Thien An Hill, Hue: Discover the "virtual" location of the movie Mắt Biếc

Thien An Hill, a miniature Dalat in the heart of the old capital

Amidst the ancient mausoleums and the poetic Huong River, Hue also hides a mesmerizing "green paradise" that few people know about, which is Thien An Hill. This place is not only a "miniature Da Lat" in the heart of the ancient capital but has also become a famous virtual living coordinate after appearing in the movie Mat Biec, making many hearts flutter and seek it out.

If you have fallen in love with Hue but want to find a very different corner, not mausoleums or citadels, let Queen Cafe Open Bus introduce you to Thien An Hill, one of the ideal stops when coming to the ancient capital.

1. Introduction to Thien An Hill Hue: Why does this place have such a strange attraction?

Hidden in the heart of dreamy Hue, Thien An Hill is likened to "Little Da Lat" because of the green scenery of the vast pine forest and the fresh, cool air. Strolling on the mossy paths and letting your soul follow the rustling sound of the pines, you can easily feel a sense of peace as if all your sorrows have been blown away by the wind.

Thien An Hill, a miniature Dalat in the heart of the old capital
Thien An Hill, a miniature Dalat in the heart of the old capital

The attraction of Thien An Hill in Hue multiplied when it became one of the main settings of the famous movie "Mat Biec" (Dreamy Eyes) directed by Victor Vu. Every romantic frame in "Mat Biec" transformed Thien An Hill into a realm of memories. So that anyone who comes here instinctively slows down, looks for a familiar corner, hoping to relive the pure emotions like Ngan and Ha Lan did that year.

Mat Biec bringing Thien An Hill Hue to the audience
Mat Biec bringing Thien An Hill Hue to the audience

According to the belief of the locals, the name "Thien An" means the peace bestowed by heaven. And indeed, this is a peaceful, pristine place to "comfort lost souls." Strolling on the roads, immersing yourself in the poetic natural scenery, you will feel the purity and peace, helping to nourish your emotions and find connection with yourself again.

Cheap flights to Hue

2. Where is Thien An Hill? The most detailed directions

To make your journey to discover Thien An Hill more complete, you first need to know the exact location and the most convenient way to get there:

2.1. Exact location of Thien An Hill

Although not located right in the city center, Thien An Hill possesses a very convenient location to visit, while being isolated enough to keep its inherent peacefulness intact.

Healing the soul with poetic, lyrical nature
Healing the soul with poetic, lyrical nature

2.1.1. Address:

Thien An Hill is located in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien Hue Province, situated on the route leading to King Khai Dinh's tomb.

2.1.2. Distance:

The location of this hill is quite convenient, only about 10km south of the center. Equivalent to about a 20-minute ride by motorbike or a 15-minute drive by car. Thanks to being isolated from the urban area, this place still retains its peaceful and airy beauty.

2.2. Choosing transportation to Hue and Thien An Hill

To make your journey to explore Hue and Thien An Hill go smoothly right from the first moment, choose the most satisfactory means of transportation right away.

Train tickets to Hue

2.2.1. Suggested transportation to Hue city

To start your journey to explore Thien An Hill, you first need to reach Hue city. Below are the popular travel options:

  • Queen Cafe Open Bus sleeper bus:

For those departing from Hanoi, Da Nang, or Hoi An, Queen Cafe Open Bus is an ideal choice for the journey to Hue. You can relax in a private, comfortable cabin like a small mobile bed. The bus will take you directly to No. 7 Doi Cung, Hue city center, near Trang Tien Bridge. From here, you can easily check-in, change clothes, and start your exploration of the ancient capital with the most comfortable mindset.

Below is a reference price table for you to easily plan and budget:

 BUS ROUTE TO HUẾ PRICE BOOK TICKETS
 Hanoi ⇔ Hue 350.000 VNĐ – 550.000 VNĐ Place it here
 Da Nang ⇔ Hue 150.000 VND/pax Place it here
 Hoi An ⇔ Hue 150.000 VND/pax Place it here
 Ninh Binh ⇔ Hue 350.000 VNĐ – 500.000 VNĐ Place it here
 Quang Binh ⇔ Hue 180,000 VND Place it here

📞 For attentive consultation and the fastest ticket booking, you can contact:

Enjoy a relaxing and convenient trip with Queen Cafe Open Bus
Enjoy a relaxing and convenient trip with Queen Cafe Open Bus
  • Train: And if you want to experience a scenic journey through beautiful routes, the train is also an interesting choice.
  • Airplane: This is the fastest means of transportation, suitable for those who want to maximize their travel time.

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2.2.2. Moving from Hue center to Thien An Hill

After arriving in Hue, you can choose the following means to get to Thien An Hill:

  • Motorcycle: The top choice for young people who love exploring and like the freedom to stop and check-in along the way. The feeling of conquering the winding road amidst towering pine forests by yourself, in cool weather, will definitely be great.

Rental cost: Ranges from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day (depending on the type of bike).

Note when riding: The road leading into the hill area is quite steep and winding, so check the bike carefully and drive safely. Wear sneakers or soft-soled sandals for easy walking after arriving.

  • Taxi/Ride-hailing car: Suitable for groups of friends or families, convenient and fast. The price is only about 150,000 - 180,000 VND/way for a 10km distance.
Experience the feeling of relaxation, immersing in the scenery along the way
Experience the feeling of relaxation, immersing in the scenery along the way

2.3. Detailed route guide by map

From 7 Doi Cung, you can refer to the following route to reach Thien An Hill:

  • Start from 7 Doi Cung, go straight to Le Loi Street.
  • Turn left onto Dien Bien Phu Street, at the T-junction, turn right onto Le Ngo Cat Street.
  • Continue on Le Ngo Cat Street and turn left onto Minh Mang Street.
  • From here, you just need to go straight past Khai Dinh Street and continue until you see the sign with the words "Đam viện Thiên An" (Thien An Monastery) and you have arrived.
  • After arriving, park your vehicle below Thien An Monastery and walk about 100m more to reach the hill.

Cheap flights to Hue

3. What to do at Thien An Hill? Top 4 unmissable experiences

 So when coming to this Hue tourist destinations , a place without bustling services, what special experiences will we have? Don't worry, the original beauty and profound experiences here are what "addict" and retain visitors.

3.1. "Virtual living" check-in at the poetic Thien An pine hill

Talking about Thien An Hill without mentioning the soft curved roads hidden among the pine forest would be a big mistake. Can you imagine it? On one side is the golden sunshine piercing through the leaves, on the other is the wind softly singing... that is the reason why this place "stole" the heart of director Victor Vu and so many virtual living believers.

Thien An Hill Hue - A check-in location loved by many young people
Thien An Hill Hue - A check-in location loved by many young people

3.2. Visit Thien An Monastery - Ancient and peaceful architecture

Hidden amidst the pristine pine forest, Thien An Monastery (also known as Benedictine Monastery) is a Catholic monastery with an Asian architectural style combined with ancient, contemplative European style. Built in 1940 and restored and expanded after 1975, the monastery with its red-tiled roof and old mossy brick walls brings a beauty that is both strange and attractive.

Ancient architecture carrying a peaceful, comforting breath
Ancient architecture carrying a peaceful, comforting breath

Stepping into the Monastery, you seem to touch a separate world, where time seems to slow down amidst a quiet, ancient space. From the top of the tower, looking far away is a vast pine forest stretching over 60 hectares, and in the distance is Hue city shrinking into view. That feeling is as if you just need to open your arms to embrace the whole ancient capital.

The cool green space of plants and the echoing sound of birds singing retain tourists
The cool green space of plants and the echoing sound of birds singing retain tourists

3.3. Explore the magical beauty of Thuy Tien Lake Water Park

When going deep into Thien An Hill Hueyou will encounter Thuy Tien Lake Water Park.This structure was built in 2004 but has been closed since 2011. The old, moss-covered painted walls and the abandoned space have turned this place into a unique exploration spot for those who love the magical and spooky. This will definitely bring "cooler than ever" photos for adventurous souls. Especially, don't forget to check-in with the giant Dragon statue placed in the middle of the lake, the symbol of this park!

A magical corner in the heart of the ancient capital
A magical corner in the heart of the ancient capital

3.4. Organize weekend picnics and camping in nature

Thanks to its relatively high location, isolated from the city and surrounded by many green trees, the air at Thien An Hill is airy and cool. Therefore, this place has long become an ideal picnic and camping spot for groups of friends, families, and couples. Every weekend, holiday, or summer vacation, people flock to Thien An Hill Hue to experience and enjoy the vast green nature.

Camping at Thien An Hill is an unmissable experience
Camping at Thien An Hill is an unmissable experience

4. Photography guide at Thien An Hill to get a "million likes" photo album

Coming to a place where "every 1 square meter you can take 100 photos" like Thien An Hillit would be a pity not to bring back a lifetime photo album. Don't worry, Queen Cafe Open Bus has prepared a few "secrets" for you to make sure you bring back beautiful photos!

4.1. Golden times to take photos during the day

4.1.1. Sunrise: Hunting for magical misty moments.

If you are a photography enthusiast or simply want to capture the most beautiful moments, visit Thien An Hill at sunrise. When the sun just rises, soft light filters through the pine canopy, the morning mist still hangs in the air, creating a magical scene like stepping out of a fairy tale. This time is not only ideal for "photo hunting" but also brings an indescribable feeling of peace and relaxation.

Catch the early sunshine in the fresh, pleasant air at Thien An Hill
Catch the early sunshine in the fresh, pleasant air at Thien An Hill

4.1.2. Sunset: Capture the romantic afternoon sunlight.

When the sun begins to set behind the trees, the sunlight gradually turns into a gentle orange-yellow hue, the whole hill seems to be covered in a warm color layer. This is the golden time to capture portrait photos, recording emotional natural moments, exactly like the moment of Ngan and Ha Lan at đồi Thiên An Mắt Biếc.

Late day sunbeams stretching across the pine hill leaves
Late day sunbeams stretching across the pine hill leaves

4.2. Suggested suitable outfits

There is no rule about what to wear, but it is best to choose lightweight, comfortable clothes for easy moving and posing. If you want a photo album with a strong Da Lat vibe with the pine forest, wear a beautiful dress, with colors harmonious with nature like white, beige, or pastel, which will be very "photogenic."

Freely pose under the vast pine forest
Freely pose under the vast pine forest

4.3. Top "money-making" shooting angles you must try

4.3.1. Shooting angle with the soft curved road.

The small winding roads in the middle of the pine forest are an ideal background for photos with a strong cinematic vibe. Just standing in the middle of the road, posing gently, you will immediately have a photo that is both romantic and artistic. This is also one of the most loved angles when taking photos at Thien An Hillwhere nature and light always know how to please photography-loving souls.

Poetic Thien An Hill with soft curved roads
Poetic Thien An Hill with soft curved roads

4.3.2. Shooting angle in the deep pine forest.

Standing amidst the towering rows of pine trees, straight on both sides, the light filtering through the leaves will make your photo more magical. This is an ideal background for those who love the "deep" style, with depth and emotion.

A couple taking wedding photos in the heart of Thien An Hill
A couple taking wedding photos in the heart of Thien An Hill

4.3.3. Shooting angle at the Monastery and Thuy Tien Lake.

Thien An Monastery with its ancient, quiet beauty creates a space that is both solemn and mysterious. Meanwhile, Thuy Tien Lake, the famous abandoned water park located nearby, brings a magical scene, very suitable for unconventional, different photo shoots. The combination of Thien An Hill and Thuy Tien Lake not only creates an interesting journey of discovery but is also an ideal rendezvous for souls who love nostalgic beauty mixed with a bit of creepiness and mystery.

Check-in under the magical, mysterious scenery at Thuy Tien Lake
Check-in under the magical, mysterious scenery at Thuy Tien Lake

5. Answering frequently asked questions when traveling to Thien An Hill

To make your trip go smoothly, let's answer the most common questions about Thien An Hill Hue:

5.1. Which season is the most beautiful to visit Thien An Hill Hue?

The entire area of Thien An Hill is covered in the green of the forest, so you can visit at any time of the year. However, according to experience, the most ideal time is:

  • Dry season (March - August): Although the weather in Hue is quite hot and sunny, it is very cool and comfortable on Thien An Hill Moving around is safer, and sightseeing is more complete.
  • Spring (January, February) or the transition moment from summer to autumn: The weather in these months is milder; although there are occasional light rains, they are negligible.
Spring is the most suitable time to visit Thien An Hill
Spring is the most suitable time to visit Thien An Hill

5.2. How much is the entrance ticket to Thien An Hill?

Visiting Thien An Hill Hue is completely free of charge at the entrance, so you can freely explore without worrying about expenses. However, if you ride a motorbike or car, you will need to park your vehicle at nearby shops for a very small fee, only from 5,000 - 10,000 VND depending on the vehicle.

5.3. What to eat near Thien An Hill area?

You can prepare some light snacks for a picnic. If you want to enjoy Hue specialties, there are many options for eateries and restaurants near the hill area:

Hue specialty dishes:

  • Cơm hến (Baby basket clam rice): A simple dish but with a unique flavor, conquering many diners.
  • Bánh canh cua (Crab tapioca noodle soup): Sweet broth, soft and chewy noodles, generous toppings for only 10,000 - 20,000 VND.
  • Bánh khoái (Hue crispy pancake): Similar to Banh Xeo but with more diverse fillings, served with peanut sauce and rich pork liver.
  • Nam cake: Soft and smooth rice flour cake with shrimp filling, priced at only about 3,000 VND/piece.
  • In addition, there is Bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) and famous Hue sweet soups (Che Hue).

Suggested restaurants near the hill:

  • Chan Doi Restaurant (65/15 Le Ngo Cat)
  • La Thong Restaurant (94 Minh Mang)
  • Biet Phu Thao Nhi Restaurant (Minh Mang Street)
  • Cafes like Hien Cafe, Nha Go Coffee Shop, Hill Garden Coffee, The One coffee & bakery,...
Enjoy Hue specialties at Biet Phu Thao Nhi restaurant
Enjoy Hue specialties at Biet Phu Thao Nhi restaurant

5.4. Are there any accommodations or homestays near Thien An Hill?

If you don't want to camp overnight or are traveling with your family, there are many comfortable accommodation options near Thien An Hill Hue:

  • Kay’s Garden: A large entire villa of nearly 5000m2, with a swimming pool, fish pond, vegetable garden, and yard, suitable for families/groups of friends (At Thuy Tien Water Park).
  • Ami Villa Hue: Only 1km from Thien An Hill Hue , quiet space, outdoor swimming pool, suitable for groups of 10-15 people (At Cu Chanh 1 Village).
  • Homestay Đồi thông (Thiên An Pine Hill Homestay): Brings a familiar feeling like at home, luxurious and modern design, many rooms have balconies for sightseeing, right next to Thien An Hill so you can walk there easily (At Thien An Village).

6. Suggested itinerary combining a visit to Thien An Hill

To optimize your trip and fully explore the beauty of Hue, you can refer to the following combined itineraries:

6.1. Half-day itinerary: Explore Thien An Hill & Thuy Tien Lake.

  • Morning/afternoon: Move to Thien An Hill Spend time strolling and taking photos amidst the pine forest, visit the ancient Thien An Monastery. Then, continue to explore the abandoned Thuy Tien Lake water park, a unique and highly mysterious check-in spot.
  • Afternoon/evening: Return to Hue city center to enjoy specialties like beef noodle soup, steamed water fern cake, lemongrass pork skewers... and relax by the Huong River.

6.2. One-day itinerary: Combine Thien An Hill with Khai Dinh Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb on the same route.

  • Morning: Move to Thien An HillVisit Thien An Monastery, take photos at Thien An pine hill and explore Thuy Tien Lake.
  • At noon: Have a meal at restaurants near the hill or return to Hue center.
  • Afternoon: Continue the journey to explore famous mausoleums located on the same route, such as Khai Dinh Tomb send the image of Minh Mang TombThis is an opportunity for you to admire the unique architecture and learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty.

7. Conclusion

Hue does not only have moss-covered nostalgia. Hue also has a pure and vibrant Thien An Hill waiting for you to explore. Hopefully, the sharing from Queen Cafe Open Bus will be useful baggage for your upcoming trip.

And if you are ready, do not hesitate to contact us to reserve a highly satisfactory sleeper berth, and begin your journey to this "green land"!

Places near Thien An Hill:

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