Hotels near Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)

The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070 as Vietnam's first university - the Imperial Academy (Quoc Tu Giam) where the country's mandarin scholars studied Confucian classics for 7 centuries. The 54000-square-metre complex contains 5 walled courtyards arranged on a north-south axis, with the main Khue Van Cac pavilion (a 1805 wooden gate now featured on the 100000 VND banknote) as the centrepiece.

The 82 Doctor's Stelae (UNESCO-listed) record the names of every PhD-equivalent graduate from 1442 to 1779 - inscribed on stone tablets carried by stone turtles. Students rub the turtles' heads for exam luck (now railed off to protect them). The fifth courtyard houses the academic shrine dedicated to Confucius. Admission 30000 VND adults. Open daily 08:00-18:00. Allow 90 minutes.

Pro Tip: Visit on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon when school groups have left. Combine with the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 5 minutes east for the country's best fine art collection (40000 VND, often quiet).