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Hai Phong is renowned for its stunning beaches such as Do Son, Cat Ba, etc. But how about visiting a famous historical landmark? Bao Dai Villa in Do Son is the perfect place for you if you're looking for a destination that offers both natural beauty and historical significance.
Bao Dai Villa lies on Vung Hill, in Zone 2 of Do Son Beach, Van Hung Ward, Do Son District, Hai Phong. It covers an area of over 3,700 square meters, with the villa itself occupying 1,000 square meters. It stands at an altitude of nearly 40 meters above sea level.
There are many trees around the villa, which provide a refreshing and cool atmosphere (Source: Internet)
According to historical records, the villa was originally built in 1928 by the French colonial authorities as a vacation home and named Villa Joséphine at first. Later in 1932, Emperor Bao Dai visited this place and sparked his interest in the villa's elegant architecture and the scenery here. This villa was then gifted to him in 1949 and became known as the Bao Dai Villa.
Emperor Bao Dai used the villa from 1933 to 1954 as a residence and workplace during his visits to the North. Although the original villa was destroyed during the French colonial war, Do Son Tourism Joint Stock Company reconstructed its original design for tourism purposes in 1999.
Today, Bao Dai Villa is a popular tourist destination in Hai Phong that attracts both domestic and international visitors.
The view of the villa from afar (Source: Dan Tri News)
Since the main attraction of the Bao Dai villa is mostly the indoor spaces, tourists can visit at any time of the year. However, because this location is near Do Son Beach, a famous beach in Hai Phong, so it’s best to visit between May and September.
Do Son is a stunning beach in Hai Phong that attracts many tourists every year (Source: LUG)
This is the time when Do Son attracts the most tourists. There are so many beaches here, each with its own unique beauty that can offers you a really good swim. After swimming, you can pay a visit to Bao Dai's villa on the same day.
To visit Bao Dai Villa, you need to get to Hai Phong first. If you start from Hanoi, you can book shuttle services or travel by train. Do Son District is about 20 kilometers from the center of Hai Phong, so you can call a taxi to get there or rent a motorbike (VND 70,000 - VND 180,000 per day) and get there yourself.
Another option is taking the bus from the Center Post Office
When you finally arrive at Zone 2 of Do Son, just follow the signs and walk along the trails for about 15 minutes and you will reach Bao Dai Villa (Source: Internet)
Entrance fee: VND 20,000 per person
Opening time: 8 AM - 9 PM from Monday to Sunday
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To reach the villa, you’ll need to climb a steep road up to the hill with lush green trees on one side, and the other is breathtaking panoramic views of Do Son Beach.
The ancient beauty of the trail leads to Bao Dai Villa (Source: Internet)
The first impression when visitors arrive here is the landscape. There are plants and flowers everywhere, along with swings, tea tables, and benches are ideal for a tea party to enjoy the view. Combined with the cool sea breeze and the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere, the villa offers a nostalgic and serene experience.
The fountain is located in the middle of the courtyard, directly opposite the entrance to the Bao Dai palace (Source: REDSVN)
Bao Dai Villa consists of a basement and two upper floors. There are the kitchen, storage, utility rooms, and servants' quarters in the basement. The first floor features a living room, a library, a dining room, and bedrooms for Emperor Bao Dai and Empress Nam Phuong. The second floor accommodates bedrooms for the princesses and the princes.
When steeping into the villa, you would immediately encounter the big guestroom. At the center is a set of elaborately designed tables and cushion armchairs placed in a perfectly synchronized horizontal arrangement that enhances the room's beauty. As a whole, the atmosphere is filled with a sense of class and sophistication that bears a striking resemblance to the opulence of the past.
The luxurious guestroom placed right at the entrance (Source: MD)
Located just past the bar is a grand dining room where the Governor-General of French Indochina used to host lavish gatherings. The room is decorated in a minimalist Indochine style, simple but luxurious. The room has been meticulously restored, allowing visitors to experience its former grandeur.
Historically, Empress Nam Phuong used to hold a standing reception here to honor dignitaries and the Governor-General (MD)
Following the tour, visitors can explore the space that was once Emperor Bao Dai's private bedroom. The room remains unchanged, with its original decor intact. Just next to his bedroom is a library where he could retreat to work or simply relax.
King Bao Dai's bedroom has a connecting door to Queen Nam Phuong’s room (Source: MD)
The bedroom of Princess Phuong Lien with the view to Do Son Beach from the window (Source: MD)
Besides sightseeing, since 1999, Bao Dai Villa in Do Son has offered a variety of services, including royal costume rentals, catering for parties and cocktails in the dining room, and the unique opportunity to stay overnight in the former bedrooms of the king, queen, or princess. The price ranges from VND 800,000 to VND 3,000,000 per night, depending on different rooms.
Bao Dai Villa in Do Son is a great spot to spice up your beach trip in Hai Phong. A tour in this villa can bring you some interesting knowledge about the life of King Bao Dai, the last emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, as well as his family. Don't hesitate to contact Asia King Travel today to plan your trip to Vietnam.
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