
Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise
Traveler rating
3.6/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise worth booking?
Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise is a 5.7-hour experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from $95 per person. It scores 38 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.6/5 rating across 7 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 38 / 100
- Rating
- 3.6/5 (7)
- Duration
- 5.7 hours
- From
- $95 per person
Near 1 hour (45 minutes) enjoy traditional puppetry art – a very special moment for grown up and children alike. A ride on a cyclo for an adventure winding through the sights sounds & smells of this historic metropolis – the ideal way to experience the city at night. Unforgettable 2 hour scenic cruise along the Saigon River in a traditional junk& Vietnamese / Western dinner.
What you get
About this experience
Near 1 hour (45 minutes) enjoy traditional puppetry art – a very special moment for grown up and children alike. A ride on a cyclo for an adventure winding through the sights sounds & smells of this historic metropolis – the ideal way to experience the city at night. Unforgettable 2 hour scenic cruise along the Saigon River in a traditional junk& Vietnamese / Western dinner.
What's included
Included
- Water puppet show, and dinner on Sai Gon River cruise
Not included
- Extra Drinks
What you'll see and do
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
18.00: Pick up at your hotel to start the trip . 18.30: Enjoy the unique art of water puppet show, a traditional art form closely connected with the long-standing spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. It is performed in a pool of water with the water surface being the stage. The puppeteers stand behind a screen and control the puppets using long bamboo rods and string mechanism hidden beneath the water surface. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides background music accompaniment. Singers with origin in North Vietnam sing songs which tell the story being acted out by the puppets (are carved out of wood). Although the authentic shows are exclusively in Vietnamese, the tales depict rural life in villages and are easy to understand. The shows typically last for one hour and offer a colorful way to enjoy an ancient tradition.. 19.15: Continue to the harbor by cyclo for a dinner cruise; enjoy the city lights & panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City . Enjoy sumptuous Vietnamese cuisine on this magical dinner cruise aboard a traditional-style Dragon Boat. 21.30: End of services.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Saigon River
Dinner Cruise on Saigon River
60 minutes here · Admission included
War Remnants Museum
Entrance Tickets for Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
50 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Asia Travel Legend
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
False advertising
False advertising ! No cyclo tour and none if half of other “inclusions” also missing. This was Absolutely not what I booked and Viator is barely offering any money back and company not either. This was completely unacceptable as guide even said this company doesn’t do cyclo tour of HCM. Why advertise as cyclo tour and even include photos!!! . Guide was nice, not his fault but this is terrible and VERY disappointed
via Viator
Evasion
Nice traditional show. The seats are a bit hard and not very comfortable but for 45 minutes it passes. The show and music are poetic, very nice to see.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Great night
4 adults did this trip cycles where waiting when we arrived at the office and had a experience I’ll never forget weaving through rush hour traffic,then a great puppet show with lovely music followed by a bus to the boat were we had a fantastic meal . A great night was had by all
via Tripadvisor
Cyclo to water puppet show
We were picked up by Cyclo to the water puppet show. It was quite a fun ride. All eyes were on us. The uncles who cycled for us are really strong! Water puppet show is interesting, although we don't know what they are talking about. But I believed its about country's prosperity and how simple their lives were. Of course maybe they incorporated the myths and legends of Vietnamese stories in it. I applaud the people behind the scene who has done such an amazing job to coordinate the moves.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 38
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ho Chi Minh City.
How much does Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ho Chi Minh City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise take?
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Plan for about 5.7 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 Ho Chi Minh City is not rushed.
Is Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 38 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.6/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Ho Chi Minh City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise?
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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 Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise?
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Around 2 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 Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City and add a light layer if any part of the 5.7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise 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 Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City?
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On Outty we rank every Ho Chi Minh City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cai Be Mekong Delta Tour: Cooking Class, Cycling & Craft Villages, Adventure Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour From HCM, Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta 1 Day Tour With Small Group. 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 Ho Chi Minh City?
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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 Ho Chi Minh City?
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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 Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise?
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Included: Water puppet show, and dinner on Sai Gon River cruise. Not included: Extra Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 291 listed pickup locations in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise 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 Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise?
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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 Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ho Chi Minh City. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Water Puppet Show and Saigon Dinner Cruise?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 3.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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