
Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show worth booking?
Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show is a 4-hour experience in Hanoi, Vietnam, from $39 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (10)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $39 per person
Experience the enchanting nightlife of Ha Noi on this unique city tour. Begin with a visit to a local market, followed by a captivating Water Puppet performance, showcasing traditional Vietnamese culture. The evening culminates with a delightful buffet dinner by West Lake, offering a taste of local cuisine in a nostalgic setting. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam as you explore the city after dark. Experience Highlights: Local Market Visit: Explore the vibrant stalls and authentic flavors of Ha Noi’s bustling night market. Water Puppet Show: Enjoy a mesmerizing performance that highlights traditional Vietnamese culture and folklore. West Lake Dinner: Savor a delicious buffet dinner with stunning lake views. Cultural Immersion: Experience the unique nightlife and local traditions of Ha Noi.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the enchanting nightlife of Ha Noi on this unique city tour. Begin with a visit to a local market, followed by a captivating Water Puppet performance, showcasing traditional Vietnamese culture. The evening culminates with a delightful buffet dinner by West Lake, offering a taste of local cuisine in a nostalgic setting. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam as you explore the city after dark. Experience Highlights: Local Market Visit: Explore the vibrant stalls and authentic flavors of Ha Noi’s bustling night market. Water Puppet Show: Enjoy a mesmerizing performance that highlights traditional Vietnamese culture and folklore. West Lake Dinner: Savor a delicious buffet dinner with stunning lake views. Cultural Immersion: Experience the unique nightlife and local traditions of Ha Noi.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Dinner
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Beverages
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
This evening will reveal different facets of the city, offering unique activities that take place only at night. The tour will begin with a fascinating visit to the local market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and discover local products. Afterward, enjoy a captivating Water Puppet performance. Water Puppetry originated in Northern Vietnam, and Ha Noi is the best place to experience it. The puppets are made from lightweight timber, carefully carved, polished, and decorated with vibrant colors to showcase the distinct personalities of each character. The show is performed in a pool, using the water surface as the stage, adorned with flags, fans, and parasol decorations. Artisans inside a cabin control the puppets, employing a system of ropes arranged outside or underwater. This performance provides a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life and folklore, making it an important part of Vietnamese culture.
90 minutes here · Admission included
West Lake
After the show, we will head to West Lake, where we will enjoy an amazing buffet dinner. Dining at a buffet in Ha Noi is an exquisite experience, and the location serves as a nostalgic reminder of the city’s past.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Private Tour
Private Tour Pickup included
Group tour (Max 10pax/group)
Group tour (Max 10pax/group) Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hoi An Express Travel
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This shared tour will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- Free for children 0-2 years old
- 50% off for children 3-10 years old
- Maximum 1 child accompanied 1 adult, the 2nd child will pay the adult price.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR</p> <p>The...
<p>DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR</p> <p>The Tour Itself: We were picked up at 4:30 by our guide who immediately hurried us into a van for a 5pm showing of the Water Puppet theatre. Upon getting into the van we were told in broken English 'You're going to the the Water Puppet Theatre now', the guide then proceeded to talk to the driver in Vietnamese for the next twenty minutes. We were then dropped at the theatre without any explanation whatsoever of the show and told to come and find the driver and guide when the show was over. The guide was unable to answer any questions whatsoever relating to Water Puppets or their history at one point my partner asked 'How long has the theatre been in Hanoi?' to which the guide stated 'I don't know'. We also asked how old Water Puppet shows were to which he said '900 years I think?'. Other than that there was no conversation from the guide. </p> <p>Following the show the guide escorted us back to the van and we were deposited at a buffet dinner that was not at Westlake but around the corner from the show which had almost no Vietnamese dishes but entirely French cuisine which was appallingly low quality and honestly the only bad food we had throughout our entire trip in Vietnam before immediately being taken back to the van and dumped back at our hotel at 7pm whilst our 'guide' and the van driver talked the entire time without saying a word to us. The '4 hour' tour lasted less than 2 hours with no historical context given and no interaction from our guide, including skipping the trip promised in the description to the market. When our complaints were expressed to the tour provider we were told that the guide had given us 'lots' of context with less than two sentences said and that as it was a weekend and certain streets were closed in the Old Quarter they had to skip two hours of the tour Keep in mind we could've gone on foot with the guide and the Old Quarter has these streets closed literally every weekend and no refunds would be provided. This is the only bad experience we've had in over a month in Vietnam and I feel genuinely bad for having to write it. </p> <p>I repeat: DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR</p>
via Viator
The show is ok if you have not seen...
<p>The show is ok if you have not seen a water puppet show. Can do without the dinner though. Have to travel about half an hour to a restaurant in the outskirts. Place is big with many buffet stations but so are the number of people rushing for the food.Standard of food - average.</p>
via Viator
Show was not bad, but not as big a...
<p>Show was not bad, but not as big a production as I was expecting thought there would be more puppets. The guide was friendly. Buffet dinner was better than I expected and one of the best meals I had in Hanoi, with a huge variety of food available. Overall a good night out.</p>
via Viator
the puppet show was well done, the...
<p>the puppet show was well done, the puppeteers expert, the length perfect for a western audienc<br/> e</p>
via Viator
Really enjoyed it. The tour guide...
<p>Really enjoyed it. The tour guide was very helpful and the buffet dinner was fantastic famous vitamise street food, sea food, Japanese cousin. It is one of the best memory of Hanoi</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $39 to $164
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hoi An Express Travel, who run 150 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.4.
See everything Hoi An Express Travel runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hanoi.
How much does Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show cost?
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Prices start at $39 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hanoi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hanoi is not rushed.
Is Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hanoi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hanoi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hanoi and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hanoi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hanoi?
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On Outty we rank every Hanoi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ha Giang Loop 3-Day Small Group - from Hanoi, (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR, Incense Village Quang Phu Cau, Hat Village and Hanoi City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; Professional guide; Dinner; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Not included: Beverages; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 57 listed pickup locations in and around Hanoi. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hanoi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, small groups. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Ha Noi Night Tour And Water Puppet Show?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Tour, Group tour (Max 10pax/group). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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