By walking: If you are staying in the Old Quarter, you can easily walk to the theatre.
By taxi or motorcycle taxi: You can catch a taxi or motorcycle taxi on the street, or book them on ride-hailing platforms such as Grab or Gojek.
By bus: You can take buses number 04, 146, 18, or 43 and get off at the Hoan Kiem Lake bus stop, which is about a 5-minute walk away from the theatre.
The rich history of theatre in Vietnam can be traced back to the 11th century, specifically during the Ly Dynasty when the captivating art of water puppetry made its debut in the picturesque Red River Delta region. This traditional form of entertainment was profoundly influenced by the agrarian culture of rice cultivation, finding its initial stage in the idyllic rice paddies and tranquil ponds of rural villages during various festive and special occasions. The art was eventually brought to the imperial court in Hanoi and became a popular form of entertainment because the theatre brings performances that are both entertaining and educational.
The dawn of modern water puppetry marked a significant turning point in 1990 when the inaugural water puppet shows took place at the Thang Long Theatre. It’s reported that about 500 shows are performed in front of approximately 150,000 people each year. This theatre has also brought Hanoi water puppetry to more than 40 foreign countries through performance tours, international cultural exchange programs, and puppetry festivals. This is a great chance to bring a signature Vietnamese culture to the world. This traditional art has become a significant cultural symbol of Vietnam. In recognition of its cultural significance, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Show was bestowed with the prestigious title of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009.
Water puppetry, a one-of-a-kind art form, is an exclusive cultural treasure that can be found nowhere else but in Vietnam, originating from the green rice fields of the Red River Delta in Vietnam. Performances will take place in the lake instead of the usual stages, where puppeteers control intricately carved wooden puppets that appear to dance on the water. The main material used to make these puppets is wood or lacquer and the magic happens when the skilled puppeteers take their positions discreetly behind bamboo blinds, obscuring the audience's view. The stage is waist-deep in water, the puppets are moved by sticks attached to their heads and limbs, and the show is accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music and singing, while the puppets narrate stories and famous folk legends. Each puppet is delicately controlled by sticks meticulously attached to its head and limbs, allowing it to move gracefully and convey the story with astonishing precision.
Every water puppet show opens with an introduction by Tễu, the beloved comedy host, and iconic character, a strange storyteller who will lead you through different scenes and stories as they unfold on stage. A typical water puppet show usually lasts about 50 minutes and offers an exciting journey through a variety of scenes drawn from the rich tapestry of Vietnamese folklore and mythology. Performances often depict scenes from Vietnamese folklore, the history of daily life,… Some of the most loved scenes include the legend of King Le Loi and Hoan Kiem Lake, the story of rice cultivation, buffalos, and dragons,…The Hanoi Water Puppet Show is indispensable for any visitor to Vietnam. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that showcases the country's rich culture and heritage.
Standard tickets: from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND ( from 5 to 9 USD)
VIP tickets: from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND (from 9 to 18 USD)
Book your tickets in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season. Due to the rules of the Thang Long Theatre, one must have their ticket at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
Arrive early to get a good seat. The theatre is quite popular, and it can fill up quickly. The front seats which are near the stage will give you a better chance to watch the puppets, however, due to the stage being covered in water, audiences that sit nearby may get splashed on from time to time. If you don’t think this will be an inconvenience, don’t hesitate to choose the front seats.
Be respectful of the performers and the other audience members.
After the show, you can purchase souvenirs from the theatre's gift shop. There are a variety of items available, including water puppets, puppets on sticks, and DVDs of the show.
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