What is Vong Canh Hill?
Vong Canh Hill is a quiet, pine-covered hilltop located about 7 kilometers south of Hue’s city center, offering one of the best natural viewpoints in the area. From the top, you get a panoramic view of the Perfume River winding through green valleys, dotted with traditional houses, temples, and royal tombs.
This peaceful spot was once a favored leisure retreat for Nguyen Dynasty royals, who appreciated its calm setting and scenic beauty. Today, it remains a local favorite for relaxing walks, photography, and catching the sunset away from the city noise.
Where is Vong Canh Hill located?
Vong Canh Hill is about 7 kilometers southwest of Hue’s city center, perched along the banks of the Perfume River. It sits just across from Hon Chen Temple and offers wide views over the countryside and river below. It’s only about 15–20 minutes from the center by car or scooter, so it’s an easy trip if you’re looking for a peaceful break from the city.
How to get to Vong Canh Hill
By taxi or ride-hailing App
Taking a taxi or using Grab is the easiest option, especially if you’re short on time. A one-way ride from the city center usually costs around 70,000 to 100,000 VND. It’s direct, quick, and saves you the effort of navigating.
By scooter or bicycle
Renting a scooter gives you more freedom to explore at your own pace—and the road to Vong Canh Hill is a scenic one. It’s a great way to see more of the countryside. Cycling is possible too, but there are a few uphill stretches, so it’s best for those who don’t mind a bit of a workout.
By tour
Some Hue tours include Vong Canh Hill as a stop, often together with places like Tu Duc Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, or even the nearby incense village. It’s a good option if you’d like someone else to handle the logistics and share a bit of background along the way.
What to do and see at Vong Canh Hill
1. Take a quiet walk through the pines
Vong Canh Hill has a few concrete paths that wind through tall pine trees and wildflowers. It’s a calm place to stretch your legs and take in the scenery without crowds. The walk isn’t long or difficult, but it feels peaceful—great if you just want to slow down for a bit.
2. Climb the tower for the best view
There’s a small lookout tower near the top of the hill. It’s nothing fancy, but climbing up gives you a better view above the trees. You’ll get a full 360° look over the Perfume River, hills, and mountains in the distance. It’s a great photo spot, especially around sunset.
3. Check out the old war bunkers
You’ll spot a couple of old concrete bunkers hidden around the area—leftovers from the Vietnam War. They’re just sitting there without signs or info, but still interesting to see. If you’re into history or just like unexpected finds, they’re worth a look.
4. Soak in the Perfume River view
From the edge of the hill, you get a wide open view of the Perfume River snaking through the countryside. You can’t really see the tombs, but you are looking out over the general area where many of them are. The setting is really peaceful, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light softens.
5. Sit back and enjoy the peace
There are benches scattered around if you want to sit for a while—locals sometimes come up here just to relax or hang out. Bring a drink or a snack and enjoy the fresh air. It’s a good place to take a breather between sightseeing stops.
What to combine it with nearby
Vong Canh Hill is right next to the Mausoleum of Emperor Dong Khanh, which makes it the easiest spot to combine. It’s not the most famous tomb in Hue, but that’s also part of its charm—fewer people, peaceful grounds, and a nice balance with the quiet atmosphere of the hill.
Just a bit further away is the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the most visited tombs in Hue. Its elegant design, lake, and shaded pavilions make it one of the highlights of the Nguyen Dynasty. You can easily visit both Tu Duc and Vong Canh Hill in a single trip, especially if you’re touring the area by scooter or car.
Across the river from Vong Canh Hill is Hon Chen Temple. While it looks close, getting there involves a 10 km loop via the bridge, which takes a bit of time. However, that route also passes Minh Mang Tomb, a beautifully symmetrical and peaceful complex surrounded by nature. If you’re in the mood for a longer countryside loop, combining these sites gives you a great mix of temples, tombs, and river views.
Is it worth visiting?
Vong Canh Hill isn’t a major attraction on its own, especially if you’re coming all the way from the city center just for the view. But if you’re already exploring the nearby tombs—like Tu Duc or Dong Khanh—it’s a great little addition to your itinerary. The view is peaceful, the area is quiet, and it gives you a break from the more structured tourist spots. It’s also an ideal place to end your afternoon with a short walk and a beautiful sunset.
Tips for visiting Vong Canh Hill
Best time to go
Sunset is the most popular time to visit, and for good reason—the soft light over the river and hills is beautiful. Early morning is also peaceful and cool, but harder to fit into most travel plans. A good option is to visit a tomb or two first in the late afternoon, then head to the hill just before sunset.
What to bring
Bring a bottle of water, a hat, and mosquito repellent—especially in the late afternoon. The walking paths are short, but the surface can be uneven in places, so proper shoes are helpful.
Avoid the midday heat
There’s very little shade beyond the pine trees, and no cafés or shops on-site. It’s best to avoid the hottest part of the day and come when the sun is lower.
No entry fee
Vong Canh Hill is free to enter and open at all times. It feels more like a public park or open viewpoint than a formal tourist site—easygoing and low-key.
