Exploring Ho Quyen Arena: The Setting of Legendary Elephant and Tiger Battles

Ho Quyen Arena is located in the Truong Da area, Thuy Bieu Ward, Hue City, approximately 3–4 km southwest of the city center. Far from bustling urban quarters and crowded tourist routes, this relic is nestled near the foot of Long Tho Hill within a relatively peaceful suburban setting. Not far away stands Voi Re Temple (Long Chau Shrine), an ancient site dedicated to the elephant-worship traditions of the Nguyen Dynasty. These two destinations can easily be combined into a single itinerary, enriching your journey of discovering the history of Hue.

How to Get to Ho Quyen Arena

• Motorbike or bicycle: An ideal choice if you prefer flexibility. From the Truong Tien Bridge area or Le Loi Street, follow Bui Thi Xuan Street toward the Long Tho area, then follow the road signs to Ho Quyen. The journey typically takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions.

• Taxi or ride-hailing services: Convenient for families, groups of friends, or travelers unfamiliar with local routes. You can enter “Ho Quyen, Hue” as your destination on ride-hailing apps. If traveling during off-peak hours, it is advisable to arrange your return trip in advance.

• Private car: You can drive to the site following GPS navigation. Please check parking availability and road conditions prior to departure, especially on weekends or holidays.

Please note that travel times and taxi fares are for reference only and may vary depending on pickup locations, transport modes, and real-time conditions. If you require updated ticket prices or opening hours, please verify in advance to plan your schedule smoothly.

Beginning in the era of the Nguyen Lords, duels between elephants and tigers became a specialized royal activity within Hue court life. In 1750, under Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat, a major battle was organized on Da Vien Islet in the middle of the Perfume River. According to historical records, 40 war elephants defeated 18 tigers in a spectacle held to accompany sacred sacrificial rites. In 1829, an incident occurred when a tiger unexpectedly swam toward the royal dragon boat of King Minh Mang while the monarch was watching a fight by the riverbank. This close call demonstrated that open-air combat spectacles posed continuous danger. Consequently, in 1830, the royal court ordered the construction of Ho Quyen Arena in Nguyet Bieu Village, establishing a fortified and purpose-built enclosure for battles between elephants and tigers.

Beyond serving as an entertainment venue for monarchs and court officials, Ho Quyen was closely linked to the rigorous training of war elephants, highlighting the pivotal role of these animals in the Nguyen Dynasty’s military forces. These fierce combats thus reflected the royal court culture, where martial prowess, ritual order, and monarchical authority converged. The final duel here was recorded in 1904 during the reign of King Thanh Thai. Following the decline of the dynasty, the arena gradually lost its intended purpose and fell into disrepair. Since late 2019, several structural components have undergone restoration to safeguard these surviving historical vestiges.

Today, Ho Quyen rests quietly on the outskirts of Hue. Its moss-covered walls and aged stone steps continue to recall an era once filled with trumpet calls of elephants and the fierce roars of tigers. Amid the peaceful contemporary setting, this monument remains an open page of history, inviting visitors back to a distinctive chapter of the ancient imperial capital.

One of the elements that makes Ho Quyen Arena exceptional is its open-air, ring-shaped amphitheater design—a rare architectural form in Vietnam reminiscent of the Colosseum of Ancient Rome. The entire structure was built using large traditional bricks, compacted earth, laterite stone, and lime mortar mixed with cane molasses, ensuring remarkable durability across centuries.

• Main Structure: The arena features two concentric circular ramparts. The inner wall stands 5.8–5.9m high and approximately 4.5m thick, enclosing a circular pit 44m in diameter where the battles took place. The outer wall reaches 4.75m in height with a total perimeter of about 140–145m, complete with an intricate drainage system carved with tiger-face motifs.

•  Royal Tribune: Facing southeast (or north according to certain documents) is the grandstand reserved for the king, set higher than the surrounding areas. It features a 24-step staircase on the left for the sovereign and high ministers, alongside a separate flight of steps on the right for officers and palace guards. From this elevated platform, the king could view the entire contest in complete safety.

• Tiger Cages and Main Gate: Opposite the royal box are five individual tiger cages, each equipped with feeding troughs and wooden pulley systems to open the gates securely. The main entrance measures 8 thuoc 7 tac high (approx. 3.2m) and 4 thuoc 5 tac wide (approx. 1.7m), fashioned from sturdy ironwood set upon stone bases, bearing the carved characters "Ho Quyen"—the emblem of supreme strength and authority.

This architecture served both functional utility and profound symbolic purpose: the elephant represented terrestrial power and righteous order, while the tiger symbolized untamed forest ferocity. This harmonious integration of functionality and craftsmanship established Ho Quyen as a distinctive architectural masterpiece of the Nguyen Dynasty.

To make the most of your visit to Ho Quyen Arena, plan to spend approximately 30–60 minutes exploring the grounds, inspecting the surviving structures, and appreciating the tranquil character of this unique historical relic in the heart of the imperial capital.

• Ideal Visiting Times: It is recommended to visit in the morning between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, or in the late afternoon to avoid intense midday heat. The dry season from March to August is generally favorable for outdoor touring, though checking the weather forecast prior to your excursion is always advisable.

• Preparation: Wear footwear with reliable grip, bring a hat, hydration, and sunscreen. Certain sections feature stone steps and uneven ground, requiring careful footing during exploration.

• Monument Etiquette: Refrain from climbing onto ramparts, handling fragile structural elements, or littering. Dedicate time to examining the architectural craftsmanship and discovering the historical background rather than merely stopping for brief photographs.

• Combined Itineraries: After touring Ho Quyen Arena, you can easily continue your journey to the fragrant pomelo orchards in Thuy Bieu Village or visit the renowned Xuan Dai Garden House nearby. 

Ho Quyen Arena stands not only as an extraordinary historical relic of the Nguyen Dynasty, but also as vivid proof of the martial traditions, architectural mastery, and distinctive cultural heritage of Vietnam. Although the dramatic clashes between elephants and tigers now belong to the past, the arena retains enduring value for anyone seeking to understand Vietnamese history, culture, and royal traditions. If you have the opportunity to visit Hue, do not miss the chance to experience Ho Quyen and immerse yourself in the majestic echoes of bygone eras.