
Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show
Traveler rating
3.2/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show worth booking?
Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show is a 0.8-hour experience in Hanoi, Vietnam, from $6 per person. It scores 44 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.2/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 44 / 100
- Rating
- 3.2/5 (30)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $6 per person
Step into the historic Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and experience one of Vietnam's most celebrated cultural traditions, dating back to the 11th century. Watch a captivating live performance where beautifully crafted wooden puppets appear to glide across a water stage, skillfully controlled by puppeteers hidden behind a screen. Accompanied by live traditional music and singing, the show brings to life scenes of rural village life, local folklore, and legendary tales that have been passed down through generations. Travelers will enjoy a reserved seat for a 50-minute water puppet show and immerse themselves in an authentic Vietnamese cultural performance in the heart of Hanoi. This is a shared group experience, with all guests attending the same scheduled performance.
What you get
About this experience
Step into the historic Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and experience one of Vietnam's most celebrated cultural traditions, dating back to the 11th century. Watch a captivating live performance where beautifully crafted wooden puppets appear to glide across a water stage, skillfully controlled by puppeteers hidden behind a screen. Accompanied by live traditional music and singing, the show brings to life scenes of rural village life, local folklore, and legendary tales that have been passed down through generations. Travelers will enjoy a reserved seat for a 50-minute water puppet show and immerse themselves in an authentic Vietnamese cultural performance in the heart of Hanoi. This is a shared group experience, with all guests attending the same scheduled performance.
What's included
Included
- Multilingual Audio Guide (if you choose Multilingual Audio Guide tickets)
- Show program
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Skip-the-line Thang Long Water Puppet Theater ticket
Not included
- Personal Expenses
What you'll see and do
Thang Long Water Puppet
Take your seat and enjoy a captivating 50-minute live water puppet performance, one of Vietnam's most iconic traditional art forms. Watch skilled puppeteers bring handcrafted wooden puppets to life over water, accompanied by live traditional music and singing. The show features scenes inspired by rural village life, including farming, fishing, children's games, and folk celebrations, as well as ancient Vietnamese legends and myths, offering a unique glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Thang Long Water Puppet
57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Thang Long Water Puppet · 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
Options you can book
Deluxe Ticket + Audio Guide
(7 - 11 Rows): Deluxe Seating includes Sections H, I, K, L, and M.
VIP Ticket (1-6 Rows)
VIP Seating includes Sections A, B, C, D, E, and G.
Standard Ticket + Audio Guide
(Row 12 - 16): Standard Seating includes Sections N, O, P, Q, and R.
VIP Ticket + Audio Guide
(1-6 Rows): VIP Seating includes Sections A, B, C, D, E, and G.
Deluxe Ticket (7 - 11 Rows)
Deluxe Seating includes Sections H, I, K, L, and M.
Standard Ticket (Row 12 - 16)
Standard Seating includes Sections N, O, P, Q, and R.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GlobalTix Pte Ltd
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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 service provider will send you a separate email with your actual ticket 24 hours before your travel date. This ticket will be the one recognized by the attraction. If you haven’t received it 24 hours before your visit, please reach out to GLOBALTIX on WhatsApp Message.
- Ticket is valid only for the selected date and showtime.
- Collect your physical ticket at the local operator's office at least 30 minutes before the show.
- Arrive at the theater 10 minutes before showtime for audio guide assistance.
- Audio guide is available in Vietnamese, English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, French, German, and Spanish.
- Re-entry is not permitted after leaving the venue.
- Showtimes are 4.10 PM, 5.20 PM, 6.30 PM, and 8.00 PM.
- Show schedules may change based on availability.
- Choose from VIP, Deluxe, or Standard seating.
- Same ticket price applies to all ages.
- Photography is permitted for personal use only.
- Flash photography, video recording, and live streaming are prohibited.
- Smoking and drinking are not allowed inside the venue.
- Wear neat and comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket.
- Luggage storage is not available.
- Pets are not allowed inside the venue.
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was a short but...
It was a short but interesting and enjoyable experience. Especially the different "strange" music instruments and their sounds were special. Also the unique way in which a story was told in the water was special for us. I recommend this show for a relaxing "break" from the busy streets and noise of Hanoi.
via Viator
A must do when visiting Hanoi
I bought ticket online through Viator. The online ticket said de luxe category and I should sit anywhere between row 6 and 13. I was given a ticket by the agent on arrival at theatre and was shown a seat on row 15 which is a general category. I made a complaint to the travel co no reply yet. Not to take anything away from a unique event and performed by a globally recognised troop of performers. Definitely a must when visiting Hanoi.
via Viator
Do not buy from Viator.
These tickets are sold at locations for $3, Viator hikes up the price saying that you don’t have to stand in line and are secured a row 6-10. We were in the last row from the top after paying 4x the price.
via Viator
I waited until last...
I waited until last minute to get my actual tickets. We were 5 but were not seated together as a family and our seats were not placed well. I recommend to buy the tickets directly on the spot from the cashier of the puppet show . it is much MUCH cheaper ( 100,000-150,000 and 200,000VND) but you need to go in advance to secure your ticket as i can be fully booked.
via Viator
Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the show. It's worth it.
I really enjoyed the puppet show, the singing and music. We made sure to buy audio guides so we could understand what was being depicted. It was easy to find the theatre, but a bit of a run around to get the actual tickets in exchange for the Viator voucher. Still, we had plenty of time to find the ticket office and then return for the show. Hanoi is very far from the cruise port, so getting to the city was the biggest challenge because we could only find one limousine from the port in the morning and only one option to return (by a different tour provider) after the show.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $6 to $19
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by GlobalTix Pte Ltd, who run 155 experiences we rank across 31 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.2.
See everything GlobalTix Pte Ltd runsWhy this scores 44
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hanoi.
How much does Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show cost?
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Prices start at $6 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 Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show take?
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Plan for about 0.8 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 Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 44 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.2/5 across 30 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 Vietnam: Thang Long 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 Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show?
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Around 11 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 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Vietnam: Thang Long 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 Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show?
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Included: Multilingual Audio Guide (if you choose Multilingual Audio Guide tickets); Show program; All taxes, fees, and handling charges; and Skip-the-line Thang Long Water Puppet Theater ticket. Not included: Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show?
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The experience starts at Thang Long Water Puppet, 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Vietnam: Thang Long 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.
Is Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Vietnam: Thang Long 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 Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show?
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Across 30 reviews averaging 3.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Deluxe Ticket + Audio Guide, VIP Ticket (1-6 Rows), Standard Ticket + Audio Guide, VIP Ticket + Audio Guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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