Although some may find them a bit slow-paced, the fact that this art form has been practiced for over 1,000 years makes it well worth experiencing. We’re talking about Hanoi’s famous water puppets. A cultural attraction that, in our opinion, is a must-see for anyone visiting Vietnam. Known in Vietnamese as “múa rối nước,” water puppetry remains incredibly popular throughout the country.
It is believed that water puppetry was inspired by the mannequins’ farmers placed in their flooded rice fields. Some theories suggest that these farmers developed mechanisms to move the mannequins from a distance.
Water puppets are hand-carved from water-resistant fig wood, painted in bright colors, and typically last three to four months before needing replacement.
The stage consists of a pond filled with murky water, which conceals the mechanisms that control the puppets. The performances depict scenes from daily rural life in Vietnam.
During the show, a live orchestra positioned in a loft to the left of the audience plays traditional Vietnamese instruments and sings beautiful folk melodies, enhancing the magical atmosphere.
The performances often feature historical tales, folk legends, traditional games, and rural scenes. Some shows even incorporate fireworks in water, making for a visually striking experience.
At the end of the performance, the curtain rises, and the puppeteers appear, wearing waist-high waterproof boots and looking exhausted—understandably so, given that each puppet can be up to 50 cm tall and weigh 15 kg!
The ticket price is 60,000-100,000 VND, and there are multiple shows every day at different times. However, it’s best to buy tickets a day in advance, as it’s usually fully booked. Don’t hesitate—go see it!
