A Unique Art Form of Vietnam
Originating and flourishing during the Ly Dynasty (1010–1225), water puppetry has been passed down through generations, evolving from a rural folk art into a traditional performance with a distinctive place in Vietnam’s national theater scene.
The stage for water puppetry, known as the “water pavilion” or “thủy đình,” uses the surface of a pond or lake as the platform for performances. Behind the curtain, puppeteers manipulate wooden puppets via rods and strings, making them dance and perform on the water’s surface. The stage is often adorned with colorful flags, fans, parasols, elephants, and ceremonial gates, creating a lively atmosphere that’s enhanced by the sounds of drums and fireworks.
Some characters in water puppetry.
Vietnam’s vast repertoire of water puppet performances includes 30 traditional acts and hundreds of modern scenes, depicting folklore and the everyday lives of the Vietnamese people.
Below are scenes from a performance by the Lotus Water Puppet Troupe, part of the Vietnam Contemporary Art Theatre under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Signature acts, such as “Dragon Dance,” “The Scholar’s Procession,” and “Le Loi Returns the Sword,” have captivated audiences, particularly international visitors. The troupe usually performs twice daily, with a fixed show at 5:15 p.m. and other shows at 6:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m., depending on demand.
The water puppeteers are controlling the puppets.
The band played live music.
Preparing to go underwater and control puppets.
Artist Tuan Anh practices before the performance.
Over the past three decades, the Vietnam Contemporary Art Theatre has invested in its facilities, stage design, and equipment, while introducing new, vibrant performances that blend water puppetry with contemporary music and dance. Despite modern elements, the performances maintain a deep connection to traditional Vietnamese culture, ensuring a rich and enjoyable experience for both locals and tourists alike. To attract more visitors, the theater has partnered with travel companies to introduce this unique cultural experience to a broader audience, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Places to Experience Water Puppet Shows in Hanoi
In Hanoi, visitors can enjoy water puppet shows at several venues. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, located at 57b Dinh Tien Hoang Street, offers daily performances from Monday to Saturday at various times, including 1:45 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 5:20 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:15 p.m. On Sundays, shows start as early as 9:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Visitors are required to collect their tickets at least 30 minutes before the show, which typically lasts around 45 minutes. A small additional fee is applied for camera use (20,000 VND) or video recording (60,000 VND).
Another popular venue is the Lotus Water Puppet Theatre, situated at 16 Le Thai To Street in the Hoan Kiem district. This theatre is known for its vibrant performances that attract both locals and tourists alike.
For those interested in experiencing water puppetry in a different setting, the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre at 361 Truong Chinh Street in Thanh Xuan district also offers performances.
Ticket prices for water puppet shows in Hanoi range from 60,000 VND to 150,000 VND, making it an accessible and worthwhile cultural experience that showcases the beauty of this traditional Vietnamese art form.