Three of my absolute favorite places in Hanoi are within minutes walking distance from each other. In case you’re wondering, they’re not Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, or the famous train street in the Old Quarter. A short cab ride to the neighboring district of Ba Dinh will take you away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hanoi to a quieter part of the city, where you will find:
The Dai Trung Gate is one of the three entrances to the Temple of Literature. The carps on the roof symbolize the spirit of perseverance and the ability to overcome difficulties to achieve success. Source: http://vanmieu.gov.vn/
Temple of Literature
Also known as Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, this historical complex features beautiful traditional architecture and serene courtyards. Established in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty, it was dedicated to Confucius and served as Vietnam’s first national university. It’s an important part of Vietnam’s heritage, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for learning and intellectual achievements. As a child, I visited the Temple of Literature on a regular basis. Perhaps my mother, who has a deep passion for education, wanted to instill the same interest in me. (And it worked—I later earned a Master’s in Education from the U.S.!) One of my favorite memories is the calm I felt walking through the temple grounds, being part of a community of both ancient and living scholars.
A common tradition among local Vietnamese is to visit Văn Miếu to pray for good luck before important exams or celebrate academic achievements at graduation. Source: http://vanmieu.gov.vn/
KOTO Restaurant
Located just across the street from the Temple of Literature, KOTO is a restaurant with a big mission: to provide pathways for disadvantaged youth to break out of poverty and empower them to build a brighter future for themselves. Established in 1999, this social enterprise has provided job training and employment opportunities to thousands of young people at their flagship restaurant in Van Mieu. It reminds me of my favorite non-profit restaurant in Seattle, Fare Start, which operates on a similar concept. For amazing food, attentive service, a beautiful ambiance, and a chance to support a great cause, be sure to include KOTO on your itinerary and make a reservation to secure your spot.
Food with a heart at KOTO - Credit: vietnam.travel
Craftlink
This is my go-to place for souvenirs whenever I’m in Hanoi. All their products are carefully curated, and prices are clearly marked, allowing you to focus on choosing the best gifts for friends, family, or yourself. As a fair-trade non-profit organization, Craftlink supports Vietnamese artisans, so I feel good about helping to sustain and promote traditional crafts with my purchase. I’ve bought many beautiful bags, scarves, and home decor items here and always look forward to discovering new products. Craftlink is located right around the corner from the Temple of Literature, so don’t miss it when you're in the area. I recommend budgeting at least an hour to browse their gorgeous collections. Craftlink also hosts craft demonstrations where you can watch ethnic artisans at work.
Craftlink is a paradise for textile lovers, offering exquisite products made by talented Vietnamese artisans. You'll find ethnic jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as home decor made from lacquer, bamboo, and wood.
Source: Craftlink
There you have it: an itinerary for a lovely, mindful day in Hanoi. Start with a stroll around the Temple of Literature, then walk to KOTO for a delightful lunch, and end at Craftlink for some beautiful souvenirs. You’ll gain insights into Vietnamese culture and history, as well as an appreciation for the national values of education and social development.
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