Water Puppet Theatre: Traditional Vietnamese Performance

Experience the enchanting Water Puppet Show in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring traditional music and captivating folk tales performed over water.

Duration: 45 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater - - Enjoy a private water puppet performance in an intimate “mini-home theatre” located at the residence of a renowned and skilled water puppet artist;
  • Discover the techniques of manipulating water puppets;
  • Hear the history of water puppetry and the narratives behind the puppet shows as recounted by the artist.
What's Included
  • All entrance fees
What's Not Included
  • Personal expensive
Additional Information

The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would make entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water.
Using large rods to support the puppets it appeared as if they were moving across the water with the puppeteers hidden behind a screen.
This…

Location
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
Đường Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai
We will meet you at Dragon Theatre where Water Puppet will be performed to issue tickets. There will be our guide standing there with a sign board with Vietnam Tours VIP name at front of Golden Dragon Theatre.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(3 Ratings)
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264dup
Mar 20, 2025
A Splash of Fun: Water Puppet Show in Ho Chi Minh City, March 20, 2025 - My friend and I decided to check out the Water Puppet Show in Ho Chi Minh City on March 20, 2025, and it was such a unique experience! Held at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre (or one of the other local venues, depending on where you went), this traditional Vietnamese art form was unlike anything we’d seen before. The moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt lively yet intimate, with the sound of traditional music setting the tone. The show itself was a fascinating blend of skill and storytelling. Watching the puppets glide across the water, controlled by hidden performers behind a bamboo screen, was mesmerizing. The way they moved—dragons spitting fire (well, water and lights!), fishermen rowing boats, and mythical creatures dancing—made it hard to believe it was all done by hand. The accompanying live music, with drums, bamboo flutes, and singing, really brought the scenes to life, even if we didn’t catch every word of the Vietnamese narration. We both loved the humor sprinkled throughout—like the cheeky puppets splashing water toward the audience (don’t worry, we stayed dry in our seats!). The short tales, rooted in Vietnamese folklore and rural life, were charming, though a little heads-up: if you’re not familiar with the culture, some parts might feel a bit abstract. My friend and I wished there’d been a pamphlet or subtitles in English to catch all the details, but the visuals were entertaining enough to keep us hooked for the hour-long performance. The venue was cozy, and the crowd (a mix of locals and tourists) added to the vibe. Tickets were super affordable—around 150,000 VND each, I think—which made it a great value for such a cultural treat. Afterward, we grabbed some pho nearby and couldn’t stop talking about our favorite parts, like the synchronized puppet fish chasing each other. If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, I’d definitely recommend the Water Puppet Show for a fun, quirky night out. It’s not just a performance—it’s a peek into Vietnam’s heritage. My friend and I agreed we’d go again if we’re back in town!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
182minhtri_th
Jul 21, 2024
How fantastic the show is! - The water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City was fantastic, offering a mesmerizing blend of tradition and artistry. The puppeteers skillfully brought Vietnamese folklore to life on a water stage, accompanied by enchanting live music. The vibrant, intricate puppets and captivating performances were truly unforgettable. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a unique cultural experience in Vietnam.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Minhtri_th2024
Jul 19, 2024
Excellent Water Puppet Show - The Water Puppet Show is a mesmerizing cultural experience! The puppetry, performed over water with intricate movements, showcases Vietnamese folklore and history beautifully. The live music and vivid storytelling create a captivating atmosphere. A must-see for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaeger2018
Jul 20, 2024
Best tour group - We booked our tour through Saigon foody tour group. Luc organised everything for us great your group he even organised a young lady called flower to meet us at the gate to pass on our tickets ahead of even accompanied us to our seats then left once we where settled amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $26
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).