Aside from famous historical sites and landmarks, during this year’s April 30 and May 1 holidays, Thien An Hill and Vong Canh Hill, located to the west of Hue’s urban center, became ideal destinations for both local and out-of-town tourists.
Not far from Hue city center, these two destinations have become well-known in recent years and have been marked on the tourist map thanks to their stunning pine forests, earning them the nickname “Da Lat in the heart of Hue.”
From the morning of May 2nd, motorbikes and cars streamed up to Thien An Hill. The winding, sloping road shaded by pine trees gradually appeared ahead, drawing admiration from many. For locals who have visited it many times, Thien An still holds a strong allure. For first-time visitors, it was deemed an excellent choice thanks to its breathtaking scenery.
Along the road leading up the hill, many locals set up mobile coffee stands to serve visitors. Nestled under tall, breezy pine trees, these cafés became a popular resting spot for families and young people before starting their journey of exploration and fun.
Many visitors, especially young people, took the chance to pose and take photos. Some even ventured deep into the trails to find unique and poetic views for themselves. “It’s not just the main road up the hill - around the hill, there are many gravel and dirt paths lined with tall, green pine trees. This place is no different from Da Lat, maybe even more beautiful because it’s been preserved in its natural state, untouched by concrete,” shared Nguyen Duyen Thuong, a tourist from Binh Dinh.
Many people ventured deeper into the forest to find their favorite scenes
Thuong wasn’t alone - many out-of-town visitors to Hue during the holiday had scheduled stops at Thien An and Vong Canh Hills in addition to visiting historical sites. According to tourists, these locations have become famous and widely promoted on media channels and social networks recently.
After finding their way to the trail on Thien An Hill - where scenes from the film “Dreamy Eyes” were shot - many tourists felt satisfied and delighted. Though it’s been over five years since the film became a hit, the scenes still spark curiosity today. “I’ve been to Hue many times, but this is my first time at Thien An Hill. Just as described, it’s a gift of nature to Hue. Standing here, everything feels like it slows down, and you can really absorb a lot of energy,” marveled Hoang Vu Phu from Da Nang.
As midday approached, the stream of vehicles to Thien An Hill grew even more crowded. Many people brought tents, fans, and other “backpacker-style” items to enjoy the holiday in their own way.
Not far away, Vong Canh Hill - famous for its panoramic view of the Huong River - was equally bustling. From Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, through the pine forests and along the stone paths hugging the hill, everyone was eager to “capture” the view of the Huong River with their eyes.
Visitors enjoying the holiday under the cool pine canopy
The largest crowds gathered on the hillside facing the river, where people had to wait their turn to get the perfect photo. Many visitors praised the natural beauty bestowed on Hue. “The Huong River is stunning. It’s even more beautiful from this hill, where you can breathe deeply and take in the view. The river flows so gently it’s like it’s standing still, and the occasional boat slowly drifting by feels like a watercolor painting,” said Ho Hoai An from Quang Ngai.
Some visitors said they had viewed the Huong River from the center of Hue. As the river flows past the Imperial City and down to Hen Islet and Bao Vinh, it is already breathtaking. But from Vong Canh Hill, it appears truly magical in its poetic beauty. Everything seems to slow down - making this the best place to view the river. For many, visiting this hill felt like truly “touching” the essence of Hue.
