Bao Dai's Palace – Da Lat is a town belonging to Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. It is located on the Lam Vien Plateau in the Central Highlands. This area is famous for its many caves and large waterfalls. Da Lat's climate is mild and cool year-round, as it is surrounded by hills and mountains. Da Lat is also the hometown of Emperor Bao Dai, the last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. There are several beautiful historical relics and scenic spots associated with Emperor Bao Dai, but the most important is Bao Dai's Palace in Da Lat.
Learn more about Bao Dai's Palace – an unmissable Da Lat tourist destination with a local Da Lat guide.
Bao Dai's Palace 1
- Palace 1 is located at: No. 1, Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
- Ticket price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/person
- Opening hours: 07:00–17:30
- Rating: 4.3/5
- Distance from city center: 4.8 km
Bao Dai's Palace 1 in Da Lat is also known as the King's Palace. It is surrounded by the beauty of mountains and forests on a pine hill. Many tourists believe that getting around and dining at Bao Dai's Palace is a bit inconvenient because it is located quite far from the city, but in reality, this is not the case. Bao Dai's Palace 1 is about 4 km from Da Lat city center. Although located on a pine hill, the palace is surrounded by hotels, guesthouses, and nearby entertainment areas.
Operating and Closing Hours
Bao Dai's Palace 1 in Da Lat is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM. You should visit early in the morning to fully enjoy the beauty of the place.
Admission Fee
The admission fee for Bao Dai's Palace 1 in Da Lat is divided into 2 types:
Type 1: Suitable for visitors who want to sightsee, explore, and enjoy the scenery. You can take photos and explore each room in the villa with this ticket. This ticket type differentiates between adult and child prices:
- Adults: 30,000 VND/person
- Children: 20,000 VND/person
Type 2 tickets are different from Type 1 tickets. Visitors with Type 2 tickets will experience the feeling of being a King by parading, checking in with horse carriages, wax figures from the feudal era, etc., in addition to visiting the palace's structures. However, Type 2 tickets are more expensive than Type 1:
- Adults: 150,000 VND/person
History of Bao Dai's Palace 1
When visitors tour Bao Dai's Palace in Da Lat, guides will recount historical stories and significant traces associated with the palace.
For those who want to learn more about history, it's worth remembering that the Palace was once owned by a French merchant named Robert Clément Bourgery. Emperor Bao Dai's father-in-law bought the Palace around 1949 and allowed Emperor Bao Dai to use it from 1949 to 1954. He believed the Palace was beautiful and dignified, suitable for meetings and political discussions.
Bao Dai's Palace in Da Lat served as the residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem, in 1956. After the Ngo Dinh Diem administration ended, the palace was used as a residence for heads of state. Until 1975, the palace was used for various activities, most commonly tourism.
What are the characteristics of Bao Dai's Palace 1?
Because the estate was built by the French, its unique characteristics and architecture attract tourists. If you have ever visited Bao Dai's Palace in Da Lat, you will see a yellow house with blue walls and a red tiled roof, creating a wonderful and luxurious palace. The building carries a quiet and ancient beauty of the past, but also a poetic beauty amidst the pine hills. Although damaged by time, the palace has been rebuilt and retains its original architecture from the reign of Emperor Bao Dai. In Da Lat, visitors can experience a luxurious European architectural masterpiece.
The interior of Bao Dai's Palace is not only externally appealing but also displays precious antiques of historical value. The palace functions as a museum, preserving Emperor Bao Dai's happy memories and meaningful artifacts.
A MYSTERIOUS AND ANCIENT BUILDING
Outside the building, we can still clearly see the image of Emperor Bao Dai himself, who planted and tended the date palm trees. Nestled amidst pine hills, the building possesses a mysterious, ancient beauty of the past, yet also a touch of poetry and modern elegance. Despite the damage caused by time, the palace has been rebuilt and has a similar area to the time of Emperor Bao Dai. Visitors to Da Lat will witness firsthand a masterpiece of European architecture.
The interior of Bao Dai's Palace is not only beautiful on the outside but also contains valuable historical artifacts. The palace serves as a museum, preserving the happy memories of Emperor Bao Dai along with valuable artifacts.
We can clearly see the image of 9 date palm trees planted and cared for by Emperor Bao Dai himself outside the premises. The image of the date palm trees and nine sacred dragons symbolizes the wealth and prosperity of the nation. Additionally, the image of the dragon is also used to allude to the strength of a nation.
Due to its location on a pine hill, the atmosphere here is extremely cool, filled with fresh green colors all year round.
Bao Dai's Palace 2
- Address: No. 12, Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province
- Opening hours: 07:30–17:00
- Price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/adult
- Rating: 4.1/5
- Distance from city center: 1.6km
Palace 2 is often known as the "Governor's Palace." Palace 2, similar to Bao Dai's Palace 1, is located on a high hill surrounded by pine forests. Palace 2 is considered to have the most prime location as it is situated right in the center of Da Lat city, 2.4 km from Da Lat market. Additionally, visitors only need to travel 1 km to explore the beauty of Xuan Huong Lake.
Opening and Closing Hours
Bao Dai's Palace 2 in Da Lat is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5 PM.
However, since Bao Dai's Palace in Da Lat has been used as a reception venue by the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, as well as for events, meetings, and conferences, it will no longer serve tourists. Visitors to the aforementioned location must pay attention to the opening hours to be able to admire the entire view of Palace 2.
Admission Fee
- Compared to the admission fee for Bao Dai's Palace 1 in Da Lat, Palace 2 has a cheaper price.
- Adult tickets are currently 40,000 VND per person.
- Children's tickets are 20,000 VND per person.
However, ticket prices do not change, so if you need information, please contact our ticket management immediately.
History of Bao Dai's Palace 2
If Bao Dai's Palace 1 in Da Lat was a resting and living place for Emperor Bao Dai, then Palace 2 was where the French colonialists began their rule in Indochina. The aforementioned location is a powerful testament to Vietnam's history during French domination.
The palace, designed by a French architect in 1933 and completed in 1937, has an architecture similar to Palace 1 with European elements.
Palace 2 was formerly the residence and workplace of Jean Decoux, a key figure in the French colonial administration in Indochina. In the summer, he often visited the palace. Therefore, with the name "Governor's Palace," it was often described as "Summer Villa."
Furthermore, the village is linked to the "Da Lat Conference of 1946." The location was originally considered Decoux's office until 1964.
What are the characteristics of Bao Dai's Palace 2?
The materials used for construction differ from typical Vietnamese architecture, following a special European architectural style. Instead of wood, the palace was built with metal parts imported from France and has stood firm for many years.
This is also the only palace in Vietnam that uses granite. The entire exterior wall of the Palace is designed and built with yellow granite, looking very magnificent. Palace 2 Da Lat has 25 rooms on the ground and upper floors. There is also a basement in the Palace, used to store wine and as a place where Mr. Decoux's family could hide in case of an accident.
Inside the villa, without considering the exterior and high quality, it can be guessed that everything was transported from France to Vietnam. However, the display is surprising because 22 poems by Emperor Tu Duc are engraved in Chinese characters on the body of the vase.
Outside the villa, there is a lovely garden with many ornamental plants and fresh flowers. The climate here is pleasant all year round as it is surrounded by many green trees.
Bao Dai's Palace 3
- Address of Palace 3: No. 1, Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Ward 4, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province.
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Ticket price: 30,000 VND/person
- Rating: 4.1/5
- Distance from city center: 2.4km
The palace is only about 2 km from the center of Da Lat. Notably, compared to Palaces 1 and 2, Palace 3 is more imposing. Bao Dai's Palace 3 in Da Lat, also known as Bao Dai's Palace – a luxurious palace with a distinct European identity amidst vast pine hills. An attractive tourist destination for those who enjoy learning about history and immersing themselves in the poetic atmosphere of France here.
Palace 3 is located on a high hill in Da Lat city at 01 Trieu Viet Vuong (about 1.5 km south of the city center, taking about 9 minutes by motorbike). Palace 3 is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Da Lat, attracting a large number of visitors.
Palace III is situated on a hillside as part of Ernest Hébrard's Da Lat restoration project for the Governor's Palace in the heart of the Ai An forest. The entire architecture is built in a European style, with rose gardens both in front and behind the palace.
The route from Da Lat Market to Bao Dai's Palace 3 is as follows:
From Da Lat market, go straight south on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street to Xuan Huong Lake, then turn left onto Nguyen Van Cu Street.
Continue straight, then turn left onto Ba Trieu Street. Continue straight until you reach Tran Phu Street, turn right, and finally turn left at the intersection onto Le Hong Phong Street.
Continue straight down Le Hong Phong Street, then turn straight onto Trieu Viet Vuong Street to find the gate of Bao Dai's Palace 3. Emperor Bao Dai and his family resided and lived in Da Lat.
Operating and Closing Hours
History of Bao Dai's Palace 3
Palace 2 was built during the same period. Bao Dai's Palace 3 was built around 1933 to 1937.
Palace 3, often called the Chief of State's Palace, was built around 1948, when France restored power to Bao Dai and established the "Imperial Family" around 1950.
However, during Bao Dai's exile in France, this became a favorite spot for leader Ngo Dinh Diem. After a while, it became the residence of Nguyen Van Thieu.
Finally, the Palace came under the management of the Lam Dong Provincial Department of Finance and was operated by Xuan Huong Services Company from the mid-2000s.
What are the characteristics of Bao Dai's Palace 3?
Bao Dai's Palace III in Da Lat was designed by French architect Paul Veysseyre and Vietnamese architect Huynh Tan Phat.
Bao Dai's Palace (Palace 3) in Da Lat is designed in a modern European style and has a construction similar to Palaces 1 and 2.
GROUND FLOOR: THIS IS THE WORKING AND RECEPTION FLOOR
Used to host royal court meetings, receptions, international guests, and government agencies. The front door is moderately wide (about 4 m), with a reception hall leading downstairs: on the right is Emperor Bao Dai's room, the guest room; on the left is the meeting room and other working areas; and on the right is the recreational area.
Notably, the entire meeting room of the palace is built with an interior and exterior miniature landscape architecture, connected by stairs and aluminum-framed glass doors with iron frames, creating an organic relationship with architecture and nature.
SECOND FLOOR: RESIDENCE OF EMPEROR BAO DAI'S FAMILY
The entire second floor of the palace was dedicated to royal life, including the rooms of Emperor Bao Dai, Empress Nam Phuong, and the princesses and princes Bao Long, Phuong Mai, Phuong Lien, and Prince Bao Thang.
The beautiful Vong Nguyet Tower outside the King's room was used as a place for the King and Empress to gaze at the moon. The room was decorated in yellow when Prince Bao Long was brought up (late 1939).
Many Palace Experience Services
Visitors can not only explore the luxurious and opulent life of the last king of the Southern feudal dynasty but also dress up as a king, queen, prince, or princess and take souvenir photos. Souvenir photos of the Palace can be taken in the Palace's changing room area. This dressing-up area is considered very suitable for visitors to transform into.
Many photography services with birds, horses, camels, and other animals are available within the tourist area of Bao Dai's Palace 3 in Da Lat.
Furthermore, there are quite a few specialty shops and souvenir shops in Palace 3, where prices are publicly listed.
When visiting Bao Dai's Palace in Da Lat, please note:
- When visiting the villa, you must adhere to the rules and restrictions.
- Tourists are allowed to take photos but are not allowed to touch the items.
Other places you can visit
In addition to Bao Dai's Summer Palace, you can visit the following nearby attractions:
- Van Hanh Zen Monastery
- Da Lat Railway Station
- Da Lat Market
- Xuan Huong Lake
- Truc Lam Zen Monastery
- Chanh Toa Church (Chicken Church Da Lat)
Conclusion
Above is all the information about Bao Dai's Summer Palace in Da Lat that HDV Local wants to share with you. If you are wondering whether to visit this place once or twice, book a tour to Da Lat right away; the beauty of the highland region will not disappoint you. We wish you and your family, friends, and colleagues a wonderful and memorable summer vacation.