Hanoi Opera House Theater

Address: Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

Website: http://hanoiopera.vn/

Hours: Box office and performances vary; typical hours depend on scheduled events

Admission: Ticket prices vary by performance; guided tours sometimes available (check box office)

Hanoi Opera House is a French colonial-era opera house in central Hanoi, Vietnam, modeled on the Palais Garnier in Paris and completed in the early 20th century. It is a major cultural venue for opera, ballet, concerts, and state events in Hanoi.

The interior houses an auditorium and stage facilities used by Vietnam National Opera and Ballet and other performing ensembles, while the exterior is a noted example of colonial architecture in the French Quarter.

The building was constructed during the French colonial period as the city’s principal theatre and has since remained a focal point for performing arts in Hanoi.

The opera house is located in Hoan Kiem district in central Hanoi, surrounded by French colonial-era streets and close to other downtown landmarks and government buildings.

• Architecture and viewing: The building is an example of French colonial civic architecture in Hanoi and is most easily appreciated from the exterior in the surrounding French Quarter streets.

The Hanoi Opera House is in the Hoàn Kiếm district near Hoan Kiem Lake. By taxi or motorbike taxi from the Old Quarter it is typically a 5-10 minute ride; several city bus lines stop within a short walk. Metro access (Line 2A/3A in development phases) may change approaches-use local guidance on the day.

• Buy tickets for performances well in advance-the Hanoi Opera House hosts limited-run ballets, operas and symphony concerts.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early to admire the French colonial interiors and to secure a good seat for the short but punchy musical pieces.
• Dress smart-casual for evening performances; box office staff enforce seating and ticketing strictly.