Thang Long Water Puppet Show (Express Pass)

Water puppetry is a folk theatre of the Red River Delta: lacquered wooden puppets perform on the surface of a pool while puppeteers work them from behind a bamboo screen. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre sits on the northern shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, and each show lasts about an hour, with scenes such as buffalo herding, dragon boat races, the unicorn dance and the legend of the returned sword. A traditional ensemble plays live with folk opera singing, so children and overseas visitors can follow the stories without understanding the words. The Express Pass ticket gets you in quickly, and show times and seat classes for each day appear once you choose a date. Arrive fifteen minutes early to settle in, and book ahead for weekends and peak season.