Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Colorful puppets, live music and free booster cushions keep children 4-12 engaged, but loud drums and a lack of interactive breaks may tire restless kids after 50 minutes.
Positives:
- Engaging live performance: Live music and colorful puppets keep children entertained.
- Child-friendly seating: Booster cushions are free for kids to improve their view.
Challenges:
- Dim lighting and loud sounds: The theater is dark with live music; sensitive kids may need ear protection.
- Limited baby facilities: No changing rooms or stroller storage inside; plan ahead or use nearby cafes.
What is Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre?
- A traditional Vietnamese performing-arts theatre that presents water puppetry on a stage set atop a waist-deep pool
- A venue in Hanoi where hidden puppeteers use submerged bamboo poles to manipulate lacquered wooden figures in choreographed folkloric scenes
- A cultural institution preserving centuries-old water puppet traditions with live folk music and integrated narration
What is so special about Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for with kids?
- Traditional water puppetry with live folk music.
- Booster cushions and mid-back seats suit young children.
- Short 50-minute show fits kids’ attention spans.
- Lobby gift shop offers wooden puppet souvenirs.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 50-minute performance plus time for seating and souvenir browsing fits younger kids’ attention spans.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Watch the water puppet show:
See traditional Vietnamese puppets perform on a water stage with live folk music.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to pick booster cushions and choose seats in the back half for a full view and minimal splashes.
Select family-friendly seats:
Rows 11–16 in the mid-back offer clear views and keep kids comfortable.
Tip: Book standard tickets in these rows to avoid front splashes and still see puppet details clearly.
Browse the souvenir corner:
Find wooden puppet keepsakes at the lobby gift shop.
Tip: Set a small budget so each child can pick one item after the show.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Buy tickets online: Reserve mid-back seats in advance to skip the ticket line.
- Arrive early: Show up 15 minutes before start to secure booster cushions and settle in.
Reviews of Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Rafael
I love the show. I love the music too. It is a way to experience Vietnam culture. The tickets at the door are about USD$4.50. Online will cost you $13. The only convenience thing of buying online is that you can buy it ahead because in certain occasions they are sold out.
Tran Nguyen
I remembered watching water puppet show as a kid. Being a mom now I brought my daughter with me and she totally loves it. You dont need to understand the language to be able to enjoy the show. It was meant to be easy to comprehend. And please stop the argument that most customers are foreigners hence the show must be in English. NO! This is our culture, this is our heritage. It must be presented i...
Simon Ashworth
My wife and I really enjoyed the water puppet experience. The music was also fabulous and as a musician I appreciated the skill of the performers. The show is a series of scenes from culture and folklaw of Vietnam. We also got the audio guide which cost a dollar or two and was helpful. Puppets are amazing colors and the team operating them very skilled. Overall a really nice experience.
Awanthi Munasinghe
We had the pleasure of watching the Water Puppet Show in Hanoi september 2025, and it was truly a wonderful experience. This traditional performance beautifully showcases Vietnamese art and culture in such a unique way. The artistry, storytelling, and live music create a magical atmosphere that keeps you captivated throughout the show. The artists are extremely talented — their skill, precision, ...
Madhuri Singh
It's a must watch if you are in Hanoi... its a unique experience with live music n voice over by their renowned artists. You need not know the language just pick up the brochure before entering the hall and you can totally understand what is being performed. Short stories are narrated and its just 50 minutes show. So just relax and enjoy this magical show .
When is the best time to visit Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Hanoi, Vietnam)?
Shows run daily year-round; book tickets in advance during busy periods like Lunar New Year and evening summer shows are cooler.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2 × 100,000 VND) | VND 200,000 |
| Child ticket (4+ years) | VND 100,000 |
| Wooden puppet souvenir | VND 100,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 400,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Address: 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
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About Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
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 3824 9494Average price
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