Location: 6 Trần Phú Street, Ward Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City.
A masterpiece of late 19th-century European architecture overlooking the sea
Bạch Dinh, also known by its French name Villa Blanche, is one of the most remarkable colonial-era architectural works in Vung Tau. Built at the end of the 19th century, the mansion once served as a seaside retreat for the Governor-General of Indochina and other high-ranking officials of the former Saigon administration. It is also closely associated with Emperor Thành Thái—the patriotic Nguyễn dynasty king who was placed under house arrest here from 1909 to 1910.
Historical Background
After assuming control of French Indochina, Governor Paul Doumer ordered the construction of a luxurious holiday villa in Vũng Tàu.
- Construction began: 1898
- Completed: 1902
- Original name: Villa Blanche, named after Doumer’s daughter, Blanche Richel Doumer.
The Vietnamese later called it Bạch Dinh (“White Palace”) because of its pristine white façade standing out strikingly against the blue sky and shimmering coastline.
In 1907, the French brought Emperor Thành Thái and his family from Huế to be placed under surveillance here before exiling them to Réunion Island (Africa). Since then, Bạch Dinh has become a silent witness to a turbulent chapter in Vietnamese imperial history.
Architecture of Villa Blanche
Situated on the slopes of Núi Lớn (Big Mountain), at an elevation of 27–30 meters above sea level, Bạch Dinh offers sweeping panoramic views of Front Beach (Bãi Trước) and Ghềnh Rái Bay—making it one of the most scenic viewpoints in Vũng Tàu.
The structure stands 19 meters tall, 15 meters wide, and 28 meters long, consisting of three levels:
• Basement
Used for wine storage and kitchen facilities.
• Ground Floor
Features reception halls and displays of rare artifacts such as:
- The Bách Điểu chầu Phụng porcelain pair
- A pair of 1.7-meter African elephant tusks
- A royal-style furniture set from the Khải Định era (1921)
• Upper Floor
A breezy living space with five private bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and balcony facing the sea.
Distinctive architectural highlights include eight bas-reliefs depicting Greek deities, arched windows, and European ceramic ornaments—creating a refined blend of classical elegance and romantic charm.
Two Access Paths to Bạch Dinh
A winding path through teak forest, suitable for vehicles
A 146-step stone stairway flanked by rows of fragrant white frangipani leading directly to the front terrace
Bạch Dinh Artifact Museum
Since 1991, part of Bạch Dinh has served as a museum housing more than 8,000 artifacts, primarily 17th-century Kangxi porcelain recovered from the “Hòn Cau Shipwreck Treasure.”
Despite resting underwater for nearly 300 years, the ceramics retain their glossy glaze and intricate motifs, considered among the finest collections of ancient Vietnamese porcelain ever discovered.
The Private Sorrows of Emperor Thành Thái
During his house arrest here, former Emperor Thành Thái—the 13th ruler of the Nguyễn dynasty, known for his patriotism and progressive ideals—composed the poem “Sầu Tây bể Cấp” (“Sorrows by the Western Cape”) to express his grief, longing for his homeland, and indignation under French domination.
Today, visitors can stop by the Octagonal Pavilion where the poem is carved on a stone stele—a lasting testament to the young emperor’s unbroken spirit.
Visitor Experience
After exploring the interior, visitors can stroll beneath the ancient teak forest and frangipani trees, and admire the long stone wall built by political prisoners of the Trương Định insurgency using forced labor.
More than a century later, Bạch Dinh remains majestic, serene, and elegant—a timeless architectural, historical, and cultural icon of Vũng Tàu.
📍 Address: 6 Trần Phú Street, Vũng Tàu City
🏗️ Built: 1898–1902
👑 Named by: Governor Paul Doumer (Villa Blanche)
🏛️ Heritage Status: National Cultural Relic (recognized in 1991)
