Constructed between July 1971 and April 1972 at a cost of approximately 700 million VND (about $27,000), the reinforced concrete statue honors National Duke and Commander-in-Chief Tran Hung Dao (Tran Quoc Tuan), the legendary 13th-century general who led Đại Việt to victory over the Mongol-Yuan invaders.
The project was initiated by the Tran Binh Dinh holy association in collaboration with naval forces, and designed by architect Đàm Quang Việt.
Rising about 50 meters above sea level, the monument occupies a commanding position overlooking the Thị Nại Lagoon. Locally known as Ganh Ho (historically Hổ Ky), the site forms part of a natural “interlocking water gate” with Cổ Rùa Cape, marking the twin entrances to the Quy Nhon estuary, a location that has witnessed centuries of historic conflicts from the Champa era to the resistance war against the United States.
The statue depicts Tran Hung Dao in full battle armor, left foot firmly planted and right hand pointing forward as if commanding troops. His stern expression and heroic posture convey the authority and determination of a national leader.
The 3.9-meter cobblestone-clad pedestal features four intricate bas-reliefs portraying decisive moments from Vietnam’s military history.
The front relief shows Tran Hung Dao directing the legendary Bạch Đằng River battle, inscribed with Han script celebrating the defeat of Yuan forces. On the left, another depicts him offering his sword to the Trần king with the iconic vow: “If Your Majesty wishes to surrender, please behead me first.”
The right panel honors Trần Bình Trọng’s defiance before the enemy, “I would rather be a ghost of the South than a king of the North.” The rear bas-relief captures the spirit of unity at the Diên Hồng Conference, where the nation’s elders pledged to fight foreign aggression.
Each year, from the 18th to 20th day of the eighth lunar month (October 9-11 this year), Quy Nhon residents and authorities commemorate Đức Thánh Trần with traditional ceremonies, including a procession escorting his spirit from the monument to the ancestral temple for worship.
For over five decades, the Tran Hung Dao Monument has stood as both a cultural and spiritual landmark, a lasting testament to Vietnam’s devotion to its heroes, its history, and the national ideal of “drinking water, remember its source.” Today, it remains a revered site for visitors and a living classroom of patriotism for younger generations.
