Cầu Đá Villa – A Royal Legacy on Cảnh Long Hill Overlooking Nha Trang Bay
A Regal Landmark Steeped in History
Perched atop Chụt Mountain—also known as Cảnh Long Hill—Cầu Đá Villa, or Bảo Đại’s Summer Palace, stands as a timeless symbol of elegance and imperial heritage. Once the private retreat of Emperor Bảo Đại, the last monarch of Vietnam’s Nguyễn dynasty, this cluster of five French-style villas is a living monument to Vietnam’s royal past.
Built in 1923 to accommodate French oceanographers ahead of the establishment of the Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute in 1925, each villa was named after a tropical plant gracing its gardens: Les Agaves (Agave), Les Frangipaniers (Frangipani), Les Bouguinvilles (Bougainvillea), Les Flamboyants (Flamboyant), and Les Badamniers (Almond Tree). Among them, Les Agaves—later known as Bảo Đại’s Villa—was the emperor’s favorite residence.
Following the Geneva Accords of 1954, the estate was assigned to the family of President Ngô Đình Diệm. Madame Trần Lệ Xuân renamed the two main villas: Les Agaves became Nghinh Phong (“Welcoming the Wind”), and Les Frangipaniers became Vọng Nguyệt (“Gazing at the Moon”). In 1975, the villas were reopened as a heritage destination.
With its refined French colonial architecture, sweeping sea views, and serene gardens, Cầu Đá Villa continues to enchant visitors with its timeless beauty and deep historical charm.
The Legend Continues at Sea: Emperor Cruises Legend Nha Trang®
A Floating Tribute to Imperial Grandeur
Inspired by the royal charm of Cầu Đá Villa, the Emperor Cruises Legend Nha Trang® revives the spirit of the Nguyễn dynasty with every detail—architecture, cuisine, décor, and experience. More than just a cruise, it’s a journey through art, heritage, and Vietnamese soul.
The name “Bảo Đại” means “Keeper of Greatness.”
As a connoisseur of art, liberty, and East-West harmony, Emperor Bảo Đại symbolizes Vietnam’s golden transition into modernity. He was Vietnam’s first cosmopolitan traveler—an inspiration for the legacy that Emperor Cruises continues today.
A Royal Symphony of Spaces – Where Every Corner Tells a Story
Deck 1 – Echoes of the Frangipani Villa
• Plumeria Bar (Bông Sứ Bar): A tranquil space inspired by the emperor’s private Frangipani villa. Ideal for quiet reflection or intimate conversation.
• Queen’s Dining Room (Hậu Thiện Phòng): A graceful and refined space dedicated to Empress Nam Phương—celebrating femininity and courtly elegance.
Deck 2 – The Heart of Royal Living
• Emperor Dining Room (Ngự Thiện Phòng): The main restaurant serves curated royal cuisine, fusing traditional flavors with artistic presentation.
• Majesty Lounge & Bar: A noble setting for cocktails and conversations—where art and culture blend in every sip.
• Captain’s View Dining Room: The most exclusive dining venue onboard, offering panoramic ocean views—perfect for private dinners and regal celebrations.
Deck 3 – Under the Moonlit Sky
• Moon Bar (Vọng Nguyệt): A rooftop bar reminiscent of moonlit nights at Vọng Nguyệt Villa. Home to the Moment Stage, a sunset showcase of music, art, and storytelling.
Immersive Cultural Highlights – Engage All Senses
• Sea of Love by LuxArts Collection: An onboard gallery curated with masterpieces from the LuxArts Collection, including rare works by Phạm Lực, known as “the Picasso of Vietnam.” A tribute to love, humanity, and the sea.
• Tranquility Deck Riviera: A peaceful foredeck inspired by the meditative Nghinh Phong Villa—perfect for reading, journaling, or gazing into the horizon.
• Windcatcher Pavilion (Lầu Nghinh Phong): A secluded space at the bow of the ship evoking the favorite retreat of Empress Nam Phương near the beach that bears her name.
Cảnh Long Panorama – The Dragon’s Gaze to the East Sea
At the ship’s stern lies a viewing point that frames a stunning perspective of Cảnh Long Mountain and the hidden Cầu Đá Villas nestled among tropical flora. Seen from the water, the scene resembles a dragon extending toward the East Sea—a powerful symbol of national aspiration and cultural pride.
Each villa name lives on in the cruise experience, from Agave and Frangipani to Bougainvillea, Flamboyant, and Almond, now reborn as lounges, restaurants, and royal spaces onboard.
More Than a Cruise – A Journey Into Vietnam’s Living Heritage
Emperor Cruises Legend Nha Trang® is not merely a voyage—it is a floating palace where Vietnam’s royal legacy, cultural soul, and timeless artistry are brought to life on one of the world’s most stunning bays.
A curated experience for sophisticated travelers who seek beauty, meaning, and connection—
A rendezvous between memory and the present, where the spirit of an emperor meets the sea breeze of Nha Trang.
