Grand Mercure Hanoi - Upscale hotels & resorts

Hanoi preserves its rich cultural heritage not only through ancient architecture, centuries-old craft villages, and distinctive cuisine, but also through the stages where traditional and contemporary art forms continue to thrive. From water puppetry and ca tru to large-scale outdoor performances, contemporary circus, and shows enhanced by modern technology, each production offers a different perspective on the culture and rhythm of life in the capital.

For travelers looking to experience Hanoi from a different perspective, join Grand Mercure Hanoi as we explore seven outstanding performing arts shows where stories of local people, heritage, and identity come to life through music and theatrical performance.

1. Thang Long Water Puppet Show

Located beside Hoan Kiem Lake, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre has long been one of Hanoi’s most familiar cultural attractions for visitors.

source: nhahatmuaroithanglong.vn

On its distinctive water stage, puppets are skillfully controlled by artists to recreate folk tales, traditional festivals, and scenes from Vietnamese daily life through movement, music, and traditional singing. With a performance lasting around one hour and a convenient location near the Old Quarter, it is an ideal way to end a day of exploring Hanoi with a unique cultural experience.

source: klook

Duration: Approximately 1 hour, with multiple performances from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Ticket price: Approximately VND 100,000–200,000 per person

Contact: 024 3824 9494

2. The Quintessence of Tonkin

Moving beyond the conventional indoor theatre, The Quintessence of Tonkin brings audiences to a vast open-air stage set against the natural landscape of Sai Son. Rural life, spiritual traditions, and the distinctive culture of Northern Vietnam are recreated through water, lighting, music, and the surrounding scenery, making the performance feel like a living cultural painting unfolding before the audience. With its impressive scale and visually striking production, the show is particularly suited to travelers seeking a more immersive and emotional introduction to Vietnamese culture.

source: tripadvisor

Duration: 75 minutes, from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Location: Baara Land, Da Phuc Village, Sai Son Commune, Hanoi

Ticket price: Approximately VND 450,000–810,000 on weekdays; VND 500,000–900,000 on weekends and public holidays

Contact: 08 999 80 818 / 0243 788 00 99

3. iONAH Show

Launched in 2015, iONAH has become one of Hanoi’s long-standing and prominent performing arts brands, known for bringing together a variety of artistic disciplines.

source: Vietmytravel

Its productions combine circus, contemporary dance, theatre, music, and visual arts in performances that are creatively staged and diverse in style. It is an appealing choice for travelers who enjoy modern theatre and want to discover a more contemporary form of performing arts in Vietnam.

source: hotdeal.vn

Duration: Approximately 75–100 minutes, depending on the production

Location: Vietnam Central Circus, 67–69 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

Ticket price: Varies depending on the production

Contact: Trung tâm Nghệ thuật Giải trí iONAH official Facebook page

4. GOm Show – The Sound of Ceramics

GOm Show takes an unconventional approach to performance by transforming ceramics and familiar objects such as jars, pots, and earthenware vessels into musical instruments. Traditional sounds are combined with contemporary approaches to music and stage performance, creating an experience that feels rooted in Vietnamese culture while remaining fresh, creative, and accessible to international audiences.

source: hanoicreativecity.com

Time: 7:30 PM–9:30 PM, every Thursday and Friday

Location: Khan Quang Do Theatre, 36 Ly Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Ticket price: Approximately VND 800,000–1,200,000, depending on seating category

Contact: 08 999 80 818 / 0243 788 00 99

5. Hanoi Ca Tru Show

Set within the historic surroundings of Kim Ngan Communal House, the Hanoi Ca Tru Show offers a more intimate and contemplative experience than larger theatrical productions. The voice of the dao nuong singer blends with the sounds of the dan day, wooden clappers, and ceremonial drum, introducing visitors to one of Vietnam’s oldest traditional art forms while offering a deeper glimpse into the cultural heritage of old Hanoi.

source: trevellive

Time: 8:00 PM–9:00 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays

Location: Kim Ngan Communal House, 42 Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Ticket price: Approximately VND 300,000–350,000

Contact: 035 799 7386

6. CADAO Collective – New Taste of Heritage

Launched in July 2026, CADAO Collective is a new cultural and performing arts space in Hanoi that brings water puppetry, xam singing, and ca tru together in one experience. Beyond watching the performances, visitors can interact with artists, learn about traditional musical instruments, and discover Northern Vietnamese culture in a more engaging and interactive way. Notably, CADAO also gives xam singing a contemporary twist by incorporating modern themes such as football, the World Cup, and topics that resonate with younger audiences, helping this traditional art form feel more lively, relevant, and accessible.

source: sodulichhanoi.gov.vn

Opening hours: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM daily

Location: 66 To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi

Ticket price: Varies depending on the performance and experience

Contact: 0981 018 483

7. Chuyen Ha Noi – Mot Ngay Rat Ha Noi

Like CADAO Collective, Chuyen Ha Noi – Mot Ngay Rat Ha Noi made its debut in late July 2026, presenting a vivid portrait of life in the capital from sunrise to late evening through music, dance, and theatrical performance. Traditional instruments are blended with modern stage technology, accompanied by familiar Hanoi flavors such as lotus tea and traditional cakes. From the calls of street vendors in the early morning and the bustle of daytime streets to the quiet atmosphere after nightfall, each scene becomes part of an emotional journey that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

source: vnanet.vn

Time: 8:00 PM every Friday

Location: Thang Long Song, Dance and Music Theatre, 31–33 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Contact: 0934 251 272