Hanoi City Tour 1/2 Day – Must Visit Temple of Literature
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?
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:
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, 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.
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.
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.
Don’t forget to regularly follow our Facebook page and Website for more interesting information about traveling to Hanoi and to book Hanoi tours at the best prices.
We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.
HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)
Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.
Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi
Day 02
HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)
Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
Have dinner is available on your request.
Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.
Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish
Day 03
HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)
Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.
Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)
Day 04
HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)
Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
Dinner is available on your request.
Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city
Day 05
HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)
Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!
What’s included in this trip :
A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
Entrance fees
Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)
What’s excluded in this trip:
All international and domestic flights
Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
Travel Insurance
Airport taxes
All meals not mentioned
Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
Other personal expenses not mentioned.
3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Room Type
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 3-star Hotels
Adamas Deluxe City
ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/
3-star Halong Bay Cruises
Swan Cruise Deluxe
SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/
4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Room Type
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 4-star Hotels
The light deluxe with window
THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI
Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/
4-star Halong Bay Cruises
Sealife Suite Canbin
HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: www.sealifegroup.com
5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Hotel Category
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 5-star hotels
Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel
APRICOT HOTEL HANOI
Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch
5-star Halong bay Cruises
Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret
MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: https://margaretcruises.com
The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked
Ranana
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY - BEST QUALITY GUARANTEE
All the latest breaking news & travel information on Hanoi travel. Browse The Independent’s complete collection of articles and commentary on Hanoi travel: Hanoi attractions, travel news, gallery, culture, history and tips.