Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Hanoi
Experience the enchanting Vietnamese art of water puppetry at the historic Thang Long Theatre in Hanoi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Popular for tourists
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Hanoi
Best Time
Popular for tourists
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the enchanting Vietnamese art of water puppetry at the historic Thang Long Theatre in Hanoi.
"A truly unique and captivating cultural experience that delights audiences of all ages."
🎯 Book Mid-Tier Seats
Mid-tier tickets offer a good balance of price and view, recommended for the best experience. :ticket:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Even toddlers enjoy the show! The visual spectacle and music are captivating for young children. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Water Puppetry
Experience the magic of Vietnamese water puppetry, a centuries-old art form with vibrant characters and live music.
Live Vietnamese Music
Enjoy the enchanting melodies of traditional Vietnamese instruments accompanying the puppet performances.
The Legend of the Golden Turtle
Witness a classic tale brought to life through intricate puppetry and storytelling.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Tickets Early
Understand the Show's Appeal
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Mid-Tier Seats
Mid-tier tickets offer a good balance of price and view, recommended for the best experience. :ticket:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Even toddlers enjoy the show! The visual spectacle and music are captivating for young children. :child:
I'm going to Hanoi tomorrow, what are some must do's in the city?
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The traditional Vietnamese music is a key part of the show's charm and atmosphere. :musical_note:
📸 Capture the Moment
While photography is allowed, focus on enjoying the performance rather than constant filming. :camerawithflash:
How kid friendly is the water puppet show in Hanoi?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Mid-Tier Seats
Mid-tier tickets offer a good balance of price and view, recommended for the best experience. :ticket:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Even toddlers enjoy the show! The visual spectacle and music are captivating for young children. :child:
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The traditional Vietnamese music is a key part of the show's charm and atmosphere. :musical_note:
📸 Capture the Moment
While photography is allowed, focus on enjoying the performance rather than constant filming. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for its unique cultural charm and captivating performances. The artistry of the puppetry and the accompanying live music are highlights for many. While some find the stories simple, the overall visual spectacle and traditional atmosphere are highly appreciated, making it a memorable experience for all ages.
"How do you really rate something as unique as the Thăng Long Water Puppet Theater?
To be honest, I was initially disappointed that the 8:00 PM show we wanted to see was sold out two days in advance. We barely managed to grab seats for the next night’s 8:00 PM show—and when we arrived, it was packed wall to wall, sold out again. And for good reason.
The show was simply amazing.
My first experience was 20 years ago, and sitting there again brought me right back—I felt like a kid. This time, I had the joy of watching my son experience it for the first time, and he was moved beyond words. It’s not just a show—it’s a blend of culture, history, music, and magic on water.
One minor (but notable) issue: the seating is a bit low, so depending on where you're seated, the head of the person in front of you might block part of the view. But honestly, even that couldn’t take away from the performance.
It’s easy to see why it’s sold out so often.
Absolutely recommended. I could watch it again and again."
Dan Harley, Jr.
"A must-see cultural experience in Hanoi! The Thang Long Water Puppet Show beautifully combines traditional Vietnamese music, storytelling, and puppetry performed on water. The live orchestra and singers add incredible energy to the performance, making it both entertaining and authentic.
The show is about 45–50 minutes long, with short skits portraying folk tales, legends, and rural life scenes. The puppetry is skillfully done, colorful, and fun to watch for all ages. Tickets are affordable, and the venue is well-organized, though it’s best to book in advance as it can get crowded."
Hiep Nguyen
"This show was absolutely beautiful. Between the singing, music, and the craftsmanship of the puppets, it was mesmerizing. I also appreciated the audio device support. I was able to watch the show and understand what I was watching in my language so that I could capture the true essence of this show. I loved it. Definitely go see this show if you are in Hanoi. You won't be disappointed."
L Mack
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is centrally located in Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake. You can easily reach it by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or by walking if you're staying in the Old Quarter. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with exploring the lake area.
Parking can be challenging in the Old Quarter. If you're driving, look for designated parking areas or be prepared to walk a short distance. Using ride-sharing services like Grab is often the most hassle-free option.
From Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), you can take a taxi, Grab, or a pre-booked airport transfer to reach the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets directly at the theatre's box office, or book them online through their official website or reputable ticketing platforms. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for evening shows.
Ticket prices vary depending on seating. Generally, expect prices to range from VND 100,000 to VND 200,000. Mid-tier seating is often recommended for a good balance of price and view.
Shows typically run throughout the day, with performances every hour or so from around 3 PM to 9 PM. It's best to check the official schedule for the most up-to-date show times.
While it's possible to get tickets on the day, popular shows, especially evening performances, can sell out quickly. Booking in advance is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
There is no formal dress code. Most visitors wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for the Hanoi climate.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
A typical water puppet show lasts for about 50 minutes to an hour, offering a concise yet engaging cultural experience.
The shows feature traditional Vietnamese folk tales, legends, and scenes of rural life. While the narratives are often simple, the visual storytelling and music are the main attractions.
Absolutely! The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is very kid-friendly. Even very young children, like 2-year-olds, often enjoy the colorful puppets, music, and lively performances.
Photography and videography are generally permitted, but it's best to be discreet and avoid flash to not disturb other audience members or the performers. Some creators suggest focusing on enjoying the show.
The theatre has tiered seating. The front rows are closest to the stage, while the back rows offer a wider view. Mid-tier seating is often recommended for a good balance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The theatre itself typically does not have extensive food and beverage options inside. However, there are numerous street food vendors and restaurants surrounding the venue, especially near Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can find local delicacies before or after the show.
Near the theatre, you can find classic Hanoi street food like 'pho' (noodle soup), 'bun cha' (grilled pork with noodles), and 'banh mi' (Vietnamese baguette). Don't miss trying Vietnamese coffee!
📸 📸 Photography
Besides the show itself, the exterior of the theatre and the surrounding area, particularly Hoan Kiem Lake, offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the vibrant puppets during the performance is also a popular choice.
While generally allowed, it's advisable to be mindful of other audience members and avoid disruptive flash photography. Some suggest prioritizing the live experience over constant filming.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Book tickets in advance to ensure good seats, and consider mid-tier seating for the best overall view. The show's duration is perfect for little ones, and the lack of dialogue makes it accessible to everyone. It's a delightful cultural experience that kids will remember.
✈️ Day-Trippers
Recommendation: Aim for an afternoon or early evening show. This allows you to explore other Hanoi attractions during the day and enjoy the performance before dinner. Booking tickets online beforehand is advisable to save time on your day trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Look for shows during weekday afternoons, which may have slightly lower attendance and potentially offer more flexibility with seating. Combine your visit with street food exploration in the surrounding Old Quarter for a truly budget-friendly Hanoi adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Water Puppetry
The performances often depict scenes from rural life, historical legends, and folk tales, accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music played on instruments like the dan bau (monochord) and bamboo flute. The unique visual spectacle and the intricate control of the puppets create a magical and engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
At the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, you can witness this ancient art form brought to life with modern staging and a dedicated troupe of performers. It's a cultural immersion that offers a glimpse into Vietnam's rich artistic heritage.
Navigating Seating and Tickets
Many visitors and online tips suggest opting for mid-tier seating. This provides a good vantage point to see the entire stage, the puppets' movements, and the overall performance without being too close or too far. Booking tickets in advance is crucial, especially for popular evening shows, as the theatre frequently sells out. Consider purchasing online or arriving at the box office well before your desired showtime.
When purchasing tickets, be aware of the different price points. The investment in a slightly better seat can significantly enhance your viewing experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the artistry and detail of the water puppets and their performances.
A Family-Friendly Experience
Parents often report that their children, even as young as two years old, thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The lack of complex dialogue means language barriers are not an issue, and the sheer novelty of puppets seemingly dancing on water is universally appealing. The show's duration of about 50 minutes to an hour is also ideal for maintaining children's attention spans.
Beyond the show itself, the theatre's location near Hoan Kiem Lake provides opportunities for family-friendly exploration before or after the performance. This makes it an easy and enjoyable addition to a family's Hanoi itinerary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit