Discover Dalat - The history and unique architecture of 3 Bao Dai Palaces

Discovering Bao Dai Palace in Dalat that is a destination that those who love the country's history, love lavish and romantic French architecture should not miss. The beautiful European architecture and the green campus setting will surely make visitors "fascinated" when visiting having holiday in Dalat.

Bao Dai Palace Dalat not only shows the magnificence of the royal palace but also symbolizes the development and advancement of the dynasty. This is the place where you will discover the history of the country, admire the precious antiques and have photos of a lifetime.

1. About Bao Dai Palace Dalat

With the feat of construction of the French, Bao Dai Palace Da Lat has bold Western architecture. This is a destination you should not miss when coming to Da Lat - the beautiful city of thousands of flowers.

Bao Dai Palace in Da Lat is a complex including: Palace 1 Bao Dai Da Lat, Palace 2 Bao Dai Da Lat and Palace 3 Bao Dai Da Lat. These architectural works carry historical imprints associated with the last king of Vietnam's feudal dynasty.

Although experiencing many ups and downs in history, these mansions still keep their original status under the government's conservation efforts. Not only is it a famous tourist destination in Da Lat, but Bao Dai Palace also spreads national historical values.

This will be the place where you can learn about traditional culture from feudal times. Besides, you will hear stories about the life of King Bao Dai and learn about the daily life of the nobility.

2. Discover the history and architecture of Bao Dai Palace in Dalat

The Bao Dai Palace in Dalat is where King Bao Dai and his family lived and worked. Each Palace will be divided with different functions, serving the life of kings. Currently, only Palace 1 and Palace 3 are open to regular visitors. Tickets to visit Bao Dai Palace Dalat will depend on each Palace.

2.1 Bao Dai Palace I is located in the middle of a vast green pine forest

Palace 1 Bao Dai Da Lat is also known as the King's Palace, a place associated with the ups and downs of the nation's history.

2.1.1 Address of Bao Dai Palace Da Lat I

Palace 1 is located on a hill 1550m above sea level, causing "nostalgia" for visitors because of its bold royal architecture.

• Address: No. 1, Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 10, Da Lat.
• Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:30 daily. The best time to visit is early morning from November to April next year. You will be able to fully admire the beauty of this place in the cool weather.
• Ticket prices: There are 2 types with reference prices as follows:
  • For those who like to travel, sightseeing: 90,000 VND/adult, 60,000 VND/child. Guests are free to take photos and explore anywhere in the villa.
  • For those who want to experience the royal life: 150,000 VND/adult. In addition to visiting everywhere in the villa, visitors can also dress up with splendid palace costumes, play archery…
• Directions: The way to Bao Dai Palace Dalat 1 is very convenient for sightseeing. Palace 1 Dalat is located 4km southeast of the city center. From Da Lat market, you move to the top of Da Lat pass. Turn to Tran Hung Dao route, go straight until the next roundabout, then follow Hung Vuong street for about 1 km. Palace 1 will be located right in front of you.

2.1.2 History of Bao Dai Palace Dalat I

Palace 1 was started construction in 1940 with the ruler is a French millionaire named Robert Clément Bourgery. King Bao Dai's father-in-law bought this mansion in 1949. King Bao Dai set up his headquarters here to work during the period 1949 - 1954.

By the time of President Ngo Dinh Diem, Palace 1 was repaired and built more tunnels. The tunnel is 4km long, connecting from Palace 1 to Palace 2 as well as leading to other villas nearby. After Ngo Dinh Diem's death, the mansion was used as a resort for successive heads of state until 1975.

In 2014, the local government restored Palace 1 Da Lat in accordance with the original colors of the reign of King Bao Dai and turned this place into a place to visit and relax.

2.1.3 Architecture of Bao Dai Palace Dalat I

Palace 1 Bao Dai is located on a hill, surrounded by green Da Lat pine forest.

Starting to go to Palace 1 Da Lat, you will have to admire the entrance to the Palace which is a long stretch of asphalt road with two rows of tall tall trees. The spacious outside campus is designed with many luxurious tables and chairs.

The campus gate opens to the world with thousands of flowers blooming, colorful 7-color three-tiered strips, hundreds of lanterns dangling… Especially, the European-style fountain attracts tourists. 

Visitors coming here will be amazed by the "1-0-2" architecture with mysterious and ancient beauty. A yellow house with blue doors and red roof creates a "time-tinted" building.

Entering the first floor of the Palace, you will enter the main hall to welcome guests with two large living rooms. Going to the back there are 4 other rooms: office room, transition room, toilet and kitchen. In particular, you should not miss the last room on the 1st floor. This will be the place where you take pictures with the background of ancient kings with thrones, painted hammocks…

Up to the 2nd floor of the Palace is the 3-bedroom area of King Bao Dai's mother, King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong. King Bao Dai's bedroom was not only a resting place but also a place where important meetings took place.

Under Ngo Dinh Nhiem, this bedroom was repaired and a secret tunnel was built. The entrance to the basement is disguised as a bookshelf located to the right of the bed.

2.2 Palace II – Bao Dai Palace Dalat witnessed many historical events

Palace 2 Bao Dai Da Lat, also known as the Palace of the Toan Quyen, is located on a hill surrounded by a large pine forest. Standing at Palace 2, you can clearly see the poetic Xuan Huong Lake.

2.2.1 Address of Bao Dai Palace Dalat II

Palace 2 is located 1539 km above sea level, bringing the peace and tranquility of the foggy city.

• Address: No. 12, Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 10, Da Lat.
• Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:30. This place has been used as a place to receive guests of the People's Committee of Lam Dong province, hold conferences, etc., so it is not open regularly to serve visitors.
• Ticket price: 30,000 VND/adult.
• Directions: Palace 2 is located in the city center, 2.4km from Da Lat market. If starting from Da Lat market, you follow Nguyen Minh Khai street about 150m. Going to the roundabout, turn to Tran Quoc Toan Street and then go along Ho Tung Mau Street. Go until you see Khoi Nghia Bac Son street, then go another 700m to reach Palace 2.

2.2.2 History of Palace II Bao Dai Da Lat

Palace 2 was built in 1933 according to the design of a famous French architect. Palace 2 used to be the workplace of Jean Decoux - a high-ranking French colonial political official. In addition, this is also the place where important historical events took place, such as the 1946 Da Lat preparatory conference.

Under Ngo Dinh Diem's reign, this was his vacation place with his family Ngo Dinh Nhu - his younger brother was also a military strategy consultant for Ngo Dinh Diem. In 1964, Palace 2 was chosen by General Nguyen Khanh as his headquarters when he came to power.

2.2.3 Architecture of Bao Dai Palace Dalat II

When you arrive at the gate of Palace 2, you will have to admire the grounds of this mansion. A circular fountain surrounded by a colorful flower garden creates a romantic "European standard" space. This is also the ideal place to admire the panoramic view of Da Lat.

Palace 2 Dalat has a ground floor, a first floor and a basement. The palace has a total of 25 luxuriously designed rooms with full amenities. Palace 2 is covered with a layer of yellow sedimentary rock with high hardness, so after many years of construction, the mansion is still like new.

The interior of the mansion is beautifully decorated. A large screen with 22 poems in Chinese by King Tu Duc is an attraction for visitors from the moment they enter. Cabinets, tables and chairs, beds... all exude the aristocracy of the ancient palace.

Palace 2 has a large tunnel containing wine dug through the pine hill for more than 3km to reach Palace 1. The tunnel is also a shelter for Mr. Decoux's family in case of an accident.

2.3 Palace III – Palace of Bao Dai Da Lat majestic and magnificent

Palace 3 Da Lat is also known as Bao Dai Palace - a lavish mansion with bold European identity. If you are a lover of romantic scenes in France, do not miss this place.

2.3.1 Address of Bao Dai Palace Dalat III

Palace 3 Bao Dai Da Lat is the highest palace in the three palaces with an altitude of 1540m above sea level.

• Address: No. 1, Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Ward 4, Da Lat.
• Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:30 daily.
• Ticket price (reference price): 30,000 VND/person.
• Directions: Starting from Da Lat market, you go to the south of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street; Go to the roundabout, turn right onto Nguyen Van Cu. Go straight and then turn left onto Ba Trieu street, go straight until you meet Tran Phu street then turn right; then turn left at the roundabout at Le Hong Phong street. Go straight and then turn left onto Trieu Viet Vuong Street, you will meet the entrance to Palace 3. You should take a taxi from Dalat to move quickly to your destination.

2.3.2 History of Palace III Bao Dai Da Lat

Palace 3 Da Lat was built in 1948, where King Bao Dai's family lived and worked the most. After the French brought Bao Dai back to power in 1948, the "Royal Kingdom" was established in 1950. This is also a luxury and high-class resort of Ngo Dinh Diem and Nguyen Van Thieu.

Over 80 years of history, but Palace 3 still retains its ancient features intact thanks to the conservation support from the local government. Up to now, Bao Dai Palace Da Lat 3 has become a tourist destination in Da Lat that is "hunted" by young people when learning about the history of the country.

2.3.3 Architecture of Bao Dai Palace Dalat III

Palace 3 is the perfect combination of two architectural styles of Paul Veysseyre - French architect and Huynh Tan Phat - Vietnamese architect. The "war gods" who reviewed Da Lat liked the architecture of Palace 3 because of this reason.

In front and behind the palace, there are flower gardens arranged in the style of gardens in French palaces. Walking around the Palace 3 Bao Dai Da Lat, you will feel the cool atmosphere under the green pine trees. Palace 3 Dalat is a massive architectural work with bold European architecture with two distinct floors.

The ground floor is usually a place for meetings, banquets, and receptions for foreign guests. Right at the entrance to the door is the reception room and many other rooms. To the right of the hall is King Bao Dai's room and the library. On the left is the meeting room, office and entertainment room. The working rooms are designed with small landscape architecture, allowing the people inside to live in harmony with nature.

The second floor is mainly used for family activities, including the bedrooms of King Bao Dai, Queen Nam Phuong and princesses and princes. Outside the bedroom is Vong Nguyet Lau - where King Bao Dai and the queen used to sit and watch the moon.

Coming to Palace 3 Da Lat, you will be able to witness with your own eyes many precious antiques such as jade billion, military seals... In addition, you also have the opportunity to transform into kings, queens... to experience life. lavish feudal dynasties.

3. Notes when visiting Bao Dai Palaces in Da Lat

• Ask for costume rental prices and take pictures in advance to avoid being "hacked"
• It is recommended to wear vintage clothes to have the most impressive and suitable photo shoots
• Follow the regulations at the palace to have a fun and meaningful trip
• From March to May and from September to November is the right time to visit Bao Dai Palace in Da Lat. This is the time when Dalat enters spring and autumn, the weather is clear and the flowers are blooming.

Hopefully, the useful information about 3 Palaces of Bao Dai Dalat will be your luggage for the most wonderful trips. The European beauty of Bao Dai Palace Dalat  will certainly not disappoint you. Pack your backpack and start your journey of discovery Dalat with Threeland Travel !