Long Chau Temple

Why Long Chau Temple is special ?

Long Chau temple, located on the south bank of the Perfume river, is a royal temple where the kings' war elephants were buried and worshipped. Locally it is known as "Dien Voi Re", the "Palace of the Crying Elephants". The site is located about 200 meters from an arena, Ho Quyen, where elephants and tigers dueled to the death, with the tigers declawed so that the elephants would win every time. The site is not well maintained and is in need of conservation.

Long Chau northern ancient temple about dark; Southern has triple gate moss quiet. In front of the port gate system includes 17 steps going up steps; above the main entrance in the middle of three Chinese porcelain “Nghiem Lam downside”. Straight main exit, one will encounter a hanging painting beautiful Long Code before entering the temple courtyard.

Source: http://www.orientalarchitecture.com

What to explore at Long Chau Temple?

It looks out over a big lotus-filled pond where it's said the triumphant elephants went to cool off after a successful fight. Just behind this is a big, slightly dilapidated gate which is decorated with unusual cloven-hooved war animals and intricate ceramic mosaic long-life and happiness motifs. Beyond this are several crumbling but still intact pavilions and a large main hall surrounded by stone tombs, each housing a statue of an elephant with big gaping holes where tusks once were.

Source: http://www.travelfish.org

How to get to Long Chau Temple?

Head west on Le Loi towards the train station, and take a right after crossing the small bridge onto Bui Thi Xuan. Continue for 2.5 kilometres and keep an eye out for Nguyen Tran Cong Chua on the left. Once you find it, pass it, and continue 300 metres down to an alley called Kiet 373 on the left. Long Chau Temple is 200 metres down from the tiger fighting arena.