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

Saigon Opera House is one of the finest examples of 19th-century French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built to stage plays and operas for the entertainment of French troops stationed in the city.

The Saigon Opera House was designed by architect Felix Olivier and its construction was supervised by architects Ernest Guichard and Eugene Ferret. It was built between 1898 and 1900. The theater was damaged by the allied bombs of World War II. After the victory of the forces of the Viet Minh in Dien Bien Phu, it became the temporary shelter for French families fleeing North Vietnam. The theater was renovated to house the lower house of parliament of South Vietnam in 1955. Its function as a performing arts venue was restored after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Extensive restorations were carried out in 1998 by the Municipal Government as part of the celebrations of the 300th anniversary of Saigon.

Visitors are greeted by two white female statues at the gate. The stairs are lined with ornate chandeliers and bronze statues. There is a main seating floor with two upper floors. The theater can seat an audience of 1800 people. Today, the Saigon Opera House is the venue for Jazz concerts, operas, traditional Vietnamese dances, and ballet performances.

Why You Should Visit:
Attending a show here is a great evening out, as you get a welcome drink as well as a tour of the beautiful Opera House before the performance. Definitely worth the price of a ticket.

Tip:
If you pre-book online they have some specials that include free dinner with the purchase of mid-priced tickets.