Saigon Opera House: Ballet, Symphony & Orchestra
This stunning colonial building, completed in 1897, with an impressive sweeping staircase, stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Known officially as the Municipal Theatre, the Saigon Opera House showcases the opulence of France’s belle époque era. The venue hosts a diverse range of performances, including ballet, opera, modern dance, and musicals.
It is also known as the Saigon municipal theatre that hosts a series of interesting shows introducing the arts and entertainment performed by local artisans, including the renowned AO Show, Lang Toi (My village), The Dar.
- Check out best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
An A to Z Guide to visiting Saigon Opera House
The Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City is a classic example of East and West in design where all sorts of culture performances are taking place. Here is a full guide for your next visit:
Saigon Opera House history
The Saigon Opera House, with its rich history, stand as a symbol of cultural integration. While initially designed to serve the French during colonial times, it has since evolved into a prominent venue for diverse artistic expressions, including classical music, ballet, and modern performances.
Despite its challenges, the Opera House remains a key cultural landmark, attracts visitors from all over the world. Moreover, as Saigon’s vibrant arts scene flourishes, the opera house play a key role in preserving Vietnam’s rich heritage.
During the Vietnam War, the Saigon Opera House temporarily served as the National Assembly of South Vietnam. This shift marked a significant departure from its original purpose as a cultural venue, reflecting the turbulence of the era. check out Opera house in Hanoi
Location & Opening hours
The opera house located in Dong Khoi Street which is home to some of Saigon’s most famous cultural and architectural monuments. It is easily accessible to walking streets, Ben Thanh market central post office & cathedral and the Reunification palace.
- Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon opera house ticket price
Ticket prices for the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House vary based on seating zones, with prices starting at 800,000 VND for Zone A, 1,250,000 VND for Zone O, and 1,750,000 VND for Zone W, offering different views and seating options.
- Children age 5 and younger enter free (Must carry passport)
- Ticket price for children 5-12 is the 70% of the adult price.
Highlights of the Saigon opera house
The Municipal Theatre, also known as the Saigon Opera House, showcases remarkable French architecture, reflecting the grandeur of the French Third Republic. Designed by architect Félix Olivier and constructed under the supervision of architects Ernest Guichard and Eugène Ferret in 1900, it draws inspiration from the Opéra Garnier in France.
Despite some decorations being removed in 1943, the theatre’s façade still keep the intricate designs and detailed craftsmanship. Initially, the theatre could hold 1,800 people, but renovations have reduced the seating capacity to 500. Following a major renovation in 1998 for Saigon’s 300th anniversary, the Opera House now blends modern amenities with preserved historic elements, offering a unique cultural experience.
Shows at the Opera House of Saigon
As mentioned above, the opera house in Saigon, host few different shows and performances, each showcase local culture in different perspective,
The Ao Show
The name ‘A O’ derives from ‘Lang Pho’, means ‘village and city’. The À Ố Show is one of Vietnam’s most famous Bamboo Circus performances. Inspired by the concept of “Làng Phố,” meaning ‘village and city,’ the show tells a local story of the transition from the peaceful countryside to the fast-paced life of modern Southern Vietnam.
The show contrasts the peaceful village life with familiar city scenes, all brought to life using bamboo props. These props frame a spectacular circus, showcasing acrobatics, contortion, juggling, and stunts. Throughout, traditional and modern music blend seamlessly, performed live with 17 different instruments. As a result, the À Ố Show in Saigon’s opera house has gained international acclaim, performing in 11 countries.
The Teh Dar show
Ticket price April 2025: 700.000, 1.150.000 & 1.600.000 VND for Zone A, O & W. (USD 28, 46, 64)
Even though not performed in opera house of Saigon but in Hoi An. However, i felt i need to mention it here since the show is following the similar classic story.
Teh Dar is an intense, emotional, and acrobatic performance that blends harmony with sorrow, offering an unforgettable experience. It’s a must-see show from Hoi An’s Bamboo Circus. The name “Teh Dar,” meaning ‘traveling the circle’ in the K’Ho language, symbolizes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that every living being experiences. Through vibrant colors and the rich flair of Vietnamese tribal culture, the show tells this epic story.
The Mist show
The Mist tells the story of Southern Vietnamese farming life through a mix of neo-classic and modern dance. Talented artists bring the performance to life, with rice cultivation as the central theme. The show honors farmers’ dedication, from nurturing rice in muddy fields at dawn to harvesting shining pearls.
Saigon opera house seating plan
The seating plan with over 448 seats covered the inner space at the Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre) in Ho Chi Minh City. The seating arrangements is typically divided into different zones for various seating categories. Here’s a general breakdown of the seating arrangement:
Zone W (Orchestra)
This area offers the best views of the performance, is closest to the stage, and is typically considered premium seating, with seats often priced higher due to their proximity to the action. Ticket price here usually from 1.750.000VND (USD68)
Zone O (Main Floor):
This area is located behind Zone O but still offers a great view of the stage. Seats here are still relatively close, and this section is ideal for those who want a balance of good seating and price with tickets price from 1.250.000 VND (USD49)
Zone A (Upper Balcony):
This seat arrangements in this zone, which is located higher up in the Opera House, offering a more distant view of the stage. However, the view is still good, and this zone usually offers more affordable ticket prices at 800.000 VND (USD31)
The bottom line
The Saigon Opera House, built by the French in 1900, showcases stunning French colonial architecture. It was bombed during the Vietnam War but was later restored. Throughout its history, the Opera House also served as a venue for political decisions and gatherings, particularly during the South Vietnam era. Today, it stands as a cultural landmark and a symbol of Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage.
