The city of Hue, located in central Vietnam, is best known as the Imperial City. However, in recent years, it has drawn notoriety as the home of Vietnam’s abandoned waterpark. What was once an anticipated amusement park is now a jungle of graffiti-covered waterslides, shattered aquariums, and murky pools that will make you feel like you just survived an apocalypse. Hồ Thủy Tiên is eerily beautiful and is arguably one of the most interesting things to see in Hue.

WHY DID THE HUE WATERPARK CLOSE?

The waterpark was a multimillion-dollar project and was open for less than a year before it closed down in 2004. No one really knows why the waterpark closed down, with rumors circulating everything from bankruptcy to the park being cursed. It is also alleged that crocodiles were left behind after the park closed, occasionally fed by locals, and left to roam the murky waters. PETA eventually stepped in to rescue them. Just in case, don’t get too close to the water.

HOW TO GET TO THE ABANDONED WATERPARK

 The abandoned waterpark is a 20-minute drive from the center of Hue. You can rent a scooter from your hotel in Hue for around 100,000 VND (~$4.30 USD) for the day. The park is massive, so scootering is nice because you can also drive between the attractions inside the park. If you choose to take a Grab or taxi, show them that you are going to Hồ Thủy Tiên and they'll know where to drop you off. You'll still be able to walk everywhere in the park, it'll just be slightly less convenient than scootering.

HOW TO BREAK INTO THE HUE WATERPARK

If you arrive at the front entrance, you will most likely be greeted by a security guard. Fear not! He will ask for a small bribe to open the gate. The bribe can range from 20,000-50,000 VND (~$1-3 USD) per scooter. Once you’re past him, you’re in the clear.

If that doesn’t work, you can also drive around the back and enter through a smaller gravel road.

THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THE ABANDONED WATERPARK

The first attraction you see when entering the park on one of its many dusty trails is the draw dropping dragon. A three-story dragon perched on top of what used to be an aquarium dominates the landscape.

A short climb ascending the rusted staircase to the top of the dragon’s mouth will reward you with panoramic views of Thuy Tien Lake (Hồ Thủy Tiên).

Descend into the aquarium, but be careful of the smashed glass, as you wander through the empty tanks where sharks and other aquatic animals were once held.

The second attraction is a series of winding water slides that descend into alga-infested pools. 

The third attraction is an amphitheater with a capacity for 2,500 seats that overlooks what was once a pool.

Other attractions to explore include swimming pools, abandoned villas, a thrill-ride simulator, and a concrete car that looks like the Ford Anglia from Harry Potter (toot toot).

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