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One of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Dalat is Bao Dai's Palace. Exploring the palace, visitors are captivated by its opulent and extravagant beauty, but not everyone is aware of the secrets and the intriguing connection to the mysterious number 13 in the life of King Bao Dai.
1. Bao Dai's Royal Palace – Beautiful Tourist Spot in Dalat
King Bao Dai owned numerous palaces across the country, and one of the most prominent ones is located in Dalat. In Dalat, the king possessed three luxurious palaces, all of which are major tourist attractions crowded with visitors every day.
Perched on a picturesque pine-covered hill approximately 4km southeast of the city center, Dinh I exudes an ancient, majestic, and elegant charm. Originally owned by a French official named Robert Clément Bourgery, the estate was later acquired by King Bao Dai.
Dinh II, a luxurious mansion often likened to a splendid castle, boasts 25 intricately decorated rooms. Situated on Tran Hung Dao Street, just 2km from the city center, it offers a distant view of Xuan Huong Lake, adorned with elaborate and delicate details.
Dinh III, also known as Bao Dai Palace (the royal residence of King Bao Dai), is located approximately 2km from the center of Dalat on Trieu Viet Vuong Street, atop a pine-covered hill. Bao Dai Palace is part of a stunning French architectural ensemble. The grand building is nestled amidst pine trees, surrounded by an elegant and elaborate flower garden, a refreshing cool lake, creating a harmonious and beloved tourist spot in Dalat. Visitors will be awe-inspired by the perfect blend of contemporary architecture and the beauty of nature.
2. Unveiling the Hidden Secrets Behind King Bao Dai's Palaces
Bao Dai's Palace – a beautiful tourist destination in Dalat that everyone knows. However, the Bao Dai Palace, an architectural marvel, hides many mysteries within, which not everyone is aware of. When talking about the secrets of this royal palace, people often mention the hidden underground tunnels deep beneath the mansion.
Upon taking over Dinh I, King Bao Dai discovered an underground tunnel system beneath the building. It includes a tunnel connecting to Dinh II, branching out to villas along Tran Hung Dao Street with a total length of up to 3 km. The tunnel's ceiling is 2m high, and in some places, it is so low that one must stoop, but when it reaches the intersection, it widens, providing hiding spots for 5-6 people. The entrance to the tunnel is cleverly concealed within a small house on the estate. The tunnel entrance is 3m wide, nearly 2m high, and 2m above the ground. Upon the discovery of this tunnel, the king ordered absolute secrecy, considering it an excellent escape route.
This secret tunnel was also utilized by the Japanese army to capture French generals. They expanded the tunnel without cutting tree roots to avoid arousing suspicion. The tunnel, with its damp and low areas, became a breeding ground for bats.
Later, after Bao Dai's removal, President Ngo Dinh Diem chose Dinh I as his retreat. He, too, kept the secret of this tunnel. Diem reinforced the tunnel with concrete, and its main entrance was disguised as a bookshelf at the head of the president's bed, easily revealed with a gentle push, leading to the helipad for his helicopter.
The construction and renovation of the secret tunnels were carried out discreetly, employing 20 workers secretly brought from Hue. Subsequently, they all mysteriously vanished without a trace.
Presidential Palace (Dinh III) – a tourist destination in Dalat shrouded not only in mystery due to its underground passages but also serves as the repository for over 120 treasures from the Nguyen dynasty. Amidst turbulent times, as King Bao Dai was dethroned and forced into exile in France, a loyal Nguyen courtier disguised and steadfastly defended these treasures for decades until the liberation of Dalat. Upon unlocking the treasure chests, one cannot help but be overwhelmed by the rarity and intricacy of these artifacts dating back to the era of the first emperor, Khai Dinh.
3. King Bao Dai and the Haunting Number 13
Many tourist spots in Dalat are inseparably linked to King Bao Dai. When in Dalat, amidst waterfalls, pine forests, and flower gardens, Bao Dai is often recalled. King Bao Dai was the final monarch of the Nguyen dynasty and the last ruler in the feudal history of Vietnam. The monarch's life was marked by numerous twists and turns. Strangely, the number 13 – a traditionally deemed unlucky number in Western beliefs – is tightly intertwined with his life.
- King Bao Dai born on 22/10/1913
- He was the 13th monarch of the Nguyen dynasty
- Reigned on the golden throne for 13 years
- The king had 13 children
- He was laid to rest at 1:00 PM on 6/8/1997
Perhaps the number 13, often considered unlucky, serves as an omen marking the end of a dynasty and an era in history.
If you get the chance, visit Bao Dai Palace – one of the cherished tourist spots in Dalat. The sophistication in its arrangement, elegance in every detail, along with the romantic natural scenery and intriguing stories about the last monarch of feudal Vietnam, will undoubtedly leave you with profound memories.
