Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre
Located at 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang street, nearby Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a familiar address for both domestic tourists and foreign ones, who want to enjoy water puppet shows and discovery the beauty of this unique Vietnam traditional art.
Location & History
Established in 1969, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater has been showcasing mesmerizing water puppet performances since 1990, delighting audiences both nationally and internationally. Each year, the theater presents approximately 500 shows to around 150,000 attendees. The enchanting art of water puppetry has reached over 40 countries, including Japan, France, the United States, Australia, and Spain, through performance tours, cultural exchange programs, and puppetry festivals.
Photo: asianwaytravel.com
Water Puppet Show
The traditional themes of water puppet performances, such as the daily lives of Vietnamese farmers (cultivating the land, tending to buffalo, fishing), communal entertainments (swimming contests, dragon dances), and historical legends (like Le Loi recovering the sacred sword), have captivated audiences for centuries. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater artists are currently revitalizing these classic performances with enhanced lighting, music, and innovative interactions between puppets and performers.
Photo by @maechans0422
This approach, though daring, has been met with enthusiasm and acclaim from audiences worldwide. To get a taste of some typical water puppet performances, you can find a video link below.
Experiencing these shows in person at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is made even more enjoyable with a visit to the coffee lounge situated right in front, offering stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Show Schedule
Performances are held daily at the following times: 15:30, 17:00, 18:30, 20:00, and 21:15. On Sundays, an additional show takes place at 9:30.
Photo by @brighton_camera.journey
Tickets
Ticket prices range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND (approximately $4-6) and can be purchased on-site at the theater or by reaching out directly:
Phone: +84-024-3-824-9494, +84-024-3-825-5450
Email: thanglongwpt@fpt.vn
Website: www.thanglongwaterpuppet.org
Useful Information
- Location: Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre
- Best for: Family, Children
- Entrance: 100,000-150,000
- Hours: Varies
- Distance to city center: 2.0km (1.2 mi)
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