Lotus Water Puppet Theater (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Lotus Water Puppet Theater?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: Bright puppets, live musicians, booster cushions, and 1-hour length keep children engaged, yet no play zone and only standard toilets mean restless kids need supervision and quick restroom planning.
Positives:
- Engaging for kids: Bright colors, live music and playful scenes keep children entertained.
- Air-conditioned comfort: Indoor seating provides a cool break on hot days and shelter in rain.
Challenges:
- Limited legroom: Seat rows are close together—consider traveling light with minimal bags.
- No intermission: The show runs continuously for about 1 hour, so plan bathroom breaks before it starts.
What is Lotus Water Puppet Theater?
- An intimate theatre in Hanoi’s Old Quarter devoted to the art of traditional Vietnamese water puppetry
- A performance space centered on a shallow water stage where artisans animate handcrafted wooden puppets with submerged rods
- A cultural venue supported by live traditional music and storytelling rooted in the Red River Delta’s folk heritage
What is so special about Lotus Water Puppet Theater for with kids?
- Watch a 60-minute live water puppet performance that captivates children.
- Use free booster cushions and front-row seats for clear views.
- Explore the lobby’s colorful puppet exhibits with kids before the show.
- Pick up a handcrafted souvenir puppet for under 50,000 VND.
- Enjoy an air-conditioned indoor venue that works in any weather.
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 60-minute show plus lobby photos and souvenir browsing fits a family outing without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Lotus Water Puppet Theater
Reserve front-row seats:
Choose seats close to the stage so kids can clearly see the puppets.
Tip: Ask an usher for free booster cushions to raise smaller children’s view.
Explore lobby exhibits:
Admire and photograph colorful puppets on display before and after the show.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to avoid the crowd and get the best photo spots.
Shop handcrafted puppets:
Browse the on-site shop for small souvenir puppets or prints.
Tip: Set a small budget per child (around 50,000 VND) to keep souvenir costs down.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lotus Water Puppet Theater
- Pre-book online: Secure seats in advance to avoid sold-out shows, especially on weekends.
- Arrive early: Get booster cushions and lobby photos before doors close 10 minutes to showtime.
Reviews of Lotus Water Puppet Theater
harry chandra
A "must" watched show when you visit Hanoi. The concept itself is water puppet show ( múa rôi nuöc) which was started back as early as the 11th century during Ly Dynasty as the entertainment for the farmers in the village after harvest. There are several troupes in Hanoi beside Lotus, but you may find it in other big cities as well such as HCM or Hoi An. The repertoire are deeply rooted in VN v...
Anthony Giarratano
This is something that you really "want" to like. The theater is nice looking, and the staff putting on the show seem talented with the puppets and singing. They don't enforce cell phone rules, so you can get stuck behind people constantly filming on their phones (see my photos). This group of ladies filmed every scene, hands up holding their phones, constantly laughing and chatting. Made it very...
Rausette Ablaza
Nice experience in Hanoi - really a must try for tourists. We bought tickets in the morning of the day of the show and we were able to choose the front seats for only 150.000 VND! So we paid the minimum amount for the best seats! We recommend buying the day before so you can choose your seats.
Rajni Oberoi
Amazing, Awesome & a Memorable experience of a Life time. Enjoyed thoroughly every moment. It's basically a floating Water Puppet show in Vietnamese language... With local folk music & songs. The mastermind behind this show Honestly deserves a big round of applause & a big Salute. Worth watching & must visiting/watching during Trip to Vietnam.
Marina Stamati
We truly enjoyed our visit to the Lotus Water Puppet Theater. This traditional Vietnamese art form, performed on water with live music and narration, was both enchanting and educational. The puppeteers are clearly masters of their craft, and the show was full of humor, symbolism, and vibrant storytelling. The theater itself is cozy and well-organized, making it easy to enjoy the performance up cl...
When is the best time to visit Lotus Water Puppet Theater (Hanoi, Vietnam)?
The air-conditioned theater is perfect any season. Book ahead during Tet and summer holidays to secure seats for your family.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 4 show tickets | VND 400,000 |
| Souvenir puppet | VND 50,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 450,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Lotus Water Puppet Theater
Address: 16 P. Lê Thái Tổ, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
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About Lotus Water Puppet Theater
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+84 24 3938 1173Explore Popular Things to Do
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