ATTRACTIONS - French Quarter

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The French Quarter is east and south of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Cathedral District to the west. The lake and most French Quarter sights are included in the FRENCH QUARTER WALKING TOUR.

Water puppets, HanoiWATER PUPPETS
It’s touristy beyond limit – note tour-bus groups elbowing past you – but it’s hard to argue with Thang Loi Water Puppet Troupe’s short glimpse into Vietnam’s traditional music and theatre. The show hasn’t changed in years, with musicians to the left of a submerged stage with out-of-view puppeteers sending snakes and turtles and flute-playing farmers around the murky water. Most retell folk tales, including the story of the Hoan Kiem Lake turtle retaking the sword from Ly Thai To. It’s mildly entertaining. Be sure to have your cameras ready when the curtain opens revealing the puppeteers in waist-high water. It’s wise to drop by and buy your tickets in advance.
Tel 04-825-5450; 57 Dinh Tien Hoang St; shows at 4pm, 5.15pm, 6.30pm & 8pm, plus 9am Sunday; tickets US$1.25, US$2.50 for front row