WATER PUPPET THEATRE

One of the most historically significant places in Hanoi has to be the Water Puppet Theater that hosts universally entertaining water puppet shows. If you attend any of these shows you will be aghast at how the puppets jerk their across shallow water pools. What’s remarkable is that the master puppeteers move the puppets flawlessly hidden behind the curtains.

The Water Puppet Theatre, also known as "Múa rối nước" in Vietnamese, is a traditional form of Vietnamese folk entertainment that dates back to the 11th century. Originating in the Red River Delta region of northern Vietnam, water puppetry combines art, culture, and history in a unique and captivating way. The performances take place in a pool of water, with intricately carved wooden puppets controlled by puppeteers behind a bamboo screen.

These puppets depict characters from Vietnamese folklore, daily life, and historical events, all accompanied by live traditional music using instruments like drums, flutes, and cymbals. The shows often feature a variety of scenes, including mythical stories, farming activities, and traditional festivals, providing a glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. Water puppetry is not only entertaining but also serves as a means of preserving and promoting Vietnam's traditional arts for future generations to appreciate. Travelers visiting with Vietnam trip packages from India can immerse themselves in this centuries-old art form as part of their cultural experience.

Location: 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Timings: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Highlights: The water puppet show depicts a wide array of traditional Vietnamese legends and folklore that include stories of fire-breathing dragons, boy playing the flute while riding a buffalo and the Legend of the King’s Restored Sword.