Not only is the city of a thousand flowers, Da Lat, famous for its romantic and picturesque tourist destinations, but it is also known for its many historically significant structures. Among them, the most notable is perhaps the Bao Dai Palaces. So, what makes these palaces so special that they attract so many tourists? Let’s explore this once-magnificent, luxurious place with Vietdreamtravel!
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Bao Dai Palaces
Bao Dai was the 13th and final emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam. The Bao Dai Palaces refer to the mansions and villas Emperor Bao Dai used as his workplace, residence, and home with his family during his reign (1926-1955). There are a total of seven Bao Dai Palaces scattered throughout Vietnam. Most of these palaces were built in the French architectural style.
Palace III
Of those seven palaces, three are located in Da Lat and are called Palace I, Palace II, and Palace III for easy identification. The remaining palaces are located in provinces such as Cau Da Palace in Nha Trang, Bach Dinh (White Palace) in Vung Tau, Bao Dai Palace in Buon Me Thuot (Dak Lak), and Bao Dai Palace in Do Son (Hai Phong). Today, these palaces are famous tourist destinations visited by many.
Cau Da Palace in Nha Trang
White Palace in Vung Tau
Overview of Bao Dai Palaces in Da Lat
Palace I – King Palace
Bao Dai Palace I is located at 01 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Xuan Huong-Da Lat Ward, 4km from the center of Da Lat. The palace is built at an altitude of 1,550m and surrounded by a romantic pine forest, creating an impressive space. With its solemn royal architecture and cool, fresh air, it will be an ideal tourist destination for you.
Palace I in Da Lat
Palace I is an architectural work in Da Lat. It was built in 1940 on a hill at an altitude of 1550m, surrounded by pine forest, by a French millionaire named Robert Clément Bourgery. The area covers about 60 hectares. When Emperor Bao Dai returned to power, he found the place quiet and beautiful, so he bought it in 1949 and renovated it. Palace I is a unique architectural work with an ancient appearance.
resting room
During President Ngo Dinh Diem’s time, Palace I was renovated, with a tunnel added, and on both sides, offices for assistants and officers were added… After Ngo Dinh Diem was assassinated, Palace I continued to be used as a summer retreat for successive heads of state of the Saigon regime until 1975.
Palace I is located on a high hill surrounded by lush green pine forest. The palace entrance is paved, with towering ancient trees on either side. From afar, Palace 1 stands out with its yellow walls, blue doors, red tiles, and a garden full of blooming flowers.
Bao Dai’s office was on the first floor of Palace I. The photo shows a wax statue of Bao Dai.
Upon entering, the spacious first floor, decorated in a distinctly European style, will transport you through a time portal. Notably, the room at the end of the first floor still retains the throne, and the lacquered canopy will allow you to “travel through time,” creating impressive photos.
The second floor houses three important bedrooms, including the room of Emperor Bao Dai’s mother, Emperor Bao Dai himself, and Empress Nam Phuong. The Emperor’s bedroom was where important meetings took place and also housed a secret tunnel connecting to other locations during the Ngo Dinh Diem era.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices for Palace 1
- Opening Hours: from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
- Ticket Price: Adults: 50,000 VND/ticket | Children: 25,000 VND/ticket
- Package price: 150,000 VND/ticket. Includes: entrance fee; photo opportunities with horse-drawn carriages, costume rental, archery, and golf participation.
Palace II – Governor’s Residence
Palace II is located at 12 Tran Hung Dao Street, Xuan Huong-Da Lat Ward, 2km southeast of the city center. Palace II sits atop a pine-covered hill at an altitude of 1,539m above sea level. Visiting this place, you will feel as if you have entered a peaceful haven, surrounded only by mist and the rustling of pine trees.
The Palace II in Da Lat
Palace II is the summer residence of the Governor-General of French Indochina, Jean Decoux (1940 to 1945), also known as the Governor’s Residence. Built in 1933, this palace boasts a distinctly French architectural style. It sits on a hill at 1,540 m, on Tran Hung Dao Street. The palace has 25 rooms, luxuriously designed in a European style. Nominally owned by Bao Dai from 1949 to 1954, however, he rarely stayed there.
The office inside Palace II.
From afar, Palace II resembles a magnificent castle nestled amidst a pine forest. Standing on the hilltop, visitors can admire the entire beauty of Xuan Huong Lake. Below the palace is a secret tunnel, and, notably, a rare wine cellar. Visiting here, tourists can admire the city’s characteristic sights.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Palace II
- Opening Hours of Palace II: from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. However, because this is the Provincial Committee’s guesthouse, the palace is not always open. Visitors should call the management in advance to inquire about specific opening hours.
- Entrance Fee for Bao Dai Palace II: Adults: 30,000 VND/ticket | Children under 1.2m: Free
Palace III – Bao Dai Palace
Located at 01 Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Xuan Huong-Da Lat Ward, Palace III is famous as a “miniature Paris” in the heart of Da Lat. It boasts an impressive location in the Ai An forest, on a hill at an elevation of over 1,540 meters above sea level. This was where Emperor Bao Dai and his family lived and worked. With its stunning location, Palace III is not only a valuable historical site but also a tourist attraction, renowned for its romantic, poetic atmosphere.
The Palace III, also known as the Bao Dai Palace.
This is the most well-known palace, welcoming a large number of domestic and international tourists every year. Built between 1933 and 1938, it was designed and constructed by the French architect Huynh Tan Phat. Emperor Bao Dai chose this palace as his residence and workplace during his reign. Palace III has two floors and 25 rooms. The design of Palace III is more modern and luxurious than that of the other palaces.
The living room in Palace III.
Palace III is considered the most beautiful and elegant of Emperor Bao Dai’s palaces. Situated on a hill of pure pine trees 1539m high, it is surrounded by landscaped parks, the Forest of Love, the Imperial Garden, etc. All these elements blend together to create a dreamy, captivating scene. With its beautiful architecture and romantic, picturesque setting, Palace III is a favorite destination for many tourists.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Palace III
- Opening Hours of Bao Dai Palace III: from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the week. (Note: Opening hours may change depending on regulations or special occasions.)
- Entrance Fee for Bao Dai Palace II: Adults: 40,000 VND/ticket | Children from 1m to 1.2m: 20,000 VND/ticket| Children under 1.2m: Free.
- Rental fee for costumes: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/set
The Bao Dai Palaces in Da Lat, a classic French-style mansion nestled amidst pine-covered hills, is an ideal place to explore. The romantic scenery and historical stories of a turbulent period in the country’s history are sure to provide you with many interesting experiences.
Source: collected by An
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