dao thuc water puppet theater - hanoi tours

Water Puppet Village of Dao Thuc – Full Day

Tour Route: Hanoi – Dao Thuc Village – Hanoi

Categories: Hanoi 1-Day Tours & Day Trips, Tours & Day Trips Out-Around Hanoi

Description

Tour Highlights

Discover Dao Thuc Village, home to a 300-year-old water puppetry tradition.
Visit artisan Nguyen Van Phi’s workshop and learn the art of puppet-making.
Craft your own water puppet in the exclusive “Puppet Making Heritage” experience.
Watch a captivating water puppet performance featuring classic tales.
Engage with artisans, explore village life, and uncover Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Spend a full day immersing yourself in the rich heritage of water puppetry at Dao Thuc Village, a hidden gem on the outskirts of Hanoi. Step into the world of this 300-year-old art form as you explore the village’s cultural landmarks, visit a master artisan’s workshop, and craft your own water puppet. Get behind the scenes at the Dao Thuc Water Puppet Theater to learn performance techniques before enjoying a mesmerizing live show. This unique experience is a perfect addition to your Hanoi tour package, offering a blend of history, hands-on activities, and authentic local flavors.

General Information

Located 20km northeast of Hanoi, Dao Thuc Village is a renowned hub of traditional water puppetry with over 300 years of history. Home to skilled artisans, the village preserves the craft through handmade wooden puppets and authentic performances. Visitors can explore the puppet-making process, enjoy captivating shows, and experience the charm of rural Vietnamese life, making it a must-visit cultural destination.

Tour Details

Duration: Full day
Date: Upon request
Start/End: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Tour Route: Hanoi – Dao Thuc Village – Hanoi
Active level: Easy

Full itinerary

9:00: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. Transfer to Dao Thuc Water Puppet Village (approximately 45 minutes).

Morning Activities

10:00 – 10:45 AM: Arrive at Dao Thuc Village, where we will experience the tranquil and serene atmosphere of the countryside. Explore the village’s architectural complex, including the Community House, the Dao Thuc communal house and pagoda, and the traditional water puppet stage.

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: We visit the workshop of artisan Nguyen Van Phi, the only puppet-making workshop in the village. Learn about the intricate craftsmanship behind the puppets, their symbolic meanings, and the stories they bring to life.
Participate in the “Puppet Making Heritage” activity, where you will become the next apprentice by shaping and finishing your own water puppet under the artisan’s guidance.

Lunch Break

12:00 – 1:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional countryside meal. After lunch, take some time to relax, explore, or capture memorable moments through photography.

Afternoon Activities

1:30 – 2:30 PM – Visit the backstage area of the Dao Thuc Water Puppet Theater. Gain exclusive insight into the behind-the-scenes preparations and stories behind the performances, where you will learn and practice basic water puppet manipulation techniques under the guidance of skilled artisans.

2:30 – 3:30 PM – Enjoy a captivating performance featuring approximately 10 traditional water puppet acts. Engage in discussions with the artisans, share your thoughts on the experience, and capture group photos to commemorate this unforgettable journey.

3:30 – 4:30 PM – Depart from the village and return to Hanoi, concluding a memorable cultural adventure. Your day trip in Hanoi ends.