Vietnam: Hanoi – Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

August 18, 2024
Vietnam
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Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the villages of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. It involves puppeteers standing waist-deep in water, manipulating puppets that are suspended on long bamboo poles.

Water puppetry is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today’s Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation oN the ancient Asian puppet tradition.

The puppets are made from wood and then lacquered often weighing up to 15 kg. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool around four metres square A large bamboo rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by up to eight puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. The surface of the water is the stage, and the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

As well as the puppeteers there is a small group of musicians and singers who interactively accompany the performance. The most fascinating instrument was the single string zither called a Dan Bau which is native to Vietnam. It is constructed of a long narrow sound box, with a tall, curved stem made from water buffalo horn inserted at one end. The single string runs between the sound box and a small wooden gourd attached to the stem.

The show was about an hour long with several fast-moving sketches depicting traditional Vietnamese folk tales and legends with many human, animal, and mythical characters. It was fast, fun, and furious – and we really enjoyed it despite not understanding the songs or the stories.

Planning your visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Vegan dining in Ha Noi

Finding somewhere that serves good vegan and vegetarian food in Vietnam can be challenging. Luckily, in Hanoi, there are more options for those wanting to eat plant-based meals or vegetarian dishes. Below are some ideas for restaurants with an excellent variety of vegan/vegetarian options.

1. Ưu Đàm Chay

Located in the south of Hanoi’s French Quarter, Vegan Uu Dam is an all-vegan restaurant with multiple floors and a green garden. Not all dishes here are vegan – so it is worth asking the staff to highlight those that are.

55 Nguyen Du Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
10h30 to 21h30
(+84) 98 134 9898

2. Vị Lai Vegan Restaurant

Nested quietly on a lane off the Ly Thuong Kiet street of Hanoi French Quarter. Vi Lai Vegan is among the most well-known vegan restaurants for veggies in the city. The restaurant has a lovely, peaceful setting with lovely koi ponds and lily pads.

67 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
9h30 to 22h00
0853 535 656

3. Om Hanoi: Yoga & Cafe

Om Vegan Restaurant is set in a spacious garden in the northern part of the city, it’s located between the West Lake and Red River. It serves an abundant variety of local vegan dishes.

62 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
8h30 to 20h30
(+84) 90 411 3637

4. Sadhu Vegetarian Restaurant

Vegans are also well catered to, just be sure to explain to the staff, who speak good English.

87 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
10h30 to 22h0
(+84) 98 199 5586

5. Cai Mam Bistro – Signature Vegan

For wandering around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake or the charming Silk Street, Cai Mam Bistro – Signature Vegan could be an ideal vegan restaurant to stop by for a vegan meal.

Cai Mam offers an à la carte and a tasting set menu with innovative dishes, including walnut seeds and seaweed salad, grilled pumpkin soup, brown rice with coconut juice, and braised mushrooms.

05 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
10h30 to 22h00
(+84) 36 790 800

6. Chayfood

The ‘Chayfood’ is a vegan restaurant located on the eastern fringe of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, it’s just steps away from the famous Café Giang’s egg coffee on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, and about 5 minutes walking from the red bridge at Ngoc Son Temple.

66 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
6h00 – 22h00

Where to stay in Ha Noi

1. The Old Quater

For travel rookies, the Old Quarter of Hanoi can be somewhat of a culture shock. It is loud, busy and chaotic. At first, you might not like it, but it is worth sticking with. Nowhere else will you be exposed so quickly to so many facets of what it means to live in Hanoi!

The streets are narrow and filled with scooters, bikes and every other form of transport possible. Crossing the street can be a bit hair-raising at first, but getting used to it can be fun.

There are plenty of shops selling mostly knock-offs of branded goods. That said a lot of the world’s clothing brands have their goods manufactured in Vietnam – so even these ‘off’ brand products can be of reasonable quality.

There are plenty of places to eat in the Old Quarter – many targeting visitors – but you can still eat here cheaply.

1. Luxury – Melia Hanoi

Located in Hanoi’s City Center, Melia Hanoi is 2133 feet from Hoan Kiem Lake and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. It offers a casino, outdoor pool and spa. Free parking is provided.

Modern rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A safety deposit box and tea/coffee making facilities are provided. 24-hour room service is offered daily.

2. Mid Range – Eliana Ruby Hotel & Travel

Located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Eliana Ruby Hotel & Travel is a minutes’ walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. It features soundproofed rooms fitted with internet-accessible computers. Free WiFi is also provided.

Eliana Ruby Hotel & Travel is a 15-minute drive from Hanoi Railway and Bus Station. Noi Bai International Airport is 35 minutes away by car.

3. Budget – Hanoi Backpackers Hostel

Featuring a bar, Hanoi Backpackers Hostel & Rooftop bar is located in the center of Hanoi, a 5-minute walk from Hanoi Old City Gate. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property has a concierge service, a tour desk and currency exchange for guests.

2. The French Quarter

French Quarter Hanoi is a historic neighbourhood in Vietnam’s capital city that was built during the French colonial period. The area features beautiful French architecture, leafy boulevards, and luxurious boutiques, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

The French Quarter Hanoi spans approximately 800 hectares and serves as a bustling hub at the centre of the city, situated southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. A stroll along its streets reveals a plethora of yellow-painted houses with charming Parisian street style.

1. Luxury – Capella Hanoi

Located in Hanoi and with Hanoi Opera House reachable within a 4-minute walk, Capella Hanoi provides express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free throughout the property and a fitness centre. Each room at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace and a bar. The hotel features an indoor pool, sauna, evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.

2. Mid Range – Hanoi Elpis Hotel & Spa

Located in Hanoi, a 5-minute walk from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Hanoi Elpis Hotel & Spa provides accommodations with a restaurant, private parking and a bar. This 3-star hotel offers room service and a tour desk. The property has a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, a shared kitchen and free Wi throughout the property.

3. Budget – Valentine Hotel Hanoi

Conveniently set in the center of Hanoi, Valentine Hotel Hanoi provides free WiFi, a garden and free private parking for guests who drive. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service.

3. West Lake

Located in the northwestern center of Hanoi, the West Lake is the largest lake of the capital city, with a shore length of 17 kilometers and 500 hectares in area. It was originally a part of the nearby Red River. Frequent floods and erosions resulted in its current location nowadays.

The West Lake had many names in the past including Kim Nguu Lake, Mu Suong Lake, and Xac Cao Pond.

Along the shoreline of Hanoi’s West Lake, besides Vietnamese historical sites, there are many hotels, restaurants, and cafes built in Western architectural styles.

Below are listed some ideas of places to stay during your visit to Hanoi.

1. Luxury – GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi

Located in Hanoi, a 2-minute walk from St. Joseph Cathedral, GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi has accommodations with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness center and a terrace. Featuring a bar, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around an 8-minute walk from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, 700 yards from Trang Tien Plaza and a 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

2. Mid Range – Sun Clover Boutique Hotel

Featuring a garden, Sun Clover Boutique Hotel is located in Hanoi in the Ha Noi Municipality region, a 9-minute walk from West Lake and 0.9 miles from Quan Thanh Temple. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. There is free private parking and the property has paid airport shuttle service.

3. Budget – A25 Hotel – 30 An DươngOpens in new window

A25 Hotel – 30 An Dương is located in Hanoi about 1312 feet from Truc Bach Lake. It provides comfortable accommodations with free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. The hotel provides an airport shuttle service on request.

Located in Central Hanoi, the hotel is also just 1.9 mi from popular attractions like the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Huc Bridge. The Temple of Literature, the Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda are about 2.5 mi from the hotel.