"Hanoi" a Hanoi Travel Page by NedHopkins

Founded in 1070, the Temple of Literature became Vietnam's first university six years later. It began as a training school for Confucian scholars -- preparing them for Chinese-style examinations that led to admission into a 'mandarin' class of public servants -- but soon offered instruction in more practical and practicable subjects than most Chinese academies did.

The grounds and structures are magnificent and form an oasis of calm in the midst of busy Hanoi, an especially attractive city.