Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show
Overview
Mobile ticket
Step into the enchanting history of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi, where an ancient art form dating back to the 11th century comes alive.
Originating in the flooded rice paddies of rural Vietnam, villagers once stood waist-deep in water, bringing stories to life with puppets gliding magically across the surface. Hidden behind screens, puppeteers used long rods to control the intricately crafted puppets, creating the illusion of life on water. the world-famous theater continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of tradition, artistry, and storytelling, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's vibrant cultural heritage.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
A Viator/TripAdvisor confirmation booking will be sent at the time of confirmation is not the official ticket.
The official ticket will be sent to you within 24 hours
For assistance with redemption/ticket issues, kindly contact GlobalTix Customer Support Live Chat by WhatsApp Message
No flash photography is permitted
Please note that you have to collect the actual tickets at the local operator's office at least 30 minutes before the show
Show times occasionally change due to availability. In this case the local operator will contact you in advance
Please note that you have to be at the theater at least 10-30 minutes before the show start time
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Show program
All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Skip-the-line Thang Long Water Puppet Theater ticket
Multilingual Audio Guide (if you choose Multilingual Audio Guide ticket)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Thang Long Water Puppet
57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi Vietnam
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Thang Long Water Puppet
Skip the lines at the Water Puppet Theater with this convenient service that includes show tickets and flexible time options. Enjoy a live 50-minute performance showcasing one of Vietnam's most iconic art forms, water puppetry, which originated over a thousand years ago in the Red River Delta. Once depicting the daily lives of villagers through farming, fishing, and children’s games, modern performances now weave in ancient legends and myths, offering a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
Options
Standard Ticket + Audio Guide
Languages: Vietnamese, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, French, German, Spanish.
Deluxe Ticket (6 - 10 Rows)
Deluxe Ticket (6 - 10 Rows)
Standard Ticket
Standard Ticket
VIP Ticket (1-5 Rows)
VIP Ticket (1-5 Rows)
VIP Ticket + Audio Guide
(1-5 Rows): Languages: Vietnamese, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, French, German, Spanish.
Deluxe Ticket + Audio Guide
(6 - 10 Rows): Languages: Vietnamese, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, French, German, Spanish.
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Booking Through the Website Only Created Headaches
324liliea,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I booked through the website to save time, but it turned into the worst part of my trip. The payment went through instantly, yet no ticket was sent. When I tried to contact them, the response was slow and unhelpful. Very poor service for something that should be simple.
Water puppet show
Ambassador818592,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The puppets didn‘t look as great as there were discribed. The movements were absolutly disapointing. I could also have done this. If I were you I would not spend your time and watch it. There are better atractives to do in Hanoi. We had been booked on by our tour Which I hadn't noticed until the last minute otherwise would have asked not to attend. It is literally puppets in a small pond with traditional singing for an hour !
Very disappointed ,not happy
Extraordinary818530,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I've had the misfortune to see this show twice and the supremely good fortune to miss out when there weren't enough tickets for sale... If at all, the Water Puppets is a once only experience. Preferably, it's an experience to be avoided at all costs.We booked in to see water puppets after others raved about it. Very disappointing show except for brilliant musicians. Your time would be better spent walking around the lake.
Tourist Trap
Passenger818468,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Not entertaining, I would say it's a tourist trap just to get you pay for some puppet show. I would not recommend it, save your money and buy ice cream instead .Boring, weird and honestly overpriced. Appreciate it's local art and culture but it's tacky and touristy. No English translation either.
A Website That Feels Completely Unreliable
maitE1755RX,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I thought booking on the website would be quick, but after paying, the ticket simply disappeared. No confirmation, no booking code, no email. When I reached out for help, all I got was generic replies that solved nothing. Very disappointing and definitely not a service I would trust again.
Payment Done, but No Ticket Anywhere
951huy np,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I booked my ticket directly on the website and completed the payment, but the ticket never arrived. I checked my email, spam folder, everything nothing. When I tried to contact support, there was no response at all. This experience was frustrating and showed a complete lack of responsibility.
Waste of time
pobudadebor,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Terrible experience in my traveling in Hanoi. Waste of time and money and never book tickets online.Book directly from the ticket office
Should you look at
Christoph S,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Water puppet theatre is a very worth seeing. Takes about 1 hour. The conversion from the voucher is a bit exciting but in the end it worked out 100% at the last push.
unique typical Vietnamese show
LONGMY D,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00very nice show: set, orchestra, characters, costumes, action. I went for the fifth time: it's still beautiful and attractive.
Great show, would definitely recommend
CARLOS O,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Great experience, use the audio guide, you’ll learn some facts about Vietnamese culture. Sound is a little bit too loud in the theatre. I just wish we would have gotten the tickets online and not having to wait for them to be delivered to the theatre right before the show,.
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