Hanoi Evening Cyclo & Water Puppet Show

From₫38
3 hours
Hanoi, Vietnam

About this activity

Experience Hanoi's charm on a private evening cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, followed by a captivating water puppet show, guided by a local expert.

Highlights

  • Explore Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter by cyclo
  • Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show
  • Discover local culture with an expert guide
  • Enjoy a leisurely evening in Hanoi's historic center
  • Capture memorable photos of Hanoi's nightscape

Full description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a private evening cyclo ride. Glide through bustling streets, past colonial architecture, and vibrant street markets as your knowledgeable guide shares insights into the city's rich history and culture. After the ride, enjoy a captivating traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique art form that dates back centuries. This tour offers an authentic glimpse into Hanoi's nighttime allure, combining cultural exploration with leisurely enjoyment. Perfect for those seeking an intimate and memorable Hanoi experience.

Included / Excluded

  • Private cyclo ride through Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Tickets to a traditional water puppet show
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Pass by: The tale goes that Le Loi King came across a shining metal bar when he visited his friend. It turned out that his friend caught the bar in one of his attempts for fish. The King asked for the bar, brought it home and moulded it into a sword. All of a sudden, there was two words printed on the sword “Thuan Thien” (harmonious with heaven). Le Loi then understood that the sword was a gift from heaven. He used it for the battle against the war with a neighbouring country. At the beginning of 1428, when peace prevailed, on one of his trip to the Thuy Quan (now Hoan Kiem) Lake, there was a tortoise rising above water and shouting: “Please return the sword to the Dragon King”. Without hesitation, the King threw the sword to the lake. The tortoise took the sword and dove down the water. From then on, Thuy Quan became Hoan Kiem lake.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Located in the middle of Ha Noi, a rapidly developing city where changes take place every hour, Ha Noi Old Quarter with its old-styled narrow streets full of antique brick houses seems to nostalgically resist the flow of time while still actively trying to adapt to the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city. Once a bustling area where merchants and artisans gathered to sell their products, Ha Noi Old Quarter consists of many small, meandering streets, each bears the name of the goods that was specifically traded there such as Hang Bac (Silver Product), Hang Ma (Paper Product), Hang Go (Wood Product), just to name a few. Visiting this unique historical vestige comfortably lying around Hoan Kiem Lake, tourists get lost in a totally different world from the rest of the city and have the chance to explore the modest but energetic life of the local a hundred years ago, where there were no high-rise buildings, too much traffic or fancy stores; things will get a little bit smaller, as visitors may have used to those skyscrapers and shopping centers in other parts of the city, but not at all less lively and vigorous.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
3

Located at 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang street, nearby Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a familiar address for both domestic tourists and foreign ones, who want to enjoy water puppet shows and discovery the beauty of this unique Vietnam traditional art. In 1969, the theater was established and since 1990; many water puppet shows have been performed by Thang Long theater artists.Every year, about 500 shows are offered to approximately 150,000 audiences. Moreover, the theater has brought water puppetry art to more then 40 foreign countries like Japan, France, America, Australia, Spain… through performance tours, or international cultural exchange program or puppetry festivals.

Duration: 50 minAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Confirm the tour's availability and operating hours in advance.
  • Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly for outdoor activities.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
  • Bring a camera to capture the evening's highlights.
  • Be prepared for evening temperatures; a light jacket is recommended.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Children below 2 years old are free of charge.
  • Exact pick-up time to be advised upon reconfirmation.

Traveler reviews

4.9
19 reviews
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Great tour and great guide

Great experience, highlight was going on the Cyclo and our tour guide Ashley. Ashley was an excellent tour guide. I was a little disappointed with the water puppet show as I found it to be a little childish and more suited for kids but was a good experience.

Marcio_DJun 21, 2025VIATOR

Revealing !

We were pick up with a rickshaw, the guide took us for dinner and coffee and finally dropped us at the puppet show with tickets already bought. The ride is extra beautiful at night!

Maria_DApr 3, 2025VIATOR

Very Nice Experience!

Tour guide, Stella, was very friendly and knowledgeable. She took her time to answer our questions and explain the history. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with her!

Jill_PFeb 19, 2025VIATOR

Lovely Tour

Our tour guide Tina was very knowledgeable and friendly. Pho was very yummy. Coffee was delicious. Highly recommend Tina as she made the experience very enjoyable and even offered to help us get back to the hotel. Thank you Tina x

Sabrina_BNov 30, 2024VIATOR

A must-see and must-do for Hanoi

Leon was an amazing guide and made sure that we had a great time with some wonderful recommendations. The water puppet theatre was incredible - an experience not to be missed

Vanessa_MOct 19, 2024VIATOR

Additional information

Children below 2 years old are free of charge. Exact pick-up time to be advised upon reconfirmation.