
The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI"
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" worth booking?
The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" is a 3-hour experience in Hanoi, Vietnam, from $20 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 26 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (26)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $20 per person
The Guinness World Records in Vietnam has been achieved twice: - The largest water stage show in Vietnam - The show with the most farmers as actors in Vietnam - Stevie Awards Asia-Pacific Gold Medal in 2018 - The "Cultural Performance Program for the Beginning of the Year 2019" award. In addition to the Tinh Hoa Bac Bo performance, CNN television channel also voted it as "a must-see performance when visiting Hanoi". Vietnam's Must-see Outdoor Cultural Spectacle: • Explores the deep-rooted culture of northern Vietnam • Drawing upon the rich history of the Red River Delta provinces • Sharing northern Vietnamese tradition from a contemporary perspective
What you get
About this experience
The Guinness World Records in Vietnam has been achieved twice: - The largest water stage show in Vietnam - The show with the most farmers as actors in Vietnam - Stevie Awards Asia-Pacific Gold Medal in 2018 - The "Cultural Performance Program for the Beginning of the Year 2019" award. In addition to the Tinh Hoa Bac Bo performance, CNN television channel also voted it as "a must-see performance when visiting Hanoi". Vietnam's Must-see Outdoor Cultural Spectacle: • Explores the deep-rooted culture of northern Vietnam • Drawing upon the rich history of the Red River Delta provinces • Sharing northern Vietnamese tradition from a contemporary perspective
What's included
Included
- The Quintessence of Tonkin Ticket
- Bus pickup and drop-off at the meeting point, based on the selected option and price
- Round-trip private car service from your address for 60–70 km, based on selected option & price paid
Not included
- Gratuities
- Children with a height of 89cm or below can join this activity free of charge
- Children with a height of 130cm and above will be charged the same rate as adults
- Children with a height of 0 - 98 cm can be free 2-way transfer ticket if shared seat with parents
What you'll see and do
Hanoi
The Quintessence of Tonkin invites you to go through the gate of our ancient Vietnamese village and tells you the story of thousand years of literature in one hour. The Show The Show draws inspiration from the spiritual history of the nearby Thay Pagoda telling the story of the pagoda's founding by venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh, and explains the ancient union between religion and the monarchy. Years in the making and with hundreds of performers, an interactive stage, state-of-the-art technology, and a stunning setting, this live spectacle is an unmissable highlight of any trip to Hanoi
30 minutes here
Hanoi
The Story You will experience six aspects of the cultural Quintessence of Tonkin: Poetry, Buddhism, Nostalgia, Music & Painting, Joy & Festivities. Not only opening up the cultural space of the northern delta with people's daily life activities, the play also shows the audience the best of the water puppetry art with the story of the venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and the history of the ancient Thang Long royal palace.
30 minutes here
Hanoi
The Performers There are two groups of performers in this show: local families of farmers, bringing their experience and showcasing their lives to the audiences, and a young team of talented Students from the Hanoi College of Dance, bringing youth and energy to the stage. The Theater The theater itself is an engineering masterpiece. The natural lake was transformed into a stage, including a state-of-the-art hydrothermal system that raises the 15-ton Thuy Dinh pagoda from under the water in just under a minute. As the Thay Mountain composes the background of the scenery, we also had to develop a unique illumination system to light up the hills, 1.5km away, using 40 lamps of 1500 watts! The Costumes The costumes are made of traditional patterns and raw materials — silk and cotton. They are all made onsite, and in order to faithfully illustrate our history and culture, were produced under the supervision of a historian and multiple artisans.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hanoi
Thôn Đa Phúc – Xã Sài Sơn- Quốc Oai – Hà Nội
Meeting point
Hanoi
Grand Plaza on 117 Tran Duy Hung street
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Thôn Đa Phúc – Xã Sài Sơn- Quốc Oai – Hà Nội
Ends at
Grand Plaza on 117 Tran Duy Hung street
Options you can book
1. Platinum Ticket & Bus
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way Shuttle bus: Pick up and drop off at meeting point Pickup included
3. Gold Ticket & Bus
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way Shuttle bus: Pick up and drop off at meeting point Pickup included
6. Silver & Private Transfer
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way Silver Ticket & Private: round-trip transfer from your Hanoi address, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to the countryside show. Pickup included
4. Gold & Private Transfer
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way Gold Ticket & Private: round-trip transfer from your Hanoi address, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to the countryside show. Pickup included
5. Silver Ticket & Bus
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way Shuttle bus: Pick up and drop off at meeting point Pickup included
8.Private CAR ONLY (NO TICKET)
Private CAR ONLY (NO TICKET): Private car (two-way) from Hanoi city center to the show and back, door-to-door pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi city center Pickup included
7. Hanoi City Tour & Show
Hanoi City Tour: Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter center between 8-8:30 AM for the group tour Afterward, enjoy the show : with a private round-trip transfer in the evening. The driver will drop you off at your hotel around 9:30 PM - 10 PM Pickup included
2. Platinum & Private Transfer
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way Platinum ticket & Private: round-trip transfer from your Hanoi address, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to the countryside show. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- BCFamilyTour.com
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI". Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must see!
Great experience! The travel went smooth and the show was spectacular. Not all tourists do this but it’s a must see when in Hanoi! I would’ve missed out on a great evening had i not done this.
via Viator
Hanoi - Magical Memories
Sam was my contact for this event. He was so proactive and helpful. We had taken the platinum package with transport etc included. Best decision ever as the place is around an hour away. Sam was in touch with me periodically and updated me regarding the event clearly. He is polite and responded quickly to any concerns raised or suggestions shared. Our driver was kind and patient. He took such good care of us. He was so prompt and picked us up at the agreed time. We felt safe throughout the trip. The show started right on time and was spectacular, the setting was out of the world and the performances were simply amazing. The thought & scale put in to this production is mind blowing. The whole atmosphere was dreamy and magical. I recommend it fully. Its worth it. Kudos to Sam for making our evening so memorable 🤗🙏🙌
via Viator
Worth watching for 💖
The show is amazing, i am really enjoying the show… fully recommended, 💖
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful show
Great show. I’ve never seen anything like it. I also booked the city tour option and thoroughly enjoyed the city tour.
via Viator
Beautiful show!
The show is truly stunning with a production value that rivals any of the American theme parks. Make sure that you get the platinum package. It's well worth the extra cost to have a delete entry, reserved seats, and even a little snack.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $20 to $97
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by BCFamilyTour.com, who run 125 experiences we rank across 14 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.8.
See everything BCFamilyTour.com runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI": questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hanoi.
How much does The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" cost?
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Prices start at $20 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 The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" take?
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Plan for about 3 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 The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Hanoi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI"?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI"?
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Around 9 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" 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 The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI"?
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Included: The Quintessence of Tonkin Ticket; Bus pickup and drop-off at the meeting point, based on the selected option and price; and Round-trip private car service from your address for 60–70 km, based on selected option &. Not included: Gratuities; Children with a height of 89cm or below can join this activity free of charge; Children with a height of 130cm and above will be charged the same rate as adults; and Children with a height of 0 - 98 cm can be free 2-way transfer ticket if shared seat with. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Hanoi. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI"?
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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.
Is The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI" if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI"?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, value for money, organization. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
What booking options are available for The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI"?
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There are 8 options to choose from, including 1. Platinum Ticket & Bus, 3. Gold Ticket & Bus, 6. Silver & Private Transfer, 4. Gold & Private Transfer. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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