The Hanoi Opera House stands as a magnificent symbol of French colonial architectural influence and remains Vietnam’s foremost venue for classical concerts, operas, ballets, and traditional Vietnamese arts. Located conveniently in the city center, it is a key landmark in the French Quarter.
I. History & Architecture
Construction (1901–1911): Built during the French colonial period, the Hanoi Opera House was modeled after the Palais Garnier (the old Paris Opera House). It was initially a cultural hub for the French elite.
Architecture: The building is a stunning example of Neo-classical French architecture, featuring Gothic and Art Nouveau influences. Key features include the ornate façade, the grand entrance hall, lavish staircases, and the central auditorium with seats, decorated with Italian marble and French-style domes.
Cultural Significance: After Vietnam’s independence in , the Opera House became a national venue, hosting important political events and evolving into the central stage for promoting Vietnamese traditional and modern performing arts.
II. Visitor Experience & Activities
Architectural Sightseeing: Many tourists visit simply to admire the opulent exterior and interior design, capturing photographs of one of Hanoi’s most elegant buildings.
Guided Tours: Access to the interior is only possible through a ticketed tour or a performance.
Standard Tour: A -minute tour focusing on the history, architecture, and exhibition areas.
Tour + Performance: A -minute package that includes the tour followed by a short art show or performance, offering a richer cultural immersion.
Attending a Show: The best way to experience the Opera House is by attending an evening performance. The program features a diverse range of high-quality shows:
Western Classical Music and Opera
Ballet and Dance
Traditional Vietnamese Art (such as or Opera, and folk singing).
III. Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | No. 01 Tràng Tiền Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi. (Approx. 500 meters from Hoàn Kiếm Lake). |
| Interior Access | Only via a purchased tour ticket or a performance ticket. |
| General Tour Hours | Tours are generally available in the morning (10:30 AM−12:00 PM), though days and times vary (check local listings). |
| Standard Tour Fee | VND 120,000 per person (Approx. US$5). |
| Tour + Show Fee | VND 400,000 per person (Approx. US$16). |
| Performance Ticket Prices | Start from VND 300,000 and can exceed VND 1,500,000, depending on the show and seating. |
| General Contact | +84 24 3933 0131 (Box Office/Inquiries). |
IV. Dress Code & Tips
Dress Code: For sightseeing tours, smart casual attire is acceptable. For evening performances, a smart dress code is expected: avoid shorts, tank tops, sandals, and overly casual wear.
Booking: It is highly recommended to book performance tickets in advance, especially for popular shows, either online or directly at the box office.
Photography: Photography is usually prohibited during performances, and cell phones must be silenced. Check rules for specific tours.
Location: Its prime location makes it easy to walk to from the Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and the nearby Tràng Tiền Plaza.
