Originating from the rice paddies of the Red River Delta in North Vietnam, traditional water puppet plays are a major attraction for travelers in Ho Chi Minh City. For an authentic dive into the local culture of Vietnam’s largest city, don’t miss a performance at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater! Situated in Tao Dan Park, the theater hosts nightly shows.
What to expect
On the day of your chosen performance, you’ll be welcomed by ushers dressed in áo dài, the traditional silk tunic, near the theater entrance. The shows are entirely in Vietnamese, but the expressive puppetry and evocative music appeal to audiences from all backgrounds.
Positioned to one side of the stage, the orchestra enriches the experience with sound effects and traditional music played on drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes, and cymbals. Dragons, fairies, and other ornate figures glide across the water stage, portraying Vietnamese folk tales, legends, and seasonal celebrations like the joyous rice harvest, often with a touch of humor.
Golden Water Puppet Show
Description / Important Notes
- The show begins promptly at 6:30 PM, so it’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- 18:15: Head to Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater (55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City).
- 18:30: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, an art form deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. Watch puppets come to life in a pool of water, controlled by puppeteers using bamboo rods and strings, accompanied by a live Vietnamese orchestra. Stories depict rural village life and are easy to follow, even if the shows are in Vietnamese. The performance lasts about an hour.
Validity
- Valid from 29 Sept 2023 to 31 Dec 2024
Fee Exclude:
- Travel insurance
- Transportation to the theater
