The Temple of Literature 

The Temple of Literature is a popular Vietnamese temple in Vietnam, situated in the capital city of Hanoi. It was originally built as a university dedicated to Confucius, all the way back in 1070. 

It was built to attract wealthy scholars – as education was once only accessible to the wealthy and royal. Because of this, it now stands as one of the most beautiful and picturesque temples in the whole of Vietnam. Its traditional Vietnamese architecture is surrounded by tranquil courtyards – featuring the names of successful students of the past, carved into stone turtles. 

Visiting hours: 8am to 6pm

The Van Thuy Tu Temple

The Van Thuy Tu Temple is known as the whale temple – and just as the name suggests, it is dedicated to the most impressive mammal – whale. In Vietnamese culture, whale is considered as a holy animal, worshiped in a multitude of different ways. It is estimated that there are over 100 whale temples in Vietnam, and Van Thuy Tu Temple is the oldest and largest and is located in Phan Thiet. 

Visitors can see a range of historical artifacts – from whale skeletons, fishing boats and Nguyen Dynasty relics – as it was built way back in 1762. It was erected to commemorate the ancient story of the Lord Whale, who earned his title by saving a team of fishermen from bad weather. 

Visiting hours: 7am to 5pm 

The Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is one of Hanoi’s most popular historical landmarks. It is said to have been built in the 6th century as ‘An Quoc’, but it was renamed ‘Tran Quoc’ following renovations in the 17th century which were largely overseen by Emperor Le Huy Tong. 

It is one of the liveliest temples to visit as a tourist. Apart from its museum of historical artifacts, the main pagoda is often used to hold special events for devotees, such as the celebration of Buddha’s birthday, and the famous Tet Festival.

Visiting hours: 7.30am to 6pm

The Giac Lam Pagoda

This beautiful Buddhist temple was built in 1744, and in 1988 gained status as an important historical site according to the Vietnamese Department of Culture. This temple is truly breathtaking and tranquil, with gorgeous gardens to lose yourself in. Of all the temples on this list, this is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a peaceful experience. Its ceremonial hall is a huge attraction, thanks to its famous statue of Amitabha Buddha.

Just like the Emperor Jade Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda is situated in Ho Chi Minh City. It is open from early morning, allowing you to experience its beautiful scenery in the morning, noon and night. 

Visiting hours:  5am to 8pm

Sustainable tips for visiting temples in Vietnam

• Most of these temples in Vietnam are ancient heritage sites of historical importance. Visitors must respect the structures by not sitting on them. 
• Do not harm the temple structure by carving or writing on it.
• Wear respectable clothes while visiting the temples in Vietnam. Cover your shoulders and knees. You may not be allowed to enter otherwise. 
• Do not litter temple premises and maintain its sanctity by keeping it clean.

Disclaimer: This is contributed blog post and may contain affiliate and commercial links.

Pin this post!

Angkor Wat: Getting amazed with the precision cut stones and apsara carvings on the outer wall.

The beautifully landscaped outer courtyard. I imagine animals probably lazying around during the prime years of Khmer empire.

Bridges having fancy fencing.. now who wouldn’t like that? By the way they are holding a really lo..nnnn..gg 7 headed snake.

I think mine and everyone’s favorite temple has to be Bayon.  The giant faces of Bayon/ Jayavarnam VII with their gentle smiles are definitely enigmatic and lifted my spirits in the hot burning sun.

So much so that I decided to pose to show off my dress at Bayon, Angkor Thom

Getting awed by the huge roots trying to claim their territory around the temple complex at Ta Phrom. If you decide to go here you will probably tick item off a bucket list as you will be clicking a photo at Tomb Raider movie shooting set! Photography at Angkor wat done right! It certainly reminded me of tree roots in towns of Meghalaya, in the state of India and how localities have turned them into bridges to cross rivers! Such brilliant stuff.

Humans trying really hard to protect the structures they built by putting some weight lifting devices.

Getting intimidated by the fact that the tree branches are actually holding some portions of the monuments from collapsing. Angkor Wat can get surprisingly amazing.

This barren stone would have looked so beautiful in its hay days showing off the jewels it possessed.

Intrigued by this extremely gorgeous looking stone, carved with a story that I am trying to recreate in my head.

Crumbled pieces of history, holding strong to its roots and the trees to its own. They interact often holding on to their egos, talking about the by gone centuries – how the path once laid was a king’s business route to the now selfie taking tourists! Still, they lie still engulfing each minute as it comes.  Read in detail about the temples of Koh Ker and Preah Vihear and get mesmerized with the photos.

So let go off that shutter speed, put on the aperture and the ISO to give you the best of Angkor paradise!

Sustainable travel tips for Photography at Angkot Wat Temples

• Being an ancient world heritage site which is already dwindling with age, respect the structures by not sitting on them. Sit outside the temple in the garden.
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it
• Do not enter places which are closed off, there’s a reason why they are closed.
• Throw your garbage in the dustbins located at the entrance of each temple.
• Choose sustainable local transport – bicycles, electric mopeds are available on rent. Even diesel tuk-tuks are available which give boost to local economy. I discourage riding elephants (yes, some tourists were using them as transport).

Read More Cambodia Posts:

Cambodia Travel Guide for Indian Citizens

2 days in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Read other popular posts from neighbouring countries of Cambodia:

Thailand: Things to do in Nakhon Phanom

Laos: Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang

Vietnam: Stunning Temples in Vietnam

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running. Please read my Privacy Policy to know more. 

Pin this post!

Note: All images are copyrighted and cannot be used for any commercial purpose without the author’s permission