Ho Chi Minh Water Puppet Show Tickets

Water puppet shows - Múa rối nước in the local language - are a Vietnamese tradition. In the capital, the most famous ones are held at the Golden Dragon Theatre. By buying a ticket, you can get in without queuing and enjoy a show that requires great skill. The shows last about 50 minutes and you can choose between different time slots.

The birth of this particular theatrical performance is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in the 11th century. Peasants in the Red River delta and rice-growing regions used to perform puppet shows on the water to celebrate the end of the harvest or religious festivals. The themes are related to local folklore as well as children's stories, and each performance is introduced by Chú Tễu, the storyteller.

The puppets are usually made of painted fig wood and are operated with bamboo sticks and strings. Performance techniques have been passed down from generation to generation, and even today puppeteers have to train for three years before they can perform.

The theatre is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, within walking distance of the Reunification Palace and the Vietnam War Museum. It is therefore easily accessible both by scooter (or taxi) and public transport.