Temple of Literature, Hanoi

Founded in 1070 as a temple to Confucius, it later became Vietnam's first university. You pass through five walled courtyards with gates, gardens and ponds. In one, 82 stone stelae carried on the backs of stone turtles record the names of the scholars who passed the royal exams from the 15th to the 18th centuries.

Students come to pray for good exam results and to have graduation photos taken. It's a peaceful break from Hanoi's busy streets. The Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda are a short walk or taxi ride away.