3 Interesting Facts About Bao Dai, Vietnam’s Last Emperor
The final emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai, is probably one of the most fascinating people in Vietnam's past.
Bao Dai was much different in many ways: how he lived, what he thought, and what he did were all very different from what you would expect from a king.
At VIET DOVE Travel, we will show you three things that explain why Bao Dai continues to capture the interest of travelers today.
The Most “Western” Emperor in Vietnamese History
Bao Dai was born in 1913. In 1922, he was sent to France for school.
Whereas others who were raised in the palace studied the rules of proper etiquette for royalty, he learned how to shake someone's hand, look at them when speaking, and how to act in a culture in which kings are not worshiped as gods.
Bao Dai’s Western Lifestyle
Bao Dai did not become "western" because he had to, but because he became western while he was young and before he became emperor.
Upon returning to Vietnam, Bao Dai was seen wearing suits as opposed to the royal robes he previously wore, he cut his hair short, and he rode horses like a gentleman from Europe.
It is hard for anyone to lead a dying feudal state in a modern world.
His Uncommon Love Affair With Empress Nam Phuong
Traditionally, in the Vietnamese monarchy, there were few times when empresses were formally recognized. Bao Dai took this tradition and broke it by naming Nam Phuong as empress.
Additionally, he decided to have only one wife - something that went against the court.
This shows that he wanted to break free from the traditions of the court and to follow what he believed in.
The Quote That Ended Vietnam’s Monarchy
In August 1945, Bao Dai relinquished the throne so that no blood would be shed.
These words of Bao Dai remain symbolically important to this day:
"I'd rather be a citizen of an independent nation than be an emperor of an oppressed one."
He handed over the imperial seal and the imperial sword (made out of 11 kg of gold), which marked the end of the monarchy in Vietnam.
Conclusion
Bao Dai led a life filled with contradiction: modern and old-fashioned, powerful and restrained.
Ultimately, he fulfilled his role with dignity at a time when Vietnam experienced the greatest turmoil in its history.
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