Palace I (Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City) was built in 1940 by a French millionaire named Robert Clément Bourgery. The project was constructed on a hill at an altitude of 1,550 m surrounded by pine forests, covering an area of approximately 60 ha. At that time, Palace I was the largest and most imposing architectural structure in Da Lat.
When King Bao Dai returned to power, he found this place serene and enchanting, so he reacquired it in 1949 and renovated it. Later, the mansion was used as a resting place by the Ngo Dinh Diem administration, earning it the additional names Palace Bao Dai or Gia Long Palace.
In 2014, the People’s Committee of Lam Dong Province leased the property to Hoan Cau Da Lat Joint Stock Company for renovation, restoration, and operation of a business and service project named King Palace.
The main building in Palace I is a villa with an area of over 800 m2, comprising a basement, a ground floor, and a first floor with 12 large and small rooms for the daily activities, work, and relaxation of the royal family and confidants.
To date, the King Palace project has been in operation for almost 10 years, becoming a popular destination for visitors to Da Lat City to explore and learn about its history.
King Bao Dai’s office on the first floor of Palace I. The image shows a wax figure of Emperor Bao Dai.
Two wax figures of Empress Nam Phuong and King Bao Dai in the resting room, which offers a beautiful view of the pine hill.
Another villa within the Palace I area.
On April 17, the People’s Committee of Lam Dong Province issued a document regarding the repossession of the King Palace – Palace I project on Tran Quang Dieu Street (Ward 10, Da Lat City) and the development of an auction plan for the lease rights. Specifically, the People’s Committee of Lam Dong Province has requested that Hoan Cau Da Lat Joint Stock Company immediately cease all operations and commercial activities at the “King Palace” project; and hand over the assets and land to the Da Lat City People’s Committee for management before April 30, 2024.
