When we talk about Southeast Asia, it wouldn't be complete without mentioning “wayang” (puppetry). Yes, these puppets always attract attention because of their high artistic value. Some are made of leather, wood, or even played with the fingers.
Likewise, when you visit Vietnam. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, then the Water Puppet Show is the perfect choice to add to itinerary. The shows are not just an entertainment. This is an experience that takes you deep into Vietnamese culture and history.
It is held over a pond, where wooden puppets are played by artists to tell interesting stories with traditional music as a back sound.
Water, Wood, Wonder
Water puppetry, or "Mua roi nuoc" in Vietnamese, emerged in the Red River Delta and other rice-growing regions of Northern Vietnam around a thousand years ago.
Every year during the annual rice harvest, farmers would gather for folk songs and dances at village festivals. The shows are usually about the daily life of rural people, as well as the stories of legends and historical heroes.
The first performances were held in harvested rice fields, which could be filled with water to create a watery stage. Villagers also staged water puppetry performances at religious festivals, or simply for entertainment when their fields were flooded during the rainy season.
The water also serves to conceal the strings and movements of the puppeteers, increase the acoustics of the music and vocals, and provide shimmering lighting effects.
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Behind the stage, a backdrop is always provided to create a separate space for the puppeteers to control the puppets, allowing the audience to experience the puppets moving independently and naturally on the water's surface.
Water puppetry stages are decorated with symbolic and impressive details such as flags, fans, umbrellas, elephants, and offering gates, which are hallmarks of Vietnamese folk culture. Each water puppet is hand-carved and coated with five layers of lacquer paint to ensure water resistance and add vibrant colors to the performance.
Water puppetry originated during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225) and was later popularized during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400). The country's best water puppet troupes were chosen to entertain the king and guests, marking a new high for the art's social status. Many centuries later, it still fascinates audiences, and claimed as intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Splish, Splash, and Spectacle
Water puppetry is a physically demanding art. The puppeteers stand in the water throughout the performance, utilizing the water's movement to create drama and enhance the illusion. The secret lies in the material of the puppets themselves, which are made from floating wood and painted with lacquer.
The puppeteers skillfully move the puppets' arms using bamboo sticks and strings. Puppeteers even have their own dialects and code words to prevent anyone from overhearing discussions about specific techniques. It takes decades to become a skilled water puppeteer.
The performance is accompanied by a traditional orchestra, featuring instruments such as gongs, and bamboo flutes. Singers tell stories, adding depth and emotion to the visual spectacle. They also can see the puppets and their movements. Sometimes shout out code words to alert puppeteers when a puppet is out of place.
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Nowadays, water puppet shows are no longer something that you can easily find in a random village. Still, visitors can come to water puppet theaters to watch the shows.
One of the most iconic places to see a water puppet show is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, located in the center of Hanoi. Other attractions are the Lotus Water Puppet Theatre and the Canh Dieu Water Puppet Theatre.
If you're looking for a more theatrical water puppet experience, the Vietnam National Puppet Theatre is a great choice. This show is mostly in Hanoi city as a center for global tourism.
References:
Vietnam Travel. (n.d). All About Vietnamese Water Puppets. https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/vietnam-water-puppets
Vietnam Airlines. (n.d). Water Puppet Show Hanoi: Tickets, Schedule, and Must-Know Tips. https://www-vietnamairlines-com.translate.goog/lu/en/useful-information/travel-guide/water-puppet-show-hanoi?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=id&_x_tr_hl=id&_x_tr_pto=tc
Vietnam Dicovery. (2025). Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: The Highlight of Hanoi Tourism. https://vietnamdiscovery-com.translate.goog/hanoi/activities/thang-long-water-puppet-theatre/?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=id&_x_tr_hl=id&_x_tr_pto=tc
Vin Wonders. (2022). Hanoi Water Puppet Show: Get a Through Understanding About Vietnamese Arts. https://vinwonders.com/en/wonderpedia/news/hanoi-water-puppet-show-get-a-thorough-understanding-about-vietnamese-arts/
