A Complete Guide to Visit Saigon Opera House Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Opera House Ho Chi Minh city, also known as the Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theatre, is one of the most stunning French colonial landmarks in Vietnam. Located in the heart of District 1, this architecture is a must-visit for those interested in history, culture, and the arts. Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Saigon Opera House.

1. Saigon Opera House: Where? How to Get There? Time to Visit?

This architectural landmark is located at 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The ticket is about 700,000 VND per person, depending on the show. It’s open 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM on weekends. The Saigon Opera House, an architectural gem in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, stands as a perfect example of French colonial elegance.

Built in 1898 and opened in 1900, the Saigon Opera House Ho Chi Minh City has stood as a cultural symbol and historical witness of Saigon’s evolution (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

Beyond its stunning design, the Opera House is a cultural hotspot, hosting a diverse range of performances – from classic opera and ballet to modern theatrical productions. Whether you're drawn to its rich history or looking for a night of world-class entertainment, this iconic venue offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

There are several ways to reach the Saigon Opera House Ho Chi Minh City, depending on your budget and convenience. Visitors can visit easily accessible by:

• By taxi: The average fare is around 10,000 VND per kilometer, making it a practical choice for those unfamiliar with the area. However, costs can add up, and availability may be limited during peak hours, so booking in advance is recommended.
• By motorbike: Riding a motorbike is a flexible and convenient option. Rental fee is about 150,000 VND/motorbike/day (gas is not included).
• By walk: This walk lets you enjoy the lively atmosphere of District 1, passing cafes and shops. It’s free, but may be tiring if you’re far away or in hot or rainy weather. If you're starting from Ben Thanh Market, one of the most popular landmarks in District 1, the walk to Jade Emperor Pagoda takes about 12–15 minutes.

If departing from nearby locations, visitors can walk to the Saigon Opera House while enjoying the scenic views along the way (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

Whether you’re here to admire its stunning architecture or soak in the magic of a live performance, here’s the best time to experience it:

• Daytime (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM/02:00 - 04:00 PM): The perfect time to explore the ancient French architecture and take photos. Under natural light, the decorative details on the facade and interior of the theater stand out more than ever.
• Evening (7:00 PM): The theater becomes sparkling when the lights are on, creating an extremely luxurious and romantic space. This is also the ideal time to enjoy an art performance, enjoying the magical atmosphere of the space inside.

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House glows beautifully at night, showcasing its French colonial architecture with intricate carvings and a grand arched entrance in the heart of Saigon (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

Whether you’re here to enjoy a live show, explore its architecture, or capture its beauty through photography, here’s how to make your visit truly memorable:

• Watch a live show: Experience the magic of the stage with the captivating mix of acrobatics, dance, ballet and folk storytelling performance.
• Take a guided tour: From its intricate French colonial architecture to the fascinating stories of its past, a guided tour gives you a deeper appreciation beyond its stunning exterior.
• Capture stunning photos: A paradise for photography lovers, the Opera House is full of picture-perfect angles.

2. The Glamorous History and Hidden Significance of Saigon Opera House

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is a historic landmark that has shaped Saigon’s cultural and political landscape:

• Built in 1898 by architect Eugène Ferret, inspired by Petit Palais in Paris: Designed in the Belle Époque style, the opera house showcases intricate carvings, high domes, and grand pillars, making it an architectural highlight in the heart of Saigon. It is originally a venue for opera and classical music performances for the French elite.
• In 1944, when Japan took over Indochina, Allied bombings heavily damaged the Opera House: The destruction was so severe that it had to close down indefinitely until restoration was possible.
• After 1954, the Opera House was repurposed as the National Assembly building under the First Republic of Vietnam: The building was redesigned in an Art Deco style. The iconic columns and goddess statues were taken down, giving it a more modern and minimalist look.
• Converted into the National Assembly headquarters in 1955: When the Ngo Dinh Diem government took over, the opera house ceased its artistic functions and was repurposed as the National Assembly headquarters. This transformation put a halt to performances for nearly 20 years.
• Restored in 1975 and became the city’s largest performing arts center: After the reunification of Vietnam, the theater was renovated and resumed its original role as a cultural hub. It began hosting ballet, opera, musicals, and traditional Vietnamese performances, attracting audiences from Vietnam and beyond.

This image of the Saigon Opera House reflects its financial struggles, contrasting its grandeur with rickshaws and working-class locals (Source: Haut commissariat de France pour l'Indochine – Wikipedia)

3. Architectural Highlights of Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House showcases a Gothic architectural style influenced by late 19th-century French design, bearing similarities to the Hanoi Opera House. Spanning 2,016m², it offers seating for 900 guests. The structure includes a ground floor and two upper levels, accommodating up to 1,800 seats in total.

3.1. Grand Façade Inspired by the Petit Palais in Paris

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, influenced by Petit Palais(A historic art museum in Paris), is a striking example of Belle Époque architecture, reflecting the grandeur of 19th-century France. Its elaborate façade, adorned with intricate reliefs, floral motifs, and cherubic sculptures, was crafted by skilled French artisans. The grand entrance, framed by two imposing columns, enhances its elegant symmetry.

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House glows at dusk, blending its French colonial elegance with the modern skyline (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

A detailed view of the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House façade, showcasing its ornate French colonial sculptures, including two winged figures holding a lyre, symbolizing art and music

The Saigon Opera House façade reflects Petit Palais-inspired decor, featuring Renaissance-style reliefs of semi-nude Goddesses of Art at the entrance (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

3.2. Twin Staircases & Elegant Lobby

Stepping inside, visitors are immediately captivated by the grand twin staircases, which lead up to the mezzanine level. The lobby exudes luxury, featuring sparkling crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors, and delicate gold-accented details. This architectural design reflects the sophistication of European theaters.

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House interior features an elegant French colonial design, with intricate balconies, and a grand stage, creating a timeless setting for world-class performances (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House showcases a magnificent interior and a beautifully crafted ceiling, reflecting its Belle Époque architectural influence (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

With its unique stage design, the audience can fully enjoy the most authentic performances (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

3.3. Lavish Interior with Ornate Decor

The 500-seat auditorium strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and grandeur, creating a space that feels extremelly elegant. Its curved balconies and intricately sculpted ceilings are designed to enhance both visual beauty and acoustics. Inside, the walls and ceilings are adorned with delicate bas-reliefs and floral motifs, showcasing the refined artistry of 19th-century French craftsmanship.

The interior is decorated with exquisite furniture, adding a touch of elegance to the overall grandeur (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

3.4. Exceptional Acoustics & Sound Engineering

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House was designed for exceptional natural acoustics, allowing sound to resonate beautifully without modern amplification. Its curved ceiling and wooden stage panels enhance the clarity and depth of music and vocals. With its expertly engineered acoustics, it remains one of Vietnam’s top venues for live performances.

The stage's distinctive arched design makes the sound clearer and deeper, allowing the audience to fully enjoy the performances (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

4. Top 5 Must-See Shows at Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House is home to many of the most captivating performances in Ho Chi Minh City, from classical ballet and opera to contemporary theater and traditional Vietnamese shows. To check the latest schedules and ticket details, visit the Saigon Opera House Fanpage to stay up-to-date on upcoming events!

4.1. A O Show – A Stunning Fusion of Art and Culture

If you’re looking for a show that’s not just entertaining but also gives you a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese culture, the A O Show is one you shouldn’t miss. The A O Show is a unique performance that fuses bamboo cirque, contemporary dance, and traditional Vietnamese storytelling, all brought to life by the talented Lune Production team.

A O Show is a unique performance combining many acts such as bamboo circus, contemporary dance and traditional Vietnamese storytelling (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

What makes the A O Show truly special is how it beautifully portrays the contrast between Vietnam’s peaceful rural life and its rapidly changing urban landscape. With a mix of energetic choreography, live music, and mesmerizing stunts, the show takes the audience on an emotional journey through Vietnam’s culture and traditions. Often compared to a Vietnamese version of Cirque du Soleil, it’s an experience that’s both artistic and deeply meaningful.

• Showtimes: At least 3 - 4 shows per week. To check the exact show schedule, you can visit here.
• Ticket Price: USD 30 - USD 70.

4.2. The Mist – A Beautiful Dance Tribute to Rural Vietnam

If you want to experience Vietnamese culture in a deeply artistic way, The Mist is a must-see performance at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. The Mist blends ballet, folk dance, and modern choreography to depict Vietnamese farmers' daily lives, from working in the fields to celebrating harvests. With rich symbolism, earthy tones, and live traditional music, the show offers a powerful and immersive look into Vietnam’s agricultural roots.

• Showtimes: Available on select evenings.
• Ticket Price: USD 30 - USD 70.

The Mist is a contemporary dance performance captures the essence of rural Vietnam through graceful movements, stunning visuals, and emotional storytelling (Source: Fanpage Lune Production)

4.3. Teh Dar – An Exhilarating Tribal Drum & Acrobat Show

For a show that’s raw, powerful, and deeply rooted in Vietnam’s indigenous heritage, Teh Dar is an unforgettable experience. Teh Dar immerses the audience in the spiritual and warrior-like essence of Vietnam’s highland tribes. The thunderous beats of traditional gongs and bamboo drums set the rhythm, while daring aerial stunts and intense choreography depict ancient rituals, myths, and daily life.

• Showtimes: Limited schedule (Check in advance).
• Ticket Price: USD 30 – USD 70.

Teh Dar is a picture of the quintessence of ethnic minority culture based on music and spectacular performances (Source: Fanpage Lune Production)

4.4. Saigon Classical Music Nights – A Refined Evening of Elegance

Saigon Classical Music Nights bring together top Vietnamese and international musicians at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, offering a mix of symphonies, opera arias, and chamber music. The historic venue’s exceptional acoustics enhance every performance, from powerful symphonies to delicate piano concertos, creating an immersive experience.

• Showtimes: Monthly concerts (Check official calendar).
• Ticket Price: Varies by performance.

The Saigon Opera House Ho Chi Minh City is a place that regularly organizes performances gathering many famous musicians from home and abroad (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

4.5. Vietnamese Opera & Traditional Performances – A Glimpse into History

For an authentic taste of Vietnam’s classical performing arts, the Vietnamese Opera & Traditional Performances at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House bring history to life through “Cai luong”, folk dances, and royal court music. With traditional instruments, elaborate costumes, and poetic storytelling, each show offers a rich cultural experience. The blend of soulful singing, live orchestras, and graceful choreography makes for a truly captivating performance.

• Showtimes: Special events and festivals only.
• Ticket Price: Varies based on the performance

Shows at the Saigon Opera House are highly popular, so it's best to book tickets early to avoid sold-out tickets (Source: Fanpage Nhà hát Thành phố)

5. Famous Attractions Near Saigon Opera House

If you’re planning a visit to the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, take some time to explore the nearby attractions. From stunning colonial architecture to lively streets and historic sites, these nearby attractions give you a deeper look into Saigon’s charm.

• Saigon Central Post Office (7-minute walk): A beautifully preserved French colonial building, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s architectural firm. Today, the Central Post Office is still in operation and is a popular spot where tourist often send postcards to friends or to their own home address.
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street (5-minute walk): Line with cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings, this pedestrian street seamlessly blends historic charm and modern elements. While walking through, be sure to explore The Cafe Apartments, a must-visit place where you can enjoy coffee and experience the local lifestyle in one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
• Notre Dame Cathedral (10-minute walk): This Gothic-style cathedral is defined by its towering spires and stunning stained-glass windows, built from red bricks imported from France.
• Dong Khoi Street (2-minute walk): With its colonial-era buildings and elegant stone façades, Dong Khoi Street perfectly captures the charm of Saigon's past.
• Independence Palace (12-minute walk): The modernist architecture of the Independence Palace stands out with its sleek lines and flat roofs, offering a striking contrast to the city's colonial buildings.

Saigon is always an attractive destination in the eyes of tourists. From Nguyen Hue Walking Street to Notre Dame Cathedral, each place has its own unique features

If you’re interested in history, don’t forget to explore the museum in Ho Chi Minh for a broader understanding of the city’s rich cultural past. For those specifically interested in Vietnam’s turbulent past, Vietnam War Museum Ho Chi Minh provides a profound look into the impact of the Vietnam War. Be sure to check out our article on Vietnam War Museum Ho Chi Minh: A Testament to Vietnam’s History to plan your next historical journey!

More than just a stage for performances, the Saigon Opera House Ho Chi Minh City stands as a testament to Saigon’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Whether you come to admire its stunning French colonial design, enjoy a ballet, opera, or traditional Vietnamese show, or explore the historic landmarks nearby, this iconic venue promises a truly memorable experience.

To have a memorable trip to Ho Chi Minh City, check out more travel guides, cultural insights, and local tips with these articles at Vietnam Airlines. From must-visit landmarks to hidden gems, we’ve got everything you need for a seamless and enriching journey.

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