Located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Opera House offers you a striking encounter with French Colonial architecture. Completed in 1900 as the Opéra de Saïgon, this municipal landmark was designed by architect Félix Olivier and inspired by the flamboyant style of the French Third Republic.
When you stand outside, you will admire a grand façade shaped like Paris's Petit Palais, embellished with restored inscriptions and intricate relief work. Over the decades, the building has endured a dramatic history: it suffered damage from Allied aerial attacks in 1944, briefly sheltered civilians, and famously served as the seat of South Vietnam's National Assembly before returning to its original purpose as a theatre in 1976.
Inside, the intimate 500-seat auditorium features a main floor and two upper seating levels, with décor and furnishings originally drawn by French artists. Whether you come to marvel at its architectural heritage, appreciate its restored historical details, or enjoy a performance, visiting this enduring icon provides a unique window into Vietnam's past.
What to see at Saigon Opera House
- French Colonial architecture inspired by the Petit Palais in France
- Restored exterior façade featuring historic inscriptions and decorative reliefs
- Intimate 500-seat auditorium spread across a main floor and two upper tiers
- Rich historical background, having served as South Vietnam's National Assembly
Visiting tips
Take time to admire the intricate exterior details on the restored façade before heading inside to enjoy a performance.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime or evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Saigon Opera House is easy to reach on Ho Chi Minh City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide.
See the full Ho Chi Minh City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.