Vietnam is a culturally diverse country with 54 ethnic groups with a history dating back 4000 years. Generations of Vietnamese people have produced a variety of traditional arts to represent their culture, especially the Vietnamese culture show. Nowadays, performance makers make changes to modernize art to be more creative and accessible. Theatres and live shows frequently feature amazing dance, light, and music performances by talented local performers, making them ideal for all kinds of tours to Vietnam.
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According to legend, this performance was inspired by the daily lives of peasants in Northern Vietnam around 1000 years ago. Water puppetry is highly integrated because it inherits the cultural values of wet rice of the Vietnamese in the Red River Delta. The action of pushing and pulling boats in boat races is like pushing poles and pulling strings in Water Puppetry. This value makes up the aesthetic value of Water Puppetry, in Vietnamese folk art.
Let us introduce a practical stage of the water puppet show to you! In the center of a shallow pond produced by the waist-deep water level of farmed paddies, the stage has a thrifty aspect. The concept is based on traditional rural Vietnamese occupations such as fishing and agriculture, as well as traditional tales and folklore.
When you see one of these plays, you will not only be able to see people’s lives, but you will also be able to appreciate the creative side of these farmers – the puppeteers. The traditional Vietnam “symphony” is created by flawlessly moving, master-controlled puppets hidden behind the curtains, an arrangement of classical musical instruments, and amazing vocalists.
Although water puppet theaters may be found across Vietnam, the most popular are Thang Long Theater in Hanoi and Golden Dragon Theater in Ho Chi Minh City.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
Address: No. 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Time: Usually 4 daily shows in the late afternoon and evening.
Price: From $5, depending on the seat type
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
Address: No. 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Time: Usually 2 daily shows in the late afternoon and evening.
Price: From $5, depending on the seat type
This Vietnamese culture show is specific to the Northern local activities. The concept of Quintessence Tonkin starts from traditional art inspiration.
The show, which lasts 55 minutes and is divided into 6 parts, is a rustic, artistic exhibition of Vietnamese culture. The main parts are poetry, Buddhism, nostalgia, music, painting, peace and harmony, joy, and festivals. Inspired by the spirit of the Vietnamese people, the play provides a bright picture of a distinct view of life that is linked to the Universe, Mother Nature, and the spirituality of work.
At the same time, the story highlights the Vietnamese people’s skills, which include knowledge and martial arts. The setting is a traditional hamlet with traditional instruments and vocal arts such as ca tru, and quan ho.
Moreover, the convenience of visiting this Vietnamese culture show is you can integrate it with going sightseeing. Celebrated in Thay Pagoda, you can easily find the nearby attractions. Some highlights are Thay Pagoda, Tay Phuong Pagoda, and Duong Lam Village. Thay Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam. Tay Phuong Pagoda still maintains more than 60 wooden statues, which are the masterpieces of the eighteenth century. And the ancient Duong Lam Village is the place for 400-year-old houses.
Time: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 19:00-20:00
Place: Da Phuc village, Sai Son commune, Quoc Oai district, Hanoi
Price: From $35, depending on the seat type
>>> Explore Northern Vietnam: Vietnam Northernwest Loop 7 Days
“Hoi An Memories” is a large-scale outdoor display at Hoi An Impression Theme Park, a prominent theme park near Hoi An Town. The show lasts 75 minutes, and is the wrap-up of Hoi An’s history through 5 main parts: Life, Wedding, Boat and Sea, Trading Port, and “Ao Dai”.
Especially, the stage spans one kilometer and includes 500 performers and artisans. The latest audio and lighting technology are the contributors to creating a unique and engaging exhibition. Certainly, after watching the show, the audience can not forget the typical images such as the girl weaving, the light path, hundreds of girls wearing ao dai,… Or the epic scenes such as the elephant bride procession in the Champa period, the emotional performance of Boats and the Sea,…
Moreover, this performance just set two new records in Vietnam. This was announced to be the largest outdoor arena in Vietnam and the highest number of performers in Vietnam. The newspaper Reuter also gives compliments the play as a worldwide phenomenon to the futuristic tourist sector. As a tourist, this is such an unskippable performance if you visit Hoi An.
Besides, this Vietnamese culture show is organized in Hoi An Impression Theme Park, which allows you to explore one of the most interesting parks in Vietnam. You can visit the traditional village of other countries and also some small restaurants for the specialties.
Hoi An Memories – Hoi An Impression Theme Park
Time: Everyday
Place: Hen Island (turn left at 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong), Cam Nam District, Hoi An
Price: From $27, depending on the seat type
>>> Let’s watch the show with your family: Family Fun in Vietnam 10 Days
A O Show by Lune Production takes place in the renowned Saigon Opera House. The show combines visual illusions and spectacular performers, modern music, and performed by a group of exceptional artists. This show has been touring all around the world since 2015, conquering audiences across 4 continents as well as many art lovers in Vietnam.
At this Vietnamese culture show, you can marvel at bamboo circus techniques, acrobatics, and contemporary dance. Moreover, audiences can immerse in the party of colorful sounds, from the deep gentleness of folk music to the excitement of the beatbox. As the name of the show, you will enjoy the delightful contrast between the peaceful pace of life in the Village (“A” in Vietnamese) and the bustle of the Street (“O” in Vietnamese).
Furthermore, the show is performed in the 117-year-old architectural monument of the Opera House. This is the place for high-class plays. Stefan Haves, Cirque Director of Cirque Du Soleil in Los Angeles praised A O show with an “on the cloud nine” feeling, “This is the most extraordinary show I’ve seen in quite a while”. He was also impressed that this show had elevated his theater-going experience by taking him on a journey of beauty, love, and time.”
Time: Please update the timeline on the website
Place: Saigon Opera House – 07 Lam Son Roadworks, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Price: From $31, depending on the seat type
If you are staying in Hue and Da Nang, you should not miss this Vietnamese culture show. To start discovering Vietnamese culture, there’s no better place to start than at Hue Ancient Capital. Participating in the Ao Dai Show here, you will be immersed in the world of ao dai, which is known as the national costume in Vietnam. You will be able to “see” the glorious past of the Hue court under the Nguyen Dynasty, which is sharply recreated through art materials. Choosing “ao dai” as the main inspiration, throughout the program are performances of royal fan dance, lotus dance, cup dance, traditional martial arts, and more.
In particular, the program also has exchanges, interactions, and cultural sharing between visitors and performing artists. Besides, you can also wear King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Quan Chua, and Ao Dai clothes, you will experience the royal culture of the past and present.
Time: Please update the timeline on the website
Place:
Hue: No. 49A Le Loi Street, Phu Hoi Commune, Hue city
Da Nang: No. 1A Tran Van Dan Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang city
Price: Around $27
Vietnam, a country with thousands of years of civilization is a surprising unknown place for those who love history. As you see, the Vietnamese culture show can help you understand many aspects of this S-shaped country’s various cultures. And you can also recognize that whenever you, each region has its own highlight shows to satisfy your knowledge, your emotion, and your eyes.
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