Bach Dinh (French: Villa Blanche) is an exquisite example of European-style architecture from the 19th century. It was built atop the foundation of the ancient Phuoc Thang fortress from the Nguyen Dynasty. From the lobby, visitors can feel as though they are on the first floor of a building perched over the sea. The vantage point from Bach Dinh offers sweeping views of Vung Tau City and its surroundings.
The White Palace was not built solely to admire the natural beauty of Vung Tau Beach. It served as the Governor-General’s retreat, a meeting place for the President and Saigon generals, and even a prison. From September 1907 to 1916, the French government detained King Thanh Thai here for 10 years.
Today, Bach Dinh serves as a museum showcasing various fascinating exhibits. These include pottery from the Kangxi period, recovered from an ancient shipwreck near Hon Cau, Con Dao; a collection of cannons; and numerous other valuable artifacts unearthed through archaeological excavations in Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Visitors to Bach Dinh can not only admire these rare and unique antiques but also enjoy the fresh sea air and the stunning coastal views. The palace’s architectural beauty harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding natural landscape, creating an unforgettable experience.
Visitors may encounter monkeys in the area around the White Palace while touring in the area. While they add to the charm of the natural surroundings, it is not recommended to feed them, as this can pose safety risks. Enjoy observing them from a distance to ensure a safe interaction with the wildlife.
During the porcelain flower season, a visit to the White Palace becomes an enchanting experience. Clusters of porcelain flowers bloom abundantly, their delicate petals carpeting the pathways, creating the feeling of wandering through a floral forest. Their subtle fragrance gently soothes the spirit. These porcelain flowers come in a variety of colors—red, white, and white tinged with yellow—adding to the serene and distinctive beauty of the surroundings. Standing amidst this picturesque blend of mountains and sea, visitors are captivated by the poetic and majestic scenery, leaving their hearts light and their souls at peace.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau Museum:
The White Palace is conveniently located right next to the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Museum, making it easy for visitors to explore both cultural landmarks in one trip.
The museum is located at No. 4 Tran Phu, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. The museum’s opening hours are as follows:
Tuesday to Friday:
Morning: 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Afternoon: 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday:
7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.
For the most up-to-date information on the museum’s opening hours, please visit their official website at https://baotangbrvt.org.vn/gio-mo-cua/.
