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Vietnam/Things to Do in Hanoi, solo trip

Temple Of Literature (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Temple Of Literature?

86%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can freely roam the five courtyards, read English panels, photograph ancient pavilions, and finish in under 2 hours at very low cost without needing special logistics.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 20,494 reviews)

Positives:

  • Cultural Insight: Learn about Vietnam’s first university and Confucian scholars at your own pace.
  • Interactive Souvenir: Connect with local artists when purchasing a custom calligraphy scroll.

Challenges:

  • Limited English Signage: Some plaques lack English; a guidebook or app fills translation gaps.
  • Variable Calligrapher Hours: Artists may only set up stalls during peak festivals and exam periods.
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🏖️ Explore Temple Of Literature with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Temple Of Literature. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Temple Of Literature?

  • An 11th-century Confucian temple complex that served as Vietnam’s first national university
  • Five landscaped courtyards organized around an imposing Meridian Gate and the iconic Khue Van Pavilion
  • Rows of turtle-shaped stone stelae, altars and shrines honoring Confucius and Vietnamese literati within traditional Vietnamese architecture

What is so special about Temple Of Literature for solo trip?

  1. Self-paced tour through five historic courtyards.
  2. Mini-museum of ancient scholar tools included in admission.
  3. Buy a personalized calligraphy scroll from on-site artists.
  4. Quiet, crowd-free experience when you arrive early.

Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours

Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to explore five courtyards, the mini-museum, and buy a calligraphy scroll at a relaxed pace.

(View Temple Of Literature on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Temple Of Literature

Self-Guided Courtyard Walk:

Wander through the five linked courtyards and read English info boards at each gate.

Tip: Download a temple map or guide app before you go for smooth navigation.

Mini Museum Discovery:

Climb to the rear hall’s upper floor to see ancient ink wells, brushes, and scholar textbooks.

Tip: Look for the display of stone turtle stelae and note historical inscriptions.

Good-Luck Calligraphy:

Buy a handwritten character scroll from local calligraphers near the main gate.

Tip: Bring small bills (100 000–150 000 VND) and choose a meaningful word like “Wisdom.”

Early Morning Exploration:

Arrive at opening (7:30 AM) to enjoy quiet courtyards before tour groups arrive.

Tip: Combine your visit with sunrise photos of the Khue Van Pavilion.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Temple Of Literature

  1. Arrive at Opening: Get there by 7:30 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  2. Use Offline Map: Save the temple layout on your phone to navigate without wifi.
  3. Carry Exact Change: Keep small VND notes ready for admission and calligraphy purchases.
🏖️ Tour Temple Of Literature like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Temple Of Literature. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Temple Of Literature

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Jin

Jin

Nov 2025

It must have been graduation photo day because it was unbelievably crowded, and there was another event happening inside as well. Still, it definitely felt like I was visiting a major landmark. It’s a place that becomes much more enjoyable when you read the explanations. Since it has a long history and many stories related to Confucius and his disciples, I recommend reading the brochures or inform...

Tiberiu Ivan (tiberiu_foodie Instagram)

Tiberiu Ivan (tiberiu_foodie Instagram)

Nov 2025

A beautiful and historically rich landmark dedicated to Vietnam’s first national university. The Temple of Literature blends serene gardens, traditional Vietnamese architecture, and a deep cultural atmosphere. A peaceful place to walk, take photos, and learn about the country’s academic heritage. Truly a must-see in Hanoi.

Maurício N.

Maurício N.

Nov 2025

This is a very pleasant place to visit. We pais 70k per adult and we enjoyed our time foi g around the different buildings. There are souvenir shops inside, as well as a man who will do a writing of your choosing (e.g. prosperity) for 100k per piece - which I think it is a great gift to give to someone (plus it is very interesting to see him doing it).

Lianne Tabanggay

Lianne Tabanggay

Nov 2025

Random visit during free time in Hanoi. Ticket costs 150k, you can avail a guided audio tour for 100k. It’s fine not to get an audio device because information on posters are complete (and are in Vietnamese, English, and French). Good place to go to immerse in Vietnam’s education system and culture. I finished touring the place alone in 1hr 30mins — I took some pictures and skipped some posters s...

Neha Kanagat

Neha Kanagat

Nov 2025

The oldest university in Hanoi is the Temple of Literature, which was established in 1070 and served as the first national university in Vietnam. Initially a temple dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first national university, known as the Imperial Academy (Quoc Tu Giam), a place for scholars to study and prepare for royal examinations. There are colourful pagodas. In the centre u have se...

When is the best time to visit Temple Of Literature (Hanoi, Vietnam)?

From May–October, carry a compact umbrella for sudden showers. In June and February (exam season and Tet), spot calligraphers near the entrance. In summer (June–August), arrive at 7:30 AM to beat the heat.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Hanoi on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Admission ticketVND 30,000
Calligraphy scrollVND 125,000
Cold drink or snackVND 20,000
Total EstimatedVND 175,000

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Temple Of Literature

Address: 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam

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About Temple Of Literature

Opening Hours

Monday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+84 24 3845 2917

Average price

US$ 2.7
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 2.7
Book on GetYourGuide
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