Audio Guide of Saigon Opera House

Normally, the Saigon Opera House is not open to the public for daily tourist visits inside unless you are attending an event or performance. To see the interior, the best option is to buy tickets for a show. However, its impressive exterior is accessible at all times for photos. You can check the program on its website to plan your visit.

Admission to the interior of the Opera House is paid, as it is tied to the purchase of tickets for a performance. There is no general admission fee for a sightseeing visit. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of performance and seat location, so I recommend checking the official website for current prices.

If you attend a performance, the length of your visit will depend on the event itself. Most shows, such as the famous A O Show, usually last between 60 and 90 minutes, with an intermission. I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to find your seat and admire the lobby.

The Saigon Opera House, built in 1897 by the French architect Eugène Ferret, is a magnificent example of French colonial architecture and a symbol of the city's rich cultural history. It originally served as a venue for the performing arts and witnessed key moments in Vietnamese history, reflecting French influence in the country. Its design was inspired by the Petit Palais in Paris.

To admire the exterior and take photographs, any time is good, although sunset and nighttime, when the opera house is illuminated, are particularly spectacular. If you plan to attend a performance, I suggest avoiding the rainy season (May to October) for a more comfortable experience getting around the city, although performances take place year-round. Prices may vary during the high season (November to April).

Given its age, accessibility at the Saigon Opera House may be limited. While there are ramps in the surrounding area and some sections may be accessible, it is advisable to contact the theater directly before your visit if you have specific mobility needs, to make sure they can accommodate you as well as possible. They are usually very helpful.

You are in the heart of the city, so there is plenty nearby. Just a short walk away you will find Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Saigon Central Post Office, both colonial architectural gems. Ho Chi Minh City Hall and the shopping street Dong Khoi are also within easy walking distance, ideal for a stroll after the theater.

Of course. For the best experience, I recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially if you want to see the popular A O Show, as tickets sell out quickly. Dress smart but comfortably, and consider dining at one of the many excellent restaurants around Dong Khoi before or after the performance. And don't forget your camera to capture the beauty of the exterior!