Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Where ancient tales dance on water.
4.3 ⭐ (19K)
Introduction
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Nhà hát Múa rối Thăng Long) is a cultural venue in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District, dedicated to preserving the traditional Vietnamese art of water puppetry. Located on the northeastern edge of Hoan Kiem Lake, it presents performances where lacquered wooden puppets, manipulated by puppeteers hidden in the water, act out historical legends and agricultural scenes to the sound of a live orchestra.
The Performance Stage
The entire performance takes place on a pool of water, which acts as the stage. A decorated temple-like structure at the back hides the puppeteers, who operate the puppets using underwater rods and strings, making them appear to glide, jump, and swim across the surface.
The Traditional Vietnamese Orchestra
To the side of the stage sits a live orchestra playing traditional instruments like bamboo flutes, drums, and the monochord (đàn bầu). The musicians and singers provide all the dialogue and emotional cues for the stories, interacting with the puppets throughout the show.
The Puppet Vignettes
The show is not one single story but a series of short vignettes. These skits depict Vietnamese folklore, the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, and charming scenes from rural life such as rice farming, fishing with nets, and village celebrations featuring dancing dragons and phoenixes.
The Puppeteers' Curtain Call
At the conclusion of the performance, the eight puppeteers emerge from behind the screen, standing waist-deep in the water. This moment reveals the skill required to manipulate the heavy puppets and offers a chance to appreciate the artists directly.
Getting there
The theatre is located directly on the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake and is a central point within the main tourist area.
From anywhere in the Hanoi Old Quarter (approx. 0.5 - 1.5 km):
🚶 Walking: 5-15 mins. This is the most practical and enjoyable way to reach the theatre, as it allows you to see the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake.
🚗 Taxi: 5-10 mins | 30,000 - 60,000 VND ~ $1.20 - $2.40 USD
🚘 Ride-Hailing App (Grab/Xanh SM): 5-10 mins | 25,000 - 50,000 VND ~ $1 - $2 USD
⚠️ Traffic around Hoan Kiem Lake can be congested, especially in the evening. On weekends (Friday evening through Sunday evening), the surrounding roads are pedestrian-only, meaning vehicles cannot drive directly to the entrance. Walking is the best option during these times.
Hours & Admission
🕗 Opening hours:
The box office is open daily. Performances run year-round with multiple shows per day.
- Daily Show Times: 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30, 20:00.
🎫 Ticket prices:
Prices are based on seat location. Tickets can be purchased directly at the theatre's box office.
- Class 3 (Rear seats): 100,000 VND ~ $4 USD
- Class 2 (Middle seats): 150,000 VND ~ $6 USD
- Class 1 (Front seats): 200,000 VND ~ $8 USD
- Notes: There may be a small additional fee of around 20,000 VND for using a video camera. Booking at least one day in advance is highly recommended, especially for evening shows or to secure front-row seats.
🚶 Best time to visit:
- Book an evening show to combine the experience with a stroll around the illuminated Hoan Kiem Lake. Weekday afternoon shows are typically less crowded than weekend or evening performances. Arrive 15-20 minutes before your show time to find your seat comfortably.
⌚ Recommended duration:
- The performance lasts approximately 50 minutes. Allow at least one hour for the entire experience.
Tips from locals
Local tips
🎟️ Book your tickets directly from the official box office at the theatre at least a few hours or a day in advance. This ensures you get the best price and seat selection, as popular showtimes sell out quickly and street resellers charge a premium.
💺 Spending the extra 50,000 VND for a Class 2 or Class 1 ticket is worthwhile. The theatre is small, but sitting closer allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship of the puppets and their subtle movements on the water.
🎧 You will be given a small leaflet with a summary of the 17 short acts performed. Take a moment to read it before the show starts; it will give you context for each vignette and enhance your understanding of the stories being told.
Be aware
📸 While photography without flash is generally permitted, there is an official fee for videography. However, the main point of etiquette is to avoid using a bright screen or flash, as it disrupts the dark theatre atmosphere and spoils the experience for others.
🔊 The music from the live orchestra is a major part of the show and is played through a modern sound system. It can be quite loud for those with sensitive hearing, particularly if you are seated near the speakers.
FAQs
How long is the Thang Long water puppet show?
The performance runs for approximately 50 minutes without an intermission.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It is highly recommended. Shows, especially in the evening and on weekends, often sell out. Booking a day or two ahead at the box office is a good practice.
How much do tickets cost?
Ticket prices range from 100,000 VND (~$4 USD) for back seats to 200,000 VND (~$8 USD) for front seats.
Can I understand the show if I don't speak Vietnamese?
Yes. The stories are conveyed through the puppets' actions and the music's emotion. A program is also provided with a brief explanation of each scene in English.
Is the show suitable for children?
Absolutely. The colorful puppets, lively music, and folkloric themes make it a very engaging experience for families and children.
Where is the best place to sit?
Seats in the front few rows (Class 1) offer the best, unobstructed view of the puppets and their intricate details.
Can I take photos during the performance?
Yes, photography without flash is permitted. For video recording, there may be a small extra charge paid at the ticket counter.
What time are the shows?
There are multiple shows every day, typically starting at 15:00 in the afternoon with several more performances into the evening.
Is there live music?
Yes, a traditional Vietnamese orchestra performs the music and vocals live for the entire duration of the show.
Where is the theatre located?
It is at 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, on the northeast shore of Hoan Kiem Lake in the center of Hanoi.
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