Located at 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang street, nearby Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a familiar address for both domestic tourists and foreign ones, who want to enjoy water puppet shows and discovery the beauty of this unique Vietnam traditional art.

The formation and development of Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

In 1969, the theater was established and since 1990; many water puppet shows have been performed by Thang Long theater artists.Since being established, our main task is to serve domestic audiences and tourist with "165 performing days". Besides, Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre has introduced this traditional art of Vietnam to other countries and attended International Art Festivals in Asia, Europe, Australia, Latin America. Vietnamese water puppetry shows are warmly welcomed and highly appreciated wherever they are staged. The famous Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre has been performing in many countries:

 +1999: Sydney (Australia), Athens (Greek).

 +1998: Spain, Portugal, Iran, France, Italy, Philippines.

 +1997: Italy, Mexico, France, America, Belgium.

 +1996: Spain, Brazil, America, France.

 +1995: Denmark, America, Spain, Portugal, Japan.

 +1994: Australia, Spain, France, Switzerland, Korea.

 +1993: Hongkong, Japan.

 +1992: Japan, France, Thailand.

Traditional content of water puppet performance like daily life of Vietnamese farmers (cultivating, tending buffalo, catching fishes…), communal entertainment (swimming contest, dragon dancing…), or historical legends (Le Loi returns precious sword…), with modest performance way have appealed audiences for centuries. However, the artists of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater want to renew the old puppet shows with effect of light, music and combination between people and puppets.

Le Loi King

It sounds risky, but the theater has been successful since the beginning the beginning and received favors and praises from audiences. To enjoy some typical water puppet performances, you can take a look at the video below.  

Certainly, it will be much great if tourists can directly watch these shows in Thang Long Water Puppets Theater after enjoying a cup of coffee in the coffee lounge which is right in front of the theater, and giving a nice view to Hoan Kiem Lake.

If tourists in Vietnam Travel have chance to visit Hanoi, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a must-see place that should not be missed!