Officially the Municipal Theatre, and widely known as the Saigon Opera House, this ornate French-colonial building opened in the early 1900s and remains an active performance venue, sitting prominently at the top of Dong Khoi street. Its elaborate facade, modelled loosely on Paris's Petit Palais, makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the city even for visitors who don't attend a show.
Seeing a performance
The Opera House hosts a mix of Vietnamese cultural shows (including the well-regarded A O Show, a contemporary circus-style performance drawing on rural Vietnamese life and bamboo acrobatics), classical music, ballet and touring international performances, depending on the season. Booking ahead is recommended for popular shows, particularly the cultural performances aimed at visitors.
Getting tickets
Tickets for cultural shows aimed at visitors are generally available through hotel concierges, online booking platforms, or the venue directly. Classical and touring performances follow a separate, less tourist-oriented booking process, usually through the venue's own listings.
Practical details
The building sits at the top of Dong Khoi street in District 1, an easy walk from Notre Dame Cathedral and the riverside luxury hotel strip.
| Location | Top of Dong Khoi Street, District 1 |
|---|---|
| Best for | Architecture, Vietnamese cultural performances |
| Tip | Book popular shows like A O Show ahead of time |