Nha Trang Water Puppet Theatre

This folk practice dates back to the 11th century, when flooded rice fields in Red River Delta led to villagers using handmade puppets for entertainment. It was also performed for the king’s longevity ceremony.

Nha Trang Water Puppet Theatre takes place in Tran Phu Cultural House in the form of colourful wooden puppets, light shows, and traditional tunes. The stage is a waist-deep pool of water, with 400 puppets manoeuvred using long rods by skilled puppeteers hidden behind a massive screen.

Audiences can enjoy a total of 15 scenes in a single 45-minute performance, which include frog-catching, fishing, children’s games, and rice-planting as well as spiritual dances, and boat racing. There’s also a re-enactment of a prominent local legend in Vietnam which tells of the folk hero Le Loi.

It was believed that he was gifted with a sword by deities to fight against foreign invaders during the 15th century. After defeating the invaders, Kim Quy (Golden) Tortoise God appeared before Le Loi to reclaim the sword, who was crossing a lake in Hanoi. The lake is now called Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of The Returned Sword) and is a famous attraction in Hanoi.

Highly recommended for people looking to immerse themselves in the local beliefs, Nha Trang Water Puppet Theatre is held daily between 16:00 and 20:45. Tickets are priced at VND 150,000 for adults and VND 100,000 for children.

Source Vietnam-guide