Why to visit Water Puppet Show
A Water Puppet Show is one of the most unique cultural experiences you can have in Hanoi. Originating in northern Vietnam, this traditional performance combines puppetry, music, and water to tell stories of Vietnamese folklore, rural life, and history. The show is performed in a pool of water, with wooden puppets controlled by puppeteers hidden behind a screen. It’s a fun experience for all ages.
What’s Special
- Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that has been performed for centuries.
- The performances feature traditional music and tell stories about Vietnamese history, legends, and daily life.
- The puppets move across the water, creating an enchanting visual display that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Things to Do
- Watch a Performance: Attend a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre or another local venue.
- Learn About the History: Gain insights into the history of this unique art form, which dates back to the 11th century.
- Enjoy Traditional Music: Listen to the live music performed by musicians using traditional Vietnamese instruments such as dan bau (a one-stringed instrument) and dan tranh (a zither).
Unknown Facts
- Water puppetry began in the rice fields of northern Vietnam, where villagers would create the shows in flooded fields during the rainy season.
- The shows are often accompanied by live traditional music, and the stories told are based on legends, folklore, and rural life.
Entry Fee
- For Foreign Tourists: 100,000 VND (Approx. $4)
- For Locals: 60,000 VND (Approx. $2.50)
Timings
- Daily Performances: Between 3:30 PM to 9:15 PM in shifts (additional shows may be scheduled during peak tourist seasons)
Average Duration to Explore
- 45 min to 1 hour (show duration)
Distance from Key Locations
- From Hoan Kiem Lake: 0.5 km, about 5 minutes on foot.
- From Hanoi Railway Station: 1.5 km, about 10 minutes by car.
Nearby Tourist Spots
- Hoan Kiem Lake (0.5 km)
- Ngoc Son Temple (0.5 km)
