Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Tours

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes interior views, performance art and theater scenes
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre showing performance art, theater scenes and interior views
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre featuring night scenes, theater scenes and interior views
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre featuring theater scenes and interior views
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre featuring performance art, theater scenes and interior views


Stories from local legends are told at this theater with hand-carved wooden dolls and colorful dragons that perform on a stage on the water.

 The Vietnamese art of water puppetry is a true cultural experience that is not to be missed while in Hanoi. Performed entirely in Vietnamese, the music and gesturing puppets tell a story that can be interpreted by all.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre was founded in 1969 and is one of the best places to watch the art of Vietnamese water puppetry. Dating back to the 11th century, this unique type of performance art started in the waters of the Red River that runs through Hanoi.

Today, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the few traditional theatres still in operation and its wooden, lacquered puppets are world-famous. Since 1990 the theater has regularly traveled internationally and has appeared at art festivals all over the world.

Performed on a stage that resembles a pond, puppeteers stand waist deep in the water, hidden behind a screen. They spectacularly maneuvre the puppets with a long, submerged rod. Expect to get splashed if you are seated in the front row, however, this is also the prime spot to admire the exquisite details of the handcrafted puppets. Enjoy the screams of surprise from the audience when dragons or princes emerge out of the water and see local legends unfold.

There is a live orchestra and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is known for its comical performances, so you’ll be laughing a lot too.

Stay back after the performance to enjoy a drink at the theater’s café, which has great views over picturesque Lake Hoan Kiem.

Shows at the theater are all under an hour in length. Booking the inexpensive ticket in advance is recommended, as the theater is incredibly popular.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is located on the edge of the Old Quarter. The theater is open daily and there are up to six shows per day. Some shows display an English translation on a screen

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Reviews of Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
317
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
92
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Brandi

A fun event to go to! Splurge and get the front row... otherwise you have to navigate through all the tourists trying to take photos.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Be respectful of the performers and if you are running a bit late, enter quietly. Great show

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A must see for Vietnamese entertainment!

5/5 - Excellent

Amanda

A must see for sure! The play was in Vietnamese so it was hard to follow but it was all about the experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Ellogee

Beware limited distance (pitch) between rows. If you're tall, consider sitting next to aisle to save your knees.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

It’s popular but not my cup of tea.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.