There is a hidden place where you can make a quick stop to see one of the most romantic sceneries in Hue. It’s Vong Canh Hill – a favorite destination for not only young travelers who love to explore but also couples or families to pause and awe at such precious gift that nature has given to Hue city.
What is Vong Canh Hill?
Quietly nestled in a thick pine forest in the West of Hue, Vong Canh is a flat hill which is famous for its picturesque sight.
The view from Vong Canh Hill is just like a colorful painting of nature, with the emerald water from Perfume River, and the green forest in the mountains from afar. Therefore, the meaning of the name “Vong Canh” is “to admire the beauty of nature”.
Photo courtesy: Vietnam Backpackers Hostel.
In the old day when Tu Duc Emperor came to check on his tomb’s construction, he often came by this hill to overlook the kingdom which was built by his ancestors. In addition, Vong Canh Hill is also a place where many poems about the beauty of nature and Hue were created.
Due to its great panoramic view of the city, the US and the Southern Republic of Vietnam took this place as a strategic bird-eye point to guard the city against their enemy. Thus, you’ll find here some old American bunkers in great shapes remained still.
Nowadays, young Vietnamese couples and families often choose Vong Canh Hill as a fun picnic spot. They enjoy the shady forest with the soft bed of pine leaves to sit on and the breath-taking view to share with their loved ones.
Where is Vong Canh Hill?
Vong Canh Hill is only 7-km from the center of Hue city, which can be easily reached by car, motorbike or bicycle. Despite being close to the city center, the hill is not in the residential area. That’s why you can enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere here, all surrounded by nature.
The hill is also situated in a convenient tourist area, which is close to many other attractions. Therefore, by planning in advance, you will save time transporting to places. The landmarks closed by are:
- Royal monuments: Tu Duc Tomb, Dong Khanh Tomb, and several Queens tombs
- Tu Hieu Pagoda
- Nam Giao Altar
- Incense Village
For more attractions in Hue, check out Top 4 historical places in Hue
How to get there? (Hue local guide is optional)
To get to the hill from the city center, the best route would be to go through Dien Bien Phu Street, which is famous for many pagodas. At the end of the road is the Nam Giao Altar, which is so-called “The Esplanade of Sacrifice to the Heaven and Earth”. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to visit the altar with a knowledgeable Hue local guide to learn about the ritual and customs of the previous dynasties in Vietnam.
Then you will turn right to Le Ngo Cat Street, where Tu Hieu Pagoda is located. As one of the oldest pagodas in Hue city, it is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to learn more about Hue Buddhism.
Turn left to Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, you will go through the colorful Incense Village. This used to be the main provider of incense in Hue. Nowadays it’s mainly a touristic destination, but still, a worthy place to take a quick visit to learn how incense is made.
Keep driving on the right side of the main road towards the end, Vong Canh Hill appears with its symbolic pine
After enjoying the scenery, there are still many attractions in the area for you to explore. Firstly, you should not miss the nearby royal monument, especially Tu Duc Tomb. If you are interested in history, you will learn a lot about the Nguyen dynasty with a reliable Hue local guide.
When is the best time to visit?
The view from Vong Canh Hill changes according to the seasons. The best months to visit is from March to September. During this dry season, you will be seduced by the sparkling river, the bright sky, and lively trees. However, even if you get to visit Hue during the rainy season (from October to February), it is also worth to see a different look of the hill. Vong Canh Hill is now covered in a mysterious and chilling atmosphere, with the grey sky and the brownish river. The scenery is sad but alluring, a distinctive feature of Hue in the rainy season.
All in all, you can have a short but relaxing trip to Vong Canh Hill, just to enjoy the majestic view. Or you may want to have an adventure with a Hue local guide to all other attractions around it. No matter what you choose, Vong Canh Hill is always a satisfied destination.
Looking for a Hue local guide? Check out Beebee Travel or our exotic Backroad Hue Motorbike Tour to Vong Canh Hill and Hue Countryside.
