Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Nhà hát Múa rối Thăng Long

The water-puppet theatre by the lake

Watch puppeteers stand waist-deep in water and steer lacquered wooden figures through scenes of village life, a form dating from the 11th century. The Thang Long theatre is at 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, on the east side of Hoan Kiem, so a show fits an evening by the lake.

●●●○○ Editor rating for this attraction

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0

TimeCheck on arrival

FeeCheck on arrival

Get thereWalk the east side of the lake

Best monthsApril to June or September to December

The lake

Family

The stage is a pool of water. Puppeteers stand waist-deep in it and work lacquered wooden figures across the surface, playing rural scenes. At the final act they step out in front of the curtain.

Water puppeteers in costume standing in the pool in front of the stage curtain at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre — The final act, with the puppeteers in the water in front of the curtain

The theatre is at 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, on the east side of Hoan Kiem, so a show fits between the lake walk and dinner in the lanes. It is the family evening in the center.

Getting there and around

Walk to 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, on the east side of Hoan Kiem Lake.

If the night is in Hanoi, search Old Quarter hotels.

From the lake path

Walk to the east shore, on Dinh Tien Hoang.

Hours and fees

Hours
Check on arrival. Show times are on the theatre website (Vietnam Tourism).
Admission
Check on arrival. From 100,000 VND on Vietnam Tourism; no theatre price list confirmed.