River Cruise with Water Puppet Performance
English speaking guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (centered hotels)
30-minute cyclo ride
First-class ticket to the Water Puppet Show
Vietnamese set menu dinner on Saigon River Cruise
Evening Entertainment
Family Friendly
Local Experiences
From Price per person
price based on 2 persons travelling or
per person for join-in tours.
$78
Excursion Highlights
- Experience the enchanting art of water puppetry, a unique cultural treasure of Vietnam.
- Savor a delectable dinner while cruising along the illuminated Saigon River, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
- Enjoy a nostalgic cyclo ride through the vibrant streets of Saigon, immersing yourself in the evening atmosphere.
- Dine on a relaxing river cruise with city skyline views at night
Evening - Private Water Puppet Show & Saigon River Dinner Cruise
Your evening begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel by a professional guide, who will escort you to the Water Puppet Theatre, one of Saigon’s premier venues for traditional arts. Before the show commences, you will receive a brief introduction to the captivating origins of water puppetry, a centuries-old performance art that was developed by rice farmers in the picturesque Red River Delta.
Once settled in your first-class seat, prepare to be delighted by a captivating program consisting of 17 short sketches. Each performance narrates tales of rural life, Vietnamese legends, and humorous folklore, all brought to life by wooden puppets gracefully dancing over the water, accompanied by traditional live music and soulful vocals.
Following the show, your guide will escort you to the Saigon River pier, where a short cyclo ride awaits you. This nostalgic journey, lasting approximately 30 minutes, allows you to experience the enchanting evening city lights in a truly unique way.
Step aboard your dinner cruise boat, where a delicious set menu dinner will be served as you glide gently along the river. Revel in the stunning views of Saigon’s cityscape from a fresh perspective, passing under bridges and alongside modern skyscrapers, all softly illuminated under the night sky.
After the cruise, you have the option to return to your hotel or to stay out and further immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife that Saigon has to offer.
Destination Information
Saigon
Saigon presents a dense urban fabric where colonial-era architecture and modern developments coexist along the banks of the Saigon River. The city’s streets pulse with a mix of motorbikes, street vendors, and markets, reflecting its role as a commercial and cultural center in southern Vietnam. Its layered past is visible in landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, built with red bricks imported from France, which contrasts with the nearby War Remnants Museum that documents the impact of conflict on the region. The bustling Ben Thanh Market offers a window into everyday life, with stalls selling local produce, textiles, and street food amid a lively atmosphere. Beyond the city’s core, the Cu Chi Tunnels extend the historical narrative into the surrounding countryside, revealing the intricate underground network used during wartime. Saigon’s combination of waterways, historic sites, and vibrant street scenes creates a setting that captures both the resilience and complexity of Vietnam’s urban experience.Travel Notes
- The Water Puppet Theatre is a popular venue, so it's advisable to arrive early to secure your seats and enjoy the ambiance.
- During the cyclo ride, be prepared for a leisurely pace, which allows for a unique perspective of the city’s evening lights and atmosphere.
- The dinner cruise offers a set menu; if clients have dietary restrictions, it's best to inform the operator in advance to accommodate their needs.
- While on the cruise, guests should be aware of the boat's movement and may want to hold onto railings when taking photos or enjoying the views.
- As the evening progresses, the temperature can drop slightly; a light jacket or shawl may be comfortable during the cruise.
- Clients should be reminded to bring cash for any personal expenses during the evening, such as drinks on the cruise or tips for the guide.
- The return to the hotel can be arranged after the cruise, but clients should consider their options for continuing their night out in Saigon, as the city has a vibrant nightlife.
- Ensure clients are aware of the cultural significance of the water puppet show, as it reflects traditional Vietnamese folklore and history.
Included Services
- English speaking guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (centered hotels)
- First-class ticket to the Water Puppet Show
- 30-minute cyclo ride
- Vietnamese set menu dinner on Saigon River Cruise
- Cold water and refreshing towel
Excluded Services
- Tips & personal expenses
- Additional beverages or services not mentioned
- Surcharge for public holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year)
