Vietnam is the home of water puppetry — it was invented there.
This special art comes from Vietnam and nowhere else. Now people from around the world visit to watch it.
💡 Water Puppetry — Fun Facts
Fun “Did you know?” facts about Water Puppetry — tap through 10 at a time!
Water puppetry began in northern Vietnam's villages over a thousand years ago.
Long ago, farmers played it in flooded rice fields. People have enjoyed the show for a very, very long time.
The stories show village life, like farming, fishing, and playful dragons.
You might see puppets plant rice or catch fish. Sometimes a dragon splashes across the water!
Water puppet shows are filled with music, drums, and singing.
Musicians play lively tunes as the puppets move. The music helps tell the story.
Puppeteers hide behind a screen and move the puppets with long poles.
The poles reach out under the water where you cannot see them. That is the secret of the magic show!
The wooden puppets look like they are dancing on the water.
They are carved and painted in bright colors. They splash and glide as if they are alive.
Múa rối nước means "water puppetry," a show played on top of water.
The stage is a pool of water. The wooden puppets seem to dance right on the surface.