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Saigon Opera House: A Vietnamese Icon of French Flamboyance

Ho Chi Minh City, named after an iconic Vietnamese hero who served both as President and Prime Minister of the country, is the largest city in Vietnam. Known fondly as the Gateway to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly the capital of a French colony and called ‘Saigon”. This colonial heritage is seen even in modern times in the form of the architectural styles of the buildings in the city and one such iconic example is the Saigon Opera House.

Also known by the name of Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, the Opera House is reminiscent of bygone times, both in its name and architecture. Upon sight, the theatre transports viewers and visitors to France thanks to its distinct structural and architectural design that makes reference to the construction style of the Petit Palais in France. Coincidentally, both the Opera House and the Petit Palais were built in the same year and its existence continues to thrill tourists as they are often prompted to make a delightful reference to its western inspiration. This eight hundred seat theatre was designed by Eugene Ferret in the year 1897 and was named ‘Opera de Saigon’. This ostentatious design was the height of flamboyance, particularly during the colonial rule, especially when contrasted with the simple lifestyle of the Vietnamese and indeed, it was this flamboyance that eventually lead to the building being used as the seat of the Lower House of the country in 1955 before it was later restored to its original purpose twenty years later, as the Saigon Opera House.

This theatre is then one of the more iconic destinations in any tourist’s itinerary and indeed, its lavish grandiosity will certainly merit a visit. For tourists visiting the area a Serviced Apartment Ho Chi Minh will be a wonderful choice in terms of accommodation that allows them the flexibility and convenience when residing in Vietnam for a short duration. When so selecting Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City Central Business District, opting for one that provides convenience in terms of accessing tourist attractions will certainly improve the quality of your vacation. Somerset Ho Chi Minh City, located in the prestigious locale of District 1, is one such choice that is situated within walking distance of many attractions such as the Museum, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens as well as a number of shopping malls, bookstores and spas.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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