Hanoi between the Temple of Literature, the Citadel and the Old Quarter

Hanoi reveals itself through its cultural sites, historic complexes and public spaces from a variety of perspectives. Văn Miếu–Quốc Tử Giám brings together the history of education and scholarship in several clearly defined areas. The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long tells of political power and the city’s development. At Hoàn Kiếm Lake and in the Old Quarter, you can experience other sides of urban life.

The history of education and a place of scholarship

Văn Miếu–Quốc Tử Giám is located in Hanoi, south of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. Its grounds include Hồ Văn, the Giám Garden and the inner temple area. Văn Miếu was founded in 1070 under King Lý Thánh Tông and served to worship Confucius and earlier sages and scholars. Quốc Tử Giám was established in 1076 under King Lý Nhân Tông. In monarchical Vietnam, it was the highest educational institution. The two dates mark distinct but related aspects of the site: its religious function and its importance for education.

The Garden of Doctoral Steles contains 82 steles bearing the names and hometowns of 1,304 doctoral candidates. They passed 82 examinations held between 1442 and 1779. The inscriptions thus record both individuals and examination periods. The Thiên Quang Well is square and measures 30 by 30 metres. Its water is described as remaining full, clear and calm throughout the year.

The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long

The central sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long–Hanoi was built in the 11th century under Vietnam’s Lý dynasty on the remains of a Chinese fortress dating from the 7th century. It marked Đại Việt’s independence. For nearly thirteen centuries, the Imperial Citadel was the centre of regional political power. Its long continuity and uninterrupted function as a seat of government are reflected in various archaeological layers and architectural monuments. In the wider destination of Ha Noi, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2010.

Programs and water puppet theatre

Văn Miếu–Quốc Tử Giám offers experiential educational programs for students from preschool through upper secondary school. They introduce the historical, cultural and educational values of this special national monument. Activities include tours and observation as well as discussions, group activities, discovery games and puzzles. Calligraphy practice, role-playing and creative activities round out the program. If you are travelling with students, this target audience is important when considering the activities on offer.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is on Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, next to Hoàn Kiếm Lake in central Hanoi. It has a purpose-built, modernly equipped auditorium for water puppetry, with just under 300 seats, designed to meet the needs of all audience groups. Seating arrangements may change; check the visitor information before your trip.

The lake, the Old Quarter and everyday life outdoors

Before sunrise, joggers and people practising Tai Chi gather on the shores of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. At weekends, vehicles are banned from the lake area, which becomes a place for outdoor recreation and exercise. Specific traffic restrictions may vary. So check the current rules if you are planning a weekend visit.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is easy to explore on foot. There, cooks serve steaming bowls of phở and bún chả. Exploring the neighbourhood brings both its streets and the dishes on offer into focus. Alongside the historic sites, this offers a varied view of Hanoi, where educational history and architecture meet lively public spaces and local cuisine.

Discover more destinations: Ðồng Dụ, Thị xã Sơn Tây, Tt. Đông Anh, La Phù, Kim Quan.

Return to the wider travel overview: Ha Noi.