Hanoi Opera House: A Timeless Icon of Vietnam's Capital

Overview 

Built in the early 20th century during the French colonial period, it harmoniously blends French neoclassical and Vietnamese cultural influences.

• Address: No. 01 Trang Tien street, Hoan Kiem district
• Opening Hours: 06:30 to 17:00.
• Price Ticket: US $12/person

The Historic Hanoi Opera House

Things To Do When Visiting Hanoi Opera House

Attend A Performance

Hanoi Opera House is one of the most artistic performance venues in the capital city. It has a rich history of hosting a variety of cultural events, including classical music concerts, traditional Vietnamese operas, ballet performances, etc.

You can check out the main website of Hanoi Opera House to see show schedules and book tickets for unique, unforgettable shows.

The Amazing Performances Will Leave You Impressed

Experience The Hanoi Opera House Tour

The tour takes you through the grand main lobby, the elegant T-shaped staircase, the enchanting auditorium, the alluring Mirror room, and more. You can have the experience of sitting in VIP seats and immerse yourself in a treasure trove of historical documents, vintage photographs, and intricately hand-painted theater designs. 

You can book a Hanoi Opera House Tour Combined with Art Performances:

Ticket Price	Around US $16.3/person
Duration	90 minutes/tour
Maximum Group Size	250 people/tour
Available Time	Tuesdays to Fridays: 10:30 to 12:00

Or you can explore the Hanoi Opera House Tour only:

Ticket Price	Around US $4.9/person
Duration	70 minutes/tour
Maximum Group Size	20 people/tour
Available Time	Mondays to Sundays: 10:30 to 12:00

The Incredible Architecture Inside Hanoi Opera House

Try Vietnamese Foods

Hanoi Opera House is located right in the famous Hoan Kiem District. Therefore, after exploring the Hanoi Opera House, you can walk around and enjoy the following authentic Vietnamese dishes:

Pho

• Suggested place to eat: 61 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District.
• Price range: around US $1.3.

You can savor a steaming bowl of pho with savory broth and your choice of beef or chicken, accompanied by fresh herbs and rice noodles.

Pho - The Most Famous Vietnamese Cuisine

Banh Mi

• Suggested place to eat: 57C Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District.
• Price range: around US $0.6.

You can try the delicious Vietnamese banh mi, a tasty bread with flavorful meats, fresh veggies and sauces. It's a must-try treat that captures the essence of Vietnam's food scene.

Banh Mi

Bun Rieu

• Suggested place to eat: 123 Phu Doan Street, Hoan Kiem District.
• Price range: around US $1.4.

Bun Rieu is a flavorful Vietnamese crab noodle soup. This restaurant serves up this delectable dish with a rich broth, vermicelli noodles, and fresh crab meat. 

Bun Rieu Cua

Bun Dau Met

• Suggested place to eat: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District.
• Price range: around US $1.4.

Bun Dau is a Vietnamese dish featuring vermicelli noodles, crispy deep-fried tofu and shrimp paste, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Bun Dau Met

How To Get There

Traditional Taxi

There are some popular taxi brands that you can call: 

Brand & Contact	Price (Per Kilometer)
Mai Linh Taxi (02438333333)	US $0.4 - $0.7
Thanh Long Taxi (02439717171)	US $0.2 - $0.6
Taxi Group (02438262626)	US $0.4 - $0.7
ABC Taxi (02437191919)	Around US $0.5

Advantages: There are many taxis running around the streets of Hanoi and you can easily take them right away. 

Tips: You should have the address or location of your destination written down in Vietnamese. Ensure the kilometer counter is running and insist on using it to avoid fare disputes.

Taxi On App

It is convenient and quite popular in Vietnam to book a taxi on these apps: Grab, Be, Gojek, Xanh SM, etc. Here are the main steps that you should follow:

• First, you need to download 1 of the above apps and register for your account. 
• Then, pick up the location, destination and select your vehicle type.

Advantages: You can easily book a ride anytime, anywhere with just a few taps on your smartphone. The app provides the cost of the ride in advance. And it’s also easier for foreigners to pay through the app.

Tips: Before getting into the car, check the driver’s information and license plate number to ensure you are entering the correct vehicle.

Bus

 

• Price: Around US $0.4

 

Advantages: Public buses are available throughout the city at a very affordable price.

Tips: Tickets are usually purchased directly from the conductor on board, so make sure you have cash on hand. Buses don't always run on a strict schedule, so you may have to wait a little longer than expected.

Bus routes have stops near Hanoi Opera House are 02, 04, 09ACT, 34, 43, 49, 55A.

Bus - A Convenient Transportation

Motorbike Rental

• Price: Around US $4 to US $8 per day. 

Advantages: You can explore at your own pace.

Tips: Ensure you have the necessary permits and identification. International driver's licenses are typically required for motorbikes. You should examine the rented vehicle for any pre-existing damage and document it with the rental provider to avoid disputes later.

Bicycle Motorbike

Visit Nearby Places

After visiting the Hanoi Opera House, you can continue to immerse yourself in the beauty of Vietnam’s capital by visiting famous landmarks nearby. Below are some suggestions near Hanoi Opera House for you to explore:

St. Joseph's Cathedral

• Address: 40 Nha Chung Street, Hoan Kiem District.
• Opening hours: 

• Mondays to Saturdays from 08:00 to 11:00 and from 14:00 to 20:00.
• Sundays from 07:00 to 11:30 and from 15:00 to 21:00.

• Ticket price: Free.

St. Joseph's Cathedral with its twin spires, stained glass windows, and serene courtyard make it a peaceful and photogenic place to visit.

St Joseph's Cathedral

Trang Tien Plaza

• Address: 24 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District.
• Opening hours: 

• Mondays to Thursdays from 09:30 to 21:30.
• Fridays to Sundays from 09:30 to 22:00.

• Ticket price: Free.

This is a modern shopping center offering a mix of international and luxury brands. The plaza's glass beautifully reflects the Opera House, creating a blend of old and new architecture.

Trang Tien Plaza

Hoa Lo Prison

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District.
• Opening hours: Daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
• Ticket price: Around US $1.2. 

This infamous prison served as a prison during the Vietnam War and is now a museum that offers a glimpse into its dark history and the experiences of its inmates.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoan Kiem Lake

• Address: Located in the center of Hoan Kiem district, surrounded by three streets (Hang Khay, Le Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang).
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours to the public every day.
• Ticket price: Free.

This picturesque lake, surrounded by trees and The Huc Bridge, is a serene escape. The highlight is the Ngoc Son Temple on an islet in the lake, providing a sense of history and tranquility.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Local Tips When Exploring Hanoi Opera House

• Arrive Early: Arrive at the Opera House well in advance if you attend a performance. After 15 minutes, you may not be allowed to enter the auditorium until an appropriate break.
• Mobile Phones and Devices: Turn off your mobile phone or set it to silent mode during performances to avoid disruptions. Using a flashlight or camera flash is typically prohibited during the show.
• Respectful Behavior: Avoid talking or other distractions that may disrupt the performance. Show appreciation through applause at the appropriate times.
• Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.