Thuy Tien Lake: The Abandoned Water Park Photographers Can't Stay Away From

Ho Thuy Tien – Where a Water Paradise Becomes a “Ghost City” in the Heart of the Ancient Capital

There’s a place in Hue that, when you step into it, feels like entering an Asian horror film – a place where time has stood still for over two decades, where giant dragons slumber beneath a blanket of green moss, and where the wind whistling through abandoned water slides creates an eerie symphony. This is Ho Thuy Tien Water Park – a “ghostly urban” destination that is rapidly becoming one of the most captivating and mysterious dark tourism spots in Southeast Asia.

I’ve visited Ho Thuy Tien three times. The first was in 2018 when it was still a “secret” known only to local backpackers. The second was in 2021 when the check-in craze was at its peak. The third was in early 2024, when the management officially started charging an entrance fee and made significant changes. And each time, I felt something different – a desolate, haunting beauty, unlike anything else found on this S-shaped land.

This article contains everything I know about Ho Thuy Tien – from the true history behind its downfall, to the “million-like” photo spots that famous bloggers have never revealed, and the hard-won tips for a safe and complete exploration.

What is Ho Thuy Tien? The History Behind the “Cursed Paradise”

From a Resort Dream to an Unfinished Project

Ho Thuy Tien is located about 7km southwest of Hue city center, in Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy district (now Huong Thuy town). This complex began construction in 1998, an ambitious project by Huong Giang Tourism Joint Stock Company – one of the largest tourism enterprises in Hue at the time.

Literally, it was planned as a “resort paradise” with a total area of over 50 hectares, including: a water park with giant slides, a large artificial lake, a zoo, restaurants, a camping area, and notably, a central building designed in the shape of a giant crocodile with its mouth agape – a detail that later became the most famous “horror” icon of the site.

The project officially opened in 2004 and operated for a few years with a fairly stable number of visitors. However, due to a multitude of accumulated reasons – from poor management, lack of reinvestment capital, competition from new tourist areas, to complex legal issues – Ho Thuy Tien gradually operated sporadically before closing down completely around 2004-2006. Various sources cite different timelines, but what’s certain is that the complex was abandoned for over 15 years before being “rediscovered” by the tourism community.

What Makes Ho Thuy Tien “Legendary”?

This is a question many people ask me. Hue has many historical relics hundreds of years old, so why does an abandoned construction project less than 30 years old attract so much attention?

The answer lies in the unique combination of several factors:

Firstly, the architecture of the complex embodies the “quirky” style characteristic of Vietnam in the 90s-2000s: giant concrete dragons, a crocodile-shaped building, slides winding like colossal snakes. When abandoned and overgrown with moss and vines, they become both beautiful and terrifying in a very special way.

Secondly, Hue’s nature, with its high humidity and heavy rainfall, has “swallowed” the structures quickly and spectacularly. After just a few years of abandonment, the entire area was covered in vegetation, creating a landscape that is both wild and mysterious.

Thirdly – and this is something the localsas I understand it better than anyone else – Hue is inherently a land of many layers of history and spirituality. The people of Hue have a saying, “The land of Hue has a soul,” and when you stand in the middle of Hồ Thủy Tiên at dusk, that feeling is very real.

The True Scenery Within – What You Will See

The Giant Dragon – The Soul of Hồ Thủy Tiên

If I could choose only one image to represent the entire Hồ Thủy Tiên, I would choose the multi-meter-long concrete dragon stretching out over the lake. This is the central architectural work of the complex, built as part of a children’s play area. The dragon is estimated to be about 30-40 meters long, with a sinuous body, its head held high, and its mouth wide open.

Today, the entire dragon is covered in dark green moss, creating a strangely contrasting color with the sky and the lake below. In the early morning when mist still shrouds the lake, the dragon appears ethereal in the white fog – this is the most beautiful moment I have ever witnessed here, and also why I recommend you come very early.

Inside the dragon’s body, there is a narrow passage leading to its head, from which you can get a panoramic view of the entire lake area. However, important note: the concrete structure has severely deteriorated, with many sections of stairs and railings rotted away. Since 2023, the management has restricted climbing inside the dragon’s body for safety reasons.

The Crocodile Building – The “Heart” of the Complex

Few people know that the central building of Hồ Thủy Tiên is designed in the shape of a giant crocodile with its mouth open. This was once a restaurant and indoor amusement area, with the “crocodile head” being the main lobby and the “body” housing functional rooms.

Today, this building is one of the most impressive check-in spots. The roof has partially collapsed, and natural light streams through the gaps, creating a beautiful “dramatic” lighting effect for photography. The floor is covered with dry leaves and moss, and the walls are full of cracks with ferns growing from the crevices.

The Water Slide System – Memories of Golden Days

This is perhaps the least explored but most emotionally resonant part. The fiberglass water slide system, in green and red, is still partially intact, winding through dense foliage. Looking at these slides, I always feel a strange sense of nostalgia – imagining the children’s laughter, the splashing water from two decades ago, now replaced by a heavy silence.

The Abandoned Zoo – The Lesser-Known Part

This is a “secret” I want to share with you – something that most typical travel blogs don’t mention. Besides the water park, Hồ Thủy Tiên also has a small zoo in the back, which once housed some animals. Currently, this area has been completely “reclaimed” by nature – rusty iron cages lie scattered, and grass and trees grow wild, creating a scene that is both sad and beautiful in an indescribable way.

However, to find this area, you need to go deeper into the back of the complex. The path is quite difficult and requires guidance from locals. This is not an officially open area for tourists,Therefore, be careful and respect the space.

How to Get to Hydrangea Lake

From Hue City Center

Hydrangea Lake is located about 7-8km from Hue city center, specifically at Ngu Tay village, Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy town, Thua Thien Hue province. GPS coordinates: 16.4147° N, 107.5397° E (you can search “Ho Thuy Tien” on Google Maps, the location is accurately marked).

By motorbike (recommended for local adventurers): From Hue city center, follow Bui Thi Xuan street south, then turn into Thuy Bang street. The road is quite easy, about 20-25 minutes. However, the last section of the road leading to the area is a bit narrow and can be muddy during the rainy season.

By taxi/Grab: It’s possible, but many Grab drivers are not familiar with the road to this area, leading to getting lost or having to walk the last stretch. Some local taxi drivers are also unwilling to wait because the area doesn’t have a convenient pick-up point.

Why Choose a Professional Transfer Service?

This is advice from my practical experience and that of many tourists who have asked me: do not book Grab or a regular taxi for this trip, especially if you are coming from Da Nang or combining multiple sightseeing spots in one day.

The reasons are very practical:

1. Complex access road: Unfamiliar drivers will have difficulty, especially at night or during the rainy season.
2. No fixed pick-up/drop-off point: You might get “stuck” in the area if there’s no car waiting.
3. Combining multiple attractions: Hydrangea Lake is often combined with Tu Duc Tomb, Hon Chen Temple, or other attractions on the outskirts of Hue – requiring flexible waiting vehicles.

I often recommend friends and readers to use Faifo Express’s transfer service – they specialize in the Da Nang – Hue – Hoi An route with a team of local drivers who are knowledgeable about the area. What I appreciate most about Faifo Express is that their drivers are truly locals, know shortcuts, know good photo spots, and most importantly – know the little “tricks” that only locals know (like the least crowded times, the safest parking spots, etc.).

[!TIP] If you are in Da Nang and want to combine sightseeing in Hue for a day, consider Faifo Express’s Da Nang to Hue car rental service – cars depart early from 5:30-6:00 AM so you can reach Hydrangea Lake in the early morning (the best time), then visit the tombs and return to Da Nang before evening. The driver will wait for you throughout the journey, with no hourly waiting fees.

Additionally, if you are planning a longer itinerary that includes Hoi An, don’t miss Faifo Express’s car service to Hoi An or even Da Nang airport transfer to start your trip smoothly right from the moment you land at the airport.

Real Experience – What Will You Do at Hydrangea Lake?

Photography & Check-in – “Golden” Spots Only Locals Know

Hydrangea Lake is a photographer’s paradise in the truest sense. But to get truly impressive photos, you need to know the right angles and the right times. Here is a list of shooting spots I’ve compiled from three visits:

Spot 1 – “Dragon in the Mist”: Stand on the eastern edge of the lake and photograph the dragon against the light between 6:00-7:00 AM when mist still covers the lake surface. This is the most beautiful angle, producing a “magical” effect without any filters.

Spot 2 – “Stairway to Time”: The concrete staircase leadingup to the main slide area, with lush vegetation on both sides. A wide-angle shot from below will create a beautiful “plant tunnel” effect.

Angle 3 – “Inside the Crocodile’s Belly”: Stand inside the crocodile building and look up at the collapsed roof. Natural light shining through creates a beautiful “god rays” effect, especially in the morning from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Angle 4 – “Dragon Reflection”: On calm days, the still lake reflects the dragon’s image, creating a stunning symmetrical photograph. You need to arrive very early, before 7:00 AM.

Angle 5 – “Green Slide Tunnel”: Stand beneath the moss-covered green slides and look up at the sky. This angle requires a flash or artificial light if shooting in the afternoon.

[!NOTE] A mirrorless or DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) will yield the best results at Hue Thuy Tien Lake. If shooting with a phone, enable HDR mode and use a mini tripod to prevent blurry photos in low light conditions inside the structures.

Exploring & Walking Through the Complex

The entire Hue Thuy Tien Lake complex is quite large, and exploring it all requires at least 2-3 hours. I recommend dividing your journey into two parts:

Part 1 – Central Area (1-1.5 hours): This includes the main lake, the dragon, the crocodile building, and the main slide area. This is the “officialized” area with relatively safe pathways.

Part 2 – Back Area (0.5-1 hour): This is a lesser-known area, featuring secondary structures that have been completely reclaimed by nature. The paths are more challenging, requiring hiking shoes and caution.

What to Eat Near Hue Thuy Tien Lake?

There are no dining services within the complex. Near the entrance, a few small local stalls sell drinks and simple snacks. I recommend:

• Eating breakfast before you go: Visit any Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) restaurant along Thuy Bang street – this area has authentic Bun Bo Hue places frequented by locals, not just tourists.
• Bringing water and snacks: This is especially important in the summer when temperatures can reach 38-40°C.
• Having lunch after your visit: On your way back to central Hue, stop by the Vy Da area or Le Loi street to enjoy Com Hen (clam rice), Banh Khoai (crispy pancake), or Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork noodle salad) – true Hue specialties.

Estimated Costs for Visiting Hue Thuy Tien Lake

Entrance Fee

This is important information and subject to change, so I will provide the most up-to-date details I have:

Since around 2022-2023, the area management has started charging an entrance fee. The current fee ranges from 20,000 – 48.000đ (≈$2)/person (approximately 1-2 USD). However, this fee is not fixed and can vary depending on the time and the “collector.” This is one of the points I will elaborate on in the notes section below.

[!WARNING] “Unofficial” fee collection has occurred at Hue Thuy Tien Lake in the past. Some locals have set up barriers and charged money without receipts or proper documentation. Inquire clearly and request a ticket or receipt. If none is provided, you have the right to refuse and contact local authorities.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Practical Experience – Must-Knows Before You Go

The Best Time to Visit

After three visits and dozens of conversations with travelers, I can confidently say: the perfect time to visit the abandoned Water Park is from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Reasons:

• Photography light: The golden hour light in the early morning creates the most beautiful colors for photos.
• **Mist