Table Of Contents
Introduction
Tiger Arena Hue (Ho Quyen) is known as the ancient arena, a unique national relic of Vietnam in Truong Da village, Thuy Bieu ward, 5 km west of the center of Hue ancient capital.
Traveling to Hue, do not forget to visit “Vietnam’s Colosseum” – Hue Tiger Arena. This place used to take place the “fight to death battles” between elephants and tigers. These matches were both entertaining and a way for the court to train the elephants to be powerful weapons. Nowadays, Ho Quyen is a historical relic that attracts a large number of visitors.
Tiger Arena Hue History
Before the construction of the Ho Quyen arena, the mortal battles between elephants and tigers under the Nguyen Dynasty were held on Da Vien Island on the Perfume River.
During this period, there were many dangerous incidents related to the match. In 1750, Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat witnessed a bloody fight with 40 elephants killing 18 tigers. In particular, a tiger slaps the mahout, then he is trampled to death by his own trained elephant.
In the reign of Minh Mang Emperor, when he was watching the fight on the Perfume River, a tiger swam towards the dragon boat, fortunately, there was an army to protect it in time. Therefore, in the 11th year of Minh Mang’s reign, 1830, the Emperor had a solid tiger arena built in the land in Truong Da village, Nguyet Bieu village, west of the Citadel.
Tiger Arena Vietnam Architecture
Ho Quyen arena was built in the shape of a donut with two rings of walls. The inner ring has a height of 5.9m, the outer ring is 4.75m high, tilted at an angle of 15 degrees to create a solid stance.
The perimeter of the outer wall is 145m, the diameter of the basin is 44m. Tiger Arena Hue Vietnam is embellished with malleable bricks, lime mortar, and bluestone.
The Tiger Arena stand is divided into 2 parts, for the Emperor and servents. The stand where the Emperor sat is located in the north, built higher than other positions. On the left are 24 ranks for the Royal Family and great ministers. The right side is for lower-rank officials and soldiers.
Opposite the stands is a system of 5 tiger cages with wooden doors that open and close by pulling strings from above. On the wall, there is a gate 8 meters high and 7 inches wide where elephants are brought into the arena. Hue Tiger Arena is considered a unique architectural work of Vietnam and the world, an attractive Hue tourist destination in the eyes of tourists.
The Fight to Death Battles between Tigers and Elephants
The ceremony of organizing the match between elephants and tigers at Tiger Arena Hue is very solemn. Around the arena, there were soldiers and flags. Soldiers armed with weapons respectfully stood on both sides of the road, ready to spread flower mats to welcome the Emperor.
At noon, the Emperor and his entourage will get on a dragon boat. When the boat was close to the riverbank, the Emperor left the boat and went to a palanquin with four golden umbrellas and four golden parasols.
Going in front will be the musketeers, behind in order are bodyguards holding the Tam Tai flag, the Ngu Hanh flag, the Thap Nhi Bat Tu flag, the sword, and finally the court music team. The death battle at the Ho Quyen arena takes place every year and It just ended when the elephants killed the tigers already.
The Value of Tiger Arena Vietnam
With great values of culture, architecture, and history, the Hue People’s Committee together with Hue Monuments Conservation Center to organize research and recreate the image of the Tiger arena with modern technology. The time also plans to restore many items to serve tourists.
Tiger Arena Hue Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
For a great effort to restore and protect the Hue Tiger Arena, buying an entrance ticket to visit Vietnam Tiger Arena is a must. It costs about 50,000 VND (roughly 2,5 USD)/ person. Children under 6 years old are free of charge.
The Tiger Arena Hue opening hour is from 7:00 to 17:00 every day even on Tet Holiday. So it is very convenient for you to plan your Hue City Tour.
The best way to visit this unique arena is to book Hue City Tour by private car. Plus, you can book Hue City Private Tour and we can customize the itinerary following your requests.
Attractions Nearby The Hue Tiger Arena
The Elephant Temple
The Elephant Temple relic is evidence of the Elephant team under the Nguyen Dynasty. This structure is used to worship loyal elephants and is often sacrificed in spring and autumn every year.
Hue Imperial Citadel
Hue Citadel is about 4km from the Tiger Arena Hue, Vietnam. This is one of the most important works of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is still preserving the unique and impressive architecture, reminiscent of the memory of the powerful feudal period in Vietnam.
Thuy Bieu Eco Village
Thuy Bieu Village is about 3km from Ho Quyen, a destination for those who love nature. Coming to a rustic village in the heart of Hue city, you will be immersed in a peaceful, simple scene. Relax with a local foot massage, join a cooking class, and enjoy the specialties of the ancient capital.
Hue Tiger Arena is part of the complex of relics of Hue ancient capital recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1993. With its unique architecture and historical values, Ho Quyen is increasingly attracting domestic and foreign tourists. So, do not miss this attractive destination when you have the opportunity to visit Hue!
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