This Vietnamese Teachers’ Day: Let’s Explore The First University In Vietnam

Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20th), rooted in Vietnam’s tradition of respecting teachers, is a special day dedicated to honoring educators, highlighting the crucial role teachers play in shaping students' futures.

On this Vietnamese Teachers' Day, let’s reflect on a place that embodies the nation's deep respect for education—Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám (the Temple of Literature). Known as Vietnam’s first university, it stands as a historical and cultural icon with almost 1,000 years of history in Hanoi. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions, welcoming millions of visitors to learn about Vietnam's rich educational traditions.

A Symbol Of The Educational Tradition

Established in 1070 under Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature was initially a place to honor the traditional fondness for learning and to honor Confucian principles—a guiding philosophy in Vietnam's feudal dynasties.

Six years later, Emperor Ly Nhan Tong inaugurated the Imperial Academy, a school within the temple, marking the formation of Vietnam's first higher education institution. The academy served as the training ground for mandarins—scholars who went on to become administrators in the royal court. Later, King Tran Thai Tong renamed Quoc Tu Giam as the National Academy and allowed commoners with outstanding academic achievements to join the school.

It remained a center of learning for over 700 years until the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945) moved the imperial examinations to Hue in the early 19th century. The academy at the Hanoi temple lost its prominence and became a school of the Hoài Đức District.

A Collection Of Architectural Highlights

The Temple of Literature’s design follows traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring courtyards, pavilions, and lotus ponds arranged harmoniously along a north-south axis.

One of the most striking features is the Doctors' stone tablets, which are mounted on the backs of sculpted turtles—a symbol of wisdom and longevity—to record information about 82 valedictorians from various Vietnamese dynasties. On March 9, 2010, these 82 stone steles were recognized by UNESCO as World Documentary Heritage.

The Pavilion of Constellation (Khuê Văn Các) is another iconic structure. Built in 1805, it remains a symbol of Hanoi today and also a familiar image featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.

Designed in the traditional Vietnamese style with a three-door gate, Khuê Văn Các is the main gate, flanked by two gates: Bí Văn (polished, clear literature) and Súc Văn (implicit, concise literature). In 1999, Khuê Văn Các was officially chosen as the symbol of Hanoi Capital.

The round window on the Khuê Văn Các symbolizes the sky, designed to let the sunlight shine through and reflect into the Thiên Quang well below, which symbolizes the earth. This architectural style carries the profound philosophy of the ancients, implying that this is the place where all the quintessence of heaven and earth gathers and promotes Vietnamese Confucian culture.

A Guide To Visit

On Vietnamese Teachers' Day, the Temple of Literature becomes a particularly meaningful destination to honor past scholars and pray for academic success. Moreover, the Temple of Literature often organizes poetry festivals and honors the most excellent and outstanding students, carrying forward Vietnam's long-standing educational traditions. At Tet, people also ask for calligraphy created by scholars to hang at home for good luck.

Here are some tips when visiting the Temple of Literature:

Basic Information

Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City

Opening hours: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM daily

Ticket Price

Adults: VND 30.000/ ticket

Students, disabled people, Vietnamese older citizens (above 60 years old): VND 15.000/ ticket

Activities To Enjoy

• Calligraphy Workshops: Seasonal calligraphy demonstrations are held, especially during Tet.
• Cultural Exhibits: Learn about the history of Confucian education through interactive displays.
• Souvenir Shopping: Purchase unique mementos like calligraphy art or replicas of ancient books.

Cultural tips

• Dress properly and politely.
• Silence is appreciated in certain areas, especially near altars and ceremonial spaces.
• Photography is allowed, but avoid flash in sensitive areas.