Thang Long Water Puppet Show Express Pass | Vietnam
Sit back and enjoy an authentic water puppet show, and gain more insight into the culture of Vietnam!
- Discover the captivating art of Vietnam’s ancient water puppetry with the iconic Thang Long Water Puppet Show.
- Experience a cultural gem at one of Hanoi’s most renowned venues – the centrally located Thang Long City Theater.
- Be enchanted by the melodic rhythms of traditional Vietnamese folk music, brought to life with authentic instruments like drums, wooden bells, and more.
- Watch age-old legends and folk tales unfold on water, masterfully performed by skilled puppeteers who breathe soul and emotion into each character.
- Receive your ticket quickly and easily without waiting in line. Secure the best seats in advance for an unforgettable show experience.
You may also want to check out: GOm Show
Traveling around with: Sightseeing Double - Decker Bus Ticket: Explore Hanoi with KKday
Attraction Tickets
| Ticket type | E-ticket (requires redemption), Fast track ticket |
| Attraction type | History & culture |
| Tour types | None |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Water puppetry is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of Northern Vietnam. Today's Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation of the ancient Asian puppet tradition. Book now to enjoy a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and discover a unique part of Vietnamese culture.
— Important Info —
- Venue: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
- Redemption Point: On site
- Showtimes: 16:10; 17:20; 18:30 & 20:00
- Duration: Around 50 mins
- Language: Puppet body language, Vietnamese
- Meeting time: 30 minutes before the showtime
The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would create entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water. Using large rods to support the puppets it appeared as if they were moving across the water with the puppeteers hidden behind a screen
Enjoy the magical sounds of Water Puppetry performed by traditional Vietnamese instruments such as Erhu, Flute, Zither, Monochord, and Cheo singing
Located right next to the famous Hanoi Old Quarter and in front of the ancient Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake), Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is located in the centre of Hanoi Capital
Seating Plan
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater has performed for audiences of over 40 countries, leaving marks from Asia to Europe, America, and Australia.
Exchange your tickets 30 minutes before your show time at our ticket counter (57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng Str., Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội)
Purchase Notice
This ticket offers instant confirmation. However, in the event of a show being chartered, fully booked, or cancelled, we reserve the right to change your booking. We will assist you in rescheduling for another date.
Includes/Excludes
Reminders
Your electronic ticket is not the actual ticket for the show. Please note that you have to exchange for physical tickets at our ticket counter on site.
Please note that you have to be at the theater at least 15 minutes before the show; otherwise your tickets will automatically be cancelled
Flash photography is not allowed
Redemption Location
Redemption Info
Exchange your tickets 30 minutes before your show time at our ticket counter (57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng Str., Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội)
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Address Info: Thang Long Water Puppet TheatreHow to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Experience Location
Location Name: Thang Long Water Puppet Show
Address: No. 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Ha NoiCancellation Policy
- Cancellations 1 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Thang Long Water Puppet Show typically has multiple daily performances. Common showtimes are often in the late afternoon and evening, for example, at 17:00, 18:30, and 20:00. It is recommended to check the official schedule or your ticket for the exact performance times on your chosen date, as they can vary slightly due to seasonal or operational adjustments.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Show vividly portrays traditional Vietnamese village life, agricultural activities, and historical legends. Stories often include scenes of rice planting, fishing, buffalo fighting, and festive celebrations. Many acts draw from ancient myths and folk tales, reflecting Vietnamese spirituality, humor, and daily struggles, all accompanied by live traditional music that enhances the cultural narrative.
A typical performance of the Thang Long Water Puppet Show lasts approximately 45 to 50 minutes. This duration allows for a comprehensive showcase of various short acts and stories, ensuring an engaging and fulfilling experience without being overly lengthy. It is designed to capture the audience's attention throughout.
The Thang Long City Theater is centrally located in Hanoi, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by taxi or ride-hailing services like Grab, which are convenient and widely available. For a local experience, a cyclo (pedicab) is another option, especially if you're staying near Hoan Kiem Lake, which is a short walk away. Public buses also serve the area, with several stops close to the theater.
Water puppetry is a unique art form where puppeteers stand behind a screen in waist-deep water, controlling the puppets using long rods and strings hidden beneath the water's surface. This creates the illusion that the puppets are moving independently on the water. The technique requires immense skill and precision, allowing for fluid movements and dynamic storytelling, making it a captivating performance.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Show is accompanied by a live orchestra performing traditional Vietnamese folk music. Instruments typically include the đàn bầu (monochord), sáo (flute), đàn nguyệt (moon lute), trống (drums), and kèn (oboe). These instruments create melodic rhythms and atmospheric sounds that enhance the storytelling, immerse the audience in Vietnamese culture, and complement the visual spectacle.
Yes, the Thang Long Water Puppet Show is generally considered very suitable for families and children. The colorful puppets, engaging stories, lively music, and unique performance style are highly entertaining for all ages. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to Vietnamese culture and art in an accessible and visually stimulating format, creating memorable family moments.
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