Traditional Puppet Theater

The water puppet theatre of Hanoi

Since 1969, this theatre has kept alive an art unique in the world: múa rối nước, water puppetry, born more than a thousand years ago in the rice fields of northern Vietnam. The Hanoi audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this traditional show emblematic of the capital.

A thousand-year-old art born in the rice fields

Water puppetry, or múa rối nước, is a traditional Vietnamese art born more than a thousand years ago in the rice fields of the Red River delta. The puppeteers, hidden behind a curtain, animate the figurines on a pool of water, accompanied by traditional music. The water puppet theatre of Hanoi has perpetuated this unique art since 1969 and has become one of its high places.

What to see

Here you attend a water puppet show, where the figurines dance on the pool to the sound of traditional music, telling legends and scenes of rural life. It is a unique cultural experience, accessible to all ages. A must-see stop of Hanoi to discover a thousand-year-old Vietnamese art.

Practical information

The water puppet theatre lies in the heart of Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake, reachable on foot. The shows follow their own programme and their own access conditions, with several performances a day depending on the season. It is best to check the agenda in advance to attend a session.

What is múa rối nước?

It is the Vietnamese art of water puppetry, born more than a thousand years ago in the rice fields of northern Vietnam, where the figurines move on a pool.

Where to see a water puppet show in Hanoi?

At the water puppet theatre of Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake, which has perpetuated this traditional art since 1969.