19 Best Performing Arts in 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

The French-colonial Opera House is one of the icons of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. It was built in 1897 and modeled on the Petit Palais in Paris, which was completed the same year. It was originally as lavish inside as it was out, with a revolving stage and a three-tiered, 800-seat gallery. Some of the more ornate fixtures were removed in the 1940s and from 1956 it was the home of the National Assembly of South Vietnam. It became a theater again in 1975 and is now the permanent headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra. Check the website for details of upcoming ballet, musical, and cultural performances. As there are no tours, catching a performance is the only way to see the gorgeous interior.

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.

Seven screens show local and international movies.

One of the newest movie theater chains in Ho Chi Minh City shows local and international movies, dubbed and subtitled.

This is the only regular venue in town for classical music performances. The theater's main season is from September through June; it's generally closed in summer except when there are special concerts by visiting orchestras. Check the "notice" section of the website for performance times.

Five screens show local and international new-release films.

Three times a day, talented water puppeteers perform this folk art from the Red River Delta in Vietnam's north. The show is narrated in Vietnamese by a troupe of singers, accompanied by traditional musicians. The 50-minute show does not tell just one story, but scenes from daily life and skits based on Vietnamese folk tales. Expect to get a little wet if you sit in the front row—it's okay to scream if you get splashed, it's all part of the fun. In high season, tickets are only available two weeks ahead.

Explore the nearby Tao Dan Park before or after a show.

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.

In an ugly Soviet-era palace, this theater is mostly used for local Vietnamese dramas, puppet shows, and the occasional fashion show.

Vietnam's institute of cultural exchange with France regularly hosts performances by local and visiting musicians and theater groups. Look for the hoat dong van hoa (cultural events) tab on the Vietnamese site for details of upcoming shows.

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.