Bach Dinh Vung Tau – A splendid French colonial palace by the sea

Quietly nestled in the heart of Vung Tau – a vibrant coastal city near Saigon – the Bach Dinh historical site is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. This elegant French-style mansion draws visitors with grand architecture and scenic setting where mountains meet the sea. Bach Dinh offers a glimpse into the past with a breathtaking view. Join Vietnam Allure Travel to uncover the hidden stories behind this timeless landmark.

Bach Dinh historical site – The elegant white villa nestled on the hillside of Vung Tau

Perched on the verdant slopes of Vung Tau’s Big Mountain, the Bach Dinh historical site – also known as the White Palace – stands as a testament to Vietnam’s colonial past and architectural grandeur. Constructed between 1898 and 1902 under the direction of French Governor-General Paul Doumer, this elegant villa was named “Villa Blanche” after his daughter, Blanche Doumer. Its pristine white façade, red-tiled roof, and classical European design elements make it a striking landmark overlooking Front Beach.

Bach Dinh Vung Tau features 19th-century European architecture

Originally serving as a summer retreat for French colonial administrators, Bach Dinh later accommodated Emperor Bao Dai and various South Vietnamese leaders. Notably, it was the place of confinement for Emperor Thanh Thai from 1907 to 1916 due to his resistance against French rule.

Today, visitors can explore its three floors adorned with ornate furnishings, intricate mosaics, and a vast collection of antiques, including artifacts from shipwrecks and relics from the Nguyen Dynasty. The villa’s elevated position offers panoramic views of the sea, while its surrounding gardens, filled with frangipani and teak trees, provide a serene escape. Recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 1992, Bach Dinh remains a must-visit destination for those seeking to delve into Vietnam’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Opening hours & ticket information for Bach Dinh Vung Tau

Planning a visit to Bach Dinh White Palace? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip:

• Opening hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Entrance fee: 15,000 VND per adult. Children under 14 years old enter for free.
• Parking fee: 10,000 VND for motorbikes; 30,000–50,000 VND for cars.

Note: Ticket prices, parking fees, and opening hours are subject to change. Please check for the latest updates before your visit.

How to get to Bach Dinh Vung Tau

Bach Dinh is located at 4 Tran Phu Street, Ward 1, 10 km from the center of Vung Tau city, conveniently positioned on the slope of Big Mountain and facing Front Beach. Getting there is easy, whether you’re traveling from Ho Chi Minh City or already staying in Vung Tau.

From Ho Chi Minh City, you have several options:

• By motorbike or car: It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours via National Highway 51. This is a popular choice for those who enjoy road trips and scenic drives.
• By bus: Numerous bus companies such as Phuong Trang, Hoa Mai, and Toan Thang operate frequent routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau. The ride takes about 2.5 hours, and some companies offer comfortable limousine vans.
• By ferry: The GreenlinesDP high-speed ferry departs from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 and arrives at Cau Da Port in Vung Tau in about 1.5 to 2 hours. From the port, it’s only a short taxi or motorbike ride to Bach Dinh.

Once you’re in Vung Tau, you can:

• Take a taxi, Grab, or rent a motorbike to reach Bach Dinh directly.
• If you enjoy walking, the villa is within walking distance from Front Beach and many downtown hotels. A paved stairway (with around 146 steps) leads you from street level to the villa entrance, offering nice views along the way.

When is the best time to visit Bach Dinh?

The ideal time to visit Bach Dinh is from November to April, during Vung Tau’s dry season. The weather is sunny and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and photography. For a quieter visit, go on weekdays or in the early morning. Avoid the rainy season (May to October) as the path can be slippery and views may be limited.

Dry season is perfect for taking beautiful photos

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Highlights of the Bach Dinh historical site

Set on the hillside with a view of the sea, Bach Dinh blends history, charm, and nature. Here are the key highlights that make this site worth exploring.

The natural scenery surrounding Bach Dinh

The natural grounds surrounding Bach Dinh in Vung Tau span an impressive 6 hectares, covered by a small forest dominated by centuries-old frangipani trees. During the blooming season, their gentle fragrance fills the air, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. A variety of other tropical plants also thrive here, adding to the lush greenery and offering visitors a fresh, cool escape from the city heat.

The surrounding of Bach Dinh are home to many rare and valuable plant species

Visitors can choose between two scenic paths leading up to the villa. One is a paved road that gently curves through rows of towering teak trees, starting from the foot of Big Mountain. The other is a charming stairway of 146 steps, enveloped in the sweet scent of frangipani blossoms – a truly enchanting approach to this historic landmark. 

Capture dreamy check-in photos against the romantic backdrop of Bach Dinh

The classic French colonial architecture of Bach Dinh

With its striking white facade standing out against the green and gray of the surrounding hills and trees, Bach Dinh captures attention at first glance. The villa’s elegant French colonial architecture, both classic and refined, leaves many visitors in awe. Inside, one of the most unique features is the abundance of windows – each offering a different scenic view of Vung Tau.

Though built in the French style, the villa carries a subtle Vietnamese charm, blending Western sophistication with Eastern warmth

Inside the Bach Dinh villa

Bach Dinh in Vung Tau stands three stories tall, measuring 19 meters high, 28 meters long, and 15 meters wide. The basement was used for cooking, the first floor for hosting guests, and the second and third floors served as resting areas. Inside, the villa exudes luxury with its classic white decor, giving off an air of elegance and grandeur.

Bach Dinh Roman-Greek architecture features a striking red-tiled roof

The villa’s unique European architecture shines through with numerous windows on the second and third floors, offering stunning views of Vung Tau’s coastline – one of the defining features of such grand estates. The open, airy rooms provide an ideal vantage point of the surroundings.

The interior architecture of Bach Dinh

Inside, the villa is adorned with exquisite decorative statues, including sharp Greek female faces, peacocks, and intricately carved koi fish. The furniture is just as impressive, featuring rare, aristocratic pieces like 170 cm long African ivory tusks, a set of porcelain vases, and a royal set of chairs from 1921, among other valuable, finely crafted items. 

The panoramic viewpoint

With its prime location in the heart of Vung Tau, Bach Dinh offers stunning views from its windows. You can enjoy the serene beauty of Front Beach, where the blue sea blends with the sky, and the soft golden sands stretch out before you. The gentle sea breeze and the distant sound of the waves create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind and take in the tranquil surroundings. 

Bach Dinh White Palace is a perfect place to relax and unwind

The on-site history museum

Inside Bach Dinh, you’ll find a collection of antiques over a century old, including elegant wooden furniture carved with intricate designs, the Three Blessings (Phuc, Loc, Tho) set, African ivory tusks, and two porcelain vases known as the “Bach Dieu Chao Phung.” Many of the decorative elements inside Bach Dinh are crafted from enamel porcelain, with beautiful details like swirling koi fish and elegant birds with spread wings adorning the walls. Today, Bach Dinh also displays ancient cannons and a rare collection of over 8,000 ceramic pieces, some more than 20,000 years old, from the Kangxi era, discovered at Hon Cau in Con Dao.

The ceramic mosaic panels can be easily spotted on all sides of Bach Dinh in Vung Tau

Tips for planning your visit to Bach Dinh Vung Tau

For a safe and enjoyable visit to Bach Dinh White Palace, here are some tips for visitors:

• Wear suitable clothing: Choose comfortable, light clothes and wear sneakers for easy movement on the slopes and stairs.
• Bring water and personal items: The area is quite large, so it’s a good idea to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen to protect your health.
• Keep the area clean: Do not litter, and help preserve the natural beauty and heritage of the site.
• Do not touch artifacts: Avoid direct contact with ancient items and the interior to help preserve their historical value.
• Move carefully: There are many stairs and slopes leading to Bach Dinh, so be cautious, especially with children and elderly visitors.
• Follow the rules: Be quiet and respectful, and avoid climbing restricted areas to ensure safety and respect for the historical site.

To learn more about Bach Dinh history, book a tour guide for valuable insights

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Attractions near Bach Dinh Vung Tau 

If you have time to explore beyond Bach Dinh, there are several nearby attractions that offer a deeper glimpse into the history and beauty of Vung Tau. Here are some must-visit spots close to the villa:

Ba Ria – Vung Tau Provincial Museum

Located at 4 Tran Phu Street, this modern museum showcases over 28,000 artifacts, including archaeological finds, cultural exhibits, and historical documents. It’s an excellent place to delve into the region’s rich heritage.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau provincial museum

Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms

Situated near the lighthouse, this museum houses over 2,500 military artifacts, including weapons and uniforms from various countries and eras. It’s the largest private arms museum in Vietnam, offering a unique glimpse into global military history.

Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms

Front Beach (Bai Truoc)

Just a short walk from Bach Dinh, Front Beach is a serene spot perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, and enjoying the sea breeze. The area is lined with cafes and seafood restaurants, making it an ideal place to relax and take in the coastal views.

Vung Tau Front Beach

Stepping into Bach Dinh is like opening a timeworn book filled with stories of emperors, colonial governors, and sea breezes whispering through century-old trees. The graceful architecture, sweeping coastal views, and peaceful surroundings make it a place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. It’s not just a stop on the map – it’s an experience that speaks to the soul of Vung Tau.

To make your journey to Vung Tau smooth and memorable, Vietnam Allure Travel is the perfect travel companion. As a trusted tour operator with years of experience, Vietnam Allure offers thoughtfully curated itineraries, professional guides, and personalized services to help you explore the best of Vung Tau, including hidden gems like Bach Dinh. Let Vietnam Allure take care of the details – so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

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