Van Mieu, Temple of Literature

The Văn Miếu - Temple of Literature in Hanoi is a Confucian temple complex founded in 1070 and later home to the Imperial Academy, Vietnam’s historic national university. The site is a major cultural monument in central Hanoi and contains the famous stelae honoring imperial scholars.

The complex offers formal courtyards, pavilions and gardens centered on scholarly ritual and Confucian inscriptions; the Khue Van Cac pavilion is one of the best-known visual symbols. The Stelae Garden houses 82 stone stelae mounted on carved tortoise bases that record the names and hometowns of doctorate recipients from past dynastic examinations. The restored academy buildings and shaded pathways provide a concise overview of Vietnam’s educational and scholarly traditions.

Founded in the late 11th century, the site was established as a temple to Confucius and then became the location of the Imperial Academy, which trained mandarins and civil servants. The complex has been repaired and restored several times over subsequent centuries and preserved as a historic urban monument.

The temple sits in central Hanoi, near the Old Quarter and the Hoàn Kiếm area, and is within easy walking distance of the city center.

• Founding and stelae: The complex was founded in 1070 and later became the site of Vietnam's first national university; the stone stelae record graduates from many dynastic examinations.
• Visiting tips: Early mornings are quieter for photography and to see the stelae without crowds; the site is compact and typically visited in under two hours.

What to See #

• Khue Van Cac: Khue Van Cac pavilion, an iconic eight-spoked red pavilion that marks the complex's entrance and is a common symbol of the city.
• Stelae Garden: Stelae Garden containing the collection of stone tablets mounted on tortoise-shaped bases that record the names of imperial doctorate recipients.
• Quoc Tu Giam (Imperial Academy): Remains of the Imperial Academy, the country's earliest national university that provided education for mandarins and scholars.