The Magic of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: Vietnam's Cultural Gem

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the only traditional water puppet theater in Vietnam that performs daily, 365 days a year. For years, it has helped promote this unique cultural “specialty,” deeply rooted in Vietnamese folk traditions, to both domestic and international visitors.

1. Introduction to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Nestled in the heart of Hanoi, right next to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, the theater offers visitors a chance to witness Vietnam’s one-of-a-kind folk art: water puppetry. Puppetry exists worldwide, but water puppetry is unique to Vietnam, showcasing the country's rural life and folklore through puppet performances on water.

During the 50-minute performances, guests can enjoy puppets dancing on water, reenacting famous folk tales and daily village activities, all accompanied by traditional instruments like the đàn nhị, đàn tranh, đàn bầu, and the chèomusical style that represents the spirit of Northern Vietnam.

The theater holds the prestigious record for being the first and only venue in Asia and Vietnam to offer continuous water puppet performances 365 days a year, hosting up to 6 shows per day and over 2000 performances annually. Some shows even include English subtitles for international tourists.

2. Ticket Prices at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Water puppet shows are a common inclusion in Hanoi travel itineraries, and the theater can accommodate up to 300 guests at a time. Ticket categories are divided as follows:

• Standard seats (furthest from the stage): 100,000 VND per person.

• Regular seats (middle section): 150,000 VND per person.

• VIP seats (closest to the stage): 200,000 VND per person.

Note: There is an extra charge for photography or filming: 20,000 VND per camera and 60,000 VND per video recorder.

We can help you check the available seats and buy tickets.

3. History of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater was founded in October 1969 under the Kim Dong Art Troupe, originally performing regular puppetry for children in Hanoi. After nearly half a century of ups and downs, with the art of water puppetry facing near extinction at times, it was revived thanks to the passion of artisans and proper state support. Due to increasing demand, the theater transitioned from performing weekly or monthly to daily shows.

Over the past 20 years, the theater has become a top destination for Vietnamese water puppetry. It has earned numerous awards in both domestic and international puppet festivals. The theater has successfully represented traditional Vietnamese art in over 40 countries across Asia, Europe, and America, leaving an indelible mark in the global cultural arena.

4. 11 Key Performances at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Being a major cultural attraction, the theater offers various forms of performances, many of which celebrate Vietnam’s history, folklore, and rural life. The most popular shows include:

4.1. Teu the Joker

Teu is a simple farmer who acts as the storyteller, providing commentary on various stories and adding humor and insight into the lives of the puppet characters.

4.2. Return of the Scholar

This performance reenacts the tradition of celebrating scholars who passed imperial exams. The return to the village of a successful scholar, with the accompanying honor and glory, is a reminder of the value placed on education and talent in Vietnamese culture.

4.3. Dragon and Phoenix Dance

The dragon represents power and strength, while the phoenix symbolizes grace and elegance. This performance, featuring the harmony between these mythical creatures, often represents loyalty and love, especially in marriage.

4.4. Dance of the Four Holy Animals (Tứ Linh)

This dance symbolizes spiritual significance and features the four sacred animals in Vietnamese mythology: the dragon, unicorn, tortoise, and phoenix. These animals are believed to bring prosperity, happiness, longevity, and protection.

4.5. Children Playing by the Water

This playful performance captures the spirit of young children having fun by the river during hot summer days. It’s a delightful depiction of rural life and a carefree childhood.

4.6. Lion Dance

The lion, one of the sacred animals, symbolizes good fortune in Vietnamese culture. This joyful performance wishes prosperity and happiness upon viewers, especially farmers.

4.7. Dance of the Fairies

This performance is linked to the story of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, considered the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. It symbolizes the origin of Vietnam and highlights national unity.

4.8. Buffalo Boy Playing Flute

This performance illustrates a young boy tending to buffaloes and playing the flute. It brings a peaceful countryside scene to life and evokes nostalgia for the homeland.

4.9. Le Loi Returning the Sword

This show retells the legendary tale of King Le Loi, who returned a magic sword to the Golden Turtle in Hoan Kiem Lake after defeating foreign invaders. This act gave rise to the name “Hoan Kiem Lake” (Lake of the Returned Sword).

4.10. Boat Racing

Boat races have been a traditional event during village festivals. This performance recreates the lively and competitive spirit of the race, filled with fun and excitement.

4.11. Farming

This performance showcases the daily life of Vietnamese farmers, from plowing the fields to harvesting crops, symbolizing their hard work and dedication.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a vibrant cultural hub that breathes life into the ancient art of water puppetry. It is a testament to Vietnam’s enduring commitment to preserving its folk traditions and offers a truly immersive cultural experience to all who visit.