Must-see cultural shows in Vietnam: A celebration of heritage

If you're visiting Vietnam, you're in luck - this country is home to remarkable Vietnamese cultural shows that highlight the beauty of traditional music and dance. Whether you're an experienced traveler or exploring Vietnam for the first time, these performances offer a deep dive into the nation’s artistic heritage. To help you make the most of your trip, Hanoi Voyages has put together a list of must-see shows that capture the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture. Keep reading to find out which performances you shouldn't miss!

Top must-see cultural shows in Vietnam

Vietnam boasts a rich artistic heritage, showcased through mesmerizing live performances. From traditional water puppetry to grand outdoor spectacles, these top 7 Vietnamese cultural shows offer an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s history, folklore, and artistry.

Water puppet show - A timeless Vietnamese art form

A defining symbol of Vietnamese cultural traditions, the Water puppet show is an ancient performance art that dates back over 1,000 years. Originally performed by farmers in flooded rice fields, this unique tradition now takes place in specialized water theaters. Puppets made of wood floating on the water are controlled by the skilled performers who hide inside "thuy dinh". With some bamboo poles, they create very lively movements. During the theater, Vietnamese cultural music is live played, and singers sing the folk songs such as Cheo or Quan Ho. The performance brings the enchanting experiments to the audience.

There are so many tales that are told in the art of puppet theater: a boy riding buffalos, fairy dances, a cat hunts mice, story of four sacred animals, legend of the lake of the returned sword. All stories are from the daily life of Vietnamese farmers in the past or show their hope for a harmonious climate to have good rice harvests.

Show details

📍 Location:

• Thang Long Puppet Theater: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

• Vietnam National Puppet Theater: 361 Truong Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi

• Water Puppet Theater - Golden Dragon: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Hoi An Theater: 548 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An

⏰ Show Time: Multiple daily performances (varies by location)

💵Ticket Price: From $4 - $8

The Quintessence of Tonkin – A grand outdoor spectacle

For those seeking a truly immersive journey into the heart of Vietnamese cultural traditions, The Quintessence of Tonkin stands as a remarkable testament to the nation’s heritage. Set against the open-air rice field along with a typical village and the spectacular view of Chua Thay Mountain, this large-scale performance weaves together real-life storytelling, water puppetry, dazzling light displays, and Vietnamese cultural music, all staged on a vast water surface.

The show takes inspiration from the artistic and spiritual legacy of the Red River Delta, incorporating Vietnamese cultural symbols such as dragons and lotus flowers to highlight themes of poetry, Buddhism, and festive celebrations. The combination of attractive choreography, traditional melodies, and modern stage effects creates a unique experience that captures the essence of Vietnam’s rich history and culture.

Show details

📍 Location: Da Phuc Village, Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi

⏰ Show Time: 07:30 p.m– 08:45 p.m every Saturday and Sunday

💵Ticket Price: From $20 - $32, depending on the seat type

Hoi An memories show – A journey through time

The Hoi An memories show is one of the most spectacular Vietnamese cultural shows, taking audiences on a visually stunning journey through Hoi An’s history. Featuring over 500 performers, the show chronicles the town’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a thriving international trading port.

Set on a massive open-air stage, the performance combines elaborate costumes, dynamic choreography, and mesmerizing special effects to create a truly cinematic experience. The use of Vietnamese cultural symbols, such as lanterns, traditional boats, and silk fabrics, adds to the authenticity and grandeur of the production.

Show details

📍 Location: Hoi An Impression Theme Park

⏰ Show Time: 07:30 p.m – 08:45 p.m, weekly except Tuesday

💵Ticket Price: The ticket varies based on the seat type: From $24 - $48

My Village show – A tribute to rural life

Bringing to life the beauty of Vietnam’s countryside, the My Village show, also known as Lang Toi, is a breathtaking fusion of acrobatics, contemporary dance, and Vietnamese cultural music. The performance is centered around bamboo props, which symbolize Vietnamese cultural symbols linked to agriculture and village life. Through elegant choreography and rhythmic beats, the show portrays daily rural activities, including farming, fishing, and family celebrations. The nostalgic atmosphere and authentic storytelling make it one of the most visually stunning Vietnamese cultural shows.

Show details

📍 Location: Hanoi Opera House, Trang Tien Street, 1, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

⏰ Opening hours: 06:00 p.m

💵Ticket Price: From $28 – $65, depending on the seat type

A O Show – The transformation of Vietnam

The name “A O” comes from the word “Lang Pho” that means “village and city”. For those seeking a modern yet deeply rooted take on Vietnamese cultural traditions, the A O Show is an unforgettable experience. This contemporary performance masterfully blends traditional storytelling with acrobatics, dance, and theatrical movement, portraying the transition from Vietnam’s rural past to its dynamic present.

The show uses symbolic props, such as bamboo baskets and fishing nets, to depict the contrast between tradition and modernization. Accompanied by a fusion of folk and modern soundscapes, the performance delivers a powerful visual and emotional narrative.

Show details

📍 Location: Ho Chi Minh Opera House

⏰ Show Time: 06:00 p.m - 07:00 p.m

💵 Ticket Price: The adult price varies from $28 - $57 per person, and from $18 - $42 for children (7 – 12 years old), depending on the seats.

Teh Dar show – A journey into Vietnam’s ethnic cultures

An attractive blend of acrobatics, storytelling, and cultural music, Teh Dar brings to life the rich traditions of Vietnam’s highland ethnic groups. The show features breathtaking bamboo cirque performances, tribal chanting, and the hypnotic sounds of gongs and buffalo-skin drums, offering an immersive experience that showcases the mysticism and spiritual essence of these indigenous cultures.

Through a combination of contemporary stage techniques and authentic tribal artistry, Teh Dar highlights the unique Vietnamese cultural symbols of the Central Highlands, such as handwoven costumes, hunting tools, and ritual dances. The seamless blend of tradition and modernity makes it one of the most visually striking Vietnamese cultural shows, leaving audiences captivated by its raw energy and poetic storytelling.

Show details

📍 Location: Hoi An Lune Center

⏰ Show Time: From 06:00 p.m every week except Monday and Friday

💵 Ticket Price: From $28 - $65, depending on the seat type

Hue Royal Court music performance – The sound of Imperial Vietnam

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Hue Royal Court Music was once performed exclusively for the Nguyen Dynasty. This refined art form embodies the elegance and sophistication of Vietnam’s imperial past, featuring graceful dances and hauntingly beautiful melodies played on traditional instruments like the đàn nguyệt and đàn tỳ bà. Performed in an authentic historical setting, this show offers a glimpse into the grandeur of royal ceremonies and court life, making it one of the most historically significant Vietnamese cultural shows.

Show details

📍 Location: Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater, Hue Imperial City

⏰ Show Time: Daily performances

💵 Ticket Price: From $6 – $12

Explore Vietnam with Hanoi Voyages’ exclusive tours

To fully enjoy Vietnamese cultural shows, consider the following itinerary made by Hanoi Voyages, which focus on customizing the private tour:

	Vietnam family tour 10 days Discover must-visit destinations in the south, including Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc
	Honeymoon in Vietnam 12 Days Luxury, charm, ethnic cultures, rice fields, and a cruise exploring Northern Vietnam plus 3 days sailing from Halong to Phu Quoc
	Vietnam family tour 18 days Discover UNESCO sites and the stunning Pu Luong Reserve. Enjoy a diverse adventure that's perfect for all ages
	Vietnam tour 21 days From the peaceful North to the bustling South. This classic tour highlights the country's beautiful and rich cultural

If you're looking for a more personalized journey in Vietnam, Hanoi Voyages also offers tailor-made itinerary services to create the perfect trip based on your unique preferences. Contact us now!

Tips for enjoying Vietnamese cultural shows

• Book tickets in advance: Popular must-see cultural performances like The Quintessence of Tonkin or Hoi An Memories Show sell out quickly. Booking early ensures the best seats.

• Arrive early for the best experience: Get to the venue at least 30 minutes before the show to check in, find your seat, and enjoy any pre-show activities.

• Dress comfortably and appropriately: Indoor venues like opera houses call for semi-formal attire, while outdoor shows require weather-appropriate clothing.

• Be mindful of photography and recording rules: Some shows, such as Teh Dar and A O Show, restrict photography and video recording to preserve the performance’s integrity. Always check the venue’s policy.

• Choose the right seating for the best view: Large-scale performances like Hoi An Memories Show are best viewed from higher seats, while intimate performances like Hue Royal Court Music are better up close.

• Respect the performers and audience: Silence your phone, avoid talking during the show, and refrain from eating to ensure a respectful and immersive atmosphere.

• Explore cultural context before the show: Learning about Vietnamese cultural symbols, legends, and traditional music will deepen your appreciation of the performance.

Vietnamese cultural shows offer an impressive blend of history, artistry, and tradition. Through attractive performances, traditional melodies, and symbolic storytelling, these shows bring to life the country’s rich heritage. Whether highlighting Vietnamese cultural symbols or preserving ancient performance arts, they provide an immersive experience that connects audiences to Vietnam’s vibrant past and artistic identity.