White Palace Vung Tau (Bach Dinh Vung Tau), an ancient French colonial architectural site, is a popular tourist destination in Vung Tau City. Many visitors come here to admire and photograph its stunning architecture, set against the backdrop of beautiful mountains and the picturesque Vung Tau beach. In this article from Asia Legend Travel, we’ll take a look at some features of this historical site!
Overview of White Palace Vung Tau
- Address: 4-6 Tran Phu, Ward 1, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, Vietnam
- Operating Hours: Open daily from 7 am to 5 pm
- Entrance Fee: VND 15,000 per person
- Parking Fee: VND 10,000 for motorcycles and between VND 30,000 – 50,000 for cars
- Guide Service: Prices range from VND 150,000 – 300,000 depending on the size of the group. This includes guidance and an introduction to all information about the Vung Tau White Palace.
(Note: Sightseeing, guide, and parking fees may vary depending on the season.)
White Palace Vung Tau, known as ‘Bạch Dinh’ in Vietnamese and ‘Villa Blanche Vung Tau’ in French, is a historic mansion featuring 19th-century European architecture. This three-story building is approximately 19 meters tall, 28 meters long, and 15 meters wide.
Located 10 kilometers from Vung Tau City center, the mansion is situated on the slope of the Big Mountain, overlooking the Front Beach. It is only a 10-minute drive, or 3.3 km, from the Back Beach. With its convenient location and impressive architecture, White Palace Vung Tau is truly a must-visit tourist spot for anyone coming to Vung Tau Vietnam.
Construction of the White Palace Vung Tau started in 1898 and took four years to finish. The mansion served as a resort for Emperor Bao Đai, past presidents of the Republic of Vietnam, and the Governor of Indochina. It is also where French colonial authorities kept King Thanh Thai captive from September 12, 1907, to 1916. On August 4, 1992, the authorities designated the White Palace as a national historical and cultural relic.
How to Get to White Palace Vung Tau
The White Palace Vung Tau, located near the city center, is easy to find. You can reach it by taking either Hoang Hoa Tham – Quang Trung or Phan Chu Trinh Street from Back Beach with your own vehicle, such as a car or motorbike. Alternatively, you can also use taxis, motorcycle taxis, or buses.
After purchasing your tour ticket, you can reach the White Palace in Vung Tau via two routes:
- A road shaded by teak trees, ideal for those driving cars or motorcycles.
- A pathway lined with old frangipani trees with 146 stairs, an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts and sightseers.
Why is White Palace Vung Tau a Favorite Among Tourists?
Despite being one of the most visited Vung Tau attractions, the White Palace somehow manages to retain a quiet, serene beauty, undisturbed by the throngs of visitors it sees on a daily basis. In the following section, we’ll explore what makes this historical site so special and appealing to numerous tourists.
Enchanting routes to White Palace Vung Tau
As mentioned earlier, there are two routes to White Palace Vung Tau. One, ideal for car and motorcycle drivers, is a scenic, winding paved road flanked by ancient teak trees. These towering trees offer a cool and shady journey, making your ride even more enjoyable. During fall, the route becomes even more picturesque and romantic when the leaves of these trees turn golden and start to fall.
The second route is a stairway with 146 steps, ideal for pedestrians. This path, adorned with blooming frangipani trees, is as beautiful as it is invigorating. While the vehicle route may be a bit short on photo opportunities, the pedestrian path with countless spots for stunning pictures will absolutely satisfy your inner photographer.
The classic French style of White Palace Vung Tau
The White Palace Vung Tau, with its brilliant white color set against lush greenery and rugged gray mountains, is a sight to behold. This luxurious structure exhibits classic French architecture, leaving visitors awestruck.
A notable feature of the manor is its series of windows, each offering unique views of the stunning landscape of Vung Tau City from different angles. While the building prominently displays French style, Vietnamese influences can also be seen in the furniture. This blend of Western and Eastern elements creates a harmonious balance between the novel and the familiar.
Historical significance
Despite many years and significant historical changes, the White Palace still stands proudly on the mountainside of the majestic Big Mountain Vung Tau, awaiting history enthusiasts to explore. Almost everything remains intact, creating an ancient landscape filled with stories about the former king.
Numerous ancient artifacts
Today, the White Palace Vung Tau is home to numerous ancient artifacts, some dating back hundreds of years.Noteworthy pieces in the collection include wooden tables and chairs from the Nguyen Dynasty, statues of the three Gods of Happiness, Prosperity, and Longevity, a pair of African ivory, and two vases depicting birds honoring the phoenix, among others. Notably, the White Palace also boasts a display of ancient artillery and a set of Kangxi porcelain discovered in the neighborhood of Hon Cau – Con Dao Island (a beautiful island near Vung Tau, home to the infamous Con Dao Prison).
The lush greenery around White Palace Vung Tau
The White Palace Vung Tau is surrounded by numerous trees that create a lush green tapestry enveloping this grand structure. The combination of the ancient structure and splendid nature gives visitors the feeling of witnessing a magnificent oil painting that is coming alive right in front of their eyes.
So, if you have the opportunity to visit, be sure to take some time to explore the surrounding garden. Better yet, find a high viewpoint to appreciate the breathtaking scenery. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
The breathtaking view of Front Beach
From several windows of the White Palace Vung Tau, you can gaze upon the pristine and tranquil Front Beach. The blue sea stretches out as far as the eye can see, meeting the wide expanse of sand. The breathtaking landscapes of Vung Tau are just a glance away. Here, you can also relish the gentle sea breeze and listen to the distant sound of the waves, all of which leave you with a sense of peacefulness and relaxation.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Before planning your visit to the White Palace Vung Tau, keep in mind some tips as follows:
- Vung Tau weather is beautiful all year round, making the city an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. However, to appreciate the full beauty of the White Palace, it is better to visit during the blooming season of the blackboard tree (between September and October).
- If you want to understand the history of the White Palace, it’s recommended to book a tour guide. They are knowledgeable and eager to share an abundance of historical stories.
- Lastly, please keep the surroundings clean. The White Palace is not just a tourist spot, but also a repository of valuable historical artifacts.
In conclusion, visiting the White Palace Vung Tau is a must for your Vung Tau itinerary. It offers memorable photo opportunities and a wealth of historical knowledge about Vung Tau’s oldest mansion. So, why wait? Start planning your Vung Tau exploration with Asia Legend Travel today!
