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Bảo Đại Palace in Dalat is a renowned mansion associated with the last king of the Nguyen dynasty. This destination attracts tourists with its unique architectural style, elegant grounds, and picturesque pathways. Despite the ups and downs of history, Bảo Đại Palace still stands strong to this day. Its opulent beauty and grand European-inspired architecture have mesmerized countless visitors.
Introduction to Bảo Đại Palace in Dalat
Bảo Đại Palace in Dalat is a meticulously constructed mansion by the French. Therefore, the architecture of the palace exudes luxurious and splendid European style. Also referred to as a palace or villa owned by King Bảo Đại at the time, this was where the king used as a residence, retreat, and living space with his family during his reign.
Bảo Đại Palace in Dalat is designed in classic French style (Image Source: Collected Works)
Spanning 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 Dalat 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, Bảo Đại Palace 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.
Palace 1 Bảo Đại - The mansion nestled amidst vast pine forests
Each Bảo Đại Palace is divided into different functions to serve the king's daily life. Therefore, each mansion carries different meanings. Currently, only Palace 1 and Palace 3 are open to welcome tourists for visits. Palace 2 has limited activities.
Bảo Đại Palace in Dalat 1 is also known as Palace 1 Dalat or the King's Palace. This is the mansion that attracts the most tourists.
Address of Palace 1 Bảo Đại in Dalat
Palace 1 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 opens its doors to visitors every day, including weekends, holidays, and Tet (Image Source: Collected Works)
Palace 1 welcomes visitors every day from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The ideal time to visit Bảo Đại Palace in Dalat is from November to April. This is also the best time to admire the stunning pine forest route.
Ticket Prices for Palace 1 Bảo Đại in Dalat
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 Bảo Đại in Dalat
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 Bảo Đại was once used for political purposes under the French - Diệm era (Image source: Collection)
After Ngô Đình Diệm passed away, the mansion became a retreat for former heads of state until 1975. Enduring many ups and downs over time, Palace 1 deteriorated significantly, prompting the government to consider renovations.
By 2014, the local authorities had invested significantly in restoring Palace 1 in Dalat to its original state. Today, Palace 1 Bảo Đại has become a famous tourist destination in the city of flowers.
Distinctive Architecture of Palace 1 Bảo Đại in Dalat
Unlike the two subsequent palaces, Palace 1 Bảo Đại sits atop a large hill, surrounded by vast pine forests. This unique terrain has made Palace 1 an ideal sightseeing spot for all tourists.
Upon stepping into Palace 1, visitors will be amazed by the ancient European architecture, characterized by dominant golden hues. Ascending to the first floor, one cannot help but admire the luxurious space, including the main hall, study, and kitchen.
On the second floor of the palace are three large bedrooms belonging to Queen Mother Từ Cung, King Bảo Đại, and Queen Nam Phương. Among them, King Bảo Đại's bedroom is the most special, serving not only as a sleeping chamber but also as a venue for important meetings and discussions.
Palace 2 Bảo Đại - Witness of History
Palace 2 Bảo Đại, also known as the Palace of Full Authority, is considered the venue for significant historical events in our country. Currently, Palace 2 Bảo Đại does not regularly open for visits like Palace 1 and Palace 3.
Address of Palace 2 Bảo Đại Đà Lạt
Palace 2 Bảo Đại is located at 12 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province. It is situated in the city center, just 2.4km from Da Lat Market.
Palace 2 is often used for conference events and has limited opening hours for visits (Image Source: Collection)
This place is often used to hold conferences and welcome guests of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee. If you want to visit Palace 2, pay attention to the opening hours as it only opens on important occasions.
Admission Prices for Palace 2 Bảo Đại Đà Lạt
Compared to the ticket prices for Palace 1, Palace 2 has quite reasonable prices. You can refer to the admission 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 Bảo Đại Palace Dalat - Palace 2
Palace 2 Bảo Đại was constructed in 1933 by a renowned French architect. Previously, Palace 2 served as the workplace for high-ranking officials during the French colonial period, such as Jean Decoux. During the time of Ngô Đình Diệm, Palace 2 became a vacation spot for him and his family.
Distinctive Architecture of Bảo Đại Palace Dalat 2
While not possessing the grandeur and luxury of Palace 1, visitors cannot help but marvel at the expansive grounds here. In the center of the grounds is a circular fountain surrounded by vibrant flower gardens. All of this creates a romantic, picturesque atmosphere reminiscent of European charm.
Palace 2 boasts a stunning courtyard with an ancient fountain, creating a romantic and poetic atmosphere (Source: Collection)
Palace 2 features a total of 25 luxurious rooms designed with full modern amenities. The overall exterior architecture is covered in a thick layer of golden sedimentary rock. The interior decor is a blend of European style and Eastern tradition. The highlight of the palace is a large screen adorned with 22 poems in Chinese characters by King Tự Đức.
Additionally, Palace 2 has a tunnel cellar storing cherry wine spanning over 3km through the pine hill. This tunnel also serves as an emergency escape route, built by Mr. Decoux in case of emergencies.
Bảo Đại Palace 3 - Magnificent and Splendid Castle
If there were a vote for the most beautiful Bảo Đại Palace in Đà Lạt, Palace 3 in Đà Lạt would surely be a strong contender. This palace is also the one that exudes the most romantic European style in the city of thousands of flowers.
Address of Bảo Đại Palace in Đà Lạt 3
Bảo Đại Palace 3 is perhaps situated at the highest position among the 3 Palaces, at an elevation of 1,540 meters above sea level. Palace 3 is located at Number 1, Triệu Việt Vương Street, Ward 4, Đà Lạt City, Lâm Đồng Province.
Palace 3 is located in a prime location in the center of Đà Lạt City (Source: Collection)
Entrance Fee for Bảo Đại Palace in Đà Lạt 3
Compared to Palace 1, the entrance fee for Palace 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 - under 1m2: 20,000 VND/person.
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Children under 1m tall can enter for free.
History of Bảo Đại Palace 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 became the luxurious weekend retreat of President Ngô Đình Diệm.
Despite more than 80 years of tumultuous history, Dinh 3 has retained its original beauty after several renovations. Today, it stands as one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the dreamy city.
Distinctive Architecture of Bảo Đại Palace 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. Hence, Dinh 3 embodies both the luxurious European architectural style and the traditional Vietnamese essence.
Dinh 3, a masterpiece of architecture, was crafted by the renowned architects Huỳnh Tấn Phát and Paul Veysseyre (Image Source: Collection)
Dinh 3 stands tall with its grand two-story structure. The ground floor hosts lavish banquets and receptions for foreign dignitaries, while the second floor is reserved for the royal family's activities. Encircling the sleeping quarters is the Moon Contemplation Pavilion, where King Bảo Đại and Queen Nam Phương admired the moon's beauty.
Above are the complete details about the 3 Bảo Đại Palaces in Đà Lạt. We hope that with the insights from Mytour, travelers will have the most wonderful tour experience. Bảo Đại Palaces are not just architectural wonders but also hold profound historical significance. If you wish to book an affordable Đà Lạt tour package, simply dial the hotline Mytour and make your reservation today!
