Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
55B Đ. Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City’s Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is the place to witness water puppetry, a beloved and almost ancient art form. Long ago, Vietnamese puppeteers performed for their rural communities in waist-deep water, and today the tradition lives on—only now, in a classic, comfortable venue built for a night on the town.
The basics
For those looking for an authentic Vietnamese experience, a night at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is certainly it. While water puppet theater won’t be to everyone’s taste, this art form has to be given credit where it’s due—even UNESCO has recognized the genre as an intangible cultural heritage of the world. With modern sound, props, and lighting, actors perform in an actual pool of water alongside a live orchestra.
The show is entirely in Vietnamese, though storylines are largely timeless, and it’s simple enough to follow along (mostly). Skip-the-line tickets are available, and it’s within walking distance of numerous restaurants for a fun, unique night on the town.
Things to know before you go
Tickets can sell out in advance, so get yours early.
The theater seats about 200 people—there are no “bad seats” in the house (though they are fairly small).
Shows are brief—typically around 45 minutes.
How to get there
Ho Chi Minh City’s Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is right in District 1, the city’s main district. It’s within walking distance of prominent attractions like Ben Thanh Market and the Notre Dame Cathedral. If you’re not already in the area, get here via taxi (use Mai Linh or Vinasun), xe om (motorbike driver), or private driver.
When to get there
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater typically offers two shows a night, one at 5pm and one at 6:30pm. That being said, definitely check the schedule in advance of your visit and book tickets, too. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to sort out any ticketing issues and to find your seat.
A front-row seat
It’s very common for water-puppet theater-goers to bust out their phones and take video of the show—it’s a Vietnamese thing. Which is to say, you have two options: Join them and take as many photos and videos as you like, or try to nab a front-row seat, so glowing phones aren’t getting in the way of the show.
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