The stunning Temple of Literature, or Văn Miếu, is one of Hanoi’s most visited attractions. Built to honor Confucius nearly 1000 years ago (in 1070 to be precise), it also later served as Vietnam’s first university. These days it’s a popular location for young women and couples to get their portraits taken.

The women arrive with a full entourage in tow –several photographers, a few assistants, a make-up artist– and move around the sprawling grounds, stopping at nearly every building or larger structure where their teams snap away. So do many from the throngs of tourists who converge here. I snapped quite a few as well; if I’d come a little earlier and stayed a bit longer, I’d probably have enough for an unauthorized calendar.

Yes, it does get a bit exhausting.

More about the Temple itself another time. I am on holiday.