In the 1920s Emperor Bao Dai built holiday villas in some of Vietnam’s most picturesque locations across his empire. In Nha Trang he chose a bluff 5km from downtown with a private beach and spectacular views across the bay.  The French colonial style villa complex, or Bao Dai Palace, is located in Cau Da and his majesty used it as a holiday residence for his royal family and lovers from 1940 to 1945.

One of his servants, named No, now lives in Dalat and he revealed that the emperor spent a lot of time in these magnificent villas with his most beloved concubine, Mong Diep. A visit to the palace will reward travelers with a taste of Vietnam’s past while enjoying some of Nha Trang’s best views.

Inspiration for the cruises came from the recreational activities of Emperor Bao Dai, when he stayed in his villas in Nha Trang. He took great pleasure in sailing in NhaTrang Bay to go fishing around the offshore islands, relax and unwind on empty beaches and enjoy the nutritious seafood reserved only for the king such as lobster, abalone, tuna fish and sea cucumbers which are very abundant in Nha Trang Bay.

The vessel is designed to reflect the inspiration of Vietnamese heritage and history. The Nha Trang Suite is located on the upper deck towards the rear of the Emperor Cruises boat. The suite is very spacious, large enough for a king and queen with ocean views on both sides and a private sundeck. Designed with privacy, romance and elegance in mind, guests can enjoy the best views in the sun-filled cabin as well as sharing the memory of the gorgeous sunset over a glass of wine.

The Nha Trang Suite has a double bedroom and all the amenities are handmade and exclusive as befits a suite on the upper deck. The large, gracious balcony allows plenty of light into an airy 42.9 square metre room featuring elegant furnishings and rich decor. Meticulous attention to detail is reflected in the king-sized bed and marble bathroom featuring walk-in shower and an Indochine style old-fashioned bath tub.

Dalat, the former French hill station, was probably the most important location for the Emperor Bao Dai after the Imperial Citadel in Hue. In 1933 the emperor met Nguyen Huu Thi Lan at a party in Dalat, and she became his first and only queen, Nam Phuong.

Dalat was also his preferred place to live and work when he was the Emperor of Annam and the Head of the State of Vietnam from 1948 to 1955, and he had several summer homes here, now called Palace I, II and III. Bao Dai also lived here with his lovers, “concubines”, Mong Diep and Phi Anh. He was passionate about hunting in Buon Me Thuot or Lak Lake and occasionally traveled to Nha Trang with Mong Diep.

According to the Hue cultural researcher, Nguyen Đac Xuan, Bao Dai built a villa for his lover Mong Diep in the alpine forest near his official palace and a beautiful Spanish stone villa for his concubine Phi Anh, which is now a luxury hotel in Dalat.

With alpine scenery, lakes, flower gardens, a market, historic railway station with steam trains, lovely colonial buildings and a golf course, the first in Southeast Asia, Dalat can be reached in 2 hours by road from Nha Trang.

The Dalat Suite is adjacent to the Nha Trang Suite and both are located on the upper deck towards the rear of the Emperor Cruises boat. The higher suites offer gorgeous views of the stunning Nha Trang Bay. Dalat Suite is very spacious, large enough for a king and queen with ocean views on both sides and a private sundeck lounge. Designed with privacy, romance and elegance in mind, guests can enjoy the best views in the sun-filled cabin as well as sharing the memory of the gorgeous sunset.

The Dalat Suite has a double bedroom and, like the other suites, all amenities are handmade but more exclusive as befits a suite on the upper deck. The large, gracious balcony allows plenty of light into an airy 42.9 square metre room featuring elegant furnishings and rich decor. Meticulous attention to detail is reflected in the king-sized bed and marble bathroom featuring walk-in shower and an Indochine style old-fashioned bath tub.

Home of the Emperors, Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty. In the early 19th century Emperor Gia Long consulted geomancers to find the best place to build a new palace and citadel. The geomancers chose the present site at Hue. Bao Dai became emperor in 1926 until his abdication in 1945 and lived with his family in the Purple Forbidden City in Hue. He was the emperor most influenced by the west and he used to holiday in Nha Trang and Dalat and go hunting in Buon Me Thuot by car.

The Hue Suite is located on the main deck of the vessel and is 42.9 square meters, maximizing the natural light with two windows, and is decorated with old pictures of Hue, bringing a touch of nostalgia for this glorious period.

With more space and privacy for an exclusive and intimate cruising experience, the Hue Suite has a double bed and its own private balcony and sun deck. This suite is specially designed for honeymooners, romantic lovers, and sophisticated travelers.

The luxurious styles and its individual design ensure a comfortable stay for guests. A spacious sitting area provides room to stretch out and watch television, read a book or simply enjoy the magical sunsets while enjoying a chilled glass of wine.

The suite is decorated in warm colors with leather headboards, plush sofas, chairs and drapes, new lighting features, window coverings, fancy carpeting, new artworks, stylish bed cushions and throw pillows.

The suite also features typical Indochine décor, old black-and-white photos, wooden flooring, stylish tiles and a marble bathroom. Air-conditioning, a mini-bar, and smart TV are included as well.

The architecture of Emperor Bao Dai’s royal villas, which were located in some of the most visited destinations in Vietnam, was in harmony with the surroundings.

The White Palace Vung Tau is located in Vung Tau, Southern Vietnam, formerly called Cochinchine in the French protectorate. Now it takes just 2 hours from Saigon by speedboat or car to reach Vung Tau. Bao Dai used to stay here periodically from 1926 to 1954 for family vacations and state affairs.

The Vung Tau Suite is located on the main deck of the vessel and is 42.9 square meters, maximizing the natural light with two windows with ocean views, and is decorated with old pictures of Hue, bringing a touch of nostalgia for this glorious period.

With more space and privacy for an exclusive and intimate cruising experience, the Vung Tau Suite has a double bed and its own private balcony and sun deck. This suite is designed for honeymooners, romantic lovers, and sophisticated travelers.

The luxurious styles and its individual design ensure a comfortable stay for guests. A spacious sitting area provides room to stretch out and watch television, read a book or simply enjoy the magical sunsets while enjoying a chilled glass of wine.

The suite is decorated in warm colors with leather headboards, plush sofas, chairs and drapes, new lighting features, window coverings, fancy carpeting, new artwork, stylish bed cushions and throw pillows.

The suite also features typical Indochine décor, old black-and-white photos, wooden flooring, stylish tiles and marble bathroom. Air-conditioning, a mini-bar, and smart TV are included as well.