Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture by booking tickets for a Water Puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City. Not only are these shows highly entertaining, but they play an integral role in local tradition and are carried out by incredibly skilled performers.

There is no better way to spend an evening in Ho Chi Minh City than by attending a water puppet show. Watch as regional legends are brought to life before your eyes by expert puppeteers and talented musicians.

Here's all you need to know about Water Puppet Shows, one of the most captivating shows in Ho Chi Minh City.

What are water puppet shows about?

Water puppet shows have a long, rich history, dating back over 1,000 years. Originally, these shows would be performed in harvested rice fields, but today the performances take place in the waist-deep water of a dedicated water stage.

The performers glide through the water, maneuvering their puppets to depict various scenes and stories. The musicians typically sit off to the side of the stage and provide the live soundtrack to the show. Shows may also include colorful lights and even fireworks!

Throughout the show, the orchestra plays music that is associated with southern Vietnam and singers will sing songs that will help tell the story. Some of the instruments used include cymbals, wooden bells, flutes, drums and horns.

The puppeteers are undoubtedly the most important performers, and they need to work hard in order to direct the wooden puppets held up by bamboo bars and strings. The puppets themselves can weigh as much as 15 kilograms and be difficult to maneuver.

Puppets are painted in vivid colors, and each depicts a different character. The puppets do not just depict people, but animals and spirits as well. Most of the stories depicted by these water puppet shows come from local legends and folklore.

Many of these stories have been passed down through the generations for hundreds of years and some of the characters you can look forward to meeting include fire-breathing dragons, jesters, buffalos, turtles and even fairies!

All in all, water puppet shows provide a truly magical experience for the entire family to enjoy.

How much do water puppet show tickets cost?

Water puppet show tickets in Ho Chi Minh City typically cost around US$13 per person. While children don’t receive discounts, infants that can sit on a parent’s lap may attend the show for free.

While tickets can be bought directly from the onsite ticket booth at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, tickets can sell out very quickly in peak season so it may be a better idea to book your tickets online in advance.

Are there any water puppet show combined tickets available?

When it comes to water puppet shows in Ho Chi Minh City, there are quite a few combo tickets and tours available. The most popular combos include Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater tickets and a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.

These tours allow you to make the most of your time in Vietnam as you immerse yourself in Ho Chi Minh’s cultures, traditions and natural beauty. Opting for a combo experience also allows you to save money as you typically receive a combined discount.

If a dinner cruise does not take your fancy, you may be interested in a water puppet show combined with a dinner at a traditional restaurant. This option is usually cheaper than dinner cruises and does not take as much time.

When is the best time to see a water puppet show?

Most water puppet theater shows take place in the evening, with the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater offering shows at 5 PM and 6:30 PM respectively. Thanks to the theater’s central location, there is no issue arriving at or leaving the theater at either of these times.

How to get there?

Most water puppet shows in Ho Chi Minh take place at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, which is located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street—a 5 minute walk away from Ho Chi Minh City Hall.

What time does it start?

Water puppet shows at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater begin at 5 PM and 6:30 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Arrive at the theater around 10 to 15 minutes before the show begins to find your seats.

The entire show usually lasts around 45 minutes with no intermission.

What is the dress code?

The dress code for water puppet shows in Ho Chi Minh City is typically smart-casual. You can dress comfortably but should avoid wearing flip-flops, baseball caps, etc.

What is the cancelation policy?

Cancelation policies differ between tour operators, but in most cases, you can expect to receive a 100% refund if you cancel more than 24 hours before the show begins. Remember to read specific cancelation policies before booking your tickets.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While most water puppet shows in Ho Chi Minh City are wheelchair friendly, you should always check accessibility details before making a booking as there are certain water puppet shows, and combo tours, that are not suitable for wheelchair users.

What other shows are playing in Ho Chi Minh City?

Saigon Opera House

Travel tips

Book in advance to secure your tickets early for the water puppet show, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Reach the venue ahead of time to ensure you get good seats and avoid rushing.
Research about water puppetry to appreciate the traditional art form and its history.
Respect the rules regarding photography during the show to avoid disrupting the performance.
Immerse yourself in the captivating show by staying engaged and appreciating the unique Vietnamese artistry.

Water Puppet Shows in Ho Chi Minh City: Tickets