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Experience Vietnamese heritage with the Thang Long Water Puppet Show located in the heart of Hanoi. Held at the historic Thang Long Municipal Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake. Book this live performance on the ancient art of water puppetry that dates back over a millennium!

Key Highlights

  • Witness the Ancient art of water puppetry, a vibrant art born in the Red River Delta over 1,000 years ago.
  • A live orchestration of traditional music featuring bamboo flutes, drums, gongs, and Vietnamese opera vocals creates a mesmerising soundscape.
  • Muse at the Intricately carved wooden puppets legends, buffalo boys, and dragons dancing across a shimmering water stage by hidden puppeteers.
  • Situated next to Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi’s Old Quarter this venue is easy to reach on foot, by bus, or by taxi

About Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi

Step onto the water stage of the Thang Long Theatre, and you’re transported to another time. Set in a shallow pool, the show is mastered by hidden puppeteers who animate the lacquered wooden figures.

You do not want to miss out on the buffalo-riding boys, fire-breathing dragons, and sacred creatures that come alive behind the curtain. Combined with live traditional music, each 50–60 minute performance unfolds a series of skits depicting Vietnamese rural life, folklore, and mythology.

Even without understanding Vietnamese, we bet you'll be enchanted by the visual storytelling, humour, and vibrant cultural resonance. And don't forget to bring your kids! (It's fine, Nobody will be angry about your kid, the music is loud enough!)

Inclusions

  • Admission ticket to one full water puppet show (50–60 min).
  • Live traditional Vietnamese musical performance and opera vocals.
  • Access to the theatre and lobby area, including souvenir shopping.

Exclusions

  • Food and drink (available in the café onsite).
  • Hotel transfers or transport to/from the venue.
  • Optional photography/video fees (may incur extra cost)

Insiders' Tips

Arrive early and take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake nearby.

Additional Information

  • Duration: Approximately 50–60 minutes.
  • Timings: Daily performances timings are,
    • 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30, and 20:00 hrs
    • Extra Sunday morning show available, check the main website for clarifications.
  • Seating: Theatre-style seating. The front rows offer the best views.
  • Accessibility
    • Children of all ages are welcome, and each child must hold a valid ticket. The performance is family-friendly.
    • Parking is not available; it's recommended to walk, taxi, or take a bus to Hoan Kiem.
    • Limited wheelchair accessibility; steep steps and narrow aisles may present challenges

Cancellation Policy

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before showtime for a full refund. 

Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi Frequently Asked Questions

Can I understand the story at the Water Puppet Show if I don’t speak Vietnamese?
Yes! Expressive puppet movements, vivid visuals, and live music make the narrative easy to follow even without language comprehension
Is this suitable for kids?
Absolutely. Many toddlers and kids attend this event every year, and the performance is loud enough to absorb typical background noise
Are there better water puppet shows than Thang Long Water Puppetshow elsewhere?
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is the most historic and renowned in Hanoi, performing daily with high production values
How do I get to the Thang Long Show?
Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, reachable on foot from Old Quarter hotels, by taxi/motorbike, or buses.

Ratings & Reviews

M
Muhammad Adnan Siddiqi
5
Travelled July 2022

I just bought the tickets to IMG world last minute, but it was the one of if not the best choice I made this summer!...

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G
Girish P Thawrani
5
Travelled April 2024

Amazing service. Always have better pricing than the the theme park themselves. Super quick& efficient....

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O
Olga Baryshev
5
Travelled August 2022

Очень удобный сайт а главное хорошие цены ! Ниже чем в других компаниях!

A
Alex
5
Travelled December 2021

Easy bought tickets, with promocode, nice and reliable

C
Cai A
5
Travelled December 2021

Very easy & convenient:)

K
Keith Swain
5
Travelled September 2022

Easy to use. Great savings.

J
Jaliha Nowardi
4
Travelled July 2023

The service is really fast thank you thrillark

E
EDP
5
Travelled July 2022

Kids enjoyed their Green Planet day. It’s very easy to book and I received the ticket promptly. Keep...

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J
Jaiganesh GV
5
Travelled May 2022

Nice and cost effective

Z
Zainab Al-Oqaili
5
Travelled February 2022

Great value thanks all

M
Mohammad nihal
5
Travelled May 2023

Best app, has tabby payment

M
Mohammed sharafot
5
Travelled December 2022

It’s good for online ticketing

R
RSS
5
Travelled March 2022

Swift booking confirmation

M
Maja Kralj
5
Travelled April 2023

Your offer is better than if you buy ticket at location. They are selling packages instead single...

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S
Steven Dsouza
5
Travelled May 2023

Booking confirmation.

T
Tariq Ibrahim
5
Travelled October 2023

Easy Purachace Best Offer Quick and Safe

S
Siranjeevi Srinivasan
5
Travelled May 2024

Fast and easy

J
Jovy Mar
5
Travelled February 2022

Best for accepting Amex card. Thank you!

J
Jas
5
Travelled August 2023

Best price ever! Thanks Thrillark

G
Girish Kumar
5
Travelled November 2021

Liked it saved a lot of money ??

Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi

USD 5.2

Insiders’ Tips

Arrive early and take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake nearby.

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