THANG LONG WATER PUPPET THEATRE

Enjoy a water puppet show with this skip-the-line ticket to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi. Discover a traditional art form that reflects the distinctive cultural identity of Vietnam.

Experience Hanoi’s fascinating ancient art of water puppetry with a ticket to a live show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.




Discover the charm of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a timeless Vietnamese tradition that has entertained audiences for over a thousand years. Originating in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta, this unique art form began as a creative way for villagers to share stories on water stages during floods. The 50-minute show brings to life scenes of rural life, from farming and fishing to celebrations and myths. Intricately designed wooden puppets move effortlessly across the water, controlled by skilled puppeteers using hidden rods beneath the surface. Each act captures the essence of Vietnam’s culture, blending history with storytelling. Adding to the experience is a live orchestra playing traditional Vietnamese instruments like bamboo flutes and drums, perfectly complementing the puppets’ movements and enhancing the narrative. If it's your first time in Vietnam, this performance is a delightful way to connect with the country’s cultural roots and enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is known for its mastery of traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, where lacquered puppets perform in a waist-deep pool of water, with live music and dramatic special effects. Enjoy a performance exclusively for your group when you book this private showing, available at a choice of four different times across the day.