastronomic journey that immerses you in the core of Vietnamese street food culture, not just a restaurant. Tucked up in a stunningly renovated colonial home, this well-liked restaurant is now a must-see for both locals and visitors. Why Essence Dining Restaurant ought to be on your list

A Visual Extravaganza

You are welcomed into Essence Dining Restaurant, a quaint, rustic environment that encapsulates ancient Vietnamese architecture to perfection. Warm and friendly, the open courtyard with its abundant vegetation and antique furnishings. The live cooking stations scattered throughout the restaurant, where customers can watch skilled chefs prepare meals in front of them, add excitement; it’s also near the Temple of Literature. 

Menu

Essence Dining Restaurant’s menu demonstrates how varied Vietnamese food can be. It has a huge selection of regionally specific traditional street cuisine.

Popular Vietnamese street food is served at this quaint, rustic restaurant in a wide range of traditional dishes.

Vibrant tastes and rich customs of Vietnamese street food are captured in a wonderful and engaging dining experience at Essence Dining Restaurant. No matter how experienced you are as a tourist, a dinner at Essence Dining Restaurant is sure to be the high point of your trip through Hanoi. Thus, be sure to include this little eatery in your plans and enjoy the authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

La Badiane

La Badiane

This is the ideal place for a gourmet lunch if you’re feeling like French-Vietnamese fusion food and it’s near the Temple of Literature

Location

Those touring the city center will find La Badiane to be ideally situated at 10 Nam Ngu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Reservations

 Considering its popularity, it’s best to reserve it, particularly for supper or special events. You may conveniently reserve a table by phone or via their website.

Open for lunch and supper, La Badiane serves à la carte and sets menu items. Check their hours of operation and any promotions or special events they may be holding.

Ambience and Climate

Elegant Setting: La Badiane offers a warm yet elegant environment because it is set in a charming colonial-era building. A calm and friendly dining area is created by the well-designed décor, which combines modern and classic aspects.

Al Fresco Dining: The restaurant is also near Temple of Literature and has a beautiful courtyard where you can eat outside in a peaceful, garden-like environment. La Badiane is the ideal atmosphere for a romantic meal, a special occasion, or a relaxed lunch, whether you’re seated inside or outside.

First-rate Service

The staff at La Badiane is renowned for their kind welcome and meticulous attention to detail. There will be polite smiles and competent assistance from the time you arrive. The attentive servers are always available to make suggestions and guarantee that your meal is nothing short of outstanding.

Wine Pairings: La Badiane has an outstanding wine list with options from the Old and New Worlds to go along with your dinner. The sommeliers’ expert suggestions of the ideal wine pairings to complement the flavors of each dish ensure a complete and unforgettable dining experience.

Offering a distinctive combination of Vietnamese and French tastes in a sophisticated and beautiful environment, La Badiane is a culinary treasure in Hanoi. For foodies or just those seeking a special dining experience, La Badiane guarantees to provide gourmet perfection and faultless service. For an amazing gourmet experience, make sure to include a visit to this excellent restaurant on your Hanoi city tour.

Related Attractions By the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is not where your half-day excursion ends. See these neighboring sites to round out your visit to Hanoi:

Hoan Kiem Lake 

A close look of Turtle Tower

A tranquil haven in the middle of Hanoi, ideal for a slow walk and some stunning picture ops. Known as a representation of the capital of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem lake is situated in the heart of the city. Both tourists and locals go to Hoan Kiem Lake when they want to escape the bustle of the city. Tucked away on a little island, Ngoc Son Temple is surrounded by tranquil waters.The temple and the lake provide many beautiful trees and shady areas to get away from the crowded city streets. Traveling there, take a left at the old town and the main post office, which is along the lake. You buy tickets at a booth before crossing the bridge, on the left. Everyday hours for the temple are 08:00 to 17:00. To see the residents practice Tai Chi and yoga in the morning, try to be at the lake as early as possible. Walk across the brilliant red Huc Bridge, which is decked with flags, to Jade Island to reach the temple.

Open from 8:00 to 17:00.

Price of the ticket: $1.5 (30,000VND)

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison

At this historic location, sometimes referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton," learn about the colonial and war history of Vietnam.

Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, is the address.

A short 15-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoa Lo Prison enjoys a fantastic position in the center of Hanoi. From any location in the city, visitors may therefore readily reach this attraction. Among the widely used modes of transportation are the vehicle, motorbike, taxi, and public bus.

The bus numbers 2, 9, 40, and 49 all stop close to the prison if you would like to take one. If you own a car, parking is possible  The museum is at the Hoa Lo Prison entrance.

Including holidays, Hoa Lo Prison is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

An entrance charge at Hoa Lo Prison is 50,000 VND per person.

Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts

Showcasing Vietnamese art from antiquity to the present, this museum is conveniently close to the Temple of Literature.

Near the Temple of Literature, at No. 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, the Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi is plainly visible from a distance. Constructed originally in the 1930s as a girl school for French high-ranking officers in Indochina, it was formally renamed the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in 1966 and houses a large collection of Vietnamese artistic elements. The museum is one of the major national museums, preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of Vietnamese ethnic groups. Come explore the entire evolution of Vietnamese fine art history with the many collections of papers, artifacts, paintings, ceramics, and lacquers on show, which span not only the contemporary post-war era but also the prehistoric and feudal eras.

Conclusion

The Temple of Literature and a half-day city tour in Hanoi combine history, culture, and regional food in the ideal way. For an experience you won’t soon forget, marvel at the architectural splendor, learn about Vietnam’s educational past, eat great food, and visit neighboring sites.

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