Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is located on a high hill of 1,539 meters at 01 Trieu Viet Vuong Street, Dalat city, Vietnam. It was built in the period of 1933 to 1937 following the design of a French architect and a Vietnamese architect Huynh Tan Phat. This two-storey building was originally used as a resting place of Bao Dai in summer. When the French came back to Vietnam in 1950, this palace became his house and office.
Structure
This palace is a two-storey building with 25 rooms and amenities, surrounded by green pine trees.
The ground floor is the working place, used for meeting, holding feast, etc. It includes a guest room, office rooms, and a reception room. Upstairs are bedrooms of Bao Dai, Nam Phuong Queen, Bao Long Prince, Bao Thang Prince, Phuong Mai Princess, Phuong Lien Princess, Phuong Duong Princess, and a family room. They reflect the status and characteristics of each people. Rooms for the King and the Queen are situated at the highest place in the center. While the room of Bao Long Prince is painted royal yellow color, the Queen’s bedroom contains feminine features.
Emperor Bao Dai’s room
Vong Nguyet Lau or A gorgeous watching moon balcony is where the King and the Queen can appreciate the moonlight, and surrounded landscapes such as gardens, valleys, and hills.
Family room is the most important and meaningful room where family members gather together and share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions. The front and behind of the palace are gardens with various kinds of trees and flowers.
Family room
What to bear in mind?
- Bao Dai’s Summer Palace is located about 2 kilometers from Dalat city center, you may take a taxi or a motorbike taxi (xe om) to visit this place.
- Opening hour: 7:00 – 11:00 am and 1:30 – 4:00 pm.
- Entrance ticket: $1, there will be an extra fee if you bring camera.
- You have to leave your shoes at the palace’s door.