Bao Dai Palace – The Visage of A Distant Past
One among the most famous antique villas with influence from French architecture in Dalat, Bao Dai Palace is widely renowned for its grandeur, and it is also a must-visit destination for the wanderlust. Today, let’s join Ana Mandara Villas Dalat for a walk around this opulent estate that was once considered the most alluring in this romantic city.
Bao Dai Palace I
The First Palace, more commonly referred to as Palace I, is located on Tran Quang Dieu St. From the city center, it only takes around 10 minutes to get to the Palace by car. The Palace was built in 1929 by a French millionaire named Robert Clément Bourgery, and it was acquired by Queen Consort Nam Phuong’s father in 1949, who then gifted it to his royal son-in-law. The King further reconstructed the Palace, and it has remained the same until now.
Located on a hill, surrounded by green pine forest, the First Palace is considered to have a peaceful and poetic atmosphere. Here, you can find clear influence of French architecture, which is then combined with Eastern royal architecture, to create a uniquely adorned royal estate. While the beautifully-restored interiors speak to the opulent tastes of the royalties, they are also the remnant of a past long gone.
Bao Dai Palace II
Located on Tran Hung Dao street, right next to the city center, the Second Palace is used for major events and conferences by the People’s Committee of Lam Dong province. Therefore, the Palace is not open for tourists right now, and tourists who would like to visit the opulent estates of the King are recommended to come and visit the First and the Third Palace instead.
The Second Palace was designed in 1933 and completed in 1937 for the purpose of controlling Indochina by the French plenipotentiary government. Jean Decoux, a prominent figure in the French colonial government in Indochina, used to live and work here, which speaks to the bold and classic European design of the Palace. In addition, the Palace is beautifully adorned with imported French interiors, dripping with the most luxurious grandeur of its time.
Bao Dai Palace III
The Third Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, is located on a high hill in Dalat, at 01 Trieu Viet Vuong St. Constructed by King Bao Dai in 1936, the Palace is the most famous among the tourists, and it is also the King’s most favorite royal estate. The Palace’s design is also heavily influenced by classic European architecture, with a delicate flower garden adorning the Palace in both the front and the back. The interiors are carefully preserved, reflecting a time that has long passed with great historical value. The King’s office and reception room are located on the first floor, while the royal family resides on the second floor.
Visiting Bao Dai Palace with Ana Mandana
If you want to visit Bao Dai Palace but are yet to know where to start, please refer to Ana Mandara Villa’s Discover The Wonders of Dalat package for a chance to experience the lavish Bao Dai Palace in the heart of the city of love!