Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

Enjoy a performance of fascinating Vietnamese art during a traditional 45-minute water puppet show. The stories told with water puppets are closely associated with the spiritual life of Vietnamese people, especially in the countryside. The stage for the show is the surface of a water pool. Puppeteers demonstrate their clever skills by managing puppets with long bamboo rods and a string mechanism under the surface of the water. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides musical accompaniment. The puppets act out the stories told by the songs, which reflect the peaceful life of the Vietnamese countryside.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel is located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, and then make your way to the Water Puppet Theater. Immerse yourself in a traditional art form closely connected with the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Be amazed by the skillful puppeteers who stand behind a screen and control puppets using long bamboo rods and string mechanisms hidden beneath the surface of the pool of water. Be mesmerized as the pool becomes the stage! Hear traditional music from North Vietnam played by the orchestra and listen to songs that tell the story being performed. Although the shows are exclusively in Vietnamese, the tales depict rural life in villages and are easy to understand. Then, experience the buzzing nightlife on a dinner cruise aboard a traditional-style boat.

Originating in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta in North Vietnam, traditional water puppet plays remain one of the most popular draws for travelers in Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the local culture of Vietnam’s largest city, then catch a show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater! The shows are performed entirely in Vietnamese but the puppet gestures and accompanying music are captivating even to foreign audiences. The orchestra is often positioned to one side of the stage adding in sound effects and playing traditional music using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals as the dragons, fairies and other ornamental figures dance across the water stage. Most of the shows recount Vietnamese folk tales, legends, and significant seasonal events, like the celebration of the rice harvest, depicted in a humorous fashion.

We will begin our evening with a delightful dinner at a charming local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Vietnamese dishes. After dinner, we will make our way to the theater to enjoy the captivating Water Puppet Show, a unique cultural experience that showcases Vietnamese artistry. The puppets are crafted from lightweight timber, intricately carved, polished, and beautifully decorated with vibrant colors to illustrate the distinct personalities of each character. Water puppetry is an art form performed in a large pool, utilizing the water as a dynamic stage. Artisans hidden within a cabin control the puppets using a sophisticated system of poles and ropes, arranged outside or beneath the water’s surface. They perform each pole, rope,… puppets with the system of ropes arranged outside or under the water. The stage is adorned with flags, fans, and parasols enhancing the overall visual appeal. This traditional performance is one of the most significant aspects of Vietnamese culture. You will also enjoy the enchanting music of a Vietnamese orchestra that accompanies the show. This talented ensemble features skilled singers and professional musicians who play traditional instruments. The performance offers a wonderful glimpse into Vietnamese rural life and folklore, with stories that often include humorous twists, ensuring an engaging and memorable experience.

Start with a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant display of Vietnamese culture with puppets performing on water to live music. Then, explore the city with a local student, beginning at the Independence Palace, where the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Visit the French colonial Saigon Opera House and Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Walk along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, then head to the City Hall, an iconic colonial building. A drive across the Ba Son Bridge and along the Saigon River reveals the city’s growing skyline. Learn about Vietnam’s history at the Thích Quảng Đức Monumentand Weapon Bunker, then explore a local old apartment complex for a glimpse of everyday life. Visit the bustling Ho Thi Ky Flower Market and finish with a peaceful moment at a pagoda. This tour gives you a rich blend of history, culture, and modern life in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.