Bao Dai Summer Palace 3 — Attraction in Da Lat City

Bao Dai Palace 3 in Da Lat offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Vietnam's last emperor, Bao Dai. It's a place where history comes alive amidst serene surroundings.

One of the immediate impressions upon arriving is the beautiful garden that surrounds the palace. The grounds are meticulously landscaped, with lush greenery, vibrant flowerbeds, and towering pine trees that create a tranquil and picturesque setting. Strolling through the pathways, you can truly appreciate the care taken to maintain this natural beauty, offering a refreshing escape from the bustling city.

Indeed, the entire property, both inside and out, is well-kept and maintained. The palace itself is clean and tidy, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the various rooms. The furniture and artifacts are thoughtfully preserved, giving a sense of the grandeur and daily life of the royal family. This dedication to maintenance ensures that the historical integrity of the palace is upheld for future generations to experience.

The palace effectively showcases historical things from the previous King. You'll find personal belongings, royal documents, and furniture that belonged to Emperor Bao Dai and his family. From the King's office and bedrooms to the children's rooms and the queen's quarters, each space offers insights into their lives and the political events of the time. The exhibits are well-curated, providing valuable context to the historical significance of the palace and the Nguyen Dynasty.

Beyond these points, Bao Dai Palace 3 offers several other notable features:

Architectural Blend: The palace showcases a harmonious blend of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architectural styles, reflecting the period in which it was built. Its art-deco charm is evident in its simple yet elegant lines and a flat roof system.

Panoramic Views: Situated on a hill, the palace offers stunning panoramic views of Da Lat city and the surrounding pine forests. From the "Vong Nguyet Lau" (Moon Viewing Tower) on the second floor, you can imagine the royal family enjoying the tranquil scenery.

Insight into Royal Life: The layout of the palace provides a comprehensive understanding of how the royal family lived and worked. You can see the reception rooms, dining areas, and private quarters, giving a vivid picture of their daily routines and official duties.

Peaceful Ambiance: Despite being a popular tourist destination, the palace retains a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely visit and contemplation.

Cultural Significance: The palace served as a venue for important political events and diplomatic meetings during Emperor Bao Dai's reign, making it a significant site in Vietnamese history.

In conclusion, Bao Dai Palace 3 is a highly recommended attraction in Da Lat for anyone interested in Vietnamese history, culture, and architecture. Its beautiful gardens, meticulous upkeep, and rich historical exhibits make for a truly insightful and...

Visiting Bao Dai Palace in Da Lat was like stepping into a preserved chapter of Vietnam’s royal past. It was fascinating to walk through the home where Emperor Bao Dai and his family once lived, surrounded by pine forests and beautifully manicured gardens.

The palace is well maintained and still holds much of its original charm. Inside, the rooms are decorated with the original 1930s–1940s furniture and layout, giving a glimpse into the royal lifestyle. You can explore two levels of the residence, including the reception areas, bedrooms, study rooms, and even the old bathroom and kitchen, all kept as they were when in use.

The rooms are roped off but visible, and many have informative signs or portraits to give historical context. What stood out were the vibrant carpets, mid-century armchairs, and elegant views out to the lush gardens. Outside, the gardens are immaculately landscaped and full of bright flowers, trimmed hedges, and stone walkways, a peaceful place to slow down and take it all in.

Set aside at least 60 to 90 minutes to explore properly. It’s not only a palace, it’s a time capsule, and definitely worth visiting...

Where do I start...

I paid 15k dong to enter.. no one checked my ticket. I should have just walked in rather than pay for a bad experience.

There are horses on the front roadway of the palace.. one of which was obviously suffering from malnutrition and sleep deprivation. It was pathetic to see both the horse keeper continue to keep the horse out in the sun for work and Asian people who were there on their bus tours use the horse as a prop for their social media pictures and selfies. Pathetic.

The palace itself is not spectacular. Older than my grandmas house. Nothing historical about it. Nothing grand or worthy of pictures or your time.

Asian children thought they were at home and their parents couldn't care less-meaning during my experience they were running around, pushing things out of place and yelling as if it was an amusement park.

I wish I wouldnt have gone and could get my 15k dong back to buy the horse keeper an education on how to handle animals...