Da Lat to restore French-built palaces

The Central Highlands resort town of Da Lat will upgrade its two most outstanding, beautiful French-styled palaces.
The local authorities said the two buildings, including Dinh I (Palace I), built in 1925-1928, and Dinh tinh truong (governor's palace), built approximately in 1910, will be restored to serve as tourist spots instead of hotels.
Dinh I, located on an eastern pine tree hill, has the design of French palaces for the aristocracy, and was purchased by Vietnam’s last Emperor Bao Dai.
Since 1956, however, it was used by head of the US's puppet regime in south Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem (1901-1963), everytime he visited the area.
At present, the building is under management by a local travel company.
Dinh tinh truong is located on the highest hill in the town and has the best location, according to feng shui experts. The luxurious palace was used by Da Lat’s governor under Ngo Dinh Diem’s regime.
Since 1975, Dinh tinh truong has been used as the province’s museum.
However, both the two buildings are in a degraded condition and have been closed for a long time.
Provincial authorities say that the buildings themselves after restoration would become attractive, historic sites.