Abandoned Waterpark, Emperor Tombs, Torrential Rain

We awoke to the sound of rain crashing down on the corrugated roof. We had planned to rent a bike and go zooming round the remaining sights that Hue had to offer. We also wanted to visit the City of Ghosts which was a longer 50 minute drive out of the city. The hostel owner advised us against going that far given the weather so we chose to stay closer.

We began at the abandoned water park. The location was open for a few months in 2004 but financial problems with the owners shut it down almost immediately. Since then few have tried to revive the area but were unsuccessful. Urban explored have now clamored the area as a tourist attraction and it is frequently visited by back packers.

The center is a dragon amphitheater which used to be an aquarium. You can still see where the exhibits would have been as well as a shark walk through tunnel. We went up into the dragons mouth where there used to be water cannons spraying the lake below.

As we wandered around we found a lazy River, kiddie pools, some water slides, and even a spaceship simulator which we could open up and still see the screen and seats inside.

We left the waterpark and went up Bunker Hill, a key strategic point during the war where the US stationed bunkers to combat the Viet Cong. It had a great view but we didn’t stay long as the heavy rain made it hard to enjoy.

After, we visited the incense village. A place where shops are brightly coloured by vendors selling various flavoured incense. It smelt great whilst we had an iced tea.

Next stop was lunch and we found a Vietnamese restaurant for a salad and a curry.

Next we visited Emperor Khai Dinh tomb. It was a magnificent building with French accents and a brilliant golden interior. We agreed it was fit for an emperor.

Our final stop was a pagoda.

Feeling very soggy and cold we returned back to the hostel for a hot shower and some dinner.

-M