Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre — Attraction in Hà Nội

TIPS TO ENJOY THE PERFORMANCE:

Just watched the performance tonight, it was great! 50 minutes flew by and I was sorry it wasn’t longer. Not sure why there are reviews saying the show is boring or made them fall asleep.

The key is NOT to get the audio guide. The performance is a series of mini stories, not a long play. Outside the upstairs auditorium there are flyers in a few languages, listing out the story names. Grab one on the way in, that’s enough to know roughly what is going on.

During the performance, focus on the ‘live’ singing in Vietnamese by the lovely ladies, and the beauty of the ‘live’ musical instruments. Sound system is very good.

There is a wonderful call-and-answer format where the ladies speak directly with the puppets in conversations, or act as commentators on what is happening. Listen to the nuances and expressions in their voices!

The show is whimsical, kitschy and fun. Let yourself enjoy it with a child’s eyes and don’t be too cynical or critical. I know it may be tough, cos some of the puppets clearly need a new coat of paint.

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I booked with Agoda and a poster at Ticket Office says you can only exchange all online vouchers for the tickets 5 min before the show. Someone will come and distribute it. To the consumer that feels very risky because you don’t know if that person will be a no-show or you’ll get missed out.

We stood around holding our voucher printout in front of our chest LOL. The guy came maybe 15 minutes before the show and approached us.

IF YOU BOOK WITH KLOOK they have a designated counter where you can exchange your vouchers for the tics when you want to. If I had known I would rather do this, for peace of mind.

I paid for VIP tickets and got seats in the 3rd row. Note though that even for front VIP seats, those at the extreme ends will have some blocked view due to the orchestra. Which I don’t think is fair to charge the same price for.

Crowd isn’t too crazy because the auditorium is not big. Leg room is tight though, so do be on time to go in with the others, or you’ll have an embarrassing time trying to squeeze past them to get to your seats. Everyone will have to stand up to let you pass. Show starts exactly on time.

I would actually suggest that the theatre troupe sell a set of printed stills from their show. The scenes and colours are so wonderful but don’t come out well when taken with our phones. It’ll sell well and earn extra income for the troupe, the audience can also watch in peace without being distracted by trying to capture those...

A visit to Hanoi is incomplete without experiencing a traditional water puppet show. For many, including myself, this captivating art form is best witnessed at the venerable Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, located conveniently near Hoan Kiem Lake. While not a "long" show in the sense of being exceptionally lengthy (most performances are around 45-60 minutes), the experience is rich, unique, and leaves a lasting impression. Stepping into the theatre, you're immediately transported to a bygone era. The stage, a pool of water, is the star, cleverly concealing the puppeteers who stand behind a screen, manipulating their intricate wooden puppets with long rods and strings. The skill and precision involved are truly remarkable, making the puppets appear to dance and glide effortlessly across the water's surface. The narratives, while often told in Vietnamese, are universally understood through the expressive movements of the puppets and the lively traditional Vietnamese music that accompanies the show. Live musicians and vocalists sit to the side of the stage, providing the vibrant soundtrack and often adding comedic or dramatic flair. You'll witness vignettes depicting rural Vietnamese life – rice farming, fishing, buffalo herding – alongside mythical tales of dragons, phoenixes, and legendary heroes. The segment featuring the playful dancing fairies and the majestic dragon emerging from the water are particularly memorable. One of the most charming aspects is the palpable sense of history and cultural preservation. This isn't just entertainment; it's a living tradition passed down through generations. The artistry in the hand-carved puppets, the precision of the puppeteers, and the evocative traditional music all combine to create an authentic cultural immersion.

I had a little uncomfortable experience, though.. I was asked to give my tickets to confirm something by a few of the staff members during the show. Wasn't explained why, but I was a bit embarrassed, as I had to stand up and had to look for the tickets in the dark. But there wasn't any explanation or apologise offered or didn't get our tickets back either as I normally collect them as souvenirs. Anyway, it could be anything. But I would recommend the show to locals...

The water puppet show in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a mesmerizing cultural experience that brings to life a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. Held at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, this unique performance features intricately crafted wooden puppets that dance on water, skillfully manipulated by hidden puppeteers. The show is accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music, including the use of bamboo flutes, drums, and cymbals, which adds to the vibrant and enchanting atmosphere.

The storytelling is both humorous and poignant, depicting rural Vietnamese life, historical legends, and folklore. Even without understanding the Vietnamese language, the visual spectacle and the expressive movements of the puppets make the narratives engaging and easy to follow.

One of the highlights is the play of light and water, which creates a magical ambiance, making the puppets appear to glide and float effortlessly. The coordination and skill of the puppeteers are truly impressive, showcasing a deep mastery of this age-old tradition.

The theatre offers different seating prices: 100,000 Vietnamese dong for the last row, 150,000 Vietnamese dong for the middle row, and 200,000 Vietnamese dong for the front row. Despite the tiered pricing, you can sit just about anywhere and get a good view, so there's no need to worry too much about your seating choice. Additionally, you can pay 50,000 Vietnamese dong for an audio guide, which is highly recommended. While you can still enjoy the music, visuals, and live performance without it, the audio guide provides valuable context, explaining what each story is about. Though it doesn't translate verbatim what the puppets are saying, it offers a quick narrative either before, during, or after each performance, significantly enhancing your understanding.

Overall, the water puppet show in Hanoi is a delightful and culturally rich experience, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's heritage and artistry. It is a must-see for anyone visiting the city, providing entertainment and insight into the country's rich cultural tapestry.

loved when the puppet performers came out at the end...