Introduction
Hue Tiger Arena, locally known as Hổ Quyền, is one of the most unusual and lesser-known historical monuments in Hue. Unlike royal palaces or tombs, this site reveals a raw and dramatic side of Nguyen Dynasty history, where power, symbolism, and ritual were expressed through controlled animal combats.
These days, quietly resting on the outskirts of Hue, the Tiger Arena offers visitors a rare and meaningful insight into imperial ideology, royal ceremonies, and the complex relationship between humans, animals, and authority in feudal Vietnam. Join Hue Top Tour to explore this remarkable site and gain a deeper understanding of the Nguyen Dynasty’s history and cultural legacy.
Hue Tiger Arena Location
Hue Tiger Arena is located in Thuy Bieu Ward, approximately 5 km southwest of Hue city center, close to the Perfume River. The arena lies in a peaceful rural area, surrounded by gardens, village houses, and small temples, far from the busy tourist zones of the Imperial City.
Its location is not accidental, being outside the Forbidden City helped ensure safety and provided enough space for large ceremonial gatherings involving the royal court, soldiers, and spectators.
Hue Tiger Arena Unique Architecture
Cultural researchers in Hue believe that, in terms of structure, the Hue Tiger Arena bears similarities to the Colosseum of ancient Rome. This architectural resemblance can be seen in its open-air circular form, along with its inner and outer concentric walls. According to historical records, the outer wall is 4.75 meters high, sloping inward at an angle of about 10–15 degrees, creating a solid, embankment-like foundation.
The inner wall stands at approximately 5.9 meters high. The Tiger Arena has an outer wall circumference of around 145 meters, with an arena diameter of 44 meters. The entire structure was built using large bricks, stone blocks, and high-quality lime mortar.
The royal viewing platform was positioned on the northern side of the arena, elevated higher than other areas and designed to be spacious and well-ventilated. To the left of the main grandstand is a staircase consisting of 24 steps, reserved for the emperor and high-ranking royal relatives and mandarins. To the right is a separate staircase used by officials and soldiers.
Standing at the royal grandstand and looking straight across the arena, one can see five tiger cages built directly within the arena floor. These cages were equipped with wooden doors that could be opened or closed using rope systems pulled from above. The arena floor was covered with green grass, and at its center, ancient builders marked a prominent circular ring. No clear explanation exists as to when this circle first appeared, but remarkably, it has never faded despite the passage of time.
Outside the main walls of the Tiger Arena stands a small gate, measuring 3.2 meters in height and 0.8 meter width, constructed from stone blocks. Above this gate, the inscription “Hổ Quyền” is carved, and this entrance was used to lead elephants into the arena.
Hue scholar Phan Thuận An, in his research on the Hue Tiger Arena, revealed that historians have compared the scale of this arena to that of the Colosseum. The Hổ Quyền – Voi Ré relic complex has even been highly praised with the assessment: “In terms of historical value, no dynasty in Asia possessed an arena like this, not even major civilizations such as China or Japan.”
The Formation History of Hổ Quyền
According to historical records, in the early days, there was no dedicated arena for elephant and tiger combats. These life-and-death battles were usually held at Da Vien Islet, which is now part of Hue City.
Based on historical documents, in 1829, while Emperor Minh Mang and his mandarins were watching a fierce combat between an elephant and a tiger at this site, the tiger suddenly swam toward the imperial dragon boat. Faced with this dangerous situation, Emperor Minh Mang had to use a pole to push the tiger away. The tiger was then killed by court officials in the river, allowing the emperor to narrowly escape the threat.
After this alarming incident, the emperor realized that organizing such combats at Da Vien Islet posed serious safety risks. As a result, in 1830, less than a year later, Emperor Minh Mang decided to build a solid, purpose-built arena exclusively for elephant-and-tiger combats. The arena was constructed at the foot of Long Tho Hill, not far from the Hue Imperial Citadel, making it convenient for the emperor to travel. This structure is known today as the Hue Tiger Arena (Hổ Quyền).
According to remaining historical records, the last elephant-and-tiger combat held at Hổ Quyền took place in 1904, during the reign of Emperor Thanh Thai. With its significant cultural and architectural value, Hue Tiger Arena was recognized as a National Historical Monument in 1988 and was later honored by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1993.
What really happened at Hue Tiger Arena?
Journeying back through history, visitors can admire what is often referred to as the “Vietnamese Roman Colosseum” of the past. Let us explore what made the once-famous elephant-and-tiger combats at Ho Quyen (Hue Tiger Arena) so unique and remarkable.
Like other royal events, the organization of these combats followed extremely solemn and elaborate rituals. On the day of the event, local people prepared incense altars and offerings. The surrounding area was arranged as a ceremonial ground, decorated with banners, flags, and royal parasols in a grand and imposing display.
When noon arrived, the Emperor and his entourage would travel by boat to Long Tho Wharf before proceeding to the arena. Leading the procession were the Royal Guards, accompanied by numerous attendants carrying Tam Tai flags, Five Elements flags, Twenty- Eight Constellations flags, and unsheathed swords. The entire procession moved slowly toward Ho Quyen Arena in an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence.
Following behind was the royal court music ensemble. Along the route, flower mats were laid out to welcome the Emperor, while soldiers in red uniforms stood on both sides of the road holding weapons. Court officials and troops knelt respectfully to greet the monarch as he passed.
Under the Nguyen Dynasty, elephants were regarded as symbols of virtue and royal power, while tigers represented evil forces. Naturally, evil was not meant to triumph over good, just as the Emperor, the supreme authority, was destined to prevail. Therefore, in every life-or-death combat, the elephant was always declared the victor.
The elephant’s victory, however, stemmed from the fact that these combats were never fair to the tiger. Several days before the event, tigers were deliberately starved, while elephants were carefully fed and well cared for to ensure their dominance. In addition, the tiger’s two canine teeth were broken, and its claws were removed.
Attractions Near Hue Tiger Arena
Hue Tiger Arena is located close to several other interesting attractions that can be easily combined into one itinerary. Below are some popular nearby stops you may want to explore:
Voi Ré Temple
Located approximately 270 meters from Hue Tiger Arena, Voi Ré Temple is very convenient to visit. Together with Ho Quyen, this site serves as historical evidence of the royal elephant corps during the Nguyen Dynasty. The temple is dedicated to loyal elephants, with ceremonial offerings traditionally held in spring and autumn.
Thuy Bieu Eco-Tourism Area
About 2.8 km from Hue Tiger Arena, Thuy Bieu Eco-Tourism Area is an ideal destination for travelers seeking nature and relaxation. Visiting this area allows you to unwind, enjoy peaceful garden landscapes, and experience the calm rural atmosphere surrounding Hue.
Tu Hieu Pagoda
For those interested in spiritual sites, Tu Hieu Pagoda is a must-visit destination, located around 4.1 km from the Tiger Arena. This historic pagoda features traditional Hue architecture and is known for its serene, tranquil setting and timeless beauty.
An Hien Garden House
Situated approximately 5.3 km from the arena, An Hien Garden House is another attractive cultural site not to be missed. After nearly a century of existence, An Hien still preserves the distinctive characteristics of a noble garden house, reflecting the lifestyle of Hue’s aristocracy.
Perfume River
No visit to Hue would be complete without seeing the Perfume River, considered the symbolic river of the city. The distance from Hue Tiger Arena to the Perfume River is about 6.5 km, making it easy to include in your travel plan.