The temple of literature is located in the west of the old town in Hanoi. Famously known as the first university of Vietnam, this place is like a box with colorful candies that tempt you time and again. The mesmerizing atmosphere of the building covered with gigantic courtyard walls will take you to another world of relaxation. The marvelous architecture and culture appearance will excite you more to explore this stunning place.

We know! Yes, we know that you have gone through lots of pages to know the real panorama and facts of the temple of literature. Well, if you are looking for a story-telling narrative that has a unique point of view than heaps of trending articles, you have landed in the right place. Congratulations!

If you have come to Vietnam tours, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi is a place you cannot miss. We have provided some interesting facts about this place which will compel you to visit this place. Before actually going to the Temple of Literature, let’s take its scribble tour with Threeland.

Spot with Largest Drums

This place has two largest “thundering drums” also known as trong sam. The names of these drums are different as when you hit them, they produce the sound of thunder. More importantly, the drums are 2.65 meters high and 2.01 meters wide and it weighs 700 kilograms. If you haven’t seen such massive drums in your life, it will be a treat for you.

Only Here You will Get the Handwritten Letters By Masters

In the primitive days, there was illiteracy in Vietnam. So the older people of Hanoi use to ask the teacher to write one or two letters to hang it inside the house. This gave them hope that their children will give importance to education. Years after years, this tradition has been followed by everyone and today it has become the cultural beauty of this place. Before the Tet holidays, the people who visited the Temple of Literature would ask for these letters, as they consider it as a sign of luck and prosperity.

If you are visiting this place before the Tet holiday, there is a chance to get a piece of souvenir from the old teacher in the form of a letter written with blank ink and crimson paper. Even many poets have penned down about this versatile Vietnamese teacher and this old-age custom. Today, it has become a popular custom among the locals and tourists who have come with Vietnam Tour Package. Each word will cost you more than 130.000 VND.

Want a Happening Graduation Photo? Come here!

As you know Temple of Literature is one of the oldest universities so, education is in the roots of this institution. You will see the happy faces of students who are taking their graduation photos. The students take wonderful selfies and make memories for a lifetime.

Touching a Turtle Head is Prohibited

Earlier people had this belief that touching the head of the turtle in the Temple of Literature will give them good marks in the university’s examination.

Due to natural conditions and humans effects, 82 steles were brutally damaged. After that, the Scientific Activity of Center has decided to create a fence to protect the steles from tourists and university students. The heads of the turtle always remain the center of attraction.

The visitors are strictly not allowed to touch the heads of the turtles and also the staff has been given instructions to remind visitors for the same. If you are restricted to touch the heads of these turtles, remind yourself about this interesting belief.

Preserving Mother Nature in the Altars

Vietnamese people have accepted five elements as the foundation of the physical world. They are metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. It is believed that the world is existing with the help of these elements. You will see all the 5 elements in the altars of this temple through various things. The candle is fire, candlestick represents the metal, a fresh flower is the wood and wine is regarded as the water element. This way Vietnamese people pay respect to mother earth.

The Temple of Literature had been Harmed Many Times

Every place in the world which is famous is known for its popular History. In the past, many attacks happened in Hanoi, due to which the Temple of Literature was severely damaged. When the French troops regained the city in 1947, they degraded the entire temple literary. With the help of civilians, the renovations were done many-a-times. Today, it is reconstructed as a modern center but still the historical essence is present in every inch of this vibrant place. It is a good example of Vietnamese people that they very well know how to preserve their culture no matter what comes in the way.

Every Student’s Dream...

The modern Temple of Literature is a doctrine of knowledge and preserving cultural craft for the coming generations. Another interesting fact is that the students of Temple of Literature who scored well in the exams have their names in the stone steles. So for every student of the university, there is a dream to get their name carved in the stones- worn by the turtles.

We hope this literal tour made you curious about visiting this place. If you are taking Vietnam Holiday Packages, the Temple of Literature is a place that is worth visiting. Whether you are interested in history or not, this site will give you goosebumps with its archaeological composition and fascinating tale. Book your tickets now!