Thuy Tien Lake – The “Eerie” Spot Highly Sought After When Traveling to Hue

Thuy Tien Lake Water Park commenced construction during the 2000–2001 period with a total investment of over 70 billion VND across an area of nearly 50 hectares. Officially opening in 2004, the park was expected to become the leading entertainment complex in Central Vietnam with many large-scale items such as a dragon-shaped aquarium, a musical fountain stage, swimming pools, slides, and an ecological area.

However, due to inefficient business operations, the park closed quickly and underwent multiple operator transfers before being reclaimed and managed by Thua Thien Hue province in 2017. After many years of being abandoned, moss-covered structures, stained walls, and desolate scenery transformed Thuy Tien Lake into a mysterious destination. In 2016, it gained international fame when featured by Huffington Post as an "abandoned water park not for the faint of heart". Since then, Thuy Tien Lake has continuously appeared in international newspapers and numerous music videos, becoming one of the most unique exploration spots in Hue.

Thuy Tien Lake is located on Thien An Hill, in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province, about 10 km southwest of Hue city center. This location is nestled amidst green pine forests and a tranquil lake surface, creating a secluded, peaceful, yet mysterious space.

To get to Thuy Tien Lake, you can choose the following means of transportation:

• Motorbike: This is the most popular choice for young people who love free exploration. Motorbike rental prices in Hue range from 100,000 – 130,000 VND/day. From the center of Hue, travel along Le Duan Street, cross Da Vien Bridge, turn right onto Dien Bien Phu Street, continue to Ngo Cat Street, then turn left onto Minh Mang – Khai Dinh Street. After that, turn right onto Thuy Tien Street and drive for about 1 km more to arrive.
• Car or Taxi: If traveling in a group, you can choose a taxi or hire a car for more convenient travel. Taxi fares in Hue range from 11,000 – 13,000 VND/km. The route is similar to going by motorbike, but you should use Google Maps or ask local residents to avoid getting lost.
• From Phu Bai Airport: If starting from the airport, travel along Highway 1A, turn right onto Le Thanh Ton Street, then go straight to Provincial Road 10 and continue for about 15 km to reach Thuy Tien Lake.

Note: The road to Thuy Tien Lake does not have many signposts, so prepare a map app or ask for directions carefully.

To enter the Thuy Tien Lake area, you need to pay an entrance fee of 10,000 VND/person and 5,000 VND/vehicle for parking. This fee helps ensure security for visitors in this deserted area.

Thuy Tien Lake is not only an abandoned water park but also a place where eerie, pristine beauty meets unique check-in spots. Below are the highlights you should not miss:

Giant Dragon Statue

The winding dragon symbol located in the center of the park is the most prominent highlight. The dragon-shaped building is designed with the dragon's head on the top floor, while the lower floors form the dragon's body. Stepping inside, visitors can feel a chilling sense of desolation, but if brave enough to climb to the top floor, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the clear blue lake and surrounding pine forest. This is a "million-like" photo spot sought after by young people.

Dilapidated Aquarium

The dragon-shaped aquarium was once a place displaying rare fish and reptile species. Although now abandoned, this area still retains a mysterious charm with moss-covered walls and a quiet atmosphere. It is an ideal destination for those who want to explore mystery and take artistic photos.

Water Music Stage

The water music stage with a capacity of 2,500 people is now covered in moss, yet still retains its unique architecture. The straight rows of seats and vast space create an ideal background for photos with a desolate, ancient style.

Classic Blue Car

Located in the middle of the pine hill, the blue car made of stone is a unique check-in spot. Completely covered in moss, the car exudes a nostalgic vibe, making it great material for artistic photos.

Ideal Camping Space

Thuy Tien Lake is surrounded by pine forests and the lake, creating an ideal space for camping. Especially in summer, you can pitch a tent, gaze at the starry sky, and enjoy the fresh air. This is a wonderful experience for those who want to slow down and immerse themselves in nature.

Despite boasting a captivating "eerie" beauty, Thuy Tien Lake remains an abandoned park complex with many deteriorated structures. Therefore, before visiting, you should keep some important notes in mind to ensure a journey that is both safe and fully enjoyable.

• Safety: Since the park is abandoned, some areas may be deteriorated. Go in groups and be careful when moving around, especially in dark areas like the aquarium.
• Preparation: Bring drinking water, hats, and comfortable shoes as the park area is quite large and lacks amenities.
• Respect the Space: Do not litter or damage the structures to preserve the natural beauty of Thuy Tien Lake.
• Timing: It is recommended to visit in the morning or afternoon for good lighting when taking photos.

Thuy Tien Lake is not merely an abandoned water park, but has become a poetically charged destination that is both eerie and charming. Amidst those mossy, stained scenes, visitors find unique, top-tier check-in spots hard to find anywhere else. It is this desolate yet extraordinary nature that makes Thuy Tien Lake an unmissable rendezvous when coming to Hue. And to make your journey even more complete, you can combine a visit to Thien An Hill – Thuy Tien Lake in the same tour. This is an ideal choice to both enjoy the fresh atmosphere of the vast pine forest and explore the unique eeriness of the famous abandoned park. Surely, this trip will bring you novel experiences and memorable photos of a lifetime.