The Quintessence of Tonkin Show - CNN News "MUST-SEE IN HANOI"
Active
3h - 3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Guinness World Records in Vietnam has been achieved twice:
- The largest water stage show in Vietnam
- The show with the most farmers as actors in Vietnam
- Stevie Awards Asia-Pacific Gold Medal in 2018
- The "Cultural Performance Program for the Beginning of the Year 2019" award. In addition to the Tinh Hoa Bac Bo performance, CNN television channel also voted it as "a must-see performance when visiting Hanoi".
Vietnam's Must-see Outdoor Cultural Spectacle:
• Explores the deep-rooted culture of northern Vietnam
• Drawing upon the rich history of the Red River Delta provinces
• Sharing northern Vietnamese tradition from a contemporary perspective
Available options
4. Gold & Private Transfer
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way<br/>Gold Ticket & Private: round-trip transfer from your Hanoi address, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to the countryside show.<br/>Pickup included
6. Silver & Private Transfer
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way<br/>Silver Ticket & Private: round-trip transfer from your Hanoi address, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to the countryside show.<br/>Pickup included
1. Platinum Ticket & Bus
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way<br/>Shuttle bus: Pick up and drop off at meeting point<br/>Pickup included
2. Platinum & Private Transfer
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way<br/>Platinum ticket & Private: round-trip transfer from your Hanoi address, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey to the countryside show.<br/>Pickup included
5. Silver Ticket & Bus
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way<br/>Shuttle bus: Pick up and drop off at meeting point<br/>Pickup included
7. Hanoi City Tour & Show
Hanoi City Tour: Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter center between 8-8:30 AM for the group tour<br/>Afterward, enjoy the show : with a private round-trip transfer in the evening. The driver will drop you off at your hotel around 9:30 PM - 10 PM<br/>Pickup included
3. Gold Ticket & Bus
The distance: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the show is 30-35 km one way<br/>Shuttle bus: Pick up and drop off at meeting point<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bus pickup and drop-off at the meeting point, based on the selected option and price
The Quintessence of Tonkin Ticket
Round-trip private car service from your address for 60–70 km, based on selected option & price paid
Detailed itinerary
1
The Quintessence of Tonkin invites you to go through the gate of our ancient Vietnamese village and tells you the story of thousand years of literature in one hour.
The Show
The Show draws inspiration from the spiritual history of the nearby Thay Pagoda telling the story of the pagoda's founding by venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh, and explains the ancient union between religion and the monarchy.
Years in the making and with hundreds of performers, an interactive stage, state-of-the-art technology, and a stunning setting, this live spectacle is an unmissable highlight of any trip to Hanoi
2
The Story
You will experience six aspects of the cultural Quintessence of Tonkin: Poetry, Buddhism, Nostalgia, Music & Painting, Joy & Festivities.
Not only opening up the cultural space of the northern delta with people's daily life activities, the play also shows the audience the best of the water puppetry art with the story of the venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and the history of the ancient Thang Long royal palace.
3
The Performers
There are two groups of performers in this show: local families of farmers, bringing their experience and showcasing their lives to the audiences, and a young team of talented Students from the Hanoi College of Dance, bringing youth and energy to the stage.
The Theater
The theater itself is an engineering masterpiece. The natural lake was transformed into a stage, including a state-of-the-art hydrothermal system that raises the 15-ton Thuy Dinh pagoda from under the water in just under a minute. As the Thay Mountain composes the background of the scenery, we also had to develop a unique illumination system to light up the hills, 1.5km away, using 40 lamps of 1500 watts!
The Costumes
The costumes are made of traditional patterns and raw materials — silk and cotton. They are all made onsite, and in order to faithfully illustrate our history and culture, were produced under the supervision of a historian and multiple artisans.
What's not included
Gratuities
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
4 reviews
5★
3
4★
1
3★
0
2★
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1★
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Tripadvisor
4.8
12 reviews
5★
10
4★
2
3★
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1★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Thôn Đa Phúc – Xã Sài Sơn- Quốc Oai – Hà Nội
About Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and rich culinary scene, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.
Top Attractions
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and historical landmarks. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, featuring narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and colonial-era architecture. It's a vibrant area with a rich history and bustling atmosphere.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, shopping and dining vary
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature. It's a serene and culturally significant site, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful garden.
Historical
1-2 hours
30,000 VND
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant historical site where the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnam's history.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Hanoi Opera House
The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant design and a rich history. It's a popular venue for cultural performances and events.
Architecture
1-2 hours for a performance
Varies by event
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pho
A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Bun Cha
Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Snack/Lunch
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Egg Coffee
A unique Vietnamese coffee made with strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk mixture.
Drink
Contains eggs and dairy
Popular Activities
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Trekking in Sapa
Boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake
Coffee at a local café
Exploring the Temple of Literature
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Swimming and snorkeling in Ha Long Bay
Egg coffee tasting
Best Time to Visit
October to December
This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Hanoi is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Use reputable taxi companies and insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
- • Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.
Getting there
By air
- Noi Bai International Airport • 28 km from city center
By train
Hanoi Railway Station
By bus
Giap Bat Bus Station, My Dinh Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system in Hanoi is affordable and covers most of the city. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Quarter
French Quarter
Ba Dinh District
Tay Ho District
Day trips
Ha Long Bay
165 km from Hanoi • Full day to overnight
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, emerald waters, and scenic beauty. It's a popular destination for cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves.
Ninh Binh
90 km from Hanoi • Full day
Ninh Binh is known as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning limestone karsts, rice paddies, and historic sites. It's a popular destination for cycling, boat rides, and exploring ancient temples.
Sapa
320 km from Hanoi • Overnight to multi-day
Sapa is a mountainous region known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences.
Festivals
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar)
Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar)
Hanoi International Film Festival • October or November (annual)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
- Explore the city's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Temple of Literature.
- Try local street food and visit markets for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Use a navigation app, such as Google Maps or GrabMaps, to help you get around the city and avoid getting lost.
- Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime and scams.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
