Okay, here’s my blog post about my visit to the Hanoi Literature Temple, written in a casual, first-person style:
So, I finally made it to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi – you know, the one everyone tells you to see? Yeah, that one. I’d heard so much about it, figured I should finally check it out.
First off, getting there was, well, an experience. I hopped on a Grab bike (basically a motorbike taxi – super common here). Weaving through Hanoi traffic is always a bit of a wild ride, but hey, that’s part of the fun, right? I held the handle and enjoyed the adventure!
When I arrived, I paid the entry fee, 30,000 VND, I think it’s very cheap. And wow. It’s seriously peaceful inside. It’s like stepping back in time, away from the chaos of the city. There are these big courtyards, beautiful old buildings, and these amazing stone turtles with giant stelae (stone tablets) on their backs.
What I did
- I walked around all five courtyards, and each one felt a bit different.
- I spent time reading some of the signs (thank goodness for English translations!) to learn about the history. It used to be a university, like, way back in the 11th century!
- I watched some local students taking graduation photos – it’s a really popular spot for that.
- I just sat and soaked it all in. Seriously, it was so calm and quiet, a nice break from the city noise.
The stelae are probably the most famous part. They have the names of people who passed these super-important exams hundreds of years ago. It’s kind of mind-blowing to think about all that history.
I also wandered through the buildings where they used to hold classes and ceremonies. You can almost imagine what it must have been like back then, with scholars studying and debating.
Honestly, I didn’t have a super detailed plan going in. I just wanted to explore and see what it was all about. And I’m glad I did. It was a great way to spend a few hours and learn a bit more about Vietnamese history and culture. I have taken a lot of pictures, and it’s good to put them on my wall.
If you’re in Hanoi, I definitely recommend checking it out. Just take your time, wander around, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. And maybe wear comfortable shoes – there’s a lot of walking!
