Have you ever seen puppets dancing on water? Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi, Vietnam is the theatre where you can see colorful puppets magically gliding on the waters. This must be included in your Vietnam Tour Package as it offers a one-of-a-kind experience to the viewers. Successfully running for more than 50 years, this Vietnam water puppets show is considered one of the best things to do in Hanoi.
Holding Asia Book of Records for “Water Puppetry Performance For The Longest Duration” makes this one of the amazing places to visit in Hanoi. The colorful, small dolls will engage the audience and showcase the history of Hanoi's water puppet show.
In this blog, we will discuss everything related to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, which you should know before visiting here. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start!
Historical Evolution of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Established on 10 October, 1969, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi is a best place to visit in Vietnam if you wish to uncover the Vietnamese history blended with fun. The theatre is well known for showcasing the rich history by the passionate artists.
Let’s look into the evolution of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi, Vietnam:
- 1969: A small group of most talented artists created the group, which was named Hanoi Kim Dong Art Troupe. They started performing from the tiny basement of 47 Hang Dau Street.
- 1975: In this year, the group was renamed as the Hanoi Puppet Troupe, in which most renowned writers, musicians, and directors came together to create and perform in a tour of engaging performances.
- 1985-1990: During these years, the troupe faced many financial losses and a lack of interest from the audience increased the challenges. Many people of the troupe backed out and even thought of closing the theatre.
- New Beginning: Le Van Ngo was the one who never gave up on the idea. He took the initiative to lead the team to Dao Thuc Village, which was well known for its traditional water puppetry. Here they found a new inspiration as the whole team learned this art form, which brought them back in the game and is still running successfully for more than 50 years.
Highlights of the Thang Long Water Puppet Show
The Thang Long Puppet Show features a selection of performances from over 400 traditional folk water puppetry plays. Each scene beautifully captures Vietnamese history, culture, and everyday life. Here are some of the must-see acts that make the water puppet show Hanoi a truly unforgettable experience:
- Tều – The Comic Narrator
- The Dragon and Phoenix Dance
- The Buffalo Herder’s Flute
- The Farmer’s Daily Life
- Returning Home in Glory
How Does a Water Puppet Show Work?
The Puppets and Stage of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Each puppet in Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi, Vietnam, is handcrafted from fig wood and coated with layers of lacquer to withstand water exposure. So, that the puppets can easily glide on the waters in the Thang Long puppet show. They are about one to two feet tall and are designed to represent different characters, from villagers and fishermen to majestic dragons and phoenixes. Every character in the water puppet show of Hanoi is used to depict a different story.
The stage for Thang Long puppet show is actually a water-filled pool, with a backdrop designed like a traditional Vietnamese temple. So that while they act, the Water puppet show of Hanoi’s history, it will give you a more realistic feeling.
The puppeteers hide behind the screen, where they are standing in the waist-deep water to provide you a hassle-free Water puppet show of Hanoi’s story. The artists use long bamboo rods and strings to control the puppets, through which they are not visible to you. This clever setup creates the illusion that the puppets are moving on their own!
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The Role of Music and Storytelling at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
A live orchestra plays traditional Vietnamese instruments, including drums, bamboo flutes, and stringed instruments like the đàn bầu. The musicians also provide narration, singing folk songs that complement the performance.
Some of the most popular water puppet show Hanoi story themes include:
- The Legend of King Le Loi and the Returned Sword (linked to Hoan Kiem Lake).
- The Dance of the Golden Dragon (a symbol of Vietnamese power and prosperity).
- Daily Life Scenes like farming, fishing, and traditional festivals.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Thang Long Puppet Show?
There are various reasons to watch the Thang Long puppet show, but one of the main reasons is that your visit to Hanoi is considered incomplete without watching these Vietnam water puppets show. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or just a curious traveler, this one-of-a-kind performance is an unforgettable experience.
So, when you’re in Hanoi, don’t miss the chance to watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater showtimes and witness a tradition that has captivated audiences for over a thousand years!
What to Expect at a Water Puppet Show?
- A Short but Engaging Performance: Each show lasts about 50-60 minutes and consists of multiple short sketches, each telling a different story.
- A Vibrant Atmosphere: Expect colorful lights, dramatic smoke effects, and energetic traditional music that bring the stories to life.
- A Unique Cultural Experience: Unlike anything you’ve seen before, this performance is a blend of art, history, and tradition, making it a must-see attraction in Hanoi.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Timings
The Thang Long puppet timings on Monday to Saturday start from 1:45 pm to 9:15 pm, but on Sundays, the show starts from 9:30 am to 9:15 pm. It runs 365 days a year from morning to evening. The Here are the details of the water puppet show in Hanoi:
- Morning Shows: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre opening hours start from 9:30 AM, these early performances are a great option for visitors looking to kick start their day with a cultural experience.
- Afternoon Shows: These performances typically begin in the early afternoon, around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, providing an entertaining break for travelers exploring Hanoi’s attractions.
- Evening Shows: The evening shows, often starting around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, are popular among tourists who wish to end their day with a delightful puppetry performance before dinner. Can’t decide what else to do after the Evening Show? We got you covered! Check out the Vietnam Nightlife guide so the fun doesn’t stop by the Clock
Best Time To Visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
The best time to visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre depends on your preferences as the theatre runs year-round performances. Let’s look into the options:
- Evening Shows: If you have visited Old Quarter as well as nearby places, and want to have a relaxed evening. Then the evening show is the best time to visit the Thang Long puppet show.
- Weekend Shows: Considered to be the peak time for the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi, Vietnam. So if you are someone who enjoys the crowd and want to watch the Vietnam Water Puppets in a houseful theatre, then this is the perfect time to visit here. But make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid any last minute hustle.
- Weekday Afternoons: This is the best time to visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theater if you want to enjoy the show in less of a crowd and peacefully.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Ticket Price
The ticket prices for the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi, Vietnam, vary depending on seating section and availability.
- Standard Seats: Typically, standard seats are the most affordable option and may range from around 100,000 VND, which is around ₹342.29.
- Premium Seats: These seating options, offering better views and more comfortable seating, for which the ticket price is 150,000 VND per ticket, which is around ₹513.43.
- VIP Seats: For those seeking the best views and enhanced amenities, VIP seating options may be available at a higher price as compared to other seats, i.e. 200,000 VND which converts to ₹684.57.
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How to Reach Thang Long Water Puppet Theater?
- By Walking: If you’re staying near Hoan Kiem Lake or the Old Quarter, the theater is within walking distance and you don’t need to worry about how to reach Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. The theatre is 600 meters away, which can be covered within 8 minutes.
- By Taxi/Grab: Around 3.7 km away from the city centre of Hanoi, can be reached within 15 minutes via cab or taxi.
- By Cyclo Ride: For a traditional Vietnamese experience, take a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) through the bustling streets to the theater.
Tips For Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
- It is advisable to book your tickets in advance as the theatre has a capacity of 300 people
- Please cross-check the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater showtimes
- Reach at least 5 minutes before the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre opening hours
- Listen to the Water puppet show, the Hanoi story, carefully, as it is in Vietnamese
- It is recommended to watch the show for a relaxing evening
