HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism has proposed two new tourism packages involving the historical Opera House.

The proposal follows the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s decision to organise regular shows for tourists at the venue.

Nguyễn Văn Tuấn, director of the administration, suggested a tour of the art show at the Opera House, which would last for 45 minutes to one hour.

The second tour for 5-6 hours includes visits to the Old Quarter, Museum of National History, Museum of Vietnamese Women or Museum of Việt Nam’s Fine Arts (depending on the guests’ choice), a meal at a local restaurant and a show at the Opera House, he said.

Regular shows of traditional performing arts will be run on trial at the Opera House in March and from April tickets will be sold.

Phạm Đình Thắng, deputy head of the ministry’s Performing Arts Department, proposed that the Opera House have a professional team of guides, who can introduce historical, cultural and architectural aspects of the venue.

The tours will be organised mostly in the mornings and some in the afternoons, ensuring there is adequate time for creative performances at the House at night.

Since last August, the ministry has run regular high quality shows of theatrical arts at the House by artists from leading art troupes in the city. This year, the shows will be organised at the venue on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Dubbed a miniature of the Opera Garnier in Paris, the Hà Nội Opera House was built in 1911 by the French. It has been assessed as one of the most beautiful buildings in Southeast Asia. The House is now the most opulent building in Hà Nội, and houses major events, meetings, and high-class performances by domestic and world troupes. — VNS