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Temple of Literature & National University

Quoc Tu Giam St., Hanoi, Vietnam
+84 91542268
Website
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As featured in 3 days in Hanoi
Ranked #6 of 67 attractions in Hanoi
Type: Religious Sites, Educational Sites, History Museums
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: This temple is the oldest university in Vietnam, constructed in 1076. Five courtyards include beautiful gardens, walls inscribed with the names of... more » Owner description: This temple is the oldest university in Vietnam, constructed in 1076. Five courtyards include beautiful gardens, walls inscribed with the names of scholars, several altars and a small museum. « less
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1,187 reviews from our community

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5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

Make sure you take lots of fluids with you, it is boiling hot and you will dehydrate. Beautiful building and interesting history, but if I was visiting for the first time again, I wouldn't make the effort to visit!

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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

We came to Hanoi after visiting Hue, Hoi An and Saigon. I think that's the reason why the temple of literature didn't get as much of our surprise. I guess we had seen more beautiful and stunning buildings in those cities. The temple is nice though, it has a nice entrance, a very well kept garden and the temple is... More

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See 2 more reviews by Vicky_Iri for Hanoi
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

Lots of people really love this attraction, but I found it not so interesting, maybe it's me. However I found all the Vietnamese people at this site really friendly.

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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

My wife is the local town Library Manager, so visiting the Temple of Literature is Deja Vu. Just Kidding !! The committment to education and excellence of the past masters is well documented and illustrated in beautiful surroundings. It was HOT the day we went and there is no air-con, but there is plenty of shade. An Oasis in the... More

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See 4 more reviews by ChrisHamnett for Hanoi
kandal
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

This is a wonderful place to visit for those who want to know more about the ancient history of Vietnam. It is best to have a guide with you as the place will not reveal its history, or the significance of this centre of learning.

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See 12 more reviews by william a for Hanoi
Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

If you don't, there really isn't a whole lot to see. Maybe I just have high expectations for some of the attractions, but beyond a few courtyards and only a few signs in English, there really isn't anything to see. It's old, which is cool, I guess. And the few things I was able to read were interesting tidbits of... More

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See 6 more reviews by Scott H for Hanoi
Newcastle
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26 reviews 26 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Pleasant gardens, some interesting bonsai & a great setting for photos but without a guide it wasn't easy to find much information about the place. A pleasant afternoon visit but we liked other sites better.

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See 8 more reviews by pgwhatkatydid for Hanoi
The Hague
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9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

We visited the temple at the time when High School and University students get their Diploma and their Degree Course results. It was lovely to see the students (the girls dressed in their traditional ao dai) gathering in the courtyard to be photographed by their loved ones, so much joy in their eyes! Inside the temple parents, grandparents and children... More

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See 2 more reviews by Emilia V for Hanoi
NZ
Top Contributor
77 reviews 77 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

This would have been wonderful when it was first built. Sadly the endless honking of car and bike horns provides a tranquility-ruining sound track nowadays, as does the daily hoard of noisy 'monkey on a stick' tourists in matching yellow hats etc. which are the scourge of travel everywhere today. Try going very early!

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See 3 more reviews by AA_Gull for Hanoi
Yorkie in London
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23 reviews 23 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

It's a really nice place, a respite from the storm of the traffic and city. There were lots of graduation groups while we were there and it was great to see the kids enjoying the experience at what was the historical centre of learning in Vietnam. Well worth a trip.

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