A O Show
Bamboo, bodies, and urban motion.
The A O Show is a contemporary cultural performance that uses circus arts to explore Vietnam’s captivating shift from a tranquil rural village to a bustling modern city. The experience is one of pure sensory storytelling, from the sound of traditional music played on resonant bamboo instruments to the sight of acrobats scaling dynamic structures made of woven baskets. It is a performance defined by its physical grace, clever choreography and minimalist approach to chronicling a nation's soul.
The name of the performance, "A O Show", is derived from the sounds "À" and "Ố", representing the "Ah" of a villager's pastoral world and the "Oh" of urban surprise. The show masterfully uses traditional materials, especially bamboo and woven baskets, as its core artistic medium. This cultural foundation is reflected in the way these simple props are transformed on stage into boats, buildings and imaginative landscapes, telling a story of change that is uniquely Vietnamese.
Detailed Itinerary
🏢 Venue
The performance is held at the historic Saigon Opera House, an opulent French Colonial architectural icon located in Lam Son Square, District 1.
Before the Show
Arriving at the French colonial Saigon Opera House is an experience in itself. It is recommended to get there 20-30 minutes before the performance starts. This allows time to collect tickets, admire the ornate architecture of the lobby and find your seats without feeling rushed. The venue has a bar for pre-show refreshments. Note that a smart casual dress code is appreciated; avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts and flip-flops.
During the Performance
The show runs for approximately 60 minutes without an intermission. The narrative is entirely non-verbal, relying on the physical feats of the performers, live music and intricate lighting to tell its story. The performance chronicles the contrast between rural life and urbanization through acrobatics, contemporary dance and creative choreography centered around bamboo props. A strict no-photography and no-video policy is enforced to maintain the integrity of the experience for all guests.
After the Show
Once the performance concludes, the cast often gathers in the main lobby. This is the designated time for photo opportunities with the performers, who are usually still in costume. Exiting the historic theater back into the vibrant, modern energy of nighttime Saigon provides a real-world echo of the show's central theme.
Costs & Booking
🎫 Ticket prices
Ticket prices are tiered based on the seating zone. Booking online in advance, especially during peak season, is highly recommended.
- [Aah!] Zone: 800,000 VND ~ $32 USD.
- [Ooh!] Zone: 1,250,000 VND ~ $50 USD.
- [Wow!] Zone: 1,750,000 VND ~ $70 USD.
Is this for you?
❤️ Who Will Love This?:
- The Culture Enthusiast: An ideal experience for anyone who appreciates contemporary dance, physical theater and an artistic interpretation of a country's heritage that goes beyond a typical museum visit.
- The Design & Architecture Admirer: The setting within the magnificent, French-colonial Saigon Opera House is a significant part of the experience, offering a rare glimpse inside one of the city's most elegant historic buildings.
- Families with Older Children: The engaging, non-verbal storytelling and impressive acrobatics make it an accessible and memorable cultural night out for teenagers and older kids who can appreciate a theatrical performance.
💔 Who Might Not?:
- The Budget Backpacker: With tickets starting around $32 USD, this is a premium experience by local standards. Travelers on a very strict budget may find it prohibitively expensive compared to other activities in the city.
- The Action Seeker: This is a graceful and artistic show, not a high-octane spectacle. Those expecting a traditional circus with loud, grand stunts might find the performance's pace more measured and contemplative.
- Travelers with Toddlers: The requirement for quiet attention throughout the 60-minute performance can be a significant challenge for very young children.
Tips from locals
Local tips
🎟️ Book your tickets directly from the official Lune Production website. This ensures you get the most accurate pricing and seating availability while avoiding potential markups from third-party resellers.
🪑 The "[Ooh!]" (middle tier) seats generally offer the best balance of value and viewing perspective. While the "[Wow!]" seats are closest to the stage, the mid-tier section provides a more comprehensive view of the entire performance and its large-scale choreography.
⏰ Arrive at least 20 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin. The venue has a strict policy for latecomers and you may be denied entry or have to wait for a suitable break in the performance to be seated. Arriving early also gives you time to appreciate the building's architecture.
Be aware
📸 The no-photography and no-video rule during the performance is strictly enforced by staff. They will intervene if they see you using a device which can be disruptive for you and the audience around you. Save your picture-taking for the meet-and-greet with the cast in the lobby after the show.
👶 The show's abstract narrative and need for quiet observation may not be suitable for very young children or toddlers. While families are welcome, consider if the 60-minute runtime is a good fit for your child's attention span.
FAQs
What is the A O Show about?
The A O Show is a non-verbal performance that uses bamboo circus arts, acrobatics and dance to tell the story of Vietnam's transition from a peaceful rural village to a modern, urbanized society.
How long is the A O Show?
The performance lasts approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.
Where is the A O Show in Ho Chi Minh City?
It is performed at the historic Saigon Opera House, located at 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
How much do tickets for the A O Show cost?
Ticket prices start from 800,000 VND (~$32 USD) for standard [Aah!] Zone seats and go up to 1,750,000 VND (~$70 USD) for premium [Wow!] Zone seats.
What are the different seating classes?
There are three main tiers: [Aah!] (standard, on the upper balcony), [Ooh!] (middle, on the main floor) and [Wow!] (premium, closest to the stage).
Is there a dress code for the Saigon Opera House?
Yes, a smart casual dress code is recommended. Visitors should avoid wearing shorts, tank tops and flip-flops out of respect for the historic venue.
Can I take photos or videos during the show?
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited during the performance. There is usually a photo opportunity with the cast in the lobby after the show.
Is the show suitable for children?
The show is visually engaging and suitable for families with older children and teenagers. However, it may not hold the attention of toddlers or very young children due to the 60-minute runtime and need for quiet.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during the tourist high season, as performances can sell out. Booking online through the official website is the most reliable method.
What time should I arrive for the show?
It is best to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before the scheduled start time to allow for ticket collection, finding your seat and soaking in the atmosphere of the Opera House.
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