Thuy Tien Lake: Abandoned Water Park Hue Full of Bewitching Beauty

Thuy Tien Lake, a unique and mysterious destination in the ancient capital, offers an enchanting and mystical beauty that will give you extraordinary and completely different experiences compared to the splendid beauty of temples, palaces, or the poetic and romantic charm of the Perfume River. Uncover the secrets of this abandoned water park with Deluxe Group Tours.

1. A Glimpse into Thuy Tien Lake

1.1. History of Thuy Tien Lake

Thuy Tien Lake is an abandoned water park in Thuy Bang commune, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province. The park began construction in 2001, opened in 2004, and was later closed and abandoned due to inefficient operation.

Abandoned Water Park Hue before was originally a large tourist area covering an area of up to 50 hectares. The park began construction in 2001 as an entertainment and ecotourism park, featuring attractive play and exploration areas. However, when you visit this abandoned park today, you will only witness structures rusting and deforming due to oxidation. Even the meticulously finished sculptures have not escaped becoming moss.

You won’t get to enjoy thrilling water games or admire a lively aquarium, but in return, you’ll witness a captivatingly eerie and mysterious scene.

Signs of rust and decay are evident over time. The walls are mottled and covered with graffiti, creating a desolate backdrop. The park is surrounded by overgrown trees and weeds. Old, spiraling staircases and long, dark slides nestled among wild vegetation add to the park’s eeriness. Inside, all the recreational facilities have long ceased operation and are increasingly deteriorating. Altogether, this creates a powerful allure, drawing you to this place.

Perhaps it is precisely this mysterious and captivating beauty that led to the park being unexpectedly featured and introduced by the American publication, The Huffington Post, in 2016. As a result, from being an abandoned park, it suddenly became a famous and attractive destination in Hue.

1.2. The Reasons Behind Its Abandonment

Although it is uncompleted, Thuy Tien Lake was opened in 2004 with the expectation that it would become a premier amusement destination for everyone. However, it didn’t operate for long as the park saw few guests, and revenue couldn’t cover expenses. Some of the animals in the aquarium had to be relocated elsewhere.

By 2008, the project was taken over by another entity for upgrades and investment in the park. However, by 2017, the project could no longer be completed. Thuy Tien Lake was abandoned, and over time, the facilities deteriorated severely and became unusable.

In 2017, the People’s Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province decided to confiscate the park and hand it over to the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment for management.

In early 2024, another entity won the auction for the assets at Thuy Tien Lake and decided to dismantle various structures, including the iconic dragon sculpture of the park. However, the Provincial People’s Committee negotiated with the entity and decided not to demolish the dragon statue at Thuy Tien Lake but to preserve this masterpiece and renovate the Thuy Tien Lake Abandoned Water Park.

2. Exploring the Eerie Beauty of Thuy Tien Lake

With its eerie and desolate beauty, surrounded by a melancholic and chilling landscape, this vast structure becomes haunting and eerie, akin to stepping into a scene from a horror movie.

There is no investment and no keeper, especially in such a large park with various features like the aquarium, water music stage, water play area, and lakeside promenades. You can freely explore, making this destination more alluring for adventurers seeking unconventional spaces.

2.1. The Aquarium of Thuy Tien Lake

The aquarium, adorned with the architectural motif of a winding dragon atop the lake, is the most prominent structure in this abandoned water park. It is particularly the pinnacle of exploration within the expansive Thuy Tien Lake.

Shrouded in moss and age, the aquarium harbors numerous mysterious and captivating elements within. Crumbling walls are adorned with vibrant graffiti. Each shattered pane, once gleaming with rare aquatic species, now lies in ruins, reflecting the dark shadows of time. The eerily quiet atmosphere envelops every corner, intensifying the park’s mystery and drawing you closer to exploring its secrets.

In particular, stepping into the aquarium at dusk will immediately send chills down your spine, as you’ll be enveloped by its eerie, quiet ambiance. Dim lights seep through every crevice, creating a haunting atmosphere that’s sure to give you goosebumps.

The journey climbing the staircase up to the dragon’s mouth in the aquarium of Thuy Tien Lake Park at dusk will indeed test your courageous heart. When you turn around and look down, all you see is pitch-black darkness, everything submerged in silence as if something awaits, urging you to quickly run outside before it’s too late. However, completing the challenge is incredibly rewarding because you can fully admire the pristine, majestic beauty of Thuy Tien Lake nestled amidst the dense pine forest as the sun sets.

2.2. Water Music Stage

The water music stage, with its grand design accommodating up to 2,500 seats, is also an impressive destination, no less captivating than the aquarium. However, this place has become ravaged after many years of exposure to the sun and rain. The seating system is peeling, the stage structure is deteriorating, and it has been covered with graffiti.

Witnessing this scene makes those who have experienced the lively water music performances wail. Powerful jets of water shooting up high, blending with music and dazzling lights, create breathtaking displays. The cheers and applause of the audience still echo faintly around them.

However, amidst that desolate scene, you can almost still envision the vibrancy and excitement of the water music stage in its prime.

2.3. Water Play Area

When visiting Thuy Tien abandoned water park, you cannot overlook the overgrown moss-covered slides, adorned with graffiti. These winding and twisting slides weave through ancient tree branches, each one snaking and undulating. The colorful graffiti on their surfaces, faded by time, adds to the mysterious and eerie beauty of this place.

Even though these slides are no longer operational, you can still freely explore, take photos, and feel the nostalgia and wilderness of the once vibrant water park. Standing on these slides, now faded and covered in moss, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a ghostly world, with no one else around, just you and the slides amidst the dense forest.

The desolate scenery, eerie silence, and mysterious atmosphere of the moss-covered slides at this Abandoned Water Park Hue will surely provide you with unforgettable experiences, stirring curiosity within you.

2.4. Thuy Tien Lake

Thuy Tien Lake once had crystal-clear, gently flowing water, making it a popular spot for enjoying the fresh air. The scenery here was incredibly romantic, surrounded by and sheltered by lush trees.

Now, after a long time without a soul in sight, Thuy Tien Lake has merged with the abandoned water park, becoming incredibly quiet and serene. Despite its contemplative stillness, a touch of romance still lingers in this lake, helping to soften the surrounding desolation and eeriness.

3. Key Details for Your Trip to Thuy Tien Lake

3.1. Finding Your Way to Thuy Tien Lake

About 10 km west of Hue city center, the road to the Thuy Tien abandoned water park is winding and deserted, making it easy to navigate by motorbike.

You can start from the central road in Hue City and continue along Le Duan Street. From there, head towards Da Vien Bridge and onto Phan Chau Trinh Street. Continue until you reach the intersection with Dien Bien Phu Street and turn in. Follow Dien Bien Phu Street to the end, then turn right onto Le Ngo Cat Street. Go a short distance and then turn onto Minh Mang-Khai Dinh Street. After that, turn right onto Thuy Tien Street. From here, travel about 1 km to reach Thien An Hill. And then, you can park your motorcycle and explore Thuy Tien Lake.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Hue City Center to Thuy Tien Lake Park. The taxi fare will range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND, depending on your starting point.

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take bus number 2 or 10 to the Phan Chu Trinh-Dien Bien Phu intersection, then take a motorbike taxi or regular taxi to the park, as there is currently no bus route that goes directly to Thuy Tien Lake.

3.2. Entrance fee

Although Thuy Tien Lake is abandoned, you still need to pay a fee of 10,000 VND to the guard to enter and explore. Therefore, remember to bring some small change to conveniently purchase your ticket.

3.3. Helpful Hints for Exploring Thuy Tien Lake

The fascinating aspect of visiting Thuy Tien Lake is its wilderness, tranquility, and mystery. You can freely explore the moss-covered architectural structures, the water slides overgrown with moss, or simply stroll along the lake shore and enjoy the fresh air.

However, you should also take note of the following points when visiting Thuy Tien Lake:

• It is advisable to go in a group for safety and avoid going alone.
• Bring water, snacks, and mosquito repellent.
• Dress appropriately for walking and climbing.
• Keep clean and do not litter.
• It is not recommended to bring young children here as the area is quite dangerous.
• If possible, you should explore Thuy Tien Lake along with nearby attractions in a day to save travel time.

4. Attractions Close to Thuy Tien Lake

Thuy Tien Lake, although far from the city center, is a unique beauty of Hue, making it a destination on the top of your must-visit list in Hue. If you are interested in breathtaking scenery, you can refer to the list of destinations with the ecstatic beauty of landscapes in Hue City.

For those who like convenience, you can also refer to some nearby Thuy Tien Lake landmarks, making transportation easier. Here are some places nearby that you can consider:

• Khai Dinh Tomb:

The Khai Dinh Tomb is located on Chau Chu Mountain, Thuy Bang Commune, just 4.4 km from Thuy Tien Lake Park, taking about 10 minutes to travel by motorcycle. It is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Nguyen Dynasty’s tomb system. Particularly notable for its Western-influenced architecture and Vietnam’s pinnacle of porcelain mosaic artistry, Khai Dinh Tomb will astound you with its unparalleled beauty. The harmonious blend of its architecture with the majestic surrounding nature creates a rich facet in your exploration of Hue.

• Vong Canh Hill:

When in Hue, you cannot miss the sunset over the Perfume River, especially from Vong Canh Hill. Traveling from Thuy Tien Lake Park to Vong Canh Hill by motorbike, covering a distance of 5.7 km, takes only about 13 minutes, making it an ideal place to conclude your exploration of Thuy Tien Lake. Besides relaxing your nerves after thrilling moments at Thuy Tien Lake, you can immerse yourself in Hue’s most beautiful sunset. The sunset casts its colors over the meandering river, creating a perfectly crystallized beauty amidst the natural landscape and the romantic atmosphere of Hue. This will surely leave a deep impression of Hue’s scenery in your heart.

• Thuy Xuan Incense Village:

Located approximately 7 km from Thuy Tien Lake and a 15-minute motorbike ride away, Thuy Xuan Village is a special destination that will captivate you with its ancient beauty and the vibrant colors of its incense bundles. Although not bustling or lively, this traditional village offers many interesting experiences. Here, you can participate in unique activities such as handcrafting incense, strolling around, and shopping for unique gifts. The images of people come and go, but the locals here tirelessly continue their work by incense-making, preserving the traditional beauty that makes this place so special and unforgettable each time you visit.

Thuy Tien Lake, despite its rugged, mysterious, and somewhat eerie beauty, holds a strange allure for those who enjoy exploring and experiencing unique things. Visiting there feels like stepping into another world, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It offers unforgettable experiences, unique photo opportunities, and intriguing stories to share. Based on my own firsthand experiences here, I’ve written this article with the most genuine insights, hoping to provide you with useful information before deciding to explore this mysterious world.