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The Water Puppet Theatre
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The Water Puppet Theatre

Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre – one of Hanoi’s most famous attractions, where ancient Vietnamese storytelling comes alive through mesmerizing performances on water.

Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Nhà hát Múa rối nước Thăng Long) is a must-see destination for both locals and international visitors. This unique form of traditional Vietnamese art dates back to the 11th century, originating from the Red River Delta. Skilled puppeteers manipulate wooden figures on the water’s surface, accompanied by live folk music, drums, and traditional instruments — creating a truly magical experience that captures the soul of Vietnam.

Where is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre?

  • Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam (next to Hoan Kiem Lake)
  • Showtimes: Daily from 3:00 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM
  • Ticket fee: 100,000 – 200,000 VND (depending on seating and time)

The theatre is situated right at the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake, easily accessible by foot from the Old Quarter. Its bright façade and large sign make it hard to miss. The interior offers comfortable seating and excellent acoustics, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the performance’s sounds, colors, and traditional atmosphere. English subtitles are often available to help international audiences follow the stories more easily.

How to get there?

The theatre is located in the heart of Hanoi, just a 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. You can get there by walking, taxi, or Grab. Public buses No. 08, 31, and 36 also stop nearby.
*Tip: It’s best to book tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, as seats often sell out quickly. You can buy tickets directly at the box office or online through the official website. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the show to get good seats.

What to expect at the Thang Long Water Puppet Show

Each performance features a series of short stories depicting Vietnamese folklore, legends, and rural life. Some of the most popular acts include:

  • The Legend of the Restored Sword – telling the story of King Le Loi and the magical turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Farmers working in the fields – showing everyday village life through humor and music.
  • Dragon dance and fairy tales – colorful, symbolic, and full of energy, appealing to all ages.

All performances are accompanied by live traditional music played with instruments like drums, wooden bells, horns, and flutes, performed by skilled local musicians and singers.

History of Vietnamese Water Puppetry

Water puppetry (múa rối nước) is a traditional art form that originated in the Red River Delta during the Ly Dynasty (11th century). Farmers created performances using wooden puppets on flooded rice fields to celebrate harvests and local festivals. Over time, this rural art evolved into a stage performance, with Hanoi’s Thang Long Theatre being one of the few places preserving this tradition today.

Established in 1969, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre has performed for millions of audiences both domestically and internationally, symbolizing the creativity, humor, and rich cultural spirit of the Vietnamese people.