English
French
Spanish
ItalianThanh Hai Water Puppet Village
Discover the enchanted world of Vietnamese heritage at Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village in Hai Phong, Vietnam. An authentic destination that makes centuries-old customs a reality. With Asia King Travel, your tour becomes an event, more than a visit, a cultural journey that makes Vietnam's heritage come alive through interactive shows.
Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village in Hai Phong
The history of water puppetry in Thanh Hai is intimately linked to the countryside way of life of northern Vietnam. Going back over 300 years, the ancient folk art has its origins within the Red River Delta, where the farmers, in the time of flooded rice, created a new form of entertainment. The Thanh Hai troupe in particular has an amazing record of revival. Following years of inactivity, a small but dedicated team of villagers from An Liet village came back together in 1999 to rebuild and revive the art form.
What began as just 20 dedicated artists has now grown into a prosperous troupe of 29 individuals that attracts tourists both domestically and internationally. These performers, some of whom are still working farmers outside of work, have meticulously preserved their old techniques and folk histories from their ancestors, so that each performance is a genuine work of living history.
History of Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village
Although Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village stages performances throughout the year, it is possible to plan your visit to have a better experience. The ideal time to visit is from October to April, during the dry season, when the climate in North Vietnam is pleasant and cool. This is also the high tourist season, so it is a good idea to plan your visit in advance, particularly if you will be visiting on a weekend or holiday.
Attending a performance during a local festival is particularly notable, as water puppetry is often at the center of the celebration. These festivals, which typically coincide with the lunar calendar, create a vibrant and festive atmosphere, and you have the opportunity to experience the art form at its most traditional and communal level.
Best time to visit Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village
The main event, of course, is the puppet show itself. Performed on a body of water, the skits are a series of brief vignettes that reenact rural Vietnamese life, mythology, and history. Ranging from rice farming and fisherman vignettes to the ancient legends of dragons and mythical creatures, each vignette is a testament to the puppeteers' incredible skill.
The fig-wood puppets covered in lacquer paint are skillfully controlled by artists waist-deep in water behind a screen, creating a magic illusion that has mesmerized audiences for centuries. The show is supplemented by the music of a live traditional orchestra whose singing and music animate the stories and add a depth and dimension to the visual presentation.
People gathered to watch water puppetry
One of the most unique aspects of visiting Thanh Hai is the opportunity to interact with the performers. These are not just artists, they are also the keepers of a sacred tradition. Many are happy to share their stories and even demonstrate how the puppets are controlled using long bamboo poles and string mechanisms.
This look inside gives one a profound appreciation for the enormous physical work and dedication involved in bringing these characters to life. It's a chance to hear about the heart and soul of the craft from the people that live and breathe it.
Meet the artisans and learn the craft
Read more: Vietnam Tour 11 Days: Hidden Gems of Vietnam
Beyond the puppet theater, Thanh Hai offers a tranquil, idyllic image of actual rural existence. Stroll through the village, observing the communal house and the pond upon which traditional performances are given. The countryside nearby is a photographer's paradise: green rice paddies and serene waterways. They're just right for a leisurely promenade or bike tour.
This peaceful discovery allows you to connect with the very world that birthed water puppetry, familiarizing yourself with everyday life and practices that the performances so breathtakingly portray.
Explore the village of the puppet village
No trip to Vietnam would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. During a visit to Thanh Hai, it is possible to sample the local provincial dishes of Hai Phong. The province is renowned for its fresh foods and pungent flavors. Many tourists opt for a home-cooked meal with a host family, which provides an even more profound experience of local culture. Enjoying a good meal and listening to your hosts' stories of their life and village history is an experience that will last a lifetime.
Experience a local culinary delight
For the creatively inclined, there are some tours available that let you have a go at making your own puppets. Although the delicate skill of carving and painting an entire puppet takes decades to become proficient in, a brief workshop will teach you the fundamentals.
You can also learn about the materials used, how different puppet characters are significant, and even try to make your own little puppet as a personal souvenir. This tactile experience is a fun and interactive way to engage with the craft and appreciate the artistry in a whole new perspective.
Puppet Making Workshop
A visit to Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village is not just a cultural excursion, it's a journey into the past, tradition, and essence of rural Vietnam. From the colorful puppets to the serene folk melodies, every experience here is a tale to be heard. Asia King Travel is your trusted friend to this off the beaten track destination, with seamless logistics, local expertise, and tailor-made experiences that make your trip simply unforgettable.
Read more: 6 Days Discover Northern Vietnam From Hanoi
