Cultural Performance at the Quintessence of Tonkin, Hanoi

3 hours • Not CancellableMeet on locationInstant confirmationPrivate tour • Operated by Up Travel Vietnam • 4.6 from 196 reviews

Why we love it?

The Quintessence of Tonkin is a captivating cultural performance held in Vietnam, lasting three hours. This experience is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive introduction to Vietnamese heritage, as it showcases traditional music, dance, and storytelling against the backdrop of stunning natural scenery. What sets this tour apart is its unique blend of modern technology and age-old traditions, featuring a water puppet show that brings local folklore to life, making it a distinctive highlight for both culture enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Cultural Performance at the Quintessence of Tonkin, HanoiCultural Performance at the Quintessence of Tonkin, HanoiCultural Performance at the Quintessence of Tonkin, HanoiCultural Performance at the Quintessence of Tonkin, HanoiCultural Performance at the Quintessence of Tonkin, Hanoi View all (9)

Itinerary

Stop 1

6:00 PM – Arrival and Pre-Show Experience

  • Guests arrive at the venue and explore the outdoor food vendors.
  • Enjoy a variety of local Vietnamese snacks and refreshments as you soak in the atmosphere before the show begins.

7:00 PM – Show Begins

7:00 - 7:15 PM – Act 1: Poetry

  • The opening scene, inspired by the poetry of Nguyen Khuyen, highlights the traditional, rural life of Vietnam. The folk song Tat Nuoc Dau Dinh and the lullaby of Tonkin set the stage for a journey back in time.

7:15 - 7:35 PM – Act 2: Buddhism

  • The story of Tu Dao Hanh, the venerable monk who founded the Thay Pagoda, unfolds. This scene emphasizes his role as a healer, teacher, and the creator of water puppetry, a beloved aspect of Vietnamese culture.

7:35 - 7:50 PM – Act 3: Nostalgia

  • Experience the journey of candidates as they travel to the Thang Long Citadel with their cloth bags and bamboo tents for the mandarin examination, capturing the essence of Vietnam’s historical academic traditions.

7:50 - 8:10 PM – Act 4: Music & Painting

  • The stage transforms into a serene lakeside, where young women play traditional Vietnamese instruments. Inspired by the poetry of Ho Xuan Huong, this scene features beautiful fairies dancing gracefully over the lake.

8:10 - 8:30 PM – Act 5: Peace & Harmony

  • Dive into the spiritual lives of Vietnamese villagers, focusing on the worship of the Third Holy Mother and the Mother Goddess. This scene showcases religious practices that ensure successful farming and a prosperous life, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

8:30 - 8:50 PM – Act 6: Joy & Festivities

  • The final scene brings the show to a vibrant close with a "challenge and response" singing competition of Quan Ho folk songs. Traditional games, customs, and the Song Loan and Song Dinh processions are vividly portrayed, leaving the audience with a sense of the joyful spirit of Vietnamese culture.

8:50 - 9:00 PM – Finale

  • The performers bid farewell to the audience with the song Nguoi Oi Nguoi O Dung Ve, marking the end of an unforgettable cultural journey through the Quintessence of Tonkin.

9:00 PM – End of Show

  • Guests are invited to explore the venue, take photos, and enjoy the ambiance as they depart.

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable booking

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