This is a traditional show - you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand the story and if you are visiting a foreign country don't be so arrogant to expect 'subtitles or translation' Just enjoy it for what it is and maybe read a bit about it before you go. Lasts just over an hour, sure not everyone... more

Thang Long water puppet is a show that becomes a tradition for thousand years in North Vietnam. Because the show performed on the surface of ponds and rice-fields thousand years ago, it is also performed on the same way in the theatre nowadays. The stage contains a small ponds with greenery water and bamboo curtains at the back to hide... more

Very boring- dont waste a night. There is no understandable story for the majority of people. We walked out- bit rude but we only had 2 nights! Please don't bother! more

The water puppet show takes place in a small theater -- both first and second class tickets will buy you good seats. Be sure to purchase your tickets a few days in advance, as shows are often sold out due to bulk purchases by tour groups. The show is a quick 45 minutes or so, and it is a really... more

I'd start by saying that you either love it or hate it. It is in an enclosed air-conditioned (although it may may not be that cool tempreture wise) theater just opposite the Hoan Kiem lake. The three of us loved it. I had reservations about watching it initially because I am not a cultural performance buff. However, we are glad... more

The only reason we went to the water puppet show was because it was included in our package deal. There were a few scenes that were cute or made me chuckle, but overall it was pretty boring. It was all in Vietnamese with no read along about the story or lyrics to the songs. more

It starts off with a 10-min musical introduction prior to the show, and this one is with English translation. However, the actual puppet show is all in Vietnamese. The only translation you can count on is the Program Sheet which you can take outside the entrance of the theatre. This pamphlet comes in both English and French,but don't count on... more

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