Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi: Address, Ticket Prices, Opening Hours
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre showcases captivating performances that bring to life Vietnam’s history, culture, and traditions, all played out on water. The main characters are puppets, portraying various figures in fascinating stories about rural Vietnamese life. A must-visit destination when you’re in Hanoi, join SVietnam in discovering this traditional art form at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
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Overview of Vietnam’s Water Puppet Art
Water puppetry is an art form that originated around the 11th century in the Red River Delta of Vietnam. This type of performance is traditionally held during festivals, village celebrations, and Lunar New Year. Performers use puppets to act out stories on the surface of the water, controlling the characters with bamboo rods hidden beneath the water. Their skilled movements make the puppets appear to dance effortlessly on the water’s surface. It’s an incredible sight to behold, but that’s not all—when the puppets begin their dance, the soft melodies of traditional Vietnamese music fill the theater, like a gentle wave lapping at the shore.
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The harmonious symphony of drums, wooden bells, bamboo flutes, and the monochord instrument adds an auditory depth to the performance. The artists narrate these enchanting stories through the captivating melodies of Chèo, a traditional Vietnamese opera. Their warm and melodious voices resonate throughout the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi, breathing life into these beautiful tales with every puppet act. As a folk art form, water puppetry quickly became a treasured tradition, holding a prestigious place in Vietnam’s national theater. While puppetry exists in many countries, water puppetry is uniquely found only in Vietnam.
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Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi
For many years, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre has been a special destination with immense appeal for both domestic and international visitors. The theater was established in October 1969, initially named the Kim Dong Art Troupe, with the mission of performing dry puppetry for children in the capital. In 1975, it was renamed the Hanoi Puppet Troupe, and in 1993, it officially became the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre as it is known today.
Throughout its more than 50 years of existence, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre has faced several challenges, including financial difficulties that nearly led to its closure. There were times when performances had no audiences, resulting in artist salaries being insufficient to make a living. However, the artists’ love for their craft, their unity, and their commitment to preserving this traditional art form revived the theater and brought this unique form of puppetry closer to the public.
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What began with just nine performers from the Hanoi School of Art has grown into two performance troupes along with various functional departments. The theater now has a team of well-trained, specialized, dynamic, and passionate artists, actors, and technicians. These artists are capable of taking on many roles and are on par with international puppetry performers. The theater has become a leading brand in Vietnam’s puppetry art and holds the Asian record as the “only theater in Asia that performs water puppetry 365 days a year.” The theater has toured in more than 40 countries, spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia.
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During peak periods, the theater sells over 1,000 tickets per day, with 4 to 5 performances scheduled daily, and up to 7 to 9 shows during high-demand times. Some of the theater’s iconic water puppet shows, such as Chú Tễu, The Legend of Sword Lake, and Fairy Dance, are must-see performances for both local and foreign audiences.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre offers more than just a puppet show; it delivers a unique blend of traditional art and storytelling, providing a vivid glimpse into the charm of rural Vietnam amidst the bustling, vibrant pace of life in Hanoi.
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How to Get to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Located in the heart of Hanoi, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is easily accessible. You can reach the theater by car, motorbike, bicycle, or even by cyclo for a more unique experience.
Choosing to travel to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre by personal vehicle gives you more flexibility and helps you save on costs. From the center of Hanoi, you can take the route along Dien Bien Phu Street, then Trang Thi Street, passing by Hoan Kiem Lake to reach the theater.
Traveling by Bus
If you prefer public transport, several bus routes pass by the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, including bus numbers 04, 09B, 14, 34, and 55A. Bus fares are very affordable, ranging from approximately 7,000 VND to 20,000 VND.
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What to see at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Enjoying Spectacular Musical Performances
The water puppet shows at Thang Long Theatre are accompanied by traditional Vietnamese musical instruments such as the đàn tranh, đàn nhị, and đàn bầu. These instruments, combined with the melodious Cheo singing of skilled artisans and the lively movements of puppets on the water, create a mesmerizing stage experience for visitors.
Notable Water Puppet Shows at Thang Long Theatre
- Fairy Dance: This puppet show tells the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. The entire story vividly reenacts the origins of our ancestors and the formation of the Văn Lang nation.
- The Legend of Sword Lake: This water puppet show recounts the story of the sword that helped King Le Loi defeat the invading Ming army. It vividly brings to life the heroic spirit of our soldiers and people during the war, as well as the legend of the golden turtle (Kim Quy) in this epic tale.
- Dragon and Phoenix Dance: In Vietnamese folk beliefs, dragons and phoenixes hold significant positions. While the dragon symbolizes strength and majesty, the phoenix embodies grace and agility. The phoenix dance is often performed in pairs, with the male being the Phoenix (Phượng) and the female known as Loan. The harmony between the two symbolizes faithful and steadfast love between husband and wife.
- Agriculture: This water puppet act portrays the daily tasks of Vietnamese farmers, such as planting rice, watering crops, and harvesting. The audience will see the hardworking, diligent farmers busily toiling in the fields.
- Other performances include boat racing, flute-playing buffalo herders, lion dances, and more.
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Admiring Unique Architecture
Built in 1969, the Thang Long Theatre retains its ancient architectural style. The intricate and classical design of the interior and sculptures is a blend of traditional and artistic craftsmanship. A standout feature is the 18-square-meter water stage, where the fascinating and lively water puppet performances take place.
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Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: Address, Ticket Prices, and Opening Hours
- Address: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre welcomes guests 365 days a year, with typically 4-6 performances per day. The theatre has a capacity of 300 people, and each show lasts approximately 45 minutes.
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Ticket prices at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre:
- General seating (3rd row, farthest from the stage): 100,000 VND/person
- Standard seating (2nd row): 150,000 VND/person
- VIP seating (1st row, closest to the stage): 200,000 VND/person
- Children under 1.2 meters: 60,000 VND/person
Additionally, if you use a camera, there is an extra fee of 20,000 VND per camera, and 60,000 VND per video recorder.
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Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM, 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM
Please collect your tickets at the provider’s office at least 30 minutes before the show starts.
A Few Tips for Watching a Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Check the performance schedule on the theatre’s website and book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred seats.
- Each water puppet show lasts about 45 minutes, so it’s recommended to pick up your tickets at least 30 minutes before the show begins.
- Absolutely no photography with flash is allowed during the water puppet show.
- Refrain from bringing food or drinks with strong odors into the theatre to avoid disturbing others.
- Wear respectful and tidy attire for the show.
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With performances that highlight Vietnam’s rich traditional values, most international tours to Hanoi include a stop at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This experience is a fascinating way for visitors to better understand Vietnamese life, culture, and craftsmanship during their trip.
If you are planning a trip to Hanoi and wish to visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, feel free to contact SVietnam Travel for the best advice and special offers on early bookings.
