(VOVWORLD) - Nestled in the vast pine forests on Lam Vien Plateau, the Palace III, once the residence of Bao Dai, the last King of the Nguyen dynasty and Vietnam’s last feudal regime, stands as a timeless gem in Da Lat city, Lam Dong province.
 Bao Dai King Palace in Da Lat (photo: The Hung) |
Traveling up the winding road through pine forests on Ai An Hill, visitors can breathe in the refreshing scent of pine resin carried by the cool highland breeze. The Bao Dai Palace then appears amid its serene surroundings, offering an elegance, tranquility, and poetic charm.
Visitor Dinh Thi Phuong from Tuyen Quang province was impressed by the palace’s architecture and historical values. “This is my first time here. I learned about this place in school but didn’t remember much. I find the architecture very beautiful. Considering it was built in 1933, the design and interior were remarkably modern for its time,” said Phuong.
The Bao Dai Palace was built between 1933 to 1938. The two-story mansion features 25 rooms designed in a European style with Asian touches. The ground floor was the King’s office and meeting hall. The upper floor housed the royal family’s private quarters, including rooms for the King, Queen Nam Phuong, and their children.
 Inside the Bao Dai Palace (photo: The Hung) |
The Palace’s wooden doors retain their original color after more than eight decades. Black-and-white photos and portraits of King Bao Dai on the walls tell stories of a glorious past.
Tour guide Hoang Van Trinh said: “Visitors are appreciative of the mason’s beauty and the well-preserved furniture. This is a recommended destination to learn more about history and contribute to Da Lat’s tourism economy.”
Walking along marble-paved corridors, one can scent the wood furniture mingling with the fragrance of flowers from the garden. At the end of the hallway, the Moon Viewing Pavilion opens to a serene sky.
 The King’s office and meeting hall (photo: The Hung) |
Visitor Thu Thuy and her children came here from Hanoi. “In terms of scenery and architecture, this is a must-visit spot in Da Lat. The palace stands on a hill surrounded by pine trees, is spacious and the air is fresh. It’s amazing that just over 80 years ago they could build such a modern and beautiful place. We learn more about history and the last king of Vietnam,” said Thuy.
Every day, hundreds of domestic and international tourists visit Bao Dai’s Palace III to contemplate the classical architecture and listen to stories of a bygone era.