Saigon Opera House (Opéra de Saïgon) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Saigon Opera House. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Ho Chi Minh Night Tour by Motorbikes With Female Rider - KissTour

• Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by US Army Jeep

• Best of Private Ho Chi Minh City Shore Excursion From Cruise Port

• Saigon Afternoon City Historical Scooter Tour - Opt: Ao Dai Riders

• Ho Chi Minh City Private Tour Full Day With Lunch Included

Visiting the Saigon Opera House and seeing the exterior architecture is free, but tours of the city that include it on the itinerary are a popular way to visit with some context. Tours typically start at less than US$5 for a group walking tour, while half-day city tours by scooter or cyclo run from around US$15 to US$50. For a private or full-day experience, expect to pay upwards of US$70 per person.

Yes, the Saigon Opera House is worth visiting. Built by a French architect at the end of the 1800s, the building is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most striking colonial landmarks. You don't need a show ticket to enjoy it; its ornate facade alone is a great photo opportunity. A guided city tour by scooter, jeep, or on foot is a great way to see it alongside other top sights, with a local guide on hand to fill in the history.

Per one customer who booked the Ho Chi Minh City Private Tour Full Day With Lunch Included, "I learned so much about Vietnam's history from this tour. Our tour guide was very considerate and explained all the history behind the different parts of Ho Chi Minh City we visited. If this is your first time visiting Saigon, and you're interested in Vietnamese history, I highly recommend this tour."

The short answer is no; guided tours are not available at the Saigon Opera House, although bite-sized guided tours are sometimes offered before performances. The opera house is a common stop on city tours, though tour groups don’t venture inside. The exterior, of course, is worth appreciating.

The Saigon Opera House, aka Ho Chi Minh City Theater, was built in 1897. It’s an example of French colonial architecture and one of District 1's finest landmarks. The theater houses the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra and runs cultural shows like A O and Teh Dar.

No, there is not a strict dress code enforced at the Saigon Opera House. Still, show attendees are encouraged to dress in smart casual or semi-formal attire for performances at this historic facility. Not wearing casual clothing is recommended out of respect for the venue, culture, and occasion.

The Saigon Opera House doesn’t run its own ticketing facility and website; instead, its production houses do. For tickets to A O, the popular, long-running evening show at the opera house, visit Lune Production's website. You can also check out information from Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra.

The Saigon Opera House is centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. Visitors can take a taxi—Vinasun and Mai Linh are reputable options—utilize Grab (a ridesharing service), or drive, bike, or hail a xe om (motorbike taxi). The opera house is within walking distance of many city-center hotels.

Yes, visitors typically need a ticket to enter the Saigon Opera House—it’s rarely open during non-performance or rehearsal hours. Technically, you could peek inside before a performance, but you won’t get too far. Check the schedule and inquire about specific restrictions or guided tour opportunities at the venue.

There are many things to do when you're done visiting the Saigon Opera House. Travelers to Ho Chi Minh City recommend the following places:

• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

• Saigon Central Post Office

• Ben Thanh Market

• Jade Emperor Pagoda

• Thien Hau Temple

View Viator's guide to all the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.