If you are from any parts of Asia where puppet show is a norm, this Hanoi's version is short of surprises. The novelty of a water-based show wears out fast after 20 minutes. The melody, the tricks and lighting become too reptitive for an hour long show. Worst, there's no translations or subtitles to go with the singing which is... more

Before you visit the puppet theatre, consider what forces tug the strings of those darling, dancing puppets. After meeting the theatre director and requesting photographs for a Hanoi magazine article I am writing, I did not receive them. So I returned to the theatre, opened the door of the corridor leading to her office and took two steps. Through the... more

I caught the water puppet show on the last night of my trip, after I had gone on all the tours, after I had learned all about the Vietnamese legends and the culture. The show wraps up everything in one musical and cultural delight! This form of entertainment is found only in Vietnam, having originated from the farmers who would... more

The show takes less than one hour - and it a MUST when visiting Hanoi. Try getting seats at row A, B or C - it's hard to see what's going on further back. We sat at row H - with children. They couldn't see a lot - and the staff is not as friendly as you would expect. But... more

I went there with a cynical mind since I have never been a fan of puppet show. Also, coming from an Asian background, I was certain that I would not be particularly intrigued by it. However, I surprised myself by staying for the entire hour. The puppets were amazingly agile and I couldn't help wondering about the immense skills needed... more

Reading previous reviews had not prepared us for how booked out the water puppet theatre was. The booking clerk flipped through day after day of totally booked out performances, stretching at least weeks into the future. It looked to me as though there were large numbers of block booking, obviously agents etc. We were lucky to be able to get... more

We were there last Friday night at 5:20 pm but the cheaper tickets for the first two shows were all sold out! The short skits offer a glimpse of the historical and cultural events, and rural life in Vietnam. Everything's in Vietnamese and it's a pity that there was no brochure to explain the performances. Still, we got to hear... more

Water Puppet (Mua Roi Nuoc) show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a must do during your visit to Hanoi. There are two shows a night and even though it's all done in Vietnamese, it's very enjoyable. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra with singers provides background music for the show. There are several short puppet shows each lasting about... more

My husband was sceptical to watch the Water Puppets at first but after the show, he was absolutely sold to it. He said the show was all worth it ! The show lasted for an hour and they have upgraded the seats. The seats are very tight from row to row but they are now all elevated so it doesn't... more