H Thu Tiên: Vietnam’s Supposedly Haunted Abandoned Waterpark
Nestled approximately 10 kilometres away from the bustling city centre of Huế, Vietnam, lies the mysterious Hồ Thuỷ Tiên waterpark. Once envisioned as a vibrant tourist attraction amidst the jungle, this ambitious project boasted many amenities to cater to the entire family. Unfortunately, fate had a different plan, and shortly after its grand opening, the waterpark fell into disuse, transforming into a haven for intrepid urban explorers and garnering rumours of haunting spectres and lurking crocodiles.
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Spanning an impressive 50 hectares, Hồ Thuỷ Tiên was an ambitious venture that cost a staggering USD 3 million to bring to life. Its developers sought to create an entertainment wonderland for visitors, incorporating amusement rides, water slides, luxury restaurants, a lake yacht, and souvenir shops. However, the primary allure was the awe-inspiring three-story-tall aquarium, safeguarded by a formidable dragon. The interior walls of the staircase were adorned with vivid images of sharks and manta rays, creating a striking semblance of the dragon’s ribcage—the mystical creature harboured tanks housing live fish and even crocodiles, adding a touch of enigmatic fascination.
Additionally, the park featured a 2,500-seat theatre, serving as a stage for captivating musical performances. Visitors could also enjoy the thrill of three exhilarating waterslides while kids frolicked in their exclusive pool area adjacent to a playful playground and group of cubby houses. The landscape was further enhanced with a cement car and a quaint village with charming huts. An extraordinary flight simulator on the premises offered an unparalleled experience for those seeking adventure from the skies.
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In 2004, Hồ Thuỷ Tiên opened its gates to the eager public, albeit with a portion of the construction still incomplete. The dragon aquarium mesmerized visitors, but underlying issues soon plagued the waterpark, leading to its unfortunate closure just a few years later. Multiple speculations arose as to the reasons behind its demise.
Some locals believed the park’s proximity to sacred temples, royal tombs, and pagodas rendered it cursed and haunted, deterring potential tourists and stifling profits. Others attributed its failure to the symbolism of dragons in the area’s mythology, with protestors objecting to using such a revered creature as a mascot. However, the most plausible reason for Hồ Thuỷ Tiên’s downfall was its premature opening, leaving visitors with an incomplete experience and consequently driving them away.
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Today, Hồ Thuỷ Tiên remains enshrouded by nature, swallowed by the encroaching jungle. The once vibrant water surrounding the attractions has turned murky and overgrown with algae, adding to the eerie ambience. Surprisingly, the entrance to the abandoned waterpark is guarded by a watchful custodian who accepts a meagre “admission” fee of approximately USD 0.44 from daring visitors. An occasional refreshment cart operates within the premises, catering to those who dare to explore this forgotten wonderland.
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The decaying landscape combines overgrown weeds, graffiti-adorned structures, and entwining vines, offering a haunting atmosphere to visitors who brave its mysteries. Cracked and worn, the three remaining waterslides can still be accessed via stairs built around visitor changing rooms. The once majestic aquarium, which housed the live fish and crocodiles, now lies in ruins, with shattered glass scattered across the ground. Though standing, the huts and smaller buildings exude an air of dereliction, while the flight simulator’s adjacent room still houses remnants of its former glory. Though partially collapsed, the theatre continues to stand as a testament to the park’s past grandeur.
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Hồ Thuỷ Tiên, a once magnificent dream of family-friendly entertainment, now stands forgotten and abandoned in the heart of Vietnam. Its mystical allure, marked by the dragon aquarium and crocodile exhibits, is now overshadowed by a sense of mystery and decay. Nevertheless, the waterpark’s tragic tale continues to attract curious souls and urban explorers who seek to uncover the secrets hidden within its overgrown embrace. As the custodian watches over the remnants of Hồ Thuỷ Tiên and the crocodiles now roam freely in a wildlife park, the haunting beauty of this forsaken attraction lives on, serving as a captivating testament to the fleeting nature of grand dreams.
Source: abandonedspaces
