Morning of Ink and Intention
Today was the day I finally got my Vietnamese lotus tattoo on my right elbow, but before any ink touched skin, I made sure Cat had a proper breakfast. We woke at a quarter past seven and left the homestay by eight, Hanoi already awake but unhurried.
Soon after, we caught a Grab for VND35,360 (≈ MYR5/USD1/EUR1) and headed to Hino Cafe near the Văn Miếu area. Morning light slid across wider, greener streets, scooters moving steadily rather than rushing.
Breakfast Before the Day Begins
At Hino, we ordered a simple, satisfying breakfast:
- Club sandwich
- Avocado smoothie bowl
- Hot milk coffee
- Ginger cinnamon tea
It was calm and grounding—exactly what we needed. The total came to VND311,060 (≈ MYR46/USD12/EUR10).
Walking Toward the Temple
With breakfast done, we crossed the street toward the Temple of Literature. The walk felt deliberate. Tall trees softened the sound of traffic, voices lowered naturally, and the air carried notes of leaves, dust, and lingering coffee. As the long stone walls appeared, the city seemed to step back.
We paid VND70,000 (≈ MYR10/USD3/EUR2) each and entered.
Moving Through the Gates
Passing Văn Miếu Gate, space and sound changed immediately. Gravel shifted underfoot, leaves stirred overhead, and the path to Đại Trung Gate slowed our pace without effort.
Beyond it, we explored the heart of the complex: Khuê Văn Pavilion, poised and symbolic; Thiên Quang Well, still and reflective; the Doctoral Steles, names carved into stone turtles resting heavily in time; and the Thái Học Area, Vietnam’s first educational center.
Music in the Courtyard
Near the Văn Miếu Bell Tower, we stepped into the Thái Học Courtyard just as a concert rehearsal for the upcoming 2026 Văn Miếu Festival filled the space. Instruments tuned, passages repeated, and music drifted freely between wooden buildings—history and preparation sharing the same air.
Khai Thánh Temple and Calligraphy
Wandering back, we reached Khai Thánh Temple, quieter and more intimate. Traditionally linked to the roots of learning and moral grounding, it felt gentle and reflective.
Here, a calligraphy service operated quietly. A calligrapher, seated at a low table, wrote auspicious words by hand—virtue, patience, learning—each stroke deliberate and calm. Watching him work stilled the room. It felt less like buying something and more like receiving a small intention to carry forward.
The Walk Back Out
From Khuê Văn Pavilion back to Văn Miếu Gate, the transition was gradual. Sounds softened, then widened again. Birds perched along tiled roofs; the hum of the city returned little by little. The temple released us gently.
Parting Ways
Afterward, we booked another Grab for VND45,760 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR2) and returned to the homestay. There, I said goodbye to Cat—a quiet, grounding farewell.
I stepped back out, hailed one more Grab, and headed for The Hangout Tattoo Hanoi for my appointment with Hung Bun. The calm of the morning gave way to focus and nerves, carrying me toward a moment that would stay with me far longer than the day itself.
Next up: my intense four‑hour tattoo session at Hangout Tattoo. Stay tuned for that adventure.
Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)
📍 Location:
23B P. Hàng Tre - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LrtA6xLFHWhzzzA29
Hino Cafe - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rM3YX3nJSQPuMRtGA
Temple Of Literature - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hjqrq21y7hZ3Fn4DA
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