Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Tours

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


Stories from local legends are told at this theater with hand-carved wooden dolls and colorful 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 theater has regularly traveled 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 maneuvre 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 theater’s café, which has great views over picturesque Lake Hoan Kiem.

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

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

Plan a trip to see Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Splendid Star Grand Hotel & Spa
Le Petit Prince Hanoi Hotel & Rooftop Bar
Victor Gallery Hotel & Spa - Victor Group

Browse tours and tickets to explore Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Tours & day trips

See all 1804 activities

History & culture

See all 916 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 67 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 31 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 24 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2

4 out of 5
95 Hang Bong Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi

L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi

4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, vietnam
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

5 out of 5
15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
The Oriental Jade Hotel

The Oriental Jade Hotel

5 out of 5
No. 92-94 Hang Trong Str., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
The Oriental Jade Hotel
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi

5 out of 5
18-20-22-24 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
Solaria Hotel

Solaria Hotel

4 out of 5
22 Bao Khanh Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Solaria Hotel
La Nueva Boutique Hotel Ha Noi

La Nueva Boutique Hotel Ha Noi

4 out of 5
32 Lo Su Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
La Nueva Boutique Hotel Ha Noi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

At the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi, immerse yourself in the captivating Hanoi water puppet show, a traditional art form that showcases Vietnam's rich culture. Enjoy local tours that highlight the vibrant theater scene nearby, and take the opportunity to shop for unique souvenirs. Don't forget to buy your tickets in advance to ensure you secure a spot for this unforgettable experience.

Shopping

The Hanoi Old Town Night Market, just 0.2 miles from the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, offers a vibrant local atmosphere for unique souvenirs. Nearby, Trang Tien Plaza (0.5 miles) has family-friendly shopping and entertainment options. Dong Xuan Market, also 0.5 miles away, showcases local crafts and goods.

Recreation

My Dinh National Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts, located 6 miles from the theatre. For golf lovers, King’s Island Golf Resort, a mere mile away, provides beautiful outdoor vistas. For a more tranquil experience, SEVT Park, 27 miles away, is ideal for relaxation and wellness activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Ho Tay Water Park, located 4 miles from Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, featuring exciting slides and wave pools. Royal Wave Park, 10 miles away, offers family-friendly attractions, while VinWonders Water Park, 9 miles distant, provides an adventurous escape with entertainment for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the captivating atmosphere at the Lotus Water Puppet Theater, just 0.3 miles away, offering a blend of culture and romance. For a lively night, visit the Cheo Theater, 1.0 mile away, where entertainment flourishes, perfect for families and couples alike.

Find the best attractions near Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

When visiting the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi, explore nearby attractions such as vibrant streets, serene lakes, and historic temples. This area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for those seeking a blend of city life and outdoor adventure. Don't miss the captivating performances at the water puppet theater, which showcase traditional Vietnamese artistry and storytelling, making it a must-see for any traveler in the region.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Located a mere 0.2 miles from the theatre, Hoan Kiem Lake offers a romantic escape with its picturesque scenery. Stroll along the lush pathways, enjoy the serene atmosphere, and take in the vibrant culture that surrounds this iconic spot.
  • Hanoi Opera House: Situated 0.6 miles away, the Hanoi Opera House is a stunning architectural marvel that embodies the city's cultural richness. Attend a performance or simply explore its grand façade, immersing yourself in the vibrant entertainment scene.
  • St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi: Just 0.4 miles from the theatre, this majestic cathedral showcases Gothic architecture and offers a glimpse into the local culture. Its serene ambiance makes it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of history.

Best time to go to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Visitor numbers around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 CloudyAverageAverage
November72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December64.6°F (18.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

To save money during your visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, plan your trip between June to July or September for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and consider staying on Saturday for the best rates. Use Expedia to find deals by sorting prices from lowest to highest and look for package deals that combine flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide additional discounts and rewards. Don't forget to explore free activities around Hanoi to maximize your experience without overspending.

  • 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 and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool is designed to help you customize your travel experience by allowing you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay for the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.