Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city worth booking?
Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city is a 3.5-hour experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from $10 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (11)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $10 per person
Experience the enchanting Water Puppet Show & Dinner Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City, a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic delight. Begin your evening with the mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, an age-old Vietnamese art form where colorful puppets dance on water, telling captivating stories of folklore and daily life, accompanied by traditional music. After the show, board a luxurious cruise along the Saigon River. As you drift past the city’s glittering skyline, enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring a delectable array of Vietnamese and international cuisines. The gentle breeze, the twinkling city lights, and the soothing river ambiance create a magical dining experience. This evening promises a delightful journey through Vietnam’s cultural heritage and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, offering unforgettable memories and a feast for the senses.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the enchanting Water Puppet Show & Dinner Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City, a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic delight. Begin your evening with the mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, an age-old Vietnamese art form where colorful puppets dance on water, telling captivating stories of folklore and daily life, accompanied by traditional music. After the show, board a luxurious cruise along the Saigon River. As you drift past the city’s glittering skyline, enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring a delectable array of Vietnamese and international cuisines. The gentle breeze, the twinkling city lights, and the soothing river ambiance create a magical dining experience. This evening promises a delightful journey through Vietnam’s cultural heritage and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, offering unforgettable memories and a feast for the senses.
What's included
Included
- Dinner
- Entrance fees
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- English speaking tour guide
Not included
- Tips/ gratuities, personal expenses
- Under 5 years old or below 100cm tall: $10 USD/ infant extra charge
- You will be collected around 5 - 7 USD/ each for picking outside of district 1, 4
What you'll see and do
Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater)
The Saigon Opera House, a stunning architectural gem in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. Built in 1897 by French architect Eugène Ferret, this magnificent edifice boasts an exquisite blend of French colonial and Renaissance architectural styles. Its elegant façade, adorned with intricate carvings and statues, draws visitors into a world of artistic splendor. Inside, the opulent interior, featuring grand staircases, chandeliers, and plush seating, provides an ideal setting for a variety of performances, from classical concerts and ballets to modern theatrical productions. Located on the bustling Dong Khoi Street, the Saigon Opera House not only serves as a cultural hub but also as a historical landmark, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past while celebrating its contemporary artistic spirit.
Pass by without stopping
Experience the magic of Ho Chi Minh City with an unforgettable dinner cruise along the Saigon River. As the cityscape transforms into a dazzling display of lights, step aboard a luxurious vessel where a culinary adventure awaits. Savor an exquisite multi-course meal featuring a fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors, all while gliding past iconic landmarks like the Bitexco Financial Tower and the historic Saigon Port. The gentle breeze and panoramic views provide the perfect backdrop for an enchanting evening. Live traditional music and dance performances enhance the ambiance, creating a feast for the senses. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a unique way to explore the city's vibrant nightlife, a dinner cruise offers an unparalleled blend of romance, culture, and gourmet dining. This river voyage promises a memorable and serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, allowing you to see Ho Chi Minh City from a fresh and captivating perspective.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Vietnamese culture with a Water Puppet Show, a captivating art form that dates back to the 11th century. Held in a pool of water that serves as the stage, these performances bring to life traditional folktales and legends through intricately crafted wooden puppets. Manipulated by skilled puppeteers hidden behind a bamboo screen, the puppets dance, swim, and act out scenes of rural life, mythical creatures, and historical events. Accompanied by live traditional music, including drums, gongs, and bamboo flutes, and narrated by expressive folk singers, the show offers an auditory and visual feast. The reflection of the puppets on the water, combined with vibrant colors and dramatic lighting, creates a magical atmosphere that delights audiences of all ages. A Water Puppet Show is not just entertainment; it's a journey into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage, offering a unique and unforgettable experience that showcases the creativity &story telling
45 minutes here · Admission included
Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater)
The Saigon Opera House, a stunning architectural gem in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. Built in 1897 by French architect Eugène Ferret, this magnificent edifice boasts an exquisite blend of French colonial and Renaissance architectural styles. Its elegant façade, adorned with intricate carvings and statues, draws visitors into a world of artistic splendor. Inside, the opulent interior, featuring grand staircases, chandeliers, and plush seating, provides an ideal setting for a variety of performances, from classical concerts and ballets to modern theatrical productions. Located on the bustling Dong Khoi Street, the Saigon Opera House not only serves as a cultural hub but also as a historical landmark, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past while celebrating its contemporary artistic spirit.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ho Chi Minh City
You will be picked up at your hotel which is located within district 1, 4.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
You will be picked up at your hotel which is located within district 1, 4.
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Local Travel Vietnam
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The remaining time is allotted for the travel time
- Using riffles is only applicable to those of legal age which is over than 18 years old
- Everyone can join this tour
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awful
Awful experience, first of all we have booked a buffet with a nice boat but they have changed us to another boat. We have no choice to accept, then the dinner was disgusting, buffet become cold french fries, chicken was cold, we have 2 veggies people, they did not really care about. No service. Strongly NOT recommend
Response from the operator: Dear Caofang, It is sad to hear that. We do not know you as our customer. You should had wrote a wrong address as we did not serve you. Please check and prove and show us booking code. Thanks so much. Kind regards, Luc
via Tripadvisor
A Night out in Saigon
The Water puppet show was amazing. Unfortunately we had to leave before the end so that we had time to get through the traffic to the cruise ship for dinner. The dinner cruise was nice as the lights of Ho Chi Minh City were beautiful. Truc our guide was amazing. Very warm and friendly and she told us the history of the puppet show. She was with us the whole night and answered all our questions. Definitely recommend her as a guide.
via Tripadvisor
Special and Memorable Evening
Our last night in Saigon was very memorable with a visit to the Water Puppet Show and dinner cruise on the Saigon River. Our guide for the night did a wonderful job making us feel like we were VIPs. He was very attentive and made our evening even more special and memorable. Would highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much Mrs. Sue for your kindness. We wish you are always healthy, happy and wish you have a wonderful time in our Vietnam country!!! Best regards, Luc
via Tripadvisor
Puppet show is a must! Lic our guide was great!
The water puppet show is a must when in Saigon! So traditional and charming! Luc was an awesome tour guide who made us feel safe and was very knowledgeable and kind. The dinner cruise was nice...so much traditional food!
Response from the operator: Dear Mr. Karen, Thank you for your fantastic review on Viator about the Water Puppet Show & Dinner Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the traditional charm of the puppet show and the dinner cruise. It's wonderful to know that Luc made you feel safe and enriched your experience with his knowledge and kindness. Your positive feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back for more memorable experiences! Best regards, Luc
via Viator
Tuan is a great tour operator
We did this great tour with Tuan who was friendly, helpful and lovely. I highly recommend him and his tour.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $10 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Vietnam Tours VIP, who run 35 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.6.
See everything Vietnam Tours VIP runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ho Chi Minh City.
How much does Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city cost?
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Prices start at $10 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 & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ho Chi Minh City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city?
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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 Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city?
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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 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city 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 & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city?
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Included: Dinner; Entrance fees; In-vehicle air conditioning; and English speaking tour guide. Not included: Tips/ gratuities, personal expenses; Under 5 years old or below 100cm tall: $10 USD/ infant extra charge; and You will be collected around 5 - 7 USD/ each for picking outside of district 1, 4. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 409 listed pickup locations in and around Ho Chi Minh City. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city 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 & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city?
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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 Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city 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: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Water Puppet Show & Dinner on Cruise in Ho Chi Minh city?
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Across 11 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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