White Palace – The Majestic French Villa Overlooking Vung Tau Bay

The White Palace in Vung Tau is a beautiful mansion built in French style, located on Big Mountain in Vung Tau, showcasing Vietnam’s colonial past. With a nice design and beautiful view of the ocean, The White Palace is an engaging historical destination to observe in the city.

Table of Contents

Introduction To White Palace

Nestled on Big Mountain, the White Palace, also known as Bach Dinh, is a must-visit historical destination in Vung Tau. Built between 1898-1902, the White Palace was a summer residence for the French Governor-General in Indochina and features a unique blend of eastern and western style with its beautiful white villa architecture. Its European-style building features a red tile roof and a wonderful view of the ocean, making the palace a historical visitor destination in the city.

Once you enter the palace, you will find yourself surrounded by antiques, royal collections, and historical decor curated from the past. Along with its history, the palace offers a peaceful retreat, and the historical story is enriched by its surrounding landscape, making it great for any visitor to enjoy, particularly for lovers of history and photos.

History Of White Palace

The White Palace, also known as Villa Blanche, has experienced many remarkable incidents throughout its history in Vietnam. It was built by the French architects from 1898 to 1902 on the construction site of a former “Phuoc Thang Fortress” under the approval of Governor-General Paul Doumer. The White Palace’s French name, “Villa Blanche,” was named after Doumer’s daughter, “Blanche Richel Doumer”, while the shortened nickname in Vietnamese, “Bach Dinh,” a direct translation of “White Palace,” was named for its “white front.”

In 1907, it was used as a place of exile for Emperor Thanh Thai for nearly a decade, which is where it acquired the nickname “Dinh Ong Thuong.” Between 1916 and 1975, it served as a summer residence for French Governor-Generals, Emperor Bao Dai, and for senior officials of the former government of Vietnam. The building has been restored since and now serves as a site for tourism due to its historical significance, while being designated a “National Historical and Cultural Relic of Vietnam” in 1992.

Unique Architecture Of White Palace

Tourists may begin their exploration in the lush gardens outside and gradually make their way inside to the opulent interiors, where each level represents another chapter of history. Every space here demonstrates the delicate charm and grandeur of French colonial architecture with the spirit of Vietnamese culture.

The Scenic Surroundings

The area that surrounds the White Palace and stretches about six hectares is truly enchanting. The gardens are lush with fragrant frangipani flowers and tall teak trees providing the sun’s shade and an ambiance of calmness that transports one from the busy hustle and bustle of the city.

There are two main options for entering the palace grounds: a meandering asphalt road that is heavily shaded by aged and mature teak trees, or a stone stairway of 146 steps, with blooming frangipani plants on either side and a nice aroma to accompany each step you take. It is a beautiful place to be, with the ocean views in the distance, and it is a great location to take a tranquil photograph or just sit down and enjoy the area outside in nature.

Inside The White Palace

The White Palace itself is a beautiful building with three floors, a height of 19 meters, a length of 28 meters, and a width of 15 meters. Built in the neoclassical Greek-Roman style, the building has a bright white exterior, red tiled roofs, and shapely arched windows. The basement of the building was the location of the kitchen area, the ground floor served as a reception area for guests and dignitaries, and the two upper floors were private spaces for governors, and then later it became the private quarters for Emperor Bao Dai and high-ranking officials.

The interior of the palace reflects royal refinement: intricately carved reliefs of Greek goddesses and ornate peacocks, along with unique pieces of furniture and porcelain collections. Among the most valuable items are a pair of African ivory tusks at 170 cm length, fine porcelain vases from the Kangxi dynasty, and exquisite royal furniture from the period of Emperor Khai Dinh.

The Observation Terrace

Atop the building, you will find one of the most beautiful places: the observation terrace. As its name suggests, the terrace provides unobstructed views of Vung Tau’s breathtaking scenery. Over the edge, visitors can see the glimmering seaside, Big Mountain, Small Mountain, Hon Nguu, and the arched Front Beach. The terrace takes on a heavenly atmosphere as the flowers of the frangipani tree whirl away in the sea breeze.

The Historical Museum

Today, White Palace is also the home to a museum consisting of more than 8,000 valuable artifacts, of which several are ancient ceramics from the Kangxi period, over 200 years old. Each piece displays both the beauty of the artifacts and the traces of history, be it the deep meaning behind painstaking patterns painted by skilled artisans, or the symbols of cultural exchange between East and West. Walking through the museum offers visitors a chance to appreciate the aesthetic craftsmanship, but also a richer experience of the opulence and the historical significance of this landmark.

4 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Perched elegantly on the side of Big Mountain, this mansion, built in French style, welcomes guests to come and experience a luxury that is long gone. From its gracious gardens to its detail-rich interiors, every inch of space holds a story waiting to be told. Here are 5 experiences that are sure to be the highlights of your visit to the White Palace.

Discover the Timeless French Architecture

As you step into the White Palace, you’d feel like you were thrown back to the era of French colonialism. The neoclassical architecture, embellished carvings, and elegant arched windows echo Europe’s timeless decorum. When the sun shines through tall windows, it bathes the vintage furniture and the plaque carved reliefs of decoration with high attention to detail.

Walk slowly through each room, from the massive reception hall to private quarters, and you can sense the artist’s infusion of Vietnamese charm and French design. Everywhere you look, beauty, contemplation, and admiration appear designed.

Walk Scenic Through the Frangipani Garden

Be sure to take some time to walk through the lush garden that surrounds the palace before entry. The walkways are lined with old teak trees and blooming frangipani throughout, which conjure up a feeling of peace and romance that feels entirely spellbound. There is a floral aroma in the air as you navigate the 146 stone steps upward towards the entrance gates of the palace.

The walk is much more than a walking path. It is an experience to connect with nature before stepping forward to experience the elegance waiting inside. This experience is why many visitors consider the garden one of the prettiest sights of Vung Tau.

Admire Priceless Artifacts and Historical Treasures

Step inside the White Palace and experience history firsthand through its remarkable collection of 8,000 ancient artifacts. Housed in displays are rare pieces of Chinese porcelain from the Kangxi dynasty and royal furnishings belonging to past Vietnamese emperors. Each artifact tells a compelling story of exchange and power. You’ll find the African pair of ivory tusks and carefully appointed vases among the most extraordinary.

Capture the Best Views from the Observation Terrace

As you climb to the highest point of the palace’s interior, the reward is one of the very best panoramic views of Vung Tau. On the observation terrace, the vast blue water stretches dramatically to the horizon, where Big Mountain, Small Mountain, and Front Beach offer picturesque second frames. With great ocean breezes and tranquility, it is an excellent place to relax and take photos. Come during the sunset hour or when the frangipani trees are in full bloom, the soft light and fragrance will leave the most lasting memories of White Palace.

Entrance Fee

The White Palace is one of the loveliest attractions the city of Vung Tau has to offer, with its scenic natural environment. Located off Tran Phu Street and a short distance from Front Beach, visitors will be required to purchase an entrance ticket to gain access to the historic location. The entrance fee is:

Entrance ticket: 15,000 VND/person
Parking fee: 10,000 VND for motorbikes, 30,000 – 50,000 VND for cars

You can also hire a tour guide for a more informative visit. The guides will show you around the palace and provide interesting stories about the palace’s story and architectural structure. The guide fee is 150,000 – 300,000 VND/person, depending on the type of service and group size.

Opening Hours

The White Palace in Vung Tau is open to tourists every day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing sufficient time to explore the beautiful architectural works and the peaceful surroundings.

You can visit the palace at any time during the year. However, the best time to explore the full beauty is between November and April when Vung Tau has nice weather, charming blue skies, and calm sunny days. These months have a comfortable atmosphere to take the villa slowly, discover some historical stories, and take great photos at sunset in the bright, sunny coastal city.

How To Get To White Palace

Vung Tau doesn’t have its own airport, so you’ll first need to fly to Ho Chi Minh City. After that, you can get a bus or private car from HCMC to Vung Tau, which takes about two to three hours.

The White Palace is located in the center of Vung Tau City, making it accessible by motorbike, taxi, or ride-hailing app. From Back Beach, you can take either Hoang Hoa Tham – Quang Trung or Phan Chu Trinh Streets to get to White Palace.

Estimated transportation costs from downtown:

Taxi: Approximately 150,000 VND round-trip
Bus: About 20,000 VND each way (buses run every 30-45 minutes)
Motorbike rental: 150,000 – 200,000 VND, depending on model.

Things To Know Before Traveling To White Palace

Before you visit the White Palace in Vung Tau, it’s good to have a few things in mind to assist you in having an enjoyable and meaningful time. Here are some helpful tips to maximize your experience while considering the need to protect this historic site.

Be sure to follow all rules and not touch or interfere with any of the artifacts on display. This will help to conduct and preserve their historical purpose.
While avoiding littering and promoting peacefulness on the palace grounds is subjective, it is a significant aspect of the enjoyment of everyone involved.
Consider hiring a local guide to learn about interesting stories and have a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the palace.
Come prepared with good footwear, as there are multiple levels and stairways throughout the site.
You may want to bring some sun protection, a hat, some sunglasses, or sunscreen, again, especially if you walk through the outdoor gardens at the site.
A camera or smartphone for pictures takes full advantage of the decorative architecture and vistas of the surrounding ocean at the site. There will be many opportunities for great pictures.

Final Thoughts: Is White Palace Worth Visiting?

The White Palace is a stunning place that offers history, European charms, and nature all in one place. Its tranquil setting, grand architecture, and traditional stories from the colonial time make it a true landmark in Vung Tau. Visitors can see artifacts from long ago, watch the ocean view, and take lovely pictures at every turn. Coming here will provide relaxing moments and new memories of discovering Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Begin planning your journey with Seni World so the beauty of the White Palace can once again inspire you.

Content Seniworld