Evening Tour and Water Puppet Show SIC

Very nice experience. The folk music was amazing and the water puppets were cool. There was lots of humour in the show I watched which was a pleasant surprise. When getting a ticket I went to the ticket booth in person on the day around 5pm and was able to book a seat for the 8pm show. I would recommend getting the translated audio if you prioritise knowing everything about the story being told, however if you just want to watch the show and listen to music and make up your own/try to follow along it is still enjoyable without the headset.

June 2026 We attended the evening performance and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Ticket prices vary depending on seating location, and there is also an optional audio guide available in several languages, including English. I would highly recommend getting the audio guide, as it provides useful background information and helps you better understand the stories behind each act. The show runs for approximately 50 minutes and showcases a series of performances inspired by Vietnamese traditions, folklore, and daily life. The visual effects, music, and puppetry are all beautifully coordinated, making it entertaining even if you're unfamiliar with the cultural references. Some of the most memorable acts featured fishermen working on the water and a touching story symbolizing love and harmony. The performers demonstrate incredible skill, bringing the puppets to life in a way that is both charming and impressive. Before or after the show, take a few minutes to visit the small exhibition area, which offers insight into the history of the theater and the long-standing tradition of water puppetry in Vietnam. A wonderful cultural experience and definitely worth adding to your Hanoi itinerary. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods.

The best part of this experience was honestly just being away from Hanoi’s horrific humidity and absolutely unhinged traffic. I genuinely cannot stand Hanoi as a pedestrian, and I’m perfectly happy to never come back. 😅 As for the play itself… it was cute in parts, but it got tiresome very quickly. It was incredibly repetitive and, at several points, basically put me to sleep. The production quality was actually quite impressive, with live music and singing, but the singing? Let’s just say it sounded less like traditional Vietnamese vocals and more like a very emotional cat being asked to leave the room. It got on my nerves. I can totally see how this would have blown people away 500 years ago, but in 2026, it didn’t exactly have me on the edge of my seat. If the whole thing had been about a third of the length, I probably would’ve enjoyed it a lot more. After about 10 minutes, it started to feel like I was watching a bunch of kids enthusiastically splashing around in a pool. 😂 That said, I’m glad I got to experience this piece of Vietnamese culture and tradition. It was definitely interesting to see—but once was more than enough for me. Some things are worth experiencing once… and then immediately checking off the list. 😌

Get tickets early because shows do sell out. However you can shop or eat in the area if you need to wait (that is what we did). The show was good - funny, historical, and talented. I recommend reading up on the symbolism in the show ahead of time. We bought the cheap tickets and could see great. The theater style seating is great.

great experience! seeing the traditional water puppet theatre it feels very untouched and keeps the true origins its a ticketed show with allocated seating i definitely recommend getting your seats early and sit towards the front otherwise youll have heads blocking your view! they only take cash or QR (local bank transfer) payments. the show starts on time so dont be late! even if you dont understand the language its still pretty easy to follow on and just enjoy the show