
Vietnam: Thang Long Water Puppet Show
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.2/5
Based on 32 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 $7 per person. It scores 41 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.2/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 41 / 100
- Rating
- 3.2/5 (32)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $7 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
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 travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 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
32 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
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 41
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 $7 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 41 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.2/5 across 32 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 Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi with Tam Coc or Trang An & Mua Cave, Ha Giang Loop Tour 4 Days 3 Nights with Ha Giang Vision Tour, Halong Bay Day Tour With Titop Island, Cave, Kayak & Lunch. 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.
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