Located right on Opera Square in downtown Haiphong, the Haiphong Opera House—also known as the Municipal Theatre—offers you a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s architectural and political history. Opened in 1912 on the former site of an old market, this neoclassical landmark was crafted by a French architect who deliberately copied the designs and materials of Paris’s iconic Palais Garnier. As you explore the exterior and surrounding square, you are standing on ground deeply tied to the nation's independence movement.
In August 1945, the theatre hosted the Viet Minh’s first public meeting in Haiphong. Shortly after, in November 1946, it became a dramatic battleground when 39 Viet Minh fighters and staff defended the building against French forces for three days and nights. Originally built to serve the French colonial population with performances by touring European opera stars, the venue evolved following the departure of the French.
Today, it stands as a hub for local art forms. When visiting, you can appreciate a space that has hosted traditional Sino-Vietnamese hát tuồng opera, Vietnamese hát chèo drama, cải lương folk musicals, and neotraditional Vietnamese-Western concerts. It is a must-see piece of living history right in the heart of Haiphong.
What to see at Haiphong Opera House
- Neoclassical architecture modeled after the famous Palais Garnier in Paris
- Historic location on Opera Square in Downtown Haiphong, opened in 1912
- Site of the 1945 Viet Minh public meeting and a historic 1946 battle
- Performance history featuring traditional genres like hát tuồng, hát chèo, cải lương, and ca trù
Visiting tips
Take time to admire the building's exterior details on Opera Square, where French colonial design meets pivotal twentieth-century historical events.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Haiphong Opera House is easy to reach on Haiphong’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Haiphong travel guide.
See the full Haiphong travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.