Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Hanoi

Theatre in Hanoi

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Gryffindor

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is one of Hanoi's most beloved cultural venues, celebrating the ancient art of water puppetry that originated centuries ago in the Red River Delta. Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, the theater offers daily performances that bring Vietnamese folklore and village life to life through brightly painted puppets dancing across a water-filled stage. For travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences, it remains one of the must-see places in Hanoi.

This traditional performance style, known as Mua Roi Nuoc, was once staged in flooded rice paddies and village ponds, where puppeteers worked waist-deep in water to animate lacquered wooden puppets. Today, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater preserves this heritage in a modern setting, and it is often visited on walking tours of Hanoi's Old Quarter, with shows that delight audiences of all ages.

History and Significance of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Water puppetry has its roots in the rural communities of northern Vietnam during the 11th century. Farmers originally created these performances as entertainment during the flooding season, using water as a natural stage that masked the mechanisms controlling the puppets. Over time, the art form became a symbol of communal celebration, reflecting agricultural rhythms, village traditions, and oral storytelling.

Established to preserve this unique tradition, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater plays an important role in maintaining the craft amid modern cultural changes. Skilled puppeteers undergo years of training to master the complex movements, operating long bamboo poles and strings hidden beneath the water's surface. The theater has also helped popularize the art internationally, sending troupes to cultural festivals around the world.

Today, the venue draws both locals and tourists who appreciate the lively blend of music, movement, and folklore. Its continued success ensures that water puppetry remains a proud and thriving element of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage.

Things to See and Do in Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Attending a performance is the main attraction here, and each show lasts around an hour. The brightly coloured puppets reenact charming scenes from rural life-farmers tending their fields, fishermen casting nets, and children playing by the river-alongside dramatic legends such as the Dance of the Dragons, the Dance of the Fairies, and the Legend of the Restored Sword.

The puppets, carved from wood and coated in lacquer, glide effortlessly across the water, enhanced by clever lighting and water-based special effects. Behind the curtain, a team of skilled puppeteers works in perfect synchrony, manipulating the puppets using submerged rods to create the illusion of life.

Live traditional music accompanies every scene. The orchestra performs on classic Vietnamese instruments such as flutes, drums, and the dan bau, adding emotional depth and atmosphere to the storytelling. Although all narration and songs are in Vietnamese, the expressive movements of the puppets make the stories easy to follow and universally enjoyable. Cameras are permitted, and many visitors take home CDs or VCDs of the performance if provided with their tickets.

How to Get to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

The theater is centrally located near Hoan Kiem Lake, making it easy to reach for most visitors.

Travellers flying into the city will arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, roughly 30 kilometres from the center. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hanoi on Booking.com. Hanoi Railway Station is the nearest train hub, providing convenient access to the Old Quarter and the theater's location. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. If travelling by car or taxi, note that the surrounding streets can be busy before evening shows, but drop-off points are available nearby.

Practical Tips on Visiting Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

  • Suggested tips: Buy tickets in advance, especially for evening performances, as shows often sell out.
  • Best time to visit: Evening shows are the most atmospheric, with lively crowds and cooler temperatures.
  • Entrance fee:
  • Opening hours:
  • Official website: https://thanglongwaterpuppet.com/
  • How long to spend: Allow 1-1.5 hours for the full experience, including photography and browsing souvenirs.
  • Accessibility: Seating is generally accessible, though arriving early ensures better seat selection.
  • Facilities: The theater provides comfortable seating, restrooms, and a small souvenir counter.
  • Photography tip: Flash photography can wash out colours; turn off the flash for richer tones.
  • Guided tours: Many Hanoi city tours include reserved seating here as a highlight.
  • Nearby food options: The area around Hoan Kiem Lake is filled with cafés, restaurants, and dessert shops ideal for a pre- or post-show meal.

Where to Stay close to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Staying near the theater offers access to Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling Old Quarter. Consider Apricot Hotel for a luxurious stay close by. Boutique travellers may enjoy La Siesta Classic Hang Thung, known for its charm and comfort. Another excellent choice is Hanoi Pearl Hotel, just a short stroll from the theater.

Is Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is absolutely worth visiting. Its colourful performances, talented puppeteers, and traditional music create a captivating experience that introduces visitors to one of Vietnam's most unique cultural traditions. Whether travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, this show is a delightful highlight of any trip to Hanoi.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (20,927)

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre on 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng stages traditional Vietnamese water-puppet performances accompanied by live musicians and singers, offering a colorful, playful spectacle that brings folk stories to life on a water stage; shows run about 45–75 minutes, most visitors recommend booking tickets in advance, arriving early to rent a handheld translator/audio guide (available in many languages for a small fee) if you want narration, and choosing closer seats if you’re short or want a clearer view, though reviewers say all seats can still provide a good experience.

Sing Wee Choo
2 weeks ago
"The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is an absolute must-see when visiting Hanoi! This ancient Vietnamese art form is incredibly unique and a trulycaptivating way to experience the country's folk culture and legends. ​The skilled puppeteers, hidden behind a screen, bring the wooden characters to life on the water stage, accompanied by traditional live musicians and singers, it's a vibrant and lively spectacle that transports you to Vietnamese village life. ​Book Tickets in Advance (Highly Recommended!): Shows, especially those in the evening (like the 6:30 PM slot), sell out quickly. Do yourself a favor and book your tickets early using platforms like Klook. This ensures you secure your spot and often provides better access to desired seating. ​Arrive Early and Get the Translator: While the performance is visually engaging, the dialogue and songs are entirely in Vietnamese. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to purchase or rent the translator device (headset). This small investment will significantly enhance your experience by letting you understand the fascinating folk stories and legends being acted out. ​Choose Your Seat Wisely: If you book ahead, aim for the middle rows for the best overall view of the action. First few rows. ​The show is roughly 50 minutes long, perfect for a pre-di er or post-di er activity near Hoan Kiem Lake. Don't miss this piece of Vietnamese heritage!..."
Daniel Stansfield
a week ago
"This was a wonderful experience for people of any age. It was entertaining and humorous and they don't fail to keep you captivated throughout. Thecolourful puppets and intricate movements through the water is awe inspiring and impressive. Seat selection is random, if you book online they will assign you any seat, you ca ot pick your seat which is a shame. 200,000 per ticket for seats A-En50 minute show time There is no need for the audio guide, you can enjoy the show without it. But if you want to hear a bit about the stories being told, it will explain the characters, their roles and what's happening to better contextualise what you're viewing. Includes facts about historic events, cultural heritage, and areas of Vietnam where events took place. Audio guide is available in Chinese/Vietnamese/Korean/French/Spanish/English/Japanese/Russian/Germa Price of audio guide is 50,000 VND..."
Isuru Gunarathne
a week ago
"A must see traditional puppet show in Hanoi Vietnam. The show is around 1:15 hours but you don t feel how fast time fly inside the theatre. The showis in Vietnamese language but the theatre provides the translator device for a cheap price. A Great atmosphere there...."

FAQs for Visiting Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

No, the shows are in Vietnamese, but the visual storytelling makes them easy to follow.
Yes, photography is allowed, though flash use is discouraged.
Shows typically run for around one hour.

Nearby Attractions to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Phố Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Ly Thai To, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Hanoi: 2 km
Official Website
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