Where is the best water puppet show? Should we see one in Saigon, Hanoi or in both locations?

I think the one in Hanoi is THE one.I would also say one is enough (IMHO)

I've heard that the Hanoi one is IT as well. I'd only go to the one in HCMC if you can't make it to the Hanoi one... The HCMC was interesting as we didn't have anything else planned for the evening, but really wasn't that compelling.

Our experience in Hanoi was significantly compromised by extremely discourteous audience behavior. People stood up and held their cameras aloft throughout the entire performance. Sitting half way back in the house meant viewing it all through a forest of arms, heads, electronic gear. My takeaway: try to sit as close to the stage as you can.

Better still, don't go to the tourist performance but to the National Puppetry Theatre. See long post here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/water-puppets.cfm

Peter N-H

I saw it in Hanoi and enjoyed it. I heard nothing about the show in Saigon. Seeing it once is enough even it was cute and well done. I was able to get tix one hour before performance but i know people who had to stand in line three days in advance. Sitting close to the stage is preferable, i sat kind of in the middle and didn't miss anything.

I saw the Saigon one so can only speak to that. Strictly tourist piffle, but a bit fun nevertheless (and I loathe stuff like this). Doesn't last that long. Absolutely sit in the front (you'll get a little wet). And if you have kids it's great for them. REally a show for children.

I've heard about the one in Saigon but was told that the puppetry was born and developed in the north, so we went for it and had no regret but thought it was a bit too long.

Thank you all for your replies. I will skip the Saigon show and do the one in Hanoi - especially since it was born and developed in the North.