What is the Hue Abandoned Water Park?
The Hue Abandoned Water Park—officially known as Ho Thuy Tien Water Park—is a surreal, decaying theme park located on the edge of Thuy Tien Lake, just 7–8 kilometers from Hue’s city center. Once meant to be a major attraction with slides, an aquarium, and show venues, it was quickly abandoned and left to nature. Today, its eerie ruins and jungle-covered structures have made it a favorite spot for adventurous travelers, photographers, and fans of urban exploration.
A brief history of Ho Thuy Tien Water Park
Ho Thuy Tien Water Park was built in the early 2000s as a state-backed project to boost tourism in Hue, with an estimated cost of over 70 billion VND. The park officially opened in 2004—despite being unfinished—and featured water slides, pools, an aquarium, performance areas, and even guest villas.
But things didn’t go as planned. Due to poor visitor numbers, financial losses, and unclear management, the park shut down shortly after opening and was left to deteriorate. In 2016, it gained international attention when a viral article on the Huffington Post exposed the haunting beauty of its decaying structures—turning it into a must-visit spot for explorers and travel bloggers.
Highlights when visiting the Abandoned Water Park
Exploring Ho Thuy Tien Water Park feels like stepping into a post-apocalyptic movie set—overgrown, eerie, and strangely beautiful. Here’s what you can expect to find during your visit:
1. The dragon sculpture & aquarium
The dragon rising from the lake is the park’s most famous and photographed feature. You can walk across a crumbling bridge to enter the structure, where dark corridors once housed aquariums full of fish—and even crocodiles. Now, the tanks are smashed, the walls are covered in graffiti, and the stairway leads to a viewing platform inside the dragon’s mouth with a haunting view over the park.
2. Overgrown water slides
Tucked deeper into the grounds are a few long, colorful slides twisting through the trees. Nature has fully taken over here—vines cover the stairways and moss blankets the surrounding pools. The slides look dramatic and photogenic, but they’re in poor condition and absolutely not safe to use.
3. The amphitheater
Once used for shows and water performances, the amphitheater now sits abandoned and silent. Rows of concrete seats are slowly being overtaken by weeds, and the stage area has become a decaying open-air relic. It’s easy to imagine the crowds that once gathered here, now replaced by birds and the sound of rustling trees.
4. Guest villas and moss-covered Car
Scattered around the park are guesthouses that were never finished or long since abandoned. They’re mostly empty shells, but fascinating to wander through. One surprise is the moss-covered car near the dragon—completely reclaimed by nature, it’s become an unlikely favorite among photographers.
5. Forgotten corners & random finds
The park is full of strange little discoveries: rusted gates, collapsed signage, storage rooms with old equipment, and even the remains of a flight simulator ride. Much of it is in ruins, but it adds to the raw charm of the place—where every corner feels like it holds a story, slowly being erased by the forest.
How to get there (And how to get in)
Location & directions
Ho Thuy Tien Water Park is located about 7 to 8 kilometers southwest of Hue’s city center, near Thien An Hill. It sits on the edge of Thuy Tien Lake, and is easy to find—just type “Ho Thuy Tien Water Park” into Google Maps. It’s also not far from Khai Dinh Tomb, so you could combine the two on a half-day trip.
Getting there
The easiest way to get there is by motorbike, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point. Most travelers rent scooters in Hue for the day.
If you prefer not to drive, taking a Grab or taxi is simple and affordable. Expect to pay around 70,000 to 100,000 VND (roughly $3–5 USD) one way. If you use a taxi, it’s a good idea to ask the driver to wait while you visit, as return rides from the park can be hard to find.
Getting in
Although the park is officially closed, locals and guards at the entrance often allow visitors in. You may be asked to pay a small fee, usually between 20,000 and 50,000 VND, or buy a drink from a vendor near the gate.
The actual entrance is sometimes blocked, so don’t be surprised if you’re directed to a side path or dirt track leading toward the dragon structure. This is common, and the walk to the lake takes around 10 minutes. As long as you’re respectful, there’s rarely an issue with visiting.
Tips for visiting Ho Thuy Tien
A visit to the abandoned water park is memorable, but it’s not your typical tourist attraction. It’s unmaintained, unofficial, and a bit wild—so here are a few tips to help you explore safely and make the most of your trip.
Wear closed shoes
The park is full of broken tiles, glass shards, rusted metal, and uneven paths. Sandals or flip-flops won’t cut it—wear sneakers or hiking shoes to avoid injury.
Bring small cash
You’ll likely need to pay a small fee to the guard or buy a drink to enter. Bring small notes (10,000 to 50,000 VND), as vendors won’t have change for large bills.
Visit during the day
The park has no lighting, and some buildings are pitch black inside. For safety, visit in the morning or late afternoon, and avoid going close to sunset.
Don’t expect a hidden gem
Ho Thuy Tien isn’t a secret anymore. Especially on weekends, you’ll likely see other travelers, Instagrammers, and even wedding photo shoots. Still interesting—but not as off-the-beaten-path as some blogs suggest.
Explore with caution
Many structures are unstable. Staircases are rusted, floors can be weak, and rooftops are not safe to climb. Take your time, stay alert, and don’t go alone if possible.
Combine with nearby sights
To make your trip more worthwhile, combine your visit with Khai Dinh Tomb (just a few kilometers away), a peaceful stop at Thien An Monastery, or even a quick detour to the colorful Hue Mural Village.
Is it worth visiting the Abandoned Water Park in Hue?
If you’re into unusual sights, urban exploration, or just want a break from temples and tombs, yes—it’s worth it. Ho Thuy Tien Water Park offers a very different kind of travel experience in Hue: eerie, fascinating, and strangely beautiful. The overgrown structures and dragon sculpture make for great photos, and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.
That said, don’t go expecting a hidden, untouched place. It’s not dangerous if you’re cautious, but it is crumbling and officially off-limits, so you explore at your own risk. It’s best suited for travelers who like the weird and offbeat—or just want to say they walked through a post-apocalyptic theme park.
Even if you’re not into spooky vibes or abandoned buildings, it can still be a quick and interesting stop, especially if you’re already heading toward nearby sights like Khai Dinh Tomb. Just go in with the right expectations: it’s not for everyone, but for many, it’s a highlight.
