Thang Long Water Puppet Show: A Unique Vietnamese Cultural Experience in the Heart of Hanoi

Water puppetry is a renowned form of traditional stage art in Vietnam. Many visitors to Hanoi seek the chance to witness a water puppet show firsthand, to truly experience the beauty of this long-standing cultural tradition.

Water puppetry dates back to the 11th century and originated in the rural villages of the Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam. Today, Vietnamese water puppetry is recognized as a unique art form among Asia’s traditional puppet arts. In the past, when rice fields were flooded, villagers would entertain each other using this special style of puppetry. Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in the traditions of an agricultural society, especially wet rice cultivation.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is the only traditional venue in Vietnam that offers daily performances throughout the year. For many years, the theatre has played an important role in promoting this unique cultural “specialty” – rich in folk artistry – to both domestic and international audiences.

Discover the magic of Vietnamese Water Puppetry (Image source: Internet)

I. Overview of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Located in the heart of Hanoi, right next to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a famous venue where visitors can enjoy a unique traditional Vietnamese art form – water puppetry. While puppetry exists in many countries, water puppetry is a cultural specialty found only in Vietnam.

Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Capacity: 300 seats

Suitable for: All age groups

Language: Vietnamese

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Image source: Internet)

II. Showtimes and ticket information at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

2.1. Showtimes

Monday to Saturday: 13:45, 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30, 20:00, 21:15

Sunday: 09:30, 13:45, 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30, 20:00, 21:15

Please note that showtimes are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the theatre's official website before visiting. Be sure to collect your ticket and arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance begins.

2.2. Ticket Prices

Ticket prices are divided into three categories based on seat location:

Standard (back row): 100,000 VND / person

Regular (middle row): 150,000 VND / person

VIP (front row near the stage): 200,000 VND / person

Ticket classes of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater (Image source: Internet)

Note: There is an additional fee if you bring recording equipment.

Camera: 20,000 VND per device

Video camera: 60,000 VND per device

2.3. How to buy tickets

Offline: Purchase directly at the theatre's ticket counter

Online: Via the official website https://nhahatmuaroithanglong.vn/ or ticket platforms such as Klook, etc.

III. History of Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre was originally founded in October 1969 under the name Kim Dong Art Troupe, with the aim of performing dry-land puppet shows for children in Hanoi.

Explore traditional Vietnamese art at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre – a top-rated Hanoi attraction (Image source: Internet)

Over nearly half a century of growth, the theatre has experienced both highs and lows. There were even times when it faced the risk of closure due to a decline in public interest in water puppetry. However, thanks to the dedication of passionate artists and appropriate investment from the government, this traditional art form has been successfully revived and preserved. The theatre has continually improved both its facilities and performance quality, serving both domestic and international tourists.

After more than 20 years of development, the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre has become the leading brand in Vietnamese water puppetry. It has earned numerous prestigious awards at both national and international puppetry festivals. Most notably, the theatre has proudly brought this unique traditional art to audiences in over 40 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, leaving a lasting cultural impression around the world.

IV. Signature Performances at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

As a major cultural attraction in Hanoi, welcoming both local and international visitors 365 days a year, Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre has developed a wide variety of captivating shows in different styles and themes. These performances reflect Vietnam’s cultural evolution and are considered true treasures of national heritage.

The Traditional Water Puppet Program presented by Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre is selected from over 400 folk performances, skillfully performed by experienced artists. Here are some of the most notable acts:

4.1. Teu giao tro

Teu is a humorous character who appears throughout the show. He freely comments or jokes about anyone or anything, often acting as the narrator and a bridge between the audience and the puppet characters.

Check-in with the character Teu in the "Teu giao tro"play (Image source: Internet)

4.2. Mua Rong, Mua Phuong (Dragon and Phoenix dance)

The dragon is regarded as a sacred creature and the ancestor of the Vietnamese people. The phoenix, often seen in pairs (male: Phượng, female: Loan), symbolizes faithful and harmonious love. Their graceful dance represents the deep affection and loyalty between husband and wife.

The unique performances at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Image source: Internet)

4.3. Chan trau, thoi sao (Buffalo Herding and Flute Playing)

This scene depicts the peaceful rural life of Vietnamese villages. A young boy herds his buffalo and plays the flute by the riverbank, evoking nostalgia and love for one’s homeland, especially for those far from home.

Buffalo Herding and Flute Playing performance (Image source: Internet)

4.4. Nong nghiep, cay cay (Rice Farming and Agricultural Life)

This act illustrates the daily life of Vietnamese farmers—plowing, planting, harvesting, and irrigating. It celebrates the hardworking spirit of Vietnam’s agrarian society.

The scene of hard work is realistically recreated at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater (Image source: Internet)

4.5. Vinh quy bai to

In ancient Vietnam, once every three years, royal examinations were held. Those who passed returned to their hometowns in grand processions to pay respect to their ancestors and community. This performance honors the traditional Vietnamese respect for education and intellectual achievement.

Thang Long Water Puppetry Theater attracts many tourists to watch the show with impressive performances (Image source: Internet)

4.6. Nhi dong hy thuy (Children playing in water)

A group of playful children swim and frolic in the river, filling the scene with energy and joy. This act captures the cheerful summer moments of rural childhood in Northern Vietnam.

"Nhi dong hy thuy" Water Puppetry Performance at the Theater (Image source: Internet)

4.7. Le Loi du thuyen (King Le Loi’s royal cruise)

Based on the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, this act tells the story of national hero Le Loi, who led a 10-year resistance war (1418–1427) against foreign invaders. After victory, he became king in 1428. While boating on a lake, the golden turtle god surfaced and asked for the return of the magical sword. The king obeyed, and the lake became known as Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), now a landmark in Hanoi.

The story "Le Loi returns the sword" recreates the heroic historical legend of the nation (Image source: Internet)

4.8. Dua thuyen (Boat Racing)

A festive activity in Vietnamese culture, traditional boat races are held during village festivals to celebrate community spirit, strength, and teamwork. The performance portrays the exciting and competitive atmosphere of this time-honored tradition.

Boat Racing Performance (Image source: Internet)

4.9. Mua Lan (Unicorn Dance)

The unicorn is a mythical creature believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Its dance is a symbolic wish for happiness, peace, and a bountiful life.

Attractive and engaging performances at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Image source: Internet)

4.10. Mua Tien (Dance of the Fairies)

Inspired by the Vietnamese creation myth of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, this performance recalls the birth of the Vietnamese people. They gave birth to 100 sons from a sacred egg sac—50 followed their mother to the mountains, and 50 went to the sea with their father. This act symbolizes harmony and the desire for a peaceful, noble life.

Fairy Dance – A puppet show reflecting the people's wish to live in peace and holiness (Image source: Internet)

4.11. Mua Tu Linh (Dance of the Four Sacred Animals)

The Four Holy Creatures—Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix—represent prosperity, good fortune, fidelity, and longevity. Their dance illustrates the spiritual beliefs of Vietnamese people and the harmony of heaven and earth.

One of the top water puppet shows at Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre in Hanoi (Image source: Internet)

V. Other Water Puppet Theatres in Hanoi

While Thang Long Theatre is the most popular, Hanoi is also home to other venues that showcase this unique art:

Lotus Water Puppet Theatre

Address: 16 Le Thai To Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam National Water Puppet Theatre

Address: 361 Truong Chinh Street, Khuong Trung Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Canh Dieu Water Puppet Theatre

Address: 19B Ngoc Ha Street, Doi Can Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam

VI. Attractions Near Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thanks to its central location in Hanoi, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is an ideal cultural stop during your trip. From here, you can easily explore many of the city’s iconic landmarks:

Ceramic Mosaic Mural Road

Ba Kieu Temple

Hoa Lo Prison 

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hanoi Old Quarter

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