4Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
4.3
(15589)
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4.0
(12297)
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Théâtre de marionnettes
Concerts et Spectacles
Attraction touristique
Théâtres
Salle de spectacle où sont proposées des représentations de marionnettes sur l'eau accompagnées de musique.
The water puppet show was amazing and unique. This show depicts the story of Vietnam in the form of puppets. The language of this show was in Vietnami which was difficult to understand but the overall experience was very good. The theatre was almost full even in the time of restricted travel but they are taking care of safe distance. The host of this show were very nice
Shivam A — Google review
I have never experienced such an awesome & interesting place in my life. This was my first time seeing a puppet show that too underwater puppet show. The show is in Vietnamese but you will understand everything they are showing via puppets. You can also buy additional audio language packs if you like. I wanted front row seats so I emailed them before & asked them toBook for me. I paid 200,000 VND for 1 front row seat. This place is must for people from all ages & kids would love it.This place has not ♿️ accessible parking but entrance is ♿️ accessible.
Amit S — Google review
The Puppet Show was a great insight into the Vietnamese culture. It was chorused in Vietnamese language and hypnotising music that was just beautiful. Would highly recommend seeing this. I think it was just long enough to get a real thorough overview of their ways of life and their beliefs.
Debbie A — Google review
Me and my partner booked to see the puppet show as we heard it’s very popular here. We went around the theatre earlier in the day and booked for a 3pm show. In all honesty, we both did not enjoy it. We both felt confused and didn’t really understand the hype surrounding the show. There were elements that were nice including the music and the puppets themselves but I felt like there was no true storyline so it was hard to get into it. I think if you want to experience it, try it but if your looking for something amazing you’re going to be very disappointed.
Celeste H — Google review
Very nice experience for who likes cultural presentations. Ticket is 200k the most expensive with more frontal view; 150k for middle seats and 100k for seats further from the stage. Recommend to buy tickets in advance as they can run out quickly. The musicians are incredible and the audible experience is superb. The puppet water show is interesting but sometimes a little weird with puppet characters "hitting each other" as a way to display fun but could generate an allusion to violence. But in all, the puppet show is interesting.
Bárbara C — Google review
Fun experience. The cast is fun and lighthearted. To truly enjoy it, you have to know some basic Vietnamese folklore. It includes the story of the Sword Lake. Make sure to take pictures with the cast prior to the show starting. Splurge a bitmore for better seats. It’s worth it!
Dan — Google review
Very interesting place and show. I rented a translator ear peice which I found helpful. The musicians are amazing with the old school instruments they played, truly a dying art. See it live while it still is available. As a Canadian tourist married to a Vietnamese, we both enjoyed it well worth your time and little money.
Marco P — Google review
Once in a lifetime experience to watch this traditional show in the heart of Hanoi! Locals used to go to this show to just relax with family and have a good laugh after a long day of work. Approach this show with that mindset, and you will enjoy it even if you don't understand the words. I didn't bother with audio guide definitely not needed. You can use common sense to understand the stories. They are about life of locals in rural area and legends. We go the backrow seats (100k dong). The entire theater is not even that big so front or last row doesn't make that much difference. We were on the last row and had perfect visibility to the puppets and performers on side stages.We arrived a few minutes after the show start time and they still allowed us entry. I recommend to squeeze this into your day. :)
G — Google review
What a wonderful show full of Vietnamese culture and beauty. The artists side stage were unreal at singing and playing their instruments and the puppeteers are also so talented. I would highly suggest buying tickets at the office a day or more before or online if you don’t mind paying a little more. They sell out right away.
Tasha L — Google review
Cool experience, wasn't really sure what was going on. The live performance was nice, puppets a were ok - they started off strong with some fire breathing dragons but after the first 5 minutes the rest of the show were very simple people, ducks, boats, etc. Everyone is a tourist, no locals go here.
Liam G — Google review
I really enjoyed the 50 minute show.I would recommend sitting either right at the front or right at the back for the best views.We got tickets for the 3pm showing without any trouble. There wasn't a queue to get in but was quite busy once every one was seated. My youngest son and I moved seats to the back when someone tall sat in front of him.We hired 2 of the audio description headsets for 50k each. We could've just shared 1 between the 4 of us and just taken it in turn to listen though.Be warned people have their phones out taking video and photos and will hold them up sometimes blocking your view.
Holly M — Google review
Amazing experience! Unexpected, looks like a musical on the water. The place is great, high quality show. I bought a ticket 30 minutes before, without line and the chairs are numerated. I really recommend this place for your Hanoi visit! The price were 4, 8 or 12 US dollars depending the sitting. They sell a translate audio (Chinese, Spanish, English) but is expensive and not necessary because there are a lot of music and you can understand the puppets narrative.
Danielle F — Google review
For the price definitely worth a watch - sure it would be amazing for young children! Definitely a unique way to spend an hour in the city.
Ellis E — Google review
It's a unique place, the small house with a waterpool and a classic oriental palace as a stage, and two platforms where musicians accompany the performance. The musicians are a gem crew themselves, with wonderful local music instruments. The show is comprised of everyday local life scenes that change one another, from planting rice to the Emperor visit. The legend of the Returned Sword on the lake opposite the theater is also played here. All the scenes prove the circle of Life is most important in Orient life. Another point is that this ancient art is carried through centuries and they keep it alive every day till today 365 days a year.
??????? ? — Google review
My first experience of a water puppet show. It was amazing. A 50 min show with stories of culture and village life including traditional live music.It was worth a visit for one time. You get headphones in your preferred language as the show is in Vietnamese.
Dhyan D — Google review
My friend’s been wanting to take me here for a long time, and when I got to Hanoi the first thing she did was we walked towards the theatre and we bought tickets for the 630 show it was so good. It was so cute. It was so adorable. I would highly recommend this show for anyone.The puppets and the way they make the movement I mean it’s funny. Yes, it’s sung sort of in Vietnamese language it was but I think if you can look at the motion of the puppets, you can kind of figure out what they’re doing.Definitely go see this this is something you’ll never see anywhere in the world 🌎 unless
Follow F — Google review
Fun and unique show, with water puppets in Hanoi’s old quarter. No need to buy the audio guides and no need to understand Vietnamese to get the short sketches. Overall great hour spent!Tickets should be bought in advanced, but it was somewhat disappointing to see many good spots still free, after I had been told the only free seat was in one of the last rows.
Carlotta Z — Google review
We bought our tickets in advance from Agoda and we had to collect it from the venue about an hour before the show starts. We had to queue with the other ticket buyers and found out that we had paid more than double the price for buying it online than on the spot. So get it earlier on the spot to save some money.The show was really fun even though we don’t understand Vietnamese. The puppets were such cute characters and the live music and voice actors were amazing! So it was worth paying for this!
Kye ( — Google review
Great cultural experience right next to the lake. A little bit touristy but it was still a highly enjoyable time. The puppets are all just above the water and the music is all traditional. The dialogue is also in Vietnamese but the context can be ascertained from the actions of the puppets.There is ample seating inside the theatre with the seats towards the front coating a little more, however this is not important as the seating is staggered so that the view is reasonably unimpeded regardless of where you decide to sit. The seating is also all allocated according to your ticket so there is no rush to get to your seats. The restrooms aren't especially clean but are good enough.
Roop S — Google review
A fantastic hour of live music and beautiful puppetry. The music is wonderful, and the puppetry is imaginative and fun. This is one of those things that everyone needs to see at least once. If you are in Hanoi, definitely make an effort to see this.
Cory W — Google review
The show is nice. One should not expect Cirque du soleil, but it is a great way to finish a day visiting Hanoi. Seats are quite reasonable, so resting contributes to enjoying the moment. The 50 minutes duration is just right. More time would start getting repetitive. There are three seating prices of rows defined by proximity to stage. All 3 have good visibility so no need to pay for the closest (only if you want to)
Diego C — Google review
I was a bit skeptical when my wife suggested this. I'm so glad we came. It's a really great experience. The music they play is really good and you get to see traditional instruments being played. The puppet show itself is quite fun and well done.Buy tickets physically at the theater, if you buy online you pay an extra 50%.
D P — Google review
Surprised myself that I enjoyed it so much as I'm not a connoisseur of performance art.Booked in advance following the tip from another reviewer and went to pick up the tickets early (on the day of the performance) which saw us get allocated front row centre stage seats.We went with the Audio Translation device but you dont need it to enjoy the performance.
Stumpy S — Google review
I paid over 200K per person for the front row seats. I think you will still get a good view with farther seats.The show is interesting. It is composed with little short stories. I particularly like the dragon and phoenix stories.Audio guide cost 50K per device. It only comes with one earpiece. If you have earphones and earphone splitter and bring them with you, you could probably get one audio guide and share it with the whole family.
Lu — Google review
I really loved the water puppets. Make sure to get the audio guide so you know what's happening.Its quite short, so you don't get bored but it's a lovely change of pace from the Insanity of Hanoi outside.There's something about the moment of the water incorporated into the whole thing that makes it so much more mesmerizing to watch than normal puppets. The unicorns playing with a ball was a real favourite.Glad I did it early on in my holiday as an introducing to folk beliefs to because it made things I found later in my trip make more sense.
Mairead G — Google review
Better buy ticket in advance especially in weekend. I took additional show in Friday at 21.15. Ticket price start from 100,000 dong per seat. I bought my 9 yo children and when we sat the staff offered pillow to be put on chair to help my children able to see the show. The show was fascinating since the puppets act matched with the traditional music performed by the artist.
Agtifa P — Google review
Advisable to buy tickets in advance as the shows are generally full... we were lucky to get on the spot tickets, but it's not worth the risk as the show is an absolute must... we first visited the Sword Island pagoda and then walked over in time to catch the 630 show... they have 3-4 shows everyday, please check the times and buy tickets in advance... do not skip the audio guides, or you will not get a wholesome experience of the story telling masterpiece that the show is... the puppets are beautiful, and the artists use the water to great effect...
Amitabh A — Google review
Mesmerizing water puppet show! Skilled puppeteers and impressive craftsmanship. I loved it even though it was in Vietnamese, which I don't understand! The art and entertainment transcended the language barrier. I highly recommend booking a front row seat in advance - it's totally worth it! I felt fully immersed in the show and had a fantastic view. Enchanting experience, highly recommended!
Sylvia A — Google review
I sat in the middle tier of seats (150k). It was good, but I'm not sure I'd waste money on the audio (50k), it did give you a quick overview of what the story was but didn't really tell the story so you're better off just watching and enjoying it.On top of that, the audio isn't that loud, even at the top volume.Setting aside the audio, the show itself was good, the puppetry was entertaining. Apparently it takes many years to become a master dog water puppetry.
Khushil G — Google review
Nice puppet show on the water. The music played with special instrumentsa made it a unique experience. Would recommend buying tickets. Some tourists did not follow their exact seats, so better arrive in advance.
Hila F — Google review
If you are reading this now and are still considering to go watching or not. I suggest you go! You won't have this "fun, so cool, localish, traditional and yet fascinating experience" at anywhere else..Book your ticket in advance so you won't miss those front seats. Come on time so you will not annoy the other visitors.
Grace H — Google review
Don't miss this! It's a truly wonderful show for adults and children alike.I recommend buying tickets in advance to get the best seats as shows sell out quickly.There is an option for a headset so that you can hear the narrative in your own language. I recommend this, and it only costs 50K VND per person.
Duncan B — Google review
It is better to buy the ticket in advance because the line might be long. We came 20 mins before and bought the ticket on the spot. Good thing we were able to buy just in time ( we went a bit late).Even though they used local language, I enjoyed the show and definitely it is a must visit place in Hanoi.
Theodora W — Google review
I have bought the cheapest ticket for 100 000(they have more shows per day, but since they are the longest playing theatre and thus very popular, they sell out quickly,so I suggest to buy your ticket ahead maybe a day or two to make sure you get a show time (and maybe a seat) you want) for N9seat and I had no troubles seeing perfectly. It was absolutely stunning performance,such a unique show! I recommend seeing it,it is totally worth it! Ca mon, thank you very much!
Jerry V — Google review
Great culture displays well suited for most ages that appreciate diversity. Buy the tickets a day or 2 in advance at the ticket office. The live music and singers were very great. We rented the translator ear piece and it was worth it. If you learn the folk stories before and the 4 mystical / mythical animals from Vietnam it will make more sense. Learn about the musical instruments in the museum and then go hear them here.
Antonio E — Google review
Wonderful, traditional puppet show.Worth the money for the live musicians and singers alone.Beautiful theatre with great atmosphere and very cool considering the extreme heat outside.Comfortable seating.I had to buy my ticket the previous day as it's always full. Skilled puppeteers worked their magic for children and adults alike.Fun show. It doesn't matter that you can't understand the dialogue.Gift shop. Clean toilets downstairs.I recommend for the price especially.I sat in middle range seats Row G
Susan F — Google review
Your allowed to record take picture but no flash photography. I was just exploring my heritage and this place is very nice and explains the history of the arts of water puppet. One flaw thing is there should be like a an audio guide that automatically start when the show is going because selecting the stories did make it pointless and to non English speaking people they couldn’t get a full grasp of Vietnamese culture. If the air on was strong that would have been a solid 5 star
Philong L — Google review
This is a traditional dance/drama form of Vietnam which is performed by the local artists. It is unique by its nature and hard to perform as the success of a group performance always depends on the synchronisation of the group members. And, they have mastered it well. One bad / inaccurate move of a single person, can ruin the show. But, they practiced it so much, that you will see a flawless entertainment before your eyes.The theatre hall, itself is placed in the prime location of Old quarter of Vietnam and is also considered as a landmark to reach the local shopping place.Overall a very nice and satisfying experience.
Somnath B — Google review
It was a wonderful experience. One gets to experience exquisite puppetry, traditional Vietnamese music, and a soothing atmosphere. We did not realize that one could also get translation in different languages. So we did not follow the narration or songs (they are in Vietnamese) but could only follow what was being shown. To cut waiting times, it is best to book tickets when you visit the sword lake temple and then go to the theatre 15 minutes before show time. You can also but some puppets after the show. Don't miss the souvenir shops around the theatre. All in all, this was the high point of our stay in Hanoi.
Sivasenani N — Google review
Fantastic show. Unexpectedly good traditional music. Preserved tradition. Your money will be worth your while. It’s truly one-of-a-kind experience.Buy the ticket in advance and book the front seats to have a better view. I regret not getting the translator since I really wanted to understand everything that’s happening, including what’s in the songs.I’ll probably be back someday with my friends.
Harby N — Google review
It was an amazing surprise! I did not expect to see this kind of performance that includes a traditional music group.It explains different important legends of the country. You may also request a headset to get a live translation of the different stories, if needed.I would recommend you to book in advance so that you can reserve seats in the front rows. Furthermore, the room is also cool to enjoy this spectacle even more during hot seasons! :)
Pierre-Alexandre T — Google review
Good one. Try to visit. Nice show. There is a translator outside if you ask and pay they will provide but they are functioning properly. The story sequence doesn't go properly with the translator. The same story line kept repeating multiple times in our translator which is very uncomfortable. We complained but they didn't take any action. I don't think translators do their job. Recommend seeing it without translator.
Sree D — Google review
A magnificent performance. A kaleidoscope of colours and music. For a Western audience, the entire play would be far more accessible if it were expressed in a language other than Vietnamese. Consequently, while one watches a performance that is comprehensible at an elementary level, the deeper content remains elusive.
Walter B — Google review
This is one of my best experiences in Vietnam. I think that nothing can move me like theatre. In 45/60 min they perform life music in front of you and tell you stories about Vietnamese history, culture and traditions. Animation of puppets and music are so good that you no need translation, anyway there's no so many words and whole show. You just need to relax and enjoy. I was on the same show in Saigon but this theatre is much bigger and whole performance is better. I couldn't go to watch it over and over again.
Ilija V — Google review
It was a wonderful experience! They act out folklore and small stories of their culture through puppets!! It was just breathtaking how the marionettes were controlled when the people can’t even see them properly . I should also mention the opera singers and musicians who did a wonderful job with the music ... everything put together, it was a very good show and I learnt a bit from it... there are a few photos of the show below
Manudi A — Google review
Das Theater war wirklich gut. Das Ticket, um das wir uns bemüht haben, ist ein VIP-Ticket für die erste Reihe. Leider war sie ausverkauft. Aber die letzte Reihe mit 100000 VND auch toll. Die Show und der Sänger war wirklich gut und sehr interessant. Wenn man nach Hanoi reist, muss man das unbedingt machen.(Translated by Google)The theater was really good. The ticket we sought is a front row VIP ticket. Unfortunately it was sold out. But the last row with 100000 VND is also great. The show and the singer was really good and very interesting. If you travel to Hanoi, you definitely have to do this.
Panukorn I — Google review
Super fun experience for our first night in Hanoi! Affordable tickets which you can purchase on the night at the book or with a ticketing agency like we did.The atmosphere of the theatre was cozy and small but nevertheless impressive. The show was spectacular with beautiful traditional cultural music that encompassed live instruments and singing.The puppet show was amusing, entertaining and very impressive. For a short one hour show it's definitely worth visiting and watching as a means of embracing the culture and supporting the years old artistic tradition.
Liky — Google review
The water puppet show in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a mesmerizing cultural experience that brings to life a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. Held at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, this unique performance features intricately crafted wooden puppets that dance on water, skillfully manipulated by hidden puppeteers. The show is accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music, including the use of bamboo flutes, drums, and cymbals, which adds to the vibrant and enchanting atmosphere.The storytelling is both humorous and poignant, depicting rural Vietnamese life, historical legends, and folklore. Even without understanding the Vietnamese language, the visual spectacle and the expressive movements of the puppets make the narratives engaging and easy to follow.One of the highlights is the play of light and water, which creates a magical ambiance, making the puppets appear to glide and float effortlessly. The coordination and skill of the puppeteers are truly impressive, showcasing a deep mastery of this age-old tradition.The theatre offers different seating prices: 100,000 Vietnamese dong for the last row, 150,000 Vietnamese dong for the middle row, and 200,000 Vietnamese dong for the front row. Despite the tiered pricing, you can sit just about anywhere and get a good view, so there's no need to worry too much about your seating choice. Additionally, you can pay 50,000 Vietnamese dong for an audio guide, which is highly recommended. While you can still enjoy the music, visuals, and live performance without it, the audio guide provides valuable context, explaining what each story is about. Though it doesn't translate verbatim what the puppets are saying, it offers a quick narrative either before, during, or after each performance, significantly enhancing your understanding.Overall, the water puppet show in Hanoi is a delightful and culturally rich experience, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's heritage and artistry. It is a must-see for anyone visiting the city, providing entertainment and insight into the country's rich cultural tapestry.- loved when the puppet performers came out at the end of the show.
Adriana P — Google review
Amazing experience, bought the ticket directly at the day itself. I would recommend to buy ticket in advance via klook/other app. They offered audio-guide but I did not take it. Although the show was in Vietnamese, I still enjoyed it very much. Kudos to all the performers.
Yessica K — Google review
57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Viêt Nam•