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Did you know that water puppetry is a unique art form only found in Vietnam? Join BDATrip in discovering the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater with its captivating water puppet performances in this article.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a cultural gem that embodies Vietnam’s rich heritage. Its history dates back to 1969 when it was originally established as the Central Water Puppetry Troupe. Over decades, this art form, rooted in the ancient wet-rice civilization of the Red River Delta, has become a hallmark of Vietnamese traditional culture. Water puppetry was born as a form of entertainment for farmers, using flooded rice fields as the stage and puppets carved from wood.
In 1990, the theater underwent significant changes, relocating to its current iconic address near Hoan Kiem Lake and adopting its present name. This transformation marked the beginning of its journey to international recognition. Beyond performing in Hanoi, the theater has represented Vietnam in cultural festivals across Asia, Europe, and America, introducing this unique art form to global audiences.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater isn’t just a performance venue—it’s a living museum preserving the art’s ancient roots while innovating with modern techniques. The theater continually trains artists in the delicate craft of puppet manipulation, voice acting, and traditional music. Through these efforts, it has solidified its place as a leader in preserving and advancing Vietnam's cultural identity.
Situated at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a prominent cultural destination just about 200 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, offering great convenience for tourists. Spanning a total area of 1,300 square meters, the theater comprises three floors with a capacity to accommodate up to 300 spectators. Its architecture bears a classical influence, characterized by bright red tiled roofs, elegant glass windows, and sophisticated white walls. A special highlight is the 18 square meter water stage, where captivating and vibrant water puppet performances are staged.
At the Hanoi Water Puppet Theater, performance tickets are priced at 100,000 VND for adults and 60,000 VND for children. Visitors can opt to buy tickets at the theater's box office or conveniently through online booking options on the website or via phone. The theater proudly offers five performances daily at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. Each performance, lasting about 50 minutes, will bring to the audience 11 unique and captivating puppet acts.
No visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre would be complete without witnessing Teu, the mischievous yet wise character who opens every performance. As the narrator, Teu introduces the show with his trademark humor and wit, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s storytelling tradition.
The character of Teu has deep cultural significance. He is a figure who represents the voice of the common people, often delivering satirical commentary on societal issues. In every performance, Teu engages the audience, breaking the fourth wall to create an intimate and interactive atmosphere.
As the comedic anchor of the show, Teu’s presence ensures that the performances remain lighthearted and enjoyable for audiences of all ages. His humor transcends language barriers, making him a favorite among international visitors.
One of the most visually stunning acts at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the Homage to the Ancestors. This ceremonial performance pays tribute to the forebearers of water puppetry, blending traditional music, vibrant lighting, and symbolic imagery.
In this act, puppets shaped like dragons, phoenixes, and carps glide across the water in a choreographed dance. Each movement is meticulously controlled by skilled puppeteers hidden behind the stage, showcasing their expertise and dedication. The act is accompanied by live music featuring traditional Vietnamese instruments like the đàn bầu and đàn nguyệt, enhancing the emotional depth of the performance.
This segment not only honors the pioneers of water puppetry but also reflects the profound respect Vietnamese culture holds for its history and traditions. For many, the Homage to the Ancestors serves as a reminder of the enduring beauty of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
In this act, the mythical images of the dragon and phoenix, symbolizing the grandeur and dignity of the Vietnamese nation, are used. The dragon, a symbol of power and good fortune, and the phoenix, representing prosperity and luck, are revered in Vietnamese culture. During the performance, artists skillfully maneuver dragon and phoenix puppets to dance on the water, while traditional sounds and vibrant lights blend subtly, creating an artistic, colorful, and spectacular scene.
The Dance of the Four Sacred Animals celebrates the harmony and balance of the universe by recreating the images of the Four Sacred Animals: Dragon (Long), Unicorn (Lan), Turtle (Quy), and Phoenix (Phung). Each sacred animal not only symbolizes the four seasons and four cardinal directions but also represents four noble human qualities: wisdom (Dragon), courage (Unicorn), loyalty (Turtle), and benevolence (Phoenix). In the act, the Four Sacred Animals' puppets perform soft, harmonious dance moves, symbolizing the support and solidarity among the elements of the universe. This coordinated and graceful performance not only offers a beautiful spectacle but also reflects the spirit of unity and strong community bonds, echoing the profound philosophy of balance and harmony in Vietnamese culture.
This act reflects the overflowing joy and innocence of childhood through the portrayal of traditional folk games on water. In this performance, puppets shaped like children engage in playful activities such as water gun shooting, rope swinging, cycling, wading, and fishing, taking the audience back to a dreamy and innocent childhood space. The lively movements and vibrant colors of each puppet bring joyous laughter, while also evoking beautiful and pure childhood memories.
This performance vividly portrays happiness and fortune through the image of the magical lion, a creature capable of warding off evil spirits and bringing good luck. The lion, depicted as a combination of a dragon, unicorn, and phoenix, is portrayed as soaring through the skies. In this act, lion puppets dance on the water to traditional music, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere. The combination of music, lighting, and graceful lion dance movements makes the atmosphere lively and full of vitality, reflecting the belief in luck and prosperity that this mythical creature brings. This act is not only an outstanding artistic performance but also an expression of the optimistic spirit and belief in the goodness of Vietnamese folk culture.
This act depicts elegance and refinement through the images of fairies - mystical creatures imagined to glide gently through the clouds. With their pure beauty, grace, and kindness, the fairies are seen as symbols of purity and elegance. In this performance, fairy puppets execute soft and captivating movements, creating dreamy and graceful figures on the water, leaving the audience in awe and admiration.
This act recreates the simplicity and harmony of rural life through the image of a boy herding buffalo and playing the flute in lush green fields. The image of the buffalo-herding boy, a familiar symbol in Vietnamese folklore, reflects intelligence, playfulness, and a deep love for nature. In this performance, the puppet of the boy herding buffalo engages in joyful activities and sweet flute melodies, creating a relaxed and warm atmosphere. The combination of natural puppet movements and enchanting flute music paints a vivid picture of rural life, while also recalling the authentic cultural values of Vietnamese folk traditions.
The Le Loi's Boat Journey act recreates the heroism and glory of Vietnamese history through the image of national hero Le Loi - the famous king who led the Lam Son uprising, regained independence from the Ming invaders, and unified the territory. Le Loi is also revered as a symbol of justice, wisdom, and kindness. In this performance, the puppet depicting Le Loi reenacts the scene of him boating on Hoan Kiem Lake, returning the magical sword to the Golden Dragon - a legendary event in Vietnamese history, and receiving respect and honor from the people.
This act brings to life the enthusiasm and passion of a traditional boat race, an integral part of folk festivals across various regions of Vietnam. The event symbolizes the collective strength, unity, and competitive spirit of the community. During the performance, boat puppets execute agile and powerful movements, reenacting the tense and dramatic atmosphere of the race. The precise and fluid coordination of movements, along with the lively sounds, creates an exciting and captivating atmosphere, reflecting the competitive spirit and communal joy characteristic of the Vietnamese people.
This performance mirrors the diligence and creativity in agricultural labor, a key sector and the lifeline of Vietnam's economy. Through vivid images of farmers plowing fields, sowing seeds, harvesting rice, and daily tasks like cooking rice, this act recreates the colorful life of Vietnamese rural areas. Puppets shaped like farmers, buffaloes, chickens, and rice grains perform skillful and meticulous movements, offering the audience an insightful view of traditional agriculture. Each movement of the puppets not only displays the skill in agricultural labor but also honors the hard work and creative spirit of Vietnamese farmers.
To ensure the best experience while enjoying water puppetry at Thang Long Theatre, visitors are kindly requested to follow these guidelines:
- Arrive at the theater at least 15 minutes before the performance to have enough time to purchase tickets and choose an ideal seating position.
- Preferably choose seats in the central area or near the right side of the stage for a clearer view of all the happenings and better sound enjoyment.
- Please turn off or switch your phone to silent mode to ensure quietness and avoid distractions for other viewers and the performers.
- Maintain cleanliness and avoid direct contact with the puppets to protect both personal safety and the artistic work.
- Show respect and support for the puppet artists, avoid talking or using cameras during the show, and please applaud at the end of each performance to encourage their spirit.
After enjoying the performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, visitors can explore many attractive tourist spots nearby:
- Hoan Kiem Lake: A symbolic destination of Hanoi, famous for the legendary story of the magic sword and King Le Loi. Hoan Kiem Lake is a convergence of natural beauty and important historical relics such as Ngoc Son Temple, Turtle Tower, The Huc Bridge, and the Grand Theater, each containing fascinating stories about Hanoi's history and culture.
- Hanoi Old Quarter: A historical area comprising 36 streets, reflecting the unique culture, history, and lifestyle of Hanoi's people. Exploring the Old Quarter, visitors have the chance to experience the vibrancy of Dong Xuan Market, the architectural beauty of the Big Church, the Traditional Tuong Theater, and the peaceful ambience of the pedestrian streets, offering unique experiences.
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: This place introduces the cultural diversity of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The museum displays a wide range of cultural artifacts, both tangible and intangible, such as traditional costumes, pottery, worship items, music, and art. The outdoor area of the museum recreates the architecture and activities of different ethnic groups, opening a wide door to the exploration of Vietnam's folk culture.
For convenient accommodation near the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, consider one of the following hotels:
- Hanoi Royal Palace 2: This 4-star hotel, located at 95 Hang Bong, is just 500 meters from the theater. Offering modern, clean, and well-equipped rooms, room rates range from 1,000,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND per night, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and convenience.
- L’Hôtel du Lac Hanoi: A 5-star hotel at 35-37 Hang Trong, just 300 meters from the theater. The hotel stands out for its luxurious, spacious, and comfortable rooms, providing a high-class accommodation experience with prices ranging from 3,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND per night.
- Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel: This 3-star hotel, located at 2 Hoi Vu, is about 400 meters from the theater. It's a perfect choice for those looking for a cozy, elegant, and convenient space at a reasonable price, with room rates from 500,000 VND to 800,000 VND per night.
Visiting the theater, guests will witness the traditional art of water puppetry in Vietnam, listen to folk melodies, and feel the beauty of the national culture. Come and experience the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater for memorable and meaningful moments.
Some attractive tourist destinations in Hanoi:
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