Must-See Shows and Performances in Vietnam

Vietnam is more than just its breathtaking landscapes and delicious cuisine; it is also a land of vibrant artistic traditions. Attending a performance is a unique gateway to understanding the Vietnamese soul, history, and culture. Whether you are in the North, the Central, or the South, here is a selection of the shows not to be missed to enrich your trip.

1. The North: Millennial Heritage and Rural Life

The North, the cradle of Vietnamese civilization, offers performances rooted in tradition, often linked to the water and the peasant life of the Red River Delta.

Water Puppetry (Múa Rối Nước)

A unique folk art form in the world, born in the flooded rice fields of the delta nearly a thousand years ago. Puppeteers, immersed behind a water curtain, bring characters to life who recount scenes of daily life, legends, and folk stories, all accompanied by a traditional orchestra. It is a show full of charm and ingenuity, perfect for the whole family.

• Type of Performance: Traditional puppet theater.
• Where to See It: Hanoi is the best place. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm) is the most famous. Also look for Lotus Water Puppet (16, Le Thai To). Shows can also be found at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
• Indicative Price: Tickets generally range from 100,000 to 200,000 VND (approximately 4 to 8 USD), depending on the seating.

The Quintessence of Tonkin (Tinh Hoa Bắc Bộ)

This spectacular open-air performance is a total immersion into the culture of the Tonkin Delta. It takes place on a vast aquatic stage and involves hundreds of actors, both professionals and local villagers. It depicts the poetry of rural life, from rice cultivation to traditional festivals and spiritual beliefs. The lighting effects and the natural setting near Thay Pagoda create a magical atmosphere.

• Type of Performance: Grand open-air cultural show, music, dance, theater.
• Where to See It: In Da Phuc village, about 25 km from the center of Hanoi, near Thay Pagoda.
• Days/Hours: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM.
• Indicative Price: Prices range from 500,000 VND to 800,000 VND (around 32 USD).

2. The Central Region: Historical Epics and Highland Culture

The Central region, rich with its imperial past and ancient trading ports, offers historical spectacles and contemporary circus acts.

Hoi An Memories (Ký Ức Hội An)

Often presented as Vietnam’s largest outdoor performance, Ký Ức Hội An is a monumental work that retraces over 400 years of history of the ancient town of Hoi An. Featuring more than 500 performers on a 25,000 square meter stage, the show uses modern staging techniques, dazzling lights, and the famous Áo Dài (Vietnamese traditional dress) to depict the prosperity of the trading port, cultural exchanges, and the lives of the inhabitants.

• Type of Performance: Grand historical and cultural outdoor spectacle.
• Where to See It: Hoi An Memories Land (200 Nguyễn Tri Phương, Cẩm Nam, Hội An).
• Days/Hours: Every evening except Tuesday, from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM (check for current schedule).
• Indicative Price: Adult tickets range from 600,000 to 900,000 VND (approximately 23 to 35 USD) depending on the seating category.

Teh Dar – The Highland Circus

Produced by Lune Production (also behind the A O Show), Teh Dar transports you into the mysterious world of the Central Highlands peoples. It is a captivating fusion of bamboo circus (bold acrobatics on bamboo structures), contemporary dance, and music played with exotic tribal instruments (such as gongs, recognized by UNESCO). The show narrates stories of hunting and spirituality, a journey into Vietnamese tribal culture.

• Type of Performance: Contemporary bamboo circus, ethnic music.
• Where to See It: Hoi An Lune Center (1A Nguyễn Phúc Chu, Hội An). The show is also sometimes performed in Saigon.
• Indicative Price: Prices start around 700,000 VND (approximately 28 USD).

3. The South: Contrast Between Village and Metropolis

The South, with its bustling metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), highlights the striking contrast between traditional life and rapid urbanization.

A O Show

Nicknamed the “Vietnamese Cirque du Soleil,” the A O Show is a visual and poetic performance by Lune Production. The name comes from the abbreviation of Làng Phố, meaning “Village and City.” The show uses bamboo and woven baskets as the main props to create a captivating acrobatic circus, contemporary dance, and theatrical representation. It depicts, with humor and emotion, the transition from the tranquility of rural life to the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Type of Performance: Bamboo circus, dance, acrobatics, visual art.
• Where to See It: Primarily at the Saigon Opera House (07 Công Trường Lam Sơn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), an architectural gem from the colonial era. It is also sometimes performed in Hoi An.
• Indicative Price: Entry prices vary, starting from around 700,000 VND (approximately 28 USD).

Đờn Ca Tài Tử – Southern Amateur Music

For a more intimate and authentic experience, explore Southern folk music, the Đờn Ca Tài Tử. This traditional chamber music from the Mekong Delta, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is performed with local instruments like the monocord (Đàn Bầu). It captures the gentle pace of life and the lush landscapes of the Delta.

• Type of Performance: Traditional folk music.
• Where to See It: Often offered during cruises or stays in the Mekong Delta (Cần Thơ, Bến Tre), or in small theaters and art houses in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Indicative Price: Often included in tours or very affordable in small venues.

Attending these performances is much more than entertainment: it is a dialogue with the rich history and artistic expressions of Vietnam. Don’t hesitate to check schedules and book your tickets in advance, especially for high-demand shows like the A O Show or Hoi An Memories!