Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
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About
Generations ago, Vietnamese puppeteers performed for their rural communities in waist-deep water, bringing to life legends and stories about their region. Water puppetry theaters like Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater continue that tradition into the modern day and are a fun, family-friendly way to experience a hallmark of traditional Vietnamese culture.water puppet show, which is closely associated with the spiritual life of Vietnamese people, especially in the countryside. The show’s chosen stage is the surface of a water pool. The puppeteers present their clever skills in managing puppets by long bamboo rods and string mechanism under the surface. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra is an excellent music accompaniment. The puppets depict the story from the songs during the show, which reflects the peaceful life of the Vietnamese countryside, so it is not too difficult to understand it.
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4.0
1,627 reviews
Excellent
682
Very good
637
Average
222
Poor
50
Terrible
36
mightypink6
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates469 contributions
Lovely little puppet show in the city, highly recommend a visit. Booked on trip advisor and met the guide at the booking office to collect the tickets. Super easy to get in, seats are assigned for you and enjoy the show. A must when visiting here.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Malcolm C
Maroochydore, Australia23 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Paid on line,no 5pm show,only 6.30 pm ,voucher not valid and contract number given unobtainable.our hotel staff tried to contact them as well.SCAM do not use.
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
maryyeo
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam2,244 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Enjoying the show as it is, the show was meant to be enjoyed by the locals decades ago. Not understanding Vietnamese, but the show's pamphlet helped --- most of the context surrounds the little fun things that usually happen on farms --- chasing foxes, catching ducks, etc. Mostly silly and slapstick funny moves, but also a slow and graceful dance of the fairies as its grand finale.
What impressed us was the amazing display of strength and agility that performers must have in order to maneuver the puppets in a series of swift yet precise motions. Partnered with the passionate play of traditional instruments by the musicians, it's just cool to appreciate the art as it is --- a historical piece designed decades ago as cute observations of countryside life in Vietnam, and peformed by artistes who cared deeply enough to perservere to keep this traditional art going.
What impressed us was the amazing display of strength and agility that performers must have in order to maneuver the puppets in a series of swift yet precise motions. Partnered with the passionate play of traditional instruments by the musicians, it's just cool to appreciate the art as it is --- a historical piece designed decades ago as cute observations of countryside life in Vietnam, and peformed by artistes who cared deeply enough to perservere to keep this traditional art going.
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shelby H
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Friends
The show is so worth going to, but this website is a scam — or at minimum, provides garbage service. They charge an additional $21 over the pricing at the theatre. We got a confirmation email stating our tickets were ordered and all was good after purchasing the day before and were met with instructions on when to meet to pickup our tickets. They then asked us to arrive 20 mins before the show started. When we arrived, the theatre staff told us to wait for our tickets to be delivered. When the man delivering tickets finally showed, was 10 minutes late. By the time we talked to him, he said our payment didn’t go through so they didn’t pick up/order tickets for us, but everyone else who had talked to him ahead of us had no issues. He claimed they tried to call us to sort things out earlier in the day, but we never received a call, and even if we had and missed it, they could’ve tried a little harder to get in contact with us prior to our show time (they apparently tried to reschedule us for the 5:30 showing?) This exact same thing happened to another group waiting with us as well. Told us he could only offer another date or we could request a refund through the site, told us the show was sold out, then when we got understandably upset, he told us there were magically tickets left and we had to buy them ourselves while holding 3 million dong in his hand. Trash service from this company. Don’t bother using them. Just go early and buy the tickets yourself (they do sell out), but don’t support this company that is just scamming people.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JAF
Soleure, Switzerland15 contributions
Do NOT book this! Company is trying to scam! At the entry he told us that we booked „last minute“ and that he couldn‘t guarantee us the tickets.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
saver07
2 contributions
Jan 2023
We were allocated seats in the third row. On arrival we were greeted by ushers dressed in traditional silk tunics who escorted us to our seats. The theatre quickly filled up. An orchestra was positioned either side of the stage and played traditional instruments to accompany the puppets dancing across the water stage. The shows recount Vietnamese folk tales, legends, and significant seasonal events, like the celebration of the rice harvest, which were depicted in a humorous fashion.
The puppet show is skillful and clever, with an enthusiastic and authentic cast who keep visitors entertained despite language barriers. This is a must-do for cultural tourists to the city and any theatre enthusiast.A truly worthwhile visit while in HCM
The puppet show is skillful and clever, with an enthusiastic and authentic cast who keep visitors entertained despite language barriers. This is a must-do for cultural tourists to the city and any theatre enthusiast.A truly worthwhile visit while in HCM
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mags O Sullivan
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
My husband and adult son and I all enjoyed the show immensely. Eventhough we don’t have any Vietnamese we found the puppet moves very entertaining. The musicians were brilliant 👏👏
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hola
London, UK5 contributions
Enjoyable, surreal, amusing show. No English is involved (or required) from this, you just go in and become immersed in the action on stage and the musicians/singers/narrators who also love it and clearly enjoy themselves too!
If you want to stay dry, sit toward the middle or back, haha!
If you want to stay dry, sit toward the middle or back, haha!
Written 26 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trudie H
9 contributions
We really enjoyed the water puppet show. We saw a similar show in Hanoi, but we preferred this one. It was easier to comprehend from an English-speakers perspective.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Written 24 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bung Nam L
13 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Please see the traditional water puppet show that can only be seen in Vietnam.
This is an exciting performance where you can hear traditional music performed live and singers singing.
This is an exciting performance where you can hear traditional music performed live and singers singing.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rolando N
Melbourne, Australia
What time are the shows?
Travelbug291
Bribie Island, Australia942 contributions
Hi Rolando, currently the times are 3.oo pm, 4.10 pm, 5.20 pm, 6.30 pm, 8 pm. The shows go for approximately 50 minutes.They can vary at times, so it is wise to check with the theatre before attending. You can book and pay for your tickets online. Be aware you cannot use a camera flash to take pictures. You can purchase a pass however to use your camera in the theatre which isnt eastpy to get good photos due to the low lighting during the show. Be aware also, much of the seating is quite steep in case there are mobility issues.
Are there daily shows. Will there be a performance today 5/10 and at what times?
Ramanathan M
31 contributions
Their website claims to have 4 daily shows . All in the evenings . First show is at 16.30. Last at 20.30.
Thang Long Water Puppet Show
peter h
Folkestone, UK24 contributions
Is it the same price adults as children?
Ramanathan M
31 contributions
My visit to this puppet show was through a tour agency and it also combined a river cruse dinner. We were all adults. But from my travel experience , tour prices for children below 12 years of age will normally and certainly be a lower rate.
I believe it will be the same here too.
Charlotte H
saint-etienne2 contributions
Bonjour, comment peut on acheter cette attraction ? Où faut il acheter les billets ? Peut on réserver par telephone, où est le numero ? Merci
anthony d
Lyon, France301 contributions
Hanoi ou Saigon ? Les billets s'achetent au guichet à l'entrée, il y a plus de monde à Hanoi au bord du lac qu'à Saigon à cette maison de la culture. Bonne soirée
yenchen311
Penang Island, Malaysia3 contributions
How much is the ticket price?
Summer G
Denver, CO191 contributions
We paid 400,000 dong for two people.
Reshma S
1 contribution
How can I pre book the tickets for the Golden Dragon Water Puppet show
WH_Liang
Penang, Malaysia113 contributions
In my case I walked there and luckily I was on time for the show at 5pm. So I bought at the ticket counter VD200k. As per brochure: show time 5pm 6.30pm and 7.45pm (daytime performances according to your agreement). I think many authorized tour companies and hotel around HCM are offering the service including transport. There is also package with dinner.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
GOLDEN DRAGON WATER PUPPET THEATER (Ho Chi Minh City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
- Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost €15.01, while a popular guided tour starts around €15.77 per person. See all 30 Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater tickets are known to sell out fast, and same-day tickets may not be available. We recommend booking e-tickets tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 30 Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater:
- Skip the Line: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Tickets (From €18.31)
- VIETNAMESE WATER PUPPET SHOW & DINNER in HO CHI MINH CITY (From €55.37)
- Water Puppet Show-Cyclo & Dinner On Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City (From €42.23)
- ️ Ho Chi Minh City Instagram Tour: Hidden Gems (Private & All-Inclusive) (From €121.05)
- Traditional Water Puppet Show & Dinner On Cruise (From €62.56)
- Hotels near Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater:
- (0.11 km) Sonnet Saigon Hotel
- (0.12 km) Hong Hac Boutique Hotel
- (0.12 km) Thanh Truong Hotel
- (0.20 km) Estar Apartment For Rent
- (0.45 km) Silverland Yen Hotel
- Restaurants near Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater:
- (0.31 km) Talk Barista Saigon -Specialty Coffee & Mindful Barista Class
- (0.15 km) Naked Sushi & Sashimi
- (0.10 km) Xanh Cafe
- (0.15 km) Mon Antisushi Restaurant
- (0.24 km) Bông Súng Vegetarian Food - Coffee