Water Puppet Show, Vietnam

Water Puppet
Mua Roi Nuoc or water puppetry is a unique form of artistic performance that originates in northern Vietnam between 1009 and 1225. It was invented by farmers who devised their environment to entertain themselves after the harvest period.

In ancient time, farmers use a pond or a flooded paddy field as a stage. Nowadays, puppeteers stand in a chest deep pool of water behind a curtain and manoeuvre the puppets using long bamboo rods and strings hidden under the water. The puppets are made from carved woods that weigh up 15 kilograms. Code names are used between performers to control and synchronize the movements of the puppets. This one-hour show is accompanied by a live Vietnamese orchestra and a rendition of a singer narrating the story.

The show, which includes humorous stories, revolves around folklore and day-to-day life of villagers such as farming, fishing, children games and demonstration of buffalo fights. Legends and national history are also played in the show. Recently revived by the Vietnamese government, the show has been performed in America and Australia. Today the Thang Long puppet troupe from Hanoi is the most well known in the country.

The West Lake
Situated on the northwestern part of the city, the West Lake or Ho Tay Lake is the largest lake in Hanoi. It was once a branch of the Red river but reduced to the lake when the river changed course. The lake is cut across by Thanh Nien Street, making two separate bodies of water; one is called the West Lake and another is called Truc Bach Lake.

Ho Tay was a favourite recreational area for Vietnamese royalties in the past since summer homes were built along the banks of the lake. Nowadays, an evergreen park on Thanh Nien Street becomes a popular place for locals to enjoy their pastime. The north end of the lake is Nghi Tam Village, famous for flowers and fruits plantations. The village is a birthplace of Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, one of Vietnam’s famous Poets.

Historical attractions such as Quan Thanh Temple, Chau Long Pagoda and Cau Nhi island temple can be found along the bank of the lake.

Dong Xuan Market

The biggest market in Hanoi, Dong Xuan market was built in 1889. It is located near a railway station by the Red River at the beginning of Long Bien Bridge. It is known as the largest wholesale market in northern Vietnam. Though damaged by the fire in 1994, it is now renovated and expanded to include modern and spacious floors. You can find almost anything from local handicrafts to electrical products. The market was once used as a stronghold to defend Hanoi against the attack from the French troops in 1946. It is now open every day from 6 am to 6 pm.