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Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt is the renowned palace associated with the last emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty. This destination captivates visitors with its unique architectural style, elegant grounds, and stunning pathways. Despite the fluctuations of time, Dinh Bảo Đại stands tall to this day. The opulent beauty and European-inspired architecture of the palace have left countless visitors spellbound.
Introducing Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt is an intricately crafted palace built by the French. Hence, the architecture of Dinh Bảo Đại exudes luxurious and grand European style. Also known as a palace or villa owned by King Bảo Đại at the time, this was where the king resided, rested, and lived with his family during his reign.
Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt is designed in classic French style (Source: Collection)
Stretching across the S-shaped land, King Bảo Đại owned a total of 7 palaces. Most of these palaces were designed and built in European architectural style. Among these 7 palaces, 3 were located in Đà Lạt with the names: Palace 1 Bảo Đại, Palace 2 Bảo Đại, Palace 3 Bảo Đại. These are architectural works deeply marked by history, closely associated with Vietnam's last king.
Despite enduring numerous upheavals of time, these palaces still maintain their original state after many restoration efforts. Not only serving as tourist attractions, Dinh Bảo Đại holds significant historical value for the nation. Upon visiting, tourists will gain a deeper understanding of traditional culture and historical periods of the previous century. Additionally, they will hear stories about the king's life.
Dinh Bảo Đại 1 - The palace nestled amidst vast pine forests
Each Dinh Bảo Đại is divided into different functions to serve the king's daily life. Therefore, each palace carries different meanings. Currently, only Palace 1 and Palace 3 are open to welcome tourists for visits. Palace 2 has limited activities.
Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt 1 is also known as Palace 1 Đà Lạt or the King's Palace. This is the palace that attracts the most tourists.
Address of Palace 1 Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
Palace 1 Dinh Bảo Đại is located at 1 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City. The palace is situated on a hilltop at 1,550 meters above sea level, surrounded by lush pine forests. Palace 1 is only 4km away from the city center in the southeast direction (equivalent to a 20-minute drive).
Palace 1 welcomes visitors every day, including weekends, holidays, and Tet (Image Source: Collection)
Palace 1 is open to visitors every day from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The ideal time to visit Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt is from November to April. This is also the best time to admire the stunning pine forest route.
Ticket Prices for Palace 1 Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
Ticket prices for Palace 1 are divided into 2 types as follows:
- Ticket prices for sightseeing: 90,000 VND/adult, 60,000 VND/child. With this type of ticket, visitors can freely explore every nook and cranny of the palace.
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Ticket prices include sightseeing and costume rental: 150,000 VND/adult. In addition to visiting, visitors can also dress up as kings, queens, guards, princesses, etc., in ancient costumes.
History of Palace 1 Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
Initially, Palace 1 belonged to the ownership of a French millionaire, civil servant - Robert Clément Bourgery. Later, King Bảo Đại's father-in-law - Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Cầu bought the entire palace and gave the right to use it to the king. King Bảo Đại established the Royal Palace here after officially assuming the position of Head of State during the period 1949 - 1954.
After King Bảo Đại abdicated, the President of the Republic of Vietnam - Ngô Đình Diệm took over the palace. He had additional tunnels and a runway built to serve political purposes. The 4km-long tunnel was connected from Palace 1 to Palace 2 as well as some other villas.
Palace 1 was once used for political purposes under the French - Diệm era (Image Source: Collection)
After Ngô Đình Diệm passed away, the mansion became a resort for former heads of state until 1975. Enduring many ups and downs over time, Palace 1 deteriorated significantly, prompting the government to consider restoration.
By 2014, the local authorities had invested significantly in restoring Palace 1 in Đà Lạt to its original state. Today, Palace 1 Bảo Đại has become a famous tourist attraction in the city of thousands of flowers.
Distinctive Architecture of Palace 1 Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
Unlike the two following palaces, Palace 1 Bảo Đại sits atop a large hill, surrounded by vast majestic pine forests. This unique terrain has made Palace 1 an ideal sightseeing spot for all tourists.
Upon setting foot in Palace 1, visitors will be mesmerized by the ancient European architecture, distinguished by its dominant golden hues. Stepping onto the first floor of the palace, you will marvel at the luxurious space from the main hall, study room, to the kitchen.
On the second floor of the palace are three large bedrooms belonging to the mother of King Bảo Đại (Queen Mother Từ Cung), the king himself, and Queen Nam Phương. Among them, the king's bedroom is the most uniquely designed. It serves not only as a bedroom but also as a venue for important meetings and military strategies.
Palace 2 Bảo Đại - Witness to History
Palace 2 Bảo Đại is also known as the Palace of Supreme Power. It is considered the venue for important historical events of our country. Currently, Palace 2 Bảo Đại is not regularly open for visits like Palace 1 and Palace 3.
Address of Palace 2 Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
Palace 2 Bảo Đại is located at 12 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province. Palace 2 is situated right in the city center and is only 2.4km away from Đà Lạt Market.
Palace 2 is often used for conference events and has limited opening hours for visits (Image Source: Collection)
This place is often used for conferences and hosting guests of the People's Committee of Lam Dong Province. If you wish to visit Palace 2, please pay attention to the opening hours as it only opens on special occasions.
Ticket Prices for Palace 2 Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
Compared to the ticket prices for Palace 1, Palace 2 has quite affordable rates. You can refer to the ticket prices for Palace 2 as follows:
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Ticket price for adults: 40,000 VND/person.
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Ticket price for children: 20,000 VND/person.
History of Palace 2 Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
Palace 2 Bảo Đại was constructed in 1933 by the renowned French architect. Previously, Palace 2 served as the workplace of high-ranking officials during the French colonial period - Jean Decoux. During Ngô Đình Diệm's time, Palace 2 became a vacation spot for him and his younger brother's family.
Distinctive Architecture of Palace 2 Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt
While lacking the grandeur and luxury of Palace 1, visitors must admire the vast grounds here. In the midst of the grounds lies a circular fountain surrounded by vibrant flower gardens. Together, they create a romantic, picturesque atmosphere reminiscent of Europe.
Palace 2 boasts a stunning courtyard with an ancient fountain, creating a romantic and poetic scene (Image Source: Collection)
Palace 2 features a total of 25 luxurious rooms equipped with modern amenities. The overall architecture is adorned with a thick layer of golden sedimentary rock. The interior seamlessly blends European style with Eastern traditions. The highlight of the palace is a large folding screen adorned with 22 poems in Chinese characters by King Tự Đức.
Additionally, Palace 2 boasts a 3km-long wine cellar tunnel that traverses through the pine hill. This tunnel also serves as an emergency escape route, built by Mr. Decoux in case of emergencies.
Palace 3 Bảo Đại - Majestic and Magnificent Castle
If there were a vote for the most beautiful Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt, Dinh 3 Đà Lạt would certainly be a worthy contender. This is also the mansion that epitomizes the most romantic European style in the city of a thousand flowers.
Address of Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt 3
Dinh 3 Bảo Đại is perhaps the mansion located at the highest position among the 3 Palaces, at an elevation of 1,540 meters above sea level. Dinh 3 is situated at Number 1, Triệu Việt Vương Street, Ward 4, Đà Lạt City, Lâm Đồng Province.
Dinh 3 is located at a prime position in the center of Đà Lạt City (Image Source: Collection)
Entrance fee for Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt 3
Compared to Dinh 1, the entrance fee for Dinh 3 is quite affordable:
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Entrance fee for adults: 40,000 VND/person.
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Entrance fee for children above 1m and below 1m2: 20,000 VND/person.
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Children under 1m tall enter for free.
History of Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt 3
Dinh 3 in Đà Lạt was constructed in the late 1940s. It served as the primary residence and workplace for King Bảo Đại's family. Later, it also became the luxurious weekend retreat of President Ngô Đình Diệm.
Despite more than 80 years of tumultuous history, Dinh 3 still retains its original beauty after numerous renovations. Today, Dinh 3 stands as one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the dreamy city.
Distinctive Architecture of Dinh Bảo Đại in Đà Lạt 3
Few know that Dinh 3 is the perfect collaboration between two architectural masters: Paul Veysseyre, a French architect, and Huỳnh Tấn Phát, a Vietnamese architect. As a result, Dinh 3 embodies both the luxurious European architectural style and the traditional Vietnamese essence.
Dinh 3 stands as an architectural masterpiece envisioned by the renowned architects Huỳnh Tấn Phát and Paul Veysseyre (Image Source: Collected Works)
Dinh 3 is an impressive architectural marvel comprising 2 distinct levels. The ground floor hosts grand banquets, welcoming foreign dignitaries. The second floor typically serves as the residence for the royal family, the king, queen, and their children. Encircling the sleeping quarters is the Moon Viewing Pavilion – a favored spot for King Bảo Đại and Queen Nam Phương to admire the moon.
The above comprises the comprehensive details of 3 Bảo Đại Palace in Dalat. It is hoped that with insights from Mytour, travelers will embark on the most splendid tours. Beyond mere architectural wonders, Bảo Đại Palace holds profound historical significance. For those interested in booking affordable Dalat tours, simply dial the hotline Mytour!
