Have you ever wished to be a king or a queen? There is a place about 4 km from the central city of Nha Trang where you can pretend in a royal atmosphere

Nghinh Phong was a favorite pleasure retreat for the late King Bao Dai, the last King of the Nguyen Dynasty, and his Queen Nam Phuong. The building is a museum of preserved possessions of the king and queen and images of 13 kings of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can see the wooden trestle bed where royal maids often prepared the queen’s hair, make up and gowns in front of mirrors and in soft moonlight.

If you’ve ever had a fantasy about dressing up in a royal robe or in a sheer royal gown, there is a dressing room. Even royal cooking is also served.

In 1923, the Institute of Oceanography of Nha Trang began construction at the foot of the mountain. French scientist A.Crem cleared the top and built five villas in colonial French architecture dedicated as a place of relaxation for researcher of the institute.

The five buildings are named after nearby trees, Xuong Rong (cactus), Bong Su, Bong Giay, Phuong Vi (flamboyant flower) and Cay Bang (tropical almond tree). In 1936, when Bao Dai came to the throne, he was given Xuong Rong and Bong Su for his pleasure. The two buildings were then renamed Nghinh Phong and Vong Nguyet.

In 1975 the buildings became operational as tourist hotels under the management of Khanh Viet Company and this year Bao Dai Floor was opened to the public.

VietNamNet/SGT