Water puppetry (mua roi nuoc) is a uniquely Vietnamese art form that is often included in many Hanoi travel guides. It originated over 1,000 years ago in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta. Today, puppeteers stand waist-deep behind a bamboo screen and control wooden puppets across the water surface using long submerged poles.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, located just north of Hoan Kiem Lake, is the most famous venue and is one of the key places to visit in Hanoi for cultural performances. It operates 4 to 5 shows daily, making it an easy addition to things to do in Hanoi during an evening in the Old Quarter.
The 50-minute performance is made up of short vignettes inspired by village life and Vietnamese folklore. Scenes include fishermen catching fish that slip away, farmers working with water buffalo, a fox stealing ducks, and the legend of the Restored Sword from Hoan Kiem Lake. It also features traditional phoenix and dragon dances. A live musical ensemble plays instruments such as the dan bau, dan nguyet, drums, and vocal performances that accompany each scene. There is no spoken dialogue needed to follow the story.
The theatre seats around 300 people across two tiers. The front-middle seats are best for a closer view of the stage. Tickets typically range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND depending on seating. Showtimes are usually 3 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8 PM, with evening shows often selling out in advance during peak season.
Tickets can be booked online or at the box office. Many street food tours in Hanoi tourism itineraries combine a 5:20 PM puppet show with a food walk afterward, making it a convenient way to structure an evening. Photography is allowed without flash, and the performance is family-friendly, making it suitable for travelers of all ages.