Bảo Đại Palaces in Đà Lạt

In the heart of the city of flowers, the Bảo Đại palaces rest quietly beneath green pine canopies, preserving the historic atmosphere of a bygone golden age. Palace I, Palace II, and Palace III are all closely connected to the last emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty—the places where he once lived, worked, and relaxed with his family. Each has its own character: Palace I is elegant and classical amid the pine forest; Palace II is stately and serene, with European architecture; while Palace III is romantic and picturesque among flower gardens and lawns. At the Bảo Đại Palaces, visitors can not only admire distinctive architecture but also feel as though they have stepped back in time to experience the nostalgic, refined beauty of old Đà Lạt.

Palace I: No. 1 Trần Quang Diệu St., Ward 10, Đà Lạt City

Palace II: No. 12 Trần Hưng Đạo St., Ward 10, Đà Lạt City

Palace III: No. 1 Triệu Việt Vương St., Ward 4, Đà Lạt City

Bảo Đại Palace I in Đà Lạt

Bảo Đại Palace I in Đà Lạt was built in the 1940s on a lush pine-covered hill spanning more than 18ha. It once served as King Bảo Đại's headquarters during his tenure as Head of State (1949 – 1955), and was later used and renovated by Ngô Đình Diệm in 1956. After weathering many historical upheavals, Palace I fell into disrepair, but following its restoration and reopening to visitors in 2015, it regained its stately, romantic appearance. The Palace I grounds are shaded by abundant greenery and brightened by blooming roses, hydrangeas, daffodils… creating a vivid and poetic natural scene. Brick-paved paths, winding steps, and a charming small lake make the setting even more romantic, inviting visitors into a place that feels both historic and dreamlike in the heart of Đà Lạt.

Bảo Đại Palace II in Đà Lạt

Palace II was built in 1933 on a site covering up to 26ha, with 10ha devoted to the palace and 16ha to its lush gardens. It once served as a retreat for Jean Decoux, Governor-General of French Indochina, and later became the residence of Ngô Đình Nhu—strategic adviser to President Ngô Đình Diệm. In 1964, General Nguyễn Khánh chose Palace II as the headquarters of the South Vietnamese military, adding another significant chapter to its history. Architecturally, Palace II blends classical and modern European styles. It has 1 ground floor, 1 upper floor, and 1 basement, with 25 spacious, elegant rooms. The grounds are surrounded by verdant rows of pine trees and brilliant flower gardens, creating an airy, romantic atmosphere.

A special highlight inside is a screen engraved with 22 poems in classical Chinese by Emperor Tự Đức, along with rare furnishings such as tables, chairs, beds, and cabinets brought from France. Together, they convey both the historic character and the refined elegance of a European mansion in the heart of Đà Lạt.

Bảo Đại Palace III in Đà Lạt

Built between 1933 – 1938, Palace III (Bảo Đại Summer Palace) was designed by French architects Paul Veysseyre and Arthur Kruze and served as the home and workplace of King Bảo Đại's family. One distinctive detail is that only Empress Nam Phương was permitted to stay there permanently; the other imperial consorts could visit but were not allowed to spend the night—a detail that sets this palace apart. Set amid Ái Ân Forest on a hill 1.540m above sea level, Palace III occupies the highest position of Bảo Đại's three palaces in Đà Lạt. It was once known as the Head of State's Residence because, after Bảo Đại returned to politics and established the “Hoàng triều Cương thổ” in 1948, the palace became an important center for daily life and receiving guests. It was later also used as a holiday retreat by the Ngô Đình Diệm government and President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu.

Architecturally, Palace III features a strong blend of modern and classical European styles and has been likened to a miniature Paris in the heart of Đà Lạt. Many valuable artifacts remain inside, particularly King Bảo Đại's hunting trophies, together with interiors that are elegant yet welcoming. Open to visitors since 1985, Palace III has retained its original historic and magnificent beauty through more than 80 years of change. Today, it is one of Đà Lạt's iconic attractions, where visitors can explore royal architecture while enjoying the fresh, romantic atmosphere of the green pine forest.