Water Puppet Show in Hanoi

Water Puppet Show in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

Water puppetry is a traditional form of performing art in Vietnam, where the puppets are controlled by puppeteers who stand in waist-deep water behind the stage. It is considered a cultural treasure of the nation and has been recognized as a cultural heritage by UNESCO. One of the most popular shows can be seen in Trang Long Theater in Hanoi.

The tickets range from 100,000 VND to 230,000 VND, depending on the proximity to the stage (if you don’t mind, take the closest ones as the puppets are tiny). We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. If you plan to attend the evening show, you should visit the theater's ticket office earlier in the day to secure your tickets, as they may sell out.

The show lasts 50 minutes, in which you will witness several acts about Vietnamese folk tales, legends, and daily life in rural villages. The performance is also accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music played on instruments such as drums, flutes, stringed instruments, and live singers.

Additionally, a narrator will give you a context of the acts. However, it’s in Vietnamese, so it’s recommendable to get one of the audio guides they offer for 50.000 VND. Bear in mind that while the audio guide will provide translation for the narrator, it may not cover all the dialogues that occur between the singers. Nevertheless, it is worth it.

It’s a must-do; the mix of puppetry, the aquatic stage, and the live music creates a unique atmosphere.

Comment if you have any question!