Temple of Literature
Van Mieu

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About Van Mieu

Van Mieu, or the Temple of Literature, is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi. Although there are several temples in Vietnam called Van Mieu, the one in Hanoi is certainly the most famous, as it also functioned as Vietnam's first university. The temple is also featured on the one hundred thousand dong banknote.

The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070, at that time functioning as a Confucian temple. Today only parts of the sprawling complex dates from this earliest period. Most of the architecture that we see comes from the Ly (1010-1225) and Tran (1225-1400) Dynasties. The Imperial Academy, or Quoc Tu Giam, was established here in 1076, and acted as Vietnam's first university to educate the country's bureaucrats, nobles, royalty and members of the elite. Those who were successful had their names engrave on the stone stele displayed in the temple. This tradition was established by Emperor Le Than Tong. The stele were placed on top of stone turtles. The practise dates back to 1484. Of the 116 stele between 1142 and 1778, only 82 remain today. The stele record 2,313 students having graduated as doctor laureats over that period, a testament to the difficulty of the doctor laureat tests.

The Temple of Literature is considered one of the finest historical sites in Hanoi. The layout is based on Confucius' birthplace in Qufu, Shandong Province, China. It consists of five courtyards aligned in sequence. The main entrance is through the impressive twin-tiered Van Mieu Gate. It leads to three pathways that run the length of the Van Mieu complex.

The center path was reserved for the king. The one to the left was for administrative Mandarins while the one to the right was for military Mandarins. The first two courtyards contains aged old trees and manicured lawns. This is a haven for scholars to relax, enclosed by the thick stone walls, away from the noise of the city outside.

Entrance to the third courtyard is through Khue Van Cac, the Constellation of Literature, a large pavillion built in 1802. Central to this courtyard is the Thien Quang Tinh ("Well Of Heavenly Clarity"), either side of which stand two great halls which house the treasures of Van Mieu Temple. These are the 82 stones steles that still remain. They sit upon stone turtles. On these stele are inscribed with the names and birth places of 1306 men who were awarded doctorates from the triennial examinations held at the Imperial Academy of the Temple of Literature between 1484 and 1780. The temple ceased its function as an academy when the capital moved to Hue.

The fourth courtyard is bordered on either side by great pavilions which once contained altars of 72 of Confucius' greatest students. Today they contain offices, a gift shop and a small museum displaying ink wells, pens, books and personal artifacts belonging to some of the students that studied here through the years. At the far end of the courtyard is the altar with statues of Confucius and his four closest disciples. The fifth courtyard contained the Quoc Tu Giam, the actual structure of Vietnam's first university founded in 1076 by King Ly Can Duc. Unfortunately it was destroyed by French bombing in 1947.

The Temple of Literature has undergone numerous restoration work, including one in 1920 and again in 1954. It stands as one of the few remaining examples of later Ly Dynasty (1009-1225) architecture within easy walking distance of Ba Dinh square.

Getting there

The Van Mieu is within walking distance of Ba Dinh Square. However, it is quite a distance from Ho Hoan Kiem - if your hotel is somewhere around the lake, you may have to consider taking a taxi. From Ho Hoan Kiem, go along Hang Khay Street, which becomes Trang Thi Street and eventually Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. The Temple of Literature is located between Ton Duc Thang Street and Van Mieu Street.

Nearby Sights

Army Museum

Cot Co Flag Tower

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Lenin Statue

Presidential Palace

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Van Mieu Location Map

View Temple of Literature in a larger map

Entrance to the Temple of Literature (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Great Portico of the Temple of Literature (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Great Portico of the Temple of Literature, as seen from the other side (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Great Middle Gate (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Side Gate (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Khue Van Pavilion (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Well of Heavenly Clarity (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Lotus Pond (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Pavilion of Doctor Stalae (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Gate of the Great Synthesis (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Courtyard of the Sage Sanctuary (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Restored pavilion at the Temple of Literature (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Statue of Confucius (3 September 2006)
© Timothy Tye

Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam's first university

Lake in front of the Temple of Literature

Source Attribution: Wikitravel and Wikipedia

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Hanoi Travel Tips is researched and written by Timothy Tye. The information provided is in goodwill and is believed to be correct and up-to-date at time of writing. We disclaim responsible for its usage, and encourage users to recheck the information before their trip. Some photos are provided by Panoramio. Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners. They may only be used under the terms & conditions specified by Panoramio. Photographs that belong to Timothy Tye are copyrighted and may not be reused unless you first obtain permission. All of Tim's photographs are available for commercial use under the following licensing terms. To contact Tim, write to: