Saigon Opera House, Saigon/HoChiMinh City

Saigon Opera House, Saigon/HoChiMinh City (must see)

The Saigon Opera House, officially known as the Municipal Theatre, is one of Ho Chi Minh City鈥檚 most striking landmarks and a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Built between 1898 and 1900 by French architect F茅lix Olivier, with contributions from Ernest Guichard and Eug猫ne Ferret, the theater was inspired by the Petit Palais in Paris. Its ornate fa莽ade, with arched windows, grand balconies, and intricate sculptures, reflects the city鈥檚 colonial past and stands as a cultural treasure in modern-day Vietnam.

Over the decades, the Opera House has had a colorful history. It was damaged during World War II, later repurposed as temporary housing for displaced families, and even served as the National Assembly for South Vietnam in the 1950s. After reunification, its original role as a performing arts venue was restored. A major renovation in 1998 brought the theater back to its full glory in time for Saigon鈥檚 300th anniversary celebrations.

Inside, visitors will find an opulent space adorned with chandeliers, gilded d茅cor, and plush seating. The auditorium accommodates about 1,800 people across three levels, offering excellent acoustics for a wide range of performances. Today, the Opera House hosts an eclectic program that includes opera, ballet, classical concerts, traditional Vietnamese music, and modern cultural shows.

Experiencing a live performance in such a historic setting is a highlight of any trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Even if you don鈥檛 attend a show, the building itself is worth admiring for its grandeur and elegance.

For the best experience, consider booking tickets online in advance. Many shows include extras such as a complimentary welcome drink with certain ticket categories.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Saigon/HoChiMinh City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Saigon Opera House
Sight Location: Saigon/HoChiMinh City, Vietnam (See walking tours in Saigon/HoChiMinh City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Saigon/HoChiMinh City Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Saigon/HoChiMinh City, Vietnam

Create Your Own Walk in Saigon/HoChiMinh City

Creating your own self-guided walk in Saigon/HoChiMinh City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Historical Religious Sites

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.9 Km or 3.7 Miles

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Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City,... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Saigon/HoChiMinh City Introduction Walking Tour

While many people still fondly say 鈥淪aigon,鈥� the city officially became Ho Chi Minh City or HCMC in 1976, to honor the revolutionary leader who led North Vietnam. But call it what you will 鈥� Saigon still lives in the names, food stalls, and in locals鈥� hearts, especially in District 1, the area most of us think of when we say 鈥淪aigon.鈥�

Long before colonial buildings and skyscrapers,... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles

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