In the summer days, Do Son (Hai Phong) becomes bustling when groups of tourists return to the sea to relax, swim and enjoy seafood. Amidst that bustling atmosphere, Bao Dai Palace is still a destination with its own attraction, especially for those who want to find a cultural quiet moment on their journey to explore the port city.
Bao Dai Palace is located on Vung hill, area 2 Do Son, now belonging to Do Son ward, Hai Phong. The project is located in a campus of more than 3,700 m2, the villa area is 1,000 m2, at an altitude of nearly 40 m above sea level.
The project was built by Governor-General of Indochina Pasquier in 1928 to serve as a resort. In 1949, Governor-General of Indochina donated it to King Bao Dai, from then on the villa was named Bao Dai Villa. King Bao Dai used this villa from 1933-1954 to work and relax with his family every time he went to the North.
Bao Dai Do Son villa has 1 basement and 2 above-ground floors. The basement has kitchen, warehouse, technical room, and servant room spaces. The 1st floor has a living room, office, dining room, and bedroom of King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong.
For many families bringing young children to visit, Bao Dai Palace is not only a place to take souvenir photos but also a lively "classroom" of history. Through each room, each documentary photo, the story of the last king of the Nguyen Dynasty is gently and closely suggested. This is also a suitable point for the current travel trend, when many people not only seek resort services but also want to understand more about the cultural depth of the destination.
Mr. Pham The Huy, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "My family chose Do Son for summer vacation because traveling is quite convenient, not too far from Hanoi. In addition to swimming, we want to take our children to Bao Dai Palace so that they have more experiences about history and culture. The space here is quite quiet, with many green trees, and the ancient architecture is also very beautiful, so we can both visit and take souvenir photos.
What makes the uniqueness of Bao Dai Palace is the melancholy in the busy tourist season. After hours of fun under the sea, visitors can visit the palace to slow down, listen to the wind through the trees, admire the old architecture and feel the layer of time remaining in each small corner.
