Vong Canh Hill is a must-visit destination when traveling to Hue. It boasts a breathtaking harmony of clouds, rivers, mountains, and greenery. More than that, Vong Canh Hill is famously known as the most beautiful sunset-viewing spot in Hue.
Where is Vong Canh Hill?
When thinking of famous tourist attractions in Hue, most people immediately recall the Perfume River, Hue Imperial Citadel, Trang Tien Bridge, or Thien Mu Pagoda. Few, however, know of Vong Canh Hill, often referred to as the “eyes of the Ancient Capital.” This picturesque hill is located at 102 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Bieu Commune, about 7 km south of Hue city center.
While the hill isn’t very large or extremely high, it captivates many visitors with its poetic and romantic beauty. The highlight is the gentle Perfume River lying peacefully at the hill’s base.
This is also one of the rare places in Hue where you can fully admire the sunset. The golden light of the afternoon sun blending with the lush green pine forest creates an unforgettable scene, ensuring visitors leave with a camera full of photos.
Entrance fee: Free of charge
When is the best time to visit Vong Canh Hill?
The entire hill is covered in lush greenery, making it a refreshing and relaxing place to visit at any time of day. That said, early morning and late afternoon are ideal for a more scenic and photo-worthy experience.
In the morning, the weather is slightly cool, and the landscape is veiled in a light mist. Watching the sunrise from the top of Vong Canh Hill is a magical moment not to be missed.
If you’re a romantic at heart, don’t miss the chance to catch the sunset from the summit. The best time is around 5:00 PM, when the sun dips behind the mountain ranges and pine trees, painting the scene in warm, melancholic hues. It’s a gentle and peaceful experience, especially when shared with a loved one or friends.
How to get to Vong Canh Hill?
After learning about the location and ideal visiting times, the next step is to plan your route.
The hill is just a short distance from central Hue, and the roads are accessible. Many travelers choose to get there by motorbike.
Directions:
From Hue city center, take Hoai Thanh Street to Le Ngo Cat Street. From there, turn onto Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street and drive about 4 km straight to reach the hill. Park your vehicle in the designated area and walk up to the summit.
What to see at Vong Canh Hill?
Vong Canh Hill retains the quiet, peaceful charm that Hue is known for, making it the perfect place to unwind and escape the city noise. Let’s explore what makes this hill such a popular check-in spot among visitors!
1. Admire the picturesque scenery of Vong Canh Hill
In the past, Vong Canh Hill was a favorite stop for Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Not every location appealed to them – only places with exceptionally unique beauty were admired. Taking the hill as it is, you are able to truly get an idea of how beautiful it is. Some even compare its beauty to Da Lat’s.
From this point, travelers have the opportunity to enjoy full-blooming fruit orchards throughout the year with pomelos, oranges, tangerines, and longans. The landscape is enhanced by ancient buildings of temples and imperial tombs. Pine trees dominate, casting a shadow everywhere, and making it a refreshing atmosphere. Perhaps what is most striking, however, is seeing the serene Huong River from the top of the hill, and it is the best spot to soak in Hue’s natural landscape.
2. Experience the stunning sunset over Vong Canh Hill
The sunset on Vong Canh Hill Hue is the most worth watching. As the sun gradually sets, the atmosphere becomes quiet and peaceful. The trees cast golden hues of light through them, painting a warm glaze on the ground. Everything glows in this rosy dreamy hue, making the experience even more unforgettable. Don’t miss out on capturing this beautiful image using your camera!
3. Enjoy the refreshing air and tranquility of Vong Canh Hill
In contrast to the dry heat of Hue’s city center, Vong Canh Hill is fresh and cool. Not yet discovered by mass tourism, the area is still in its natural state. The greenery surrounding the hill acts as a gargantuan air filter, and thus it has become a favorite haven for the locals who wish to flee the summer heat.
4. Capture stunning photos at Vong Canh Hill
With the serene combination of rivers, hills, and nature, Vong Canh Hill Hue is a place where photography bliss never ends. Each nook and corner of this scenic destination is the best setting, for both informal shooting and professional shooting. Just take a pose and leave with the treasure of fabulous photographs.
For the greatest results, compose your shot in front of the retro pine woods or the otherworldly Perfume River at sunset. The tip is wearing vintage-style costumes will contribute so much to the atmosphere!
5. Camp, sing, and have fun at Vong Canh Hill
Another must-do experience on Vong Canh Hill is camping! In case a day trip is not sufficient, recruit your friends and pitch tents to spend the night. Make the experience richer by adding singing and dancing along with exciting games. Just ensure there is plenty of food and liquid to go around to fuel the party. Lastly, when leaving, ensure complete cleanup so as to leave no trace but only footprints behind.
Explore Nearby Attractions Around Vong Canh Hill
On the way to Vong Canh Hill in Hue, you’ll come across many other fascinating tourist spots. If time allows, don’t forget to stop by these places!
1. Tu Duc Tomb
Located just 1 km from Vong Canh Hill, Tu Duc Tomb is the resting place of a Nguyen Dynasty emperor. This site features an ancient and solemn atmosphere, harmoniously blending with the majestic natural scenery. It’s sure to leave a memorable impression on your journey of exploration.
2. Minh Mang Tomb
This tomb reflects the essence of Confucian culture. Nestled on Cam Khe Mountain, Minh Mang Tomb is one of the most unique architectural works from the Nguyen Dynasty. Surrounded by lush greenery and resting against a solid mountain backdrop, the tranquil setting creates a stunning natural scene that stops visitors in their tracks in awe and admiration.
3. Khai Dinh Tomb
Though smaller in size and grandeur compared to other imperial tombs, Khai Dinh Tomb captivates visitors with its incredibly intricate and detailed decorations. It represents a fusion of Eastern and Western architecture, seen in elements like crowns, tea trays, glass, and porcelain—assembled into a meticulously crafted relief mural.
Tips for Visiting Vong Canh Hill in Hue
To make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- The road to Vong Canh Hill is not too difficult, but still be cautious, especially in wet conditions, to avoid slipping
- You’ll need to walk a short distance uphill, so bring comfortable shoes to avoid sore feet and enjoy the experience to the fullest
- Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and some water and light snacks to keep your energy up.
- And lastly, be sure to fully charge your phone to capture all those Instagram-worthy moments!
Your journey to explore the ancient capital of Hue would be incomplete without a visit to Vong Canh Hill. There are so many surprises waiting for you to discover and experience here! Start planning your trip with friends today for a truly fulfilling adventure!
