Water Puppetry, or "múa rối nước", is one of the most captivating and unique forms of traditional art in Vietnam's cultural tapestry. While puppetry exists in many countries around the world, water puppetry is exclusively found in Vietnam.

Originating in the Red River Delta region centuries ago, this age-old performance art has evolved into a cherished cultural heritage. If you’ve seen a water puppet show in Vietnam before, you’re probably still wondering how the artists controlled the puppets. If you haven’t seen one, have you really been to Vietnam?

Either way, stick around because we’ll be delving into the art form’s rich history as well as revealing the magic behind the performances.

A Vietnamese Water Puppet Show: What’s That Like ?

The puppets used in Vietnamese water puppetry are typically 30 - 50 centimeters tall and made from wood and lacquered for durability. They are crafted in intricate detail, often representing characters from Vietnamese folklore, history, or daily life.

Water puppet shows take place on a stage called Thuy Dinh, consisting of a waist-deep pool of water and a bamboo screen, decorated to resemble the facade of a temple. The performance is accompanied by an orchestra, typically performing Chèo (a form of opera) or folk music from the North.

There are 30 traditional acts and hundreds of modern puppetry acts depicting folk legends and the daily lives of Vietnamese people. The performances typically begin with an introduction by Teu (a typical character in water puppetry), describing:

• Everyday activities such as farming, frog catching, fox hunting,
• Festivals: dragon dance, lion dance, procession, wrestling, martial arts, buffalo fighting.
• Excerpts from some ancient tales: Thach Sanh, Tam Cam, etc.

Vietnamese Water Puppetry’s History
Many historians agree that water puppetry emerged around the 10th century, with numerous inscriptions on stone steles still preserved to this day. The first water puppet show was performed in 1121 to celebrate the king's longevity, evidenced by Chinese characters engraved on an ancient stone stele from the Ly dynasty, placed at Long Doi Pagoda in Ha Nam province.

When under Chinese rule, Vietnamese art forms remained primitive due to suppression from Northern forces, limiting artistic expression. At this time, only folk literature could survive, thanks to word-of-mouth. As for water puppetry, it wasn't until Vietnam was somewhat independent that the art had the opportunity to develop. 

As a performing art, what attracts the audience is the connection between them and the performing characters. Water puppetry, Tuồng (classical drama), and Chèo (Vietnamese opera), are all highly esteemed art forms. While you might not appreciate Tuồng or Chèo the same way as natives because of the language barrier, water puppetry wins your heart with a compelling story that requires little to no words.

Fun fact: back then, when it was cold, performers would drink a few sips of fish sauce or chew on raw ginger, swallowing the juice and spreading the remaining fiber all over their bodies to keep warm.

How are Vietnamese Water Puppets Controlled ?

Remember the bamboo screen mentioned earlier? The puppeteers would stand behind it to control the puppets. There are three ways to control them. The smaller ones are attached to bamboo poles, rods, and strings that the artists would tuck at to move them around. The bigger puppets require help from machines hidden underwater. The upper part of the puppets, or the body represents the character, while the base is attached to these machines. That is why the water in the pond is usually a dark murky green, to conceal the strings and machines. Complicated puppets like the dragon usually require both of these techniques. 

The dragon is another mystery that leaves you in awe of Vietnamese water puppetry, because how does it spit fire and water at the same time? The technique is quite simple. The dragon's mouth is crafted hollow to accommodate a tightly packed firecracker and carefully calculated to ensure that when ignited, it can dip underwater without extinguishing; a pump is also installed in its mouth to suck in water when submerged and pump it out when lifted. Magical.

Where To See Water Puppet Shows In Vietnam ?

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Hanoi

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the first and only theater running 365 days a year. The theater has a maximum of 6 shows per day with over 2000 water puppetry performances annually, some of which include English subtitles for international guests. Most Hanoi tours include a water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Ticket prices:

• Regular tickets (third-row seats farthest from the stage): 100,000 VND/person
• Standard tickets (second-row seats): 150,000 VND/person
• VIP tickets (front-row seats closest to the stage): 200,000 VND/person

Vietnam Puppet Theater, Hanoi

Vietnam Puppet Theater, located on Truong Chinh Street, is a familiar destination for Hanoians and visitors alike who wish to enjoy this unique art form. There are two stages inside the theater, one for traditional water puppet performances and one for other art forms. Next to the stages is a museum dedicated to Vietnamese puppetry, displaying artifacts from different regions in Vietnam. 

Address: 361 Truong Chinh, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.

Ticket prices:

Type 1: 50,000 VND/person

Type 2: 40,000 VND/person

Lotus Water Puppet Theater, Hanoi

Under the auspices of the Vietnam Contemporary Theater, established in 2008, this is another prominent venue where you can enjoy outstanding water puppet shows in Hanoi. The performances are carried out by experienced artisans and musicians from traditional craft villages. Each performance brings a fresh perspective, blending traditional styles with contemporary elements, leaving a lasting impression.

Address: 16 Le Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Ticket prices:

Standard ticket: 80,000 VND/person

VIP ticket: 100,000 VND/person

Yen Duc Village, Quang Ninh

If you’re ever in Quang Ninh visiting Ha Long Bay, you can also enjoy a water puppet show at Yen Duc Village, their shows offer a more rustic approach compared to the ones you see in Hanoi. The performance stage is located outdoors, without the confines of a conventional theater, surrounded by lush greenery or rice fields. The artists performing water puppetry here are local farmers.

Currently, there aren’t fixed schedules for these shows. If you’re interested in visiting and watching water puppetry, you need to contact their management to book in advance.

Hoi An Theater, Hoi An

Alongside familiar performances of Vietnamese water puppetry such as dragon dance, fishing, boat racing, fairy dance, etc, Hoi An Theater also offers unique shows that reflect the culture of Quang Nam, such as the Apsara dance and the legend of Tran Cu. These meticulously staged performances, combined with sound and light effects, promise to offer fascinating experiences.

Address: 548 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An City Center, Quang Nam.

Ticket prices: 

Children: 40,000 VND/person; 

Adults: 80,000 VND/person.

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, Saigon

Located in Tao Dan Park, the theater offers nightly performances that often sell out quickly. You can buy tickets in advance and pick them up at your hotel or directly at the theater. You'll be welcomed by performers dressed in traditional ao dai at the theater entrance. Similar to the ones in Hanoi, the water puppet shows in Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre recount Vietnamese folk tales, mythology, and seasonal events, in a comedic manner.

Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (next to Tao Dan Park).

Ticket prices: 160,000 VND/person

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