The Temple of Literature (First University)

Apologies for the lack of recent posts - all will be explained in future posts but we have been pretty busy recently and also didn't have a decent wifi connection but hopefully things are getting back on track now....

Hanoi, Day 58

Today we are off to visit the Temple of Literature, which is the first university complex in Vietnam. Not only is it a cultural and historical relic, it is also where many students come to pray for luck in their upcoming exams and studies. It is also regarded as a temple dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars.

The temple is about a 40minute walk from our hotel, but that is fine as we just like to meander our way to places and enjoy what we discover.

We're finding it quite strange that there are areas that only seem to sell the same items, and today we came across an area that seemed to be a cross between a B&Q (get your Dulux paint here) and art paint supply stores. There were loads of these shops pretty much selling the same thing, and it was weird to see all these colourful powders in these shops, though goodness knows what the safety implications for the storing and employees with these are, because I don't think they have COSHH or risk assessments....

We also passed a coffee shop that had R's doppleganger outside. Of course he said I was being racist taking a photo of him with this painting but it was the lanky face and glasses that showed an uncanny resemblence to him...

We also passed another part of the train line but this was much more non-touristy and seemed tp be used as shortcut by the locals on their scooters.

The Temple was very lovely and well looked after. It was only about £2.20 each to get in and there were a number of exhibits and artifacts.

Although it was hard to see and move about the place as there were so many people dressed up and getting their photos taken.....arghhhhh

The temple was founded and first built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông, and it hosted the Imperial Academy which was Vietnam's first national university, (1076 to 1779). In 1803, The academy was moved to the new capital of Nguyen dynasty in Hue.

It has various pavilions, halls, statues, and commemorative stone slabs (stelae) of doctors. It offered ceremonies, study sessions, and was the location where the strict exams took place. Note: We did find it interesting how the exams were carried out here, with all the students in their own little pods and the invigilators watching from on high to prevent cheating. Changed days and newer ways to cheat these days, I guess.

The temple is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese đồng banknote. Just before the Tết Vietnamese New Year celebration, calligraphists will assemble outside the temple and write wishes in Chữ Hán. The artworks are given away as gifts or are used as home decorations for special occasions.

It was a very lovely and serene place to visit and spend a few hours, especially as everywhere around Hanoi seems to be very busy and chaotic with the scooters and traffic.

After we left the temple, we headed back towards St. Joseph's Cathedral, as this time we planned to have a look inside because we would be there during its opening times. It was beautiful inside, but similar to most churches that we have visited in the past. We also really enjoyed going around the back of the church (it's only accessible via one entrance), and this area was really so peaceful and serene too (and it did not have the photo shoot crowds, which was good).

Then it was a quick stop off for some refreshments at another local sidewalk cafe (with the tiny novelty chairs) before we started to head back to the hotel and that about capped another day of walking about Hanoi.

Our rough walking route for today.

Hanoi, Vietnam

16 January 2025