Located at 1A-1B Quang Trung Street in Lam Vien-Dalat Ward of Lam Dong Province, the villa spans tens of square metres and features two upper floors and a basement.
Its origins date back to 1928, when a French official began construction using locally sourced granite, creating a design markedly different from other colonial-era villas in Dalat.
In 1940, during a holiday in Dalat, Emperor Bao Dai purchased the villa and gifted it to his concubine, Phi Anh. During their time there, they had two children: Nguyen Phuc Phuong Minh (born in 1950) and Nguyen Phuc Bao An (born in 1951).
Phi Anh Villa’s split-stone walls, left in their natural colour, blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape while showcasing remarkable durability. The granite walls are notably thick, between 60 and 80 centimetres, contributing to both insulation and the building’s imposing presence.
One of the villa’s most distinctive features is the presence of Champa-inspired bas-reliefs carved into its stone walls. The fusion of East Asian cultural motifs within a Western architectural framework creates a striking and unusual aesthetic.
The villa also features numerous windows designed to maximise natural light. Several still retain their original stone bas-reliefs with intricate carvings.
Western-style wooden doors and arched vaults further enhance the structure’s antique elegance.
A corner of the corridor at the front of Phi Anh Villa evokes historical narratives.
Inside, the living room includes a Western-style fireplace, built to provide warmth during Dalat’s cool winters, adding to the cosy yet refined atmosphere.
After 1975, the villa was used as communal housing for several families before eventually being abandoned. In 2007, authorities assigned the property to an enterprise for restoration and adaptive reuse. Today, a restaurant operates within the villa, welcoming visitors.
Notably, admission to explore the historic building is free, allowing both locals and tourists to appreciate its architectural and historical value.
Nearly a century after its construction, Phi Anh Villa remains one of Dalat’s most unique and captivating landmarks, reflecting the layered history and cultural fusion of the dreamy highland city.
