Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, is a vibrant cultural hub where traditional and contemporary performances thrive. For travelers seeking entertainment beyond sightseeing, the city offers an array of spectacular shows that showcase Vietnam’s artistic heritage. These performances not only entertain but also provide an immersive cultural experience, bringing Vietnam’s traditions, history, and modern creativity to life. Here is a selection of the best shows in Ho Chi Minh City that you should not miss.
1. A O Show – Acrobatics and Vietnamese culture
- Location: Saigon Opera House, 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, District 1
- Time: The show performs based on schedule at 18:00 and 20:30
- Price: $30 – $70 per person
- Booking: Online or at the venue
A O Show is an internationally acclaimed performance that creatively portrays Vietnam’s transformation from rural villages to bustling cities. Using bamboo props, breathtaking acrobatics, and evocative storytelling, this production takes audiences on a journey through the country’s evolution.
A O Show.
The magic of A O Show lies in its fusion of contemporary dance and traditional music. Performers balance on bamboo poles, execute gravity-defying stunts, and depict everyday life with grace and humor. Live traditional music enhances the experience, creating a nostalgic and exhilarating atmosphere. This show is a must-see for those looking to experience the artistic soul of Vietnam.
2. Teh Dar – Tribal performances
- Location: Saigon Opera House, 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, District 1
- Time: Scheduled performances throughout the year
- Price: $30 – $70 per person
- Booking: Online or at the venue
Teh Dar is a mesmerizing cultural performance inspired by the indigenous tribes of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This show brings to life the tribal spirit through dramatic storytelling, traditional music, and breathtaking acrobatics.
A key highlight of Teh Dar is its use of authentic tribal instruments such as gongs and bamboo percussion, combined with daring aerial stunts and fire performances. The performers’ agility and skill make for a visually stunning and emotionally moving experience, while the powerful drum beats and dynamic performances transport audiences to the heart of Vietnam’s indigenous culture.
The atmosphere of the Central Highlands is recreated by the gong sounds in the Teh Dar show.
3. The Mist – Contemporary dance journey
- Location: Saigon Opera House, 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, District 1
- Time: According to schedule
- Price: $30 – $70 per person
- Booking: Online or at the venue
The Mist is a mesmerizing contemporary dance performance that beautifully depicts the lives of Vietnamese farmers. Through graceful movements and symbolic storytelling, the show pays homage to rural traditions, daily rituals, and the deep connection between people and nature.
The Mist
Among the many shows in Ho Chi Minh City, The Mist stands out for its deep cultural and artistic expression. The expressive choreography, combined with stunning visual effects and live traditional music, creates an emotional and immersive experience. The show captures the essence of Vietnam’s rural landscape with its storytelling. From the golden rice fields to the hardworking farmers, the show is a poignant and culturally rich performance.
4. Water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
- Location: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1
- Time: Multiple shows daily
- Price: $7 – $15 per person
- Booking: Online or at the ticket counter
A visit to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a traditional water puppet show. This ancient Vietnamese art form, dating back over a thousand years, is brought to life at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater.
During the performance, wooden puppets glide over a water stage, depicting folk tales, rural life, and legendary stories. Accompanied by live traditional music, the show offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s storytelling traditions. The humorous and touching stories captivate audiences of all ages, making it one of the most popular shows in Ho Chi Minh City.
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
5. Ho Chi Minh City traditional music performances
- Location: Various venues in District 1
- Time: According to schedule, often on weekends
- Price: Free or small contribution to the performers
- Booking: Not required
For those interested in Vietnam’s musical heritage, Ho Chi Minh City hosts traditional music performances featuring ca tru, hat boi, and other Vietnamese folk music genres. You can see performances like this anywhere. They can be on the streets, in cultural spaces, or even at historical sites throughout Ho Chi Minh City. These intimate shows showcase ancient instruments such as the dan bau (monochord) and dan tranh (zither), performed by skilled musicians dressed in traditional attire.
Visitors are introduced to unique Vietnamese musical instruments by artists at TrucMai Music House.
Traditional music performances are some of the most immersive shows in Ho Chi Minh City for those interested in the country’s artistic heritage. The poetic lyrics and soulful melodies transport audiences through Vietnam’s rich musical history. The intricate sounds of the instruments, combined with the performers’ deep understanding of tradition, make these concerts a profound cultural experience.
Saigon Opera House – A grand venue for cultural performances
Beyond hosting some of the most iconic shows in Ho Chi Minh City like A O Show, The Mist, and Teh Dar, the Saigon Opera House itself is a landmark worth visiting. With its French colonial architecture and grand interiors, it serves as a hub for classical music, ballet, and international performances.
The historic venue adds a touch of elegance to your cultural experience in Ho Chi Minh City. Even if you don’t catch a performance, a guided tour of the Opera House will offer insight into its architectural beauty and historical significance.
Experience best shows in Ho Chi Minh City
Attending these spectacular shows in Ho Chi Minh City is an incredible way to explore Vietnam’s cultural heritage. From traditional performances to contemporary dance and acrobatics, Ho Chi Minh City has everything to offer. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to secure your spot and enjoy an evening of breathtaking performances.
Looking to experience more of Vietnam’s cultural wonders? Join our curated tours with Paradise Travel and discover the country’s artistic and heritage-rich treasures!
Read more: The Best Shows in Hanoi You Should Not Miss
