January
26.9°C ~ 80°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Saigon Opera House
A French colonial theatre of 1900 on Dong Khoi, best seen from the outside or at a show.
- Location
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Time needed
- 15 – 30 min
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Dec – Apr
Overview
The Saigon Opera House, also called the Municipal Theatre, was completed in 1900 in French colonial style. It stands at the top of Dong Khoi street, close to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Hotel Continental, and it is still used for concerts, ballet and the well-known A O Show.
Most visitors enjoy the facade from the square. To see the inside, buy a ticket for a performance. It is an easy stop on a walk around District 1.
Highlights
- The ornate colonial facade
- A show inside the hall
- Dong Khoi shopping street
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street nearby
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Exterior always visible. Interior only during performances; check the programme. |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free to see from outside Inside: by performance ticket only (prices vary by show; check the box office) |
| Time needed | 15 – 30 min outside; 1 – 2 hours for a show |
| Best time of day | Evening, when it is lit |
| Good for | Architecture fans, evening strolls, couples |
| Accessibility | Open square outside; steps at the entrance |
| Facilities | Cafes and restaurants nearby |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City by month.
February
27.6°C ~ 82°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
28.6°C ~ 83°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.3°C ~ 85°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.8°C ~ 84°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
27.7°C ~ 82°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.9°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.7°C ~ 80°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
26.8°C ~ 80°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.5°C ~ 80°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Ho Chi Minh City centre
In central District 1, a short walk from Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
- Saigon Opera House
Tips before you go
- Check the programme for shows
- Book popular performances early
- Combine with a walk down Dong Khoi
- Dress smartly for evening shows
Location
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs
Can I go inside the Saigon Opera House?
Only with a ticket to a performance. The outside is free to see.
Where is it?
At the top of Dong Khoi street in District 1.
Is it near other sights?
Yes, Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Notre-Dame Cathedral are close.
Destination guideHo Chi Minh City travel guideSouth Vietnam · 15 attractions