After more than 2 years of being closed to visitors, Bao Dai Palace I (King Palace) in Da Lat has officially reopened on 15/6/2026. This is great news for travellers who love historic architecture and want to explore part of the story of the last king of the Nguyen Dynasty, right in the middle of Da Lat's pine forest.
Bao Dai Palace I reopens: what's new?
According to the reopening announcement, the operator (Hoan Cau JSC) is currently opening the palace to residents and visitors free of charge. The original architecture, rooms and artefacts inside are still preserved and maintained as before. Previously, the palace had to suspend operations for over 2 years due to the review and handling of asset-management issues.
Note: the "free" admission applies as of the reopening and may be adjusted later; some add-on services such as electric carts, costumes and horse riding may carry separate fees. Before you go, check again or call the Go365 hotline 0789.9000.77 for updates.
About Bao Dai Palace I
- Location: No. 1 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 10, Da Lat City — on a hill around 1,550m high amid the pine forest.
- History: the building was constructed around 1940 in classic French architectural style; King Bao Dai acquired it in 1949 and used it as his workplace until 1955.
- Highlights: a secret underground tunnel system, large windows facing the garden, the signature yellow walls, and tree-lined stone paths shaded by pines.
Opening hours & tickets
According to the usual visiting information, the palaces in Da Lat open around 7:00 – 17:30 daily. For Palace 1, at the time of reopening, admission is currently free. As the schedule and policy may change after the reopening period, please confirm in advance if you are travelling in a group or have a tight itinerary.
How to get to Da Lat?
If you start from Nha Trang, the Nha Trang – Da Lat route is a popular and economical way up to the highlands: the journey is about 135km, crossing the scenic Khanh Le Pass, and takes around 3.5–4 hours. You can book a Nha Trang – Da Lat bus ticket from Go365 with many departure times and vehicle types; for the way back, choose the reverse direction Da Lat – Nha Trang. For advice on schedules and pickup points, call 0789.9000.77.
Getting to Palace 1 within the city
Palace 1 is about 10–15 minutes from central Da Lat (the Hoa Binh area – Da Lat Market) along the Tran Hung Dao → Hung Vuong → Tran Quang Dieu route. Within the city you can take a taxi, a ride-hailing motorbike or rent a motorbike; if you travel with family, friends or a group and want to visit several spots in a day, call 0789.9000.77 for Go365 to help arrange a car.
Visiting tips
- The best time for photos is 8:00 – 10:00 in the morning, when sunlight filters through the pine canopy.
- Wear flat shoes and bring a light jacket, as Da Lat is chilly and the palace grounds are quite large with many slopes.
- Combine Palace 1 with nearby Palace 3 (the Summer Villa) to fully understand the story of King Bao Dai.
Go365 VietNam specializes in booking transport and travel services in Da Lat and many other provinces. Book a Nha Trang – Da Lat bus ticket to start your trip, or call the hotline 0789.9000.77.