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- Destinations
- Asia
- Vietnam
- Hanoi
- Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)
Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)
The Temple of Literature is Vietnam's historical seat of
learning and is the most sacred place for the disciples of
Confucius. It is one of the few remaining buildings from the
original city founded by Emperor Ly Thanth Tong in the 11th century
and is a well-preserved example of Vietnamese architecture. It
became the site of the country's first university in 1076.
Consisting of a complex of small buildings and five walled
courtyards, it was an exclusive establishment teaching the
principles of Confucius. Over a period of 900 years thousands of
Vietnamese scholars graduated from the university. In the third
courtyard is a pond, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, and beside it
are 82 stone stelae, mounted on tortoises and engraved with the
names of successful graduates. There is also a temple dedicated to
Confucius and an altar where the king and his mandarins would make
sacrifices.
Information & Facts
Address
Pho Van Mieu, corner of Pho Quoc Tu Giam
Admission
Varying costs for English-speaking guides
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some
Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak
Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in
parts.
Money
The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller
denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de
change, hotels and on the black market. Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them
elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travellers cheques
in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main
cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and
is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travellers cheques
outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and
unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more
widespread.
Opening Times
Open daily from 7.30am to 6pm (summer), and 8am to
5pm (winter)
Time
Local time in Vietnam is GMT +7.