Saigon Opera House - a large building with many windows and people walking around
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Saigon Opera House

4.6
·16k reviews·, Vietnam

Iconic French colonial opera house hosting the mesmerizing AO Show, a cultural spectacle of dance and acrobatics.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Magical ambiance and energy

CrowdMedium
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Saigon Opera House - a large building with many windows and people walking around

Saigon Opera House

Best Time

Evenings

Magical ambiance and energy

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic French colonial opera house hosting the mesmerizing AO Show, a cultural spectacle of dance and acrobatics.

4.6
(16k reviews)

"Attending the A O Show at the iconic Ho Chi Minh City Opera House was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Saigon."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book AO Show Tickets Online

Secure your 'best seats' for the AO Show by booking online weeks ahead, though last-minute tickets are sometimes available .

✨ Visit at Night

Experience the unique energy and illuminated beauty of the opera house and its surroundings after dark .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The AO Show

The AO Show

Inside the Saigon Opera House

A mesmerizing cultural performance blending acrobatics, dance, and traditional music to tell Vietnam's story.

French Colonial Architecture

French Colonial Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the ornate 19th-century French colonial design, a stunning architectural gem in the heart of the city.

Central City Location

Central City Location

District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Conveniently located, it's a hub for sightseeing buses and surrounded by restaurants and cafes.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your AO Show Tickets Early

The AO Show is a must-see, but tickets, especially for prime seats, sell out fast. Booking online weeks in advance is recommended to secure your spot for this unique cultural performance at the Saigon Opera House.Reddit

Evening Ambiance is Key

While beautiful during the day, the Saigon Opera House truly shines at night. The illuminated facade and surrounding area create a unique energy, making evening visits highly recommended for a relaxed and happy atmosphere.Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Magical ambiance and energy
Crowd
Medium
When
Wednesday evenings
Why
AO Show performance time
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dẫn khách xem nhà căn hộ The Opera Thủ Thiêm #operathuthiem #canhoopera #theoperathuthiem #canhotheopera #metropole #metropolethuthiem #canhometropole
@trinhle.8
16.9K likes • 457K views

🎟️ Book AO Show Tickets Online

Secure your 'best seats' for the AO Show by booking online weeks ahead, though last-minute tickets are sometimes available.Reddit

✨ Visit at Night

Experience the unique energy and illuminated beauty of the opera house and its surroundings after dark.Reddit

Date night at the Saigon Opera House watching the AO Show highly recommend if you ever travel to Ho Chi Minh City! 🎭✨
ermelina_s
61 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

Less touristy attractions/experience in HCMC?

📸 Capture the Architecture

The ornate French colonial design is a photographer's dream, especially when lit up at night.TikTok

🥤 Enjoy a Refreshing Drink

Some shows offer a free refreshing green tea upon entry, a nice touch for attendees.Reddit

reddit.com

BLOG: Things To Do In Saigon - The AO Show

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book AO Show Tickets Online

Secure your 'best seats' for the AO Show by booking online weeks ahead, though last-minute tickets are sometimes available.Reddit

✨ Visit at Night

Experience the unique energy and illuminated beauty of the opera house and its surroundings after dark.Reddit

📸 Capture the Architecture

The ornate French colonial design is a photographer's dream, especially when lit up at night.TikTok

🥤 Enjoy a Refreshing Drink

Some shows offer a free refreshing green tea upon entry, a nice touch for attendees.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(16k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Saigon Opera House, particularly for the captivating AO Show, praising its stunning French colonial architecture and intimate atmosphere. While some find the building smaller than European counterparts, its evening ambiance and central location are consistently highlighted as major draws. The AO Show itself is lauded for its emotional storytelling through dance and music, leaving a lasting impression on international audiences.

"Attending the A O Show at the iconic Ho Chi Minh City Opera House was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Saigon. The venue itself is stunning — a beautifully preserved French colonial building, elegant yet intimate, right in the heart of the city.

The show was nothing short of magical. Through acrobatics, contemporary dance, and live traditional music, it told a wordless yet deeply emotional story — from peaceful village life to the hustle of modern urban Vietnam. The performers were not only skilled but full of soul, using bamboo props and body language to convey meaning with grace and creativity.

As a Vietnamese, I felt truly proud to see our cultural identity portrayed so artfully on an international stage. What moved me the most was the audience’s response — endless applause from visitors across the globe. Those claps weren’t just for the show; they were a powerful recognition of the beauty and depth of Vietnamese culture.

🎭 Highlights:
– Mesmerizing visual storytelling with no spoken words
– Authentic live music and impressive choreography
– Intimate atmosphere, perfect lighting and sound
– Deep emotional connection, regardless of nationality"

Huong Mobert

"It is just ok. I was not impressed maybe because I have seen opera houses such as in Sydney, Budapest and Vienna. The building is beautiful and well maintained but it is very small and it is surrounded by vehicles which it loses its aura. However, I recommend you visit the opera house and especially in the night. The energy is very unique and you feel happy and relaxed. For those who visited bigger operas they will understand what I mean when I say I was not impressed."

Dimitris Apollonas Poseidonas Venetis

"The Saigon Opera House is a cult place that no one should miss, at least because of the wonderful architecture that this building has both outside and inside and because of the wonderful location where it is located. The buses for sightseeing in the city also leave from there. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and other interesting sights to see around, which are literally a few minutes away from each other."

Andy Cara Vaggio

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Captivating AO Show
Magical evening ambiance

What People Dislike

Smaller than European operas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Saigon Opera House is centrally located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It's easily accessible by taxi, ride-sharing apps like Grab, or as a starting point for many city sightseeing bus tours.Reddit Many visitors find it a convenient landmark to navigate from.

Parking can be challenging in central Ho Chi Minh City. While some street parking might be available, it's often easier and more reliable to use ride-sharing services or taxis to reach the venue.

If you are staying in nearby hotels in District 1, walking to the Saigon Opera House is a pleasant option, allowing you to soak in the city's atmosphere.

For evening shows like the AO Show, ride-sharing apps are highly recommended for a convenient and direct trip to the Saigon Opera House, especially when returning to your accommodation.

While Ho Chi Minh City's public transport network is developing, the Opera House is a common stop for tourist buses and is well-served by taxis and ride-sharing services, making it accessible for most visitors.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets for the AO Show online through their official website or authorized ticketing platforms. Many visitors also buy tickets directly from the front of the Opera House, though booking in advance is advised for better seats.Reddit

Ticket prices vary depending on the show and seating. For the AO Show, prices can range, and it's best to check the official ticketing channels for the most current information. Booking online can sometimes offer discounts or package deals.Reddit

The Saigon Opera House primarily operates for scheduled performances. While the building itself might not have general public visiting hours outside of shows, the box office is typically open during business hours for ticket inquiries and purchases.

It's possible to get tickets on the day of the show, especially for less popular performances or if you're willing to take seats not in the front row. However, for high-demand shows like the AO Show, booking ahead is strongly recommended.Reddit

Keep an eye on the official AO Show website or ticketing partners for any available promotions or promo codes. Sometimes, booking as part of a package or for groups might offer savings.

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

The AO Show is a captivating performance that uses acrobatics, contemporary dance, and live traditional Vietnamese music to tell stories of Vietnamese life and culture without spoken words. It's known for its emotional depth and artistic storytelling.Reddit

Even if you don't attend a performance, the Saigon Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture and is worth seeing from the outside, especially when illuminated at night. Its central location also makes it a good point of interest.Reddit

The theatre is described as intimate, with seating arranged to provide good views. However, some angles might make it hard to see certain parts of the stage, so choosing seats closer to the stage is often preferred.Reddit

Attendees generally find the air conditioning inside the theatre to be comfortable and well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant viewing experience.Reddit

Yes, restroom facilities are available inside the Saigon Opera House and are generally reported to be well-maintained.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary by performance. Generally, flash photography is prohibited during shows to avoid disturbing performers and other audience members. It's best to check specific rules for the event you are attending.

The exterior of the Saigon Opera House is particularly photogenic, especially at night when it's illuminated. The surrounding area also offers good vantage points for capturing the building's grandeur.

Filming is typically not allowed during performances. For personal use outside of showtimes, it's advisable to inquire with the venue management.

For a mix of architectural detail and ambient light, late afternoon or early evening is ideal. However, the illuminated facade at night offers a completely different, magical perspective.TikTok

No, taking photos or videos of the AO Show performers during the performance is strictly prohibited to ensure the integrity of the show and the experience for all attendees.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The AO Show is a fantastic option for families visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Its wordless narrative makes it universally understandable and engaging for children of all ages. The acrobatic feats and vibrant visuals are sure to captivate younger audiences, while the cultural storytelling offers an educational element.Reddit The intimate theatre setting ensures that even younger viewers have a good vantage point. Consider booking seats closer to the stage for the best experience for kids.

💖 Couples & Date Nights

The Saigon Opera House provides a romantic and elegant setting for a date night. Attending the AO Show offers a shared, deeply emotional experience that can spark conversation and connection. The beautiful architecture of the opera house, especially when lit up at night, creates a magical ambiance. Afterward, explore the numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding District 1 for a perfect evening out.Reddit

🏛️ Culture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about culture and history, the Saigon Opera House is a must-visit. Its French colonial architecture is a significant historical artifact, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's past. The AO Show provides an artistic and profound interpretation of Vietnamese culture, showcasing traditional music and contemporary dance. Exploring the surrounding historical landmarks like the Post Office and Cathedral further enriches the cultural experience.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Gem: Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House, officially known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, is a stunning testament to French colonial architecture. Built in 1897, its design was inspired by the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The facade is adorned with intricate carvings and classical motifs, making it a landmark that transports visitors back to a bygone era. Even if you're not attending a performance, a stroll past this elegant building, especially when illuminated at night, is a must-do.Reddit

Inside, the theatre maintains its grandeur with plush seating, ornate chandeliers, and detailed decorations. While it may be considered smaller compared to European opera houses, its intimate setting contributes to a unique and engaging atmosphere for performances.Reddit The building has undergone several renovations to preserve its historical significance and ensure it remains a vibrant cultural venue for Ho Chi Minh City.

Experiencing the AO Show: A Cultural Tapestry

The AO Show is the signature performance at the Saigon Opera House and is highly recommended by visitors.Instagram This unique show tells the story of Vietnamese life, from rural traditions to the bustling modern city, through a captivating blend of acrobatics, contemporary dance, and live traditional music. What makes it particularly special is that it's a wordless performance, relying entirely on the artists' physical prowess and emotional expression to convey its narrative.Reddit

Performers utilize props like bamboo, baskets, and conical hats to create dynamic and visually striking scenes. The live music, featuring traditional Vietnamese instruments, adds an authentic layer to the storytelling. The intimate setting of the opera house enhances the audience's connection to the performers, creating a deeply moving and memorable cultural experience that resonates with people from all backgrounds.Reddit Booking tickets in advance is crucial, as the show is incredibly popular with both locals and tourists.Reddit

Beyond the Opera House: Exploring the Surroundings

The Saigon Opera House is situated in a prime location in District 1, making it an excellent starting point for exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City. The area is a hub for activity, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to diverse tastes. It's also a convenient spot for sightseeing bus tours, many of which depart from or pass by the opera house.Reddit

Visitors can easily take a short walk to other notable landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Reunification Palace. The vibrant streets surrounding the opera house offer a glimpse into the city's dynamic energy, with street vendors, bustling markets, and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.Reddit

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