Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes theatre scenes, interior views and performance art
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre featuring theatre scenes, night scenes and interior views
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre featuring theatre scenes and interior views
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre which includes interior views, theatre scenes and performance art


Stories from local legends are told at this theatre with hand-carved wooden dolls and colourful dragons that perform on a stage on the water.

The Vietnamese art of water puppetry is a true cultural experience that is not to be missed while in Hanoi. Performed entirely in Vietnamese, the music and gesturing puppets tell a story that can be interpreted by all.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre was founded in 1969 and is one of the best places to watch the art of Vietnamese water puppetry. Dating back to the 11th century, this unique type of performance art started in the waters of the Red River that runs through Hanoi.

Today, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the few traditional theatres still in operation and its wooden, lacquered puppets are world-famous. Since 1990 the theatre has regularly travelled internationally and has appeared at art festivals all over the world.

Performed on a stage that resembles a pond, puppeteers stand waist deep in the water, hidden behind a screen. They spectacularly manoeuvre the puppets with a long, submerged rod. Expect to get splashed if you are seated in the front row, however, this is also the prime spot to admire the exquisite details of the handcrafted puppets. Enjoy the screams of surprise from the audience when dragons or princes emerge out of the water and see local legends unfold.

There is a live orchestra and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is known for its comical performances, so you’ll be laughing a lot too.

Stay back after the performance to enjoy a drink at the theatre’s café, which has great views over picturesque Lake Hoan Kiem.

Shows at the theatre are all under an hour in length. Booking the inexpensive ticket in advance is recommended, as the theatre is incredibly popular.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is located on the edge of the Old Quarter. The theatre is open daily and there are up to six shows per day. Some shows display an English translation on a screen

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Things to do near Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Near Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided tours, shopping, and exploring local art. The theatre itself showcases traditional Vietnamese puppetry, providing a unique cultural experience. Additionally, engaging in building activities may also be available, making it a perfect destination for both leisure and creativity.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant Hanoi Old Town Night Market, a bustling public market located 322m from Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. For a mix of entertainment and shopping, visit Trang Tien Plaza, only 805m away, and Dong Xuan Market, also 805m away, offering a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at My Dinh National Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts, located 9.7km from the theatre. Enjoy vibrant performances at Thang Long Ca Tru Theatre, just 322m away, or unwind at King's Island Golf Resort, 1.6km away, offering golf and outdoor relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Ho Tay Water Park, located 6.4km from Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, offering exciting rides and family fun. VinWonders Water Park, 14.5km away, features thrilling attractions for all ages. Royal Wave Park, 16.1km distant, promises an adventurous day filled with entertainment and excitement.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is vibrant and diverse. The Vietnam National Tuong Theatre, a mere 644m away, offers a cultural and romantic atmosphere. For a thrilling experience, visit Mega Grand World Hanoi or enjoy the fun at Vong Quay Ngua Go Carousel, both located 16.1km from the theatre.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

When visiting Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi, you'll find a wealth of attractions that cater to cultural enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and city explorers alike. Discover the vibrant streets, serene lakes, and historic temples nearby, offering a delightful blend of experiences that showcase local heritage and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a cultural immersion or a leisurely stroll, the area around the theatre is sure to enchant every traveller.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: A serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake offers picturesque scenery perfect for a leisurely stroll. With its romantic ambiance, it’s an ideal spot for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful escape amidst the bustling city.
  • Hanoi Opera House: A stunning architectural marvel, the Hanoi Opera House is a cultural hub that showcases the city’s vibrant arts scene. Enjoy a captivating performance in this historic venue, where the charm of old-world elegance meets contemporary entertainment.
  • St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi: This magnificent Gothic-style cathedral is a testament to Hanoi's rich history and culture. Its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit for those interested in the city's religious heritage.

Best time to go to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The best time to visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre falls in June, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February66.9°F (19.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
April77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May82.9°F (28.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June86.2°F (30.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July85.3°F (29.6°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December64.6°F (18.1°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

To save money on your visit to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, plan your trip during the cheaper months of June to July and September. Book accommodation about a month in advance or check Expedia’s last-minute deals for potential savings. Saturdays offer the lowest rates, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter for eco-friendly hotels and arrange your search by price to find the best deals. Consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre are June to July and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most competitive prices and offers, arrange the price filter in ascending order.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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