Saigon Opera House (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Saigon Opera House?
What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: Solo travelers can tour the ornate interior or book an affordable seat for ballet, symphony, or the A O Show, and they do not require child facilities or companions, so suitability is very high.
Positives:
- English program notes: Brochures and show notes include English translations for easy solo planning.
- Solo seating: You can reserve single seats online without needing a group booking.
Challenges:
- Limited tour hours: Hall visits run only at set times. Plan around show schedules to avoid waiting.
- Stair access: The auditorium is reached by stairs. Carrying large bags may be awkward.
What is Saigon Opera House?
- A 19th-century French colonial opera house in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City
- Seat of the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra, hosting opera, ballet, and symphonic works
- Beaux-Arts landmark distinguished by Corinthian columns, sculptural friezes, and a verdigris copper roof
What is so special about Saigon Opera House for solo trip?
- Self-guided walk around an ornate 19th-century French-colonial façade
- Tour the historic main hall and small exhibitions at your own pace
- Attend the one-hour “A O Show” for a solo cultural performance
- Enjoy English signage and dedicated solo seating options
- Plan for rainy-season showers and scheduled tour times
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to tour the main hall, browse exhibits, and catch a short performance.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Saigon Opera House
Exterior stroll at Lam Son Square:
Walk around the opera house to admire the 1898 French-colonial façade.
Tip: Visit at dusk when floodlights highlight the arches. Stand in the square’s center for symmetrical photos.
Main hall & exhibition:
Enter with a general admission ticket to see the original stage, chandeliers, and small displays.
Tip: Check box office times and buy the 120,000 VND ticket in advance to guarantee entry.
“A O Show” by Lune Productions:
Enjoy a one-hour blend of acrobatics, dance, bamboo props, and live Vietnamese folk music.
Tip: Book the ‘Aah’ zone (≈800,000 VND) online early to secure a good solo seat.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Saigon Opera House
- Book early online: Reserve both hall and show tickets online to skip box office lines and choose aisle seats.
- Arrive before dusk: Get to Lam Son Square 15 minutes before sunset for the best exterior lighting.
Reviews of Saigon Opera House
Richard A Francisco
Featuring grand colonial french architecture, the Saigon Opera house is where cultural events take place. This is a functional building and is still regularly used for shows. The facade is beautiful and is a popular spot for photos
Google Lum
Came here in August recently. Impressive from outside. Nice to walk along the street in this area. There are other impressive buildings along the way other than the Independence Palace such as the post office and statue of Ho Chi Minh. Also happened to came across a book street.
Lawrence Chen
was lucky to bump into a performance during the travel so attended it at the night we discovered it. It's a bit old but still beautiful, sounds barriers could be improved though, sometimes you can hear the honking of cars from outside. Seats are cozy too. Overall lovely experience.
Penny Gaffney
Beautiful building in the city central of Saigon. The AO bamboo show is hosting at the Saigon Opera house so you can go see the show and see the inside of the Opera house. The show is very skill and fun to watch. I always see some wedding photos shoot when I go pass the Opera house.
Huong Le
Attending the A O Show at the iconic Ho Chi Minh City Opera House was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Saigon. The venue itself is stunning — a beautifully preserved French colonial building, elegant yet intimate, right in the heart of the city. The show was nothing short of magical. Through acrobatics, contemporary dance, and live traditional music, it told a wordless yet deeply...
When is the best time to visit Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)?
From May to October, expect heavy afternoon rains. Carry a compact umbrella and leave extra travel time. Show times may shift during national holidays.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Main hall & exhibition ticket | VND 120,000 |
| “A O Show” ticket (Aah zone) | VND 800,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 920,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Saigon Opera House
Address: 07 Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 710212, Vietnam
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About Saigon Opera House
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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