Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park
An iconic abandoned water park in Hue, Vietnam, famous for its colossal dragon sculpture and overgrown, surreal landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler weather, beautiful sunset
Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park
Best Time
Cooler weather, beautiful sunset
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic abandoned water park in Hue, Vietnam, famous for its colossal dragon sculpture and overgrown, surreal landscapes.
"This abandoned water park is a photographer's dream, offering a surreal and hauntingly beautiful experience."
Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain is uneven and overgrown. :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring safely.
Bring insect repellent
Nature has reclaimed this park, so expect bugs. :bug: Essential for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Colossal Dragon
Center of the lake
A massive, weathered dragon sculpture emerging from the lake, a truly iconic and surreal centerpiece.
Overgrown Waterslides
Various areas of the park
Disused waterslides, now reclaimed by nature, offering a glimpse into the park's past and a photographer's dream.
Deserted Lazy River
Main water channels
Empty channels of the lazy river, now silent and overgrown, adding to the park's haunting atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Eerie Charm
Navigating the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain is uneven and overgrown. :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring safely.
Bring insect repellent
Nature has reclaimed this park, so expect bugs. :bug: Essential for comfort.
Drone photography is amazing
Capture the scale and eerie beauty from above. :camerawithflash: Highly recommended.
Be mindful of odors
Some areas, especially inside the dragon, can have unpleasant smells. :face_vomiting:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes
The terrain is uneven and overgrown. :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring safely.
Bring insect repellent
Nature has reclaimed this park, so expect bugs. :bug: Essential for comfort.
Drone photography is amazing
Capture the scale and eerie beauty from above. :camerawithflash: Highly recommended.
Be mindful of odors
Some areas, especially inside the dragon, can have unpleasant smells. :face_vomiting:
Consider a bike rental
Explore the lake loop, but check bike condition first. :bicycle:
Respect the 'charity' fee
A small fee helps maintain the park. :moneywithwings: Be polite.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park for its unique, eerie atmosphere and stunning photographic opportunities, particularly the iconic dragon. While some find it a bit smelly and the bike rentals questionable, the overall experience is considered a worthwhile adventure, especially for those seeking off-the-beaten-path attractions.
"An ideal spot for walking, cycling, or enjoying a picnic. The area features a spacious grassy field shaded by cool pine trees, offering a peaceful and airy atmosphere. The newly constructed path around the lake is beautiful and easy to walk on. The best time to visit is around 4 PM when the weather is cool and perfect for a stroll. There’s a cluster of structures in the middle of the lake that hasn’t been restored yet—it has a wild, untouched charm but also gives off an unpleasant odor due to long-term neglect. Cold drinks are available at reasonable prices. Bicycles are available for rent at the gate. Entrance is completely free."
Dave Hoang
"Would have been a fun park to go to when it was operating and I hope it gets there again. The dragon looks impressive but smells like urine inside really. You can hire bikes and do a 2k loop around the lake which is not bad if it's not to hot. The dragon is only a short walk from the carpark so you don't need to hire them."
Paul Jay
"Truly stunning park. Walk around a lovely abandoned waterpark and head into the dragon head. You can enter for free but there is a guy who will explain that he helps clean the park and he asks for about 25k per person and bike as "charity" he will give you a free bottle of water. You can hire bikes from him and cycle around it. You're not allowed to drive around it. If you go off the path a bit you may discover other decrepit watersides. Its a nice place to get some good camera footage. Its well kept and beautiful and sunset."
Jimmy Farrow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located about 10-20 minutes from Hue city center. You can take a taxi, hire a motorbike, or even cycle there. Many visitors opt for a taxi or Grab for convenience.
Yes, it's a well-known spot for explorers. Simply search for 'Ho Thuy Tien Abandoned Waterpark' on your maps app.
While you can get close, driving directly into the park might be restricted. Parking is available nearby.
Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling around the lake. Bikes can be rented from people at the entrance.
It's a short drive from Hue city, making it a feasible half-day trip or an addition to a day exploring the surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Officially, the park is closed, but it's generally accessible. Some locals may ask for a small 'charity' fee (around 25,000 VND) to help with upkeep, which often includes a bottle of water.
As it's an abandoned site, there are no official opening hours. Visitors typically explore during daylight hours for safety and better visibility.
While not officially open, a small donation is often requested by caretakers. Entrance is generally free, but contributing is appreciated.
It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety reasons. The park's condition can make it hazardous after dark.
While accessible, certain areas may not be safe due to neglect. Be cautious, watch your step, and avoid unstable structures.
📸 📸 Photography & Exploration
The iconic dragon sculpture, overgrown waterslides, and the eerie lazy river are prime photography locations. Drone shots offer a unique perspective.
Absolutely! It's a photographer's paradise with its surreal, decaying structures and natural overgrowth, offering a unique, atmospheric shoot.
Yes, you can take stairs to the top of the dragon's head for panoramic views and a unique experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the structures, and a drone can provide stunning aerial views.
Late afternoon, especially around sunset, offers beautiful lighting. However, the eerie atmosphere can be captured at any time during the day.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Explore the decaying waterslides, the dragon structure, and the overgrown lazy river. You can also walk or cycle around the lake.
Yes, there are grassy areas, often shaded by pine trees, that are perfect for a picnic.
Bicycles are available for rent from individuals at the entrance or near the dragon structure. However, their condition can vary.
The park is in a state of disrepair, with rusty slides, crumbling structures, and overgrown vegetation. This adds to its unique charm.
As an abandoned site, there are no official amenities. Some vendors might sell cold drinks, but it's best to bring your own water and snacks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dragon's Tale: History and Significance
Despite its current state of disrepair, the park holds a certain allure. The overgrown vegetation, crumbling structures, and the imposing dragon create a surreal and haunting atmosphere. While officially closed, it remains accessible, drawing visitors eager to explore its eerie beauty and capture its unique aesthetic. The park's story is a poignant reminder of ambitious projects that, for various reasons, fall into ruin, leaving behind a captivating landscape frozen in time.
Recent discussions suggest that the park might be slated for demolition or redevelopment, adding a sense of urgency for those wishing to experience its current state. This potential change underscores the ephemeral nature of such sites and the importance of experiencing them while they still exist in their current, wild form.
Exploring the Eerie Landscape
Beyond the main attractions, the park features crumbling villas and other forgotten amenities, hinting at its past life. The path around the lake is well-maintained and offers a pleasant walk or cycle, providing different vantage points of the park. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of their surroundings, as the terrain can be uneven and some structures may be unstable.
For those interested in photography, the park is a dream. The interplay of light and shadow on the decaying structures, combined with the lush greenery, creates dramatic and atmospheric shots. Drone photography is particularly effective in capturing the scale and unique layout of the park. While there's no official entry fee, a small 'charity' donation is often requested by caretakers who help maintain the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit