Looking for some relaxed cultural things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night? Opt for traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show in Ho Chi Minh City to immerse yourself in the local culture of Vietnam. 

Water Puppet Show Overview

Water Puppet Show is a cultural performance featuring the culture, traditions and folklore of Northern Vietnam.  

You will be entertained by puppets acting on a ‘stage’ of water accompanied by live old-fashioned music played on authentic instruments.

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.

Shows are performed entirely in Vietnamese which is not a problem for the visiting tourist as the puppet gestures are obvious enough to keep the audience enthralled. The musicians are often positioned to one side of the stage adding in sound effects and songs as the people-styled puppets, dragons, fairies and other ornamental figures dance across the stage.

The shows are performed entirely in Vietnamese but the puppet gestures and accompanying music are captivating even to foreign audiences.

Water Puppet Show entrance fee

Water Puppet Show is from 250 VND  – 350 VND ( ~ $US 15)

The two most popular places to see a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh are:

• The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre 

Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

we recommend the Golden Dragon Water Show since it is easy to get to the show. This is the largest and most popular and the most interesting show among the water puppet shows in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). And yet, the Show has earned thousands of excellent reviews on Trip Advisor. 

You can book it online here and enjoy up to 15% discount. 

You can buy your tickets in advance and have them delivered to your hotel or you can pick them up at your convenience. 

On the day of your selected show, you will be greeted by ushers dressed in áo dài or traditional silk tunic by the theater doors. 

• Villa Song Saigon (formerly Thao Dien Village)

If you are near District 2, you can go to Ngon restaurant in Thao Dien Village to see water puppet show. However, it is only performed on Saturdays every week, from 19h30–20h. One more thing you should note that the performances here are not as attractive as professional water puppet stages.

Address: 195 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

Water Puppet Show in Ho Chi Minh City Reviews:

Easily located area for the show. Eventhough cannot really understand the language, this show is very authentic and very creative. Not similar to others puppet shows. The element of shows here a base on Vietnamese cultural aspects. Quite enjoyable for evening entertainment.