10 Best Performing Arts in Hanoi, Vietnam

This popular cultural show encompasses a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese folk and dance forms. Shows take place every Thursday evening at 8 pm and take audiences on a journey across the country from the steamy southern delta to the mountainous north with its minority tribe traditions. Expect colorful costumes and enthusiastic performers.

Hanoi Opera House, whose Vietnamese name translates into "House Sing Big," is worth a visit no matter what happens to be showing. This beautifully restored French building hosts regular classical music concerts, ballets, and Western and Vietnamese operas, plus a variety of singers. Check out the venue's website for details on upcoming shows, or purchase tickets at www.luneproduction.com

As one of Hanoi's top tourist attractions, this entertaining performance gives you insight into Vietnam's history and traditions through water puppetry storytelling, at least three musicians, and interlude commentaries. Somewhat humorous and endearing at times, puppets are guided through the water by puppeteers hidden behind a curtain. The hour-long show, which takes place several times a day, highlights the folklore and culture of this ancient civilization. Thang Long Water Puppet is aimed only at tourists, and so is not for the cynical and disenchanted traveler. For a more authentic and intimate experience, head to the National Puppetry Theatre or catch one of the shows at the Museum of Ethnology. Flashing cameras and video recorders can be extremely distracting.

This tiny, simple drama house seats 50 people. Cheo operas and traditional music concerts are usually staged on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm, but call or stop by to confirm. Cheo is a form of satirical music theater from northern Vietnam. This theater will arrange special performances for groups of 10 or more.

Operated by Institut Francais de Hanoi, L'Espace regularly screens world cinema as well as hosting an eclectic selection of cultural events.

This refurbished cinema has 12 screens. Films are often cheaper than in the major theaters, and many film festivals are held here throughout the year. There’s also an arcade on the first floor.

The National Puppet Theater holds water-puppet shows that are more in the vein of village performances, harking back to the days when water puppets were used as political commentary right under the noses of bad kings or provincial French rulers. Traveling water-puppet theaters traditionally relayed information from village to village. You may find that you are as much of the show as the puppets. Check the website for the performance schedule.

Vietnam Opera and Ballet Theater is where Vietnam's up-and-coming opera singers and ballerinas train to learn the skills they will need to perform at the Hanoi Opera House and even with foreign troupes. Performances take place sporadically and online information is sparse so always call ahead.

Youth Theater, a 650-seat facility, is one of the larger theaters in the city and focuses mainly on contemporary drama, although music and dance are sometimes performed. About a dozen foreign theater groups perform here annually.