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The Quintessence of Tonkin
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The Quintessence of Tonkin

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Quintessence of Tonkin
4.5
192 reviews
#6 of 32 Theater & Concerts in Hanoi
Theatre & Performances
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7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Admission tickets
from $51.29
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
192 reviews
Excellent
154
Very good
22
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Lothar
Auckland Central, New Zealand66 contributions
Vietnamese Must-See Show
Without doubt one of the very best cultural shows I have ever seen in my life and on my world-wide travels.
Our guide, Tranh, was very professional, very polite with superb English.
To describe this cultural show is covered by one statement: spectacular and stunningly impressive and beautiful.
If you ever have the pleasure being in Hanoi, this is another one of the MUST-TO-DO items on the traveller's itinerary. A very moving and wonderful experience. Consider to buy a Platium Ticket (seats are very comfortable and the seatings are in a covered area with the ultimate best view).
Review of: The Quintessence of Tonkin
Written December 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vanessa098
London, UK146 contributions
MUST SEE CULTURAL SHOW WHILST IN HANOI!!
May 2018 • Friends
I had been looking for a cultural show to see in Vietnam and had seen the various adverts for A O, Ionah, Teh Dar and Lang Toi, but accidently came across Quintessence of Tonkin. I found their website and watched some of the outdoor show which looked truly spectacular. Located 25km west of central Hanoi it occupies a space close to Chua Thay (Thay Pagoda), a special National Heritage and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam. Tickets can be booked via the Quintessence of Tonkin website which offers silver, gold and platinum tickets with or without dinner. We booked through Viator who used BC Family Tour as their local tour operator and paid for our tickets on the Viator website so we could pay in GBP, to avoid overseas card fees and opted for the platinum tickets without dinner, which are situated in the rear of the Amphitheatre with shelter in case it rains. The silver and gold seats are closer to the stage, but in fact any of the seats are good. All tickets include round trip transportation from a central meeting point at Hanoi Towers and the coach is well-equipped bus with comfortable reclining seats and AC. The bus left on time at 17.30 with about 15 guests in total, but be warned the traffic out of the city is heavy and slow, and the drive is approximately 40 mins to an hour. We chose not to buy dinner tickets as we thought we could find food stalls at the venue. There are no food stalls, so I would recommend buying tickets with dinner or like us opt to buy dinner at the hotel restaurant on arrival, which our tour operator was reluctant to allow, as I guess by us paying the restaurant directly they were missing out on their cut. Eventually we were able to have a wonderful 8 course dinner for two (£23.00 with soft drinks) with the other patrons attending the show at the Garlik restaurant in the beautiful La Paz Hotel located opposite the show. We only had about 30 mins to eat our food as the show starts at 19.30 sharp, so I think the pick up time from Hanoi should be earlier to give people at least an hour to eat their meal enjoyably without rushing. After dinner we settled into our seats and a breathtaking hour long performance took place that was truly an amazing affair, and reminded me of a scene from the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. There are two groups of performers in the show: local families of farmers, bringing their experience and showcasing their lives to the audiences, and a young team of students from the Hanoi College of Dance. The theater itself is an engineering masterpiece. The natural lake is transformed into a stage, including a state-of-the-art hydrothermal system that raises the Pagoda from under the water. My only disappointment was that this amazing show was only seen by approximately 50-75 people on a Friday night, even though the theatre has a capacity for 2,500. I hope with more reviews, marketing and media interest particularly to tourists, this show gets the attention it deserves and continues what is a unique performance experience for years to come.
Written May 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
baileniamh
Gorey, Ireland13 contributions
Not to be missed!
May 2019 • Friends
This is a simply incredible show. Music, dancing, lights, stories, in the most amazing setting with really professional stage production. I don't want to be responsible for spoilers, just go, you won't regret it. A very moving and memorable experience.
Review of: The Quintessence of Tonkin
Written May 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Budi W
Jakarta, Indonesia4 contributions
Pay more get less, bad management
Jun 2018 • Couples
We bought the platinum ticket but there were no seat number, no seat berrier between different ticket. So just buy silver and can seat anywhere, even platinum, based on 1st come 1st serve.

There was an incident where we have to move to other section because we are not arranged by the local group/ guide, eventhough we bought the platinum ticket and we were told before that we can sit anywhere in platinum section.

The last act of the show was perform directly in front of the gold seat section, and we were blocked.

The only good thing about the platinum seat was protected from the rain, but other than that quite a waste.

The show itself lack of information on the story telling, especially in english for the international tourist and no main character. Seems its only fashion show.

Hopefully this review can help the management of the show
Written June 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Quintessence Of Tonkin
Dear Budi W, Thank you for having taken your time to provide us with your valuable feedback relating to service. We are sincerely concerned and apologize that we fell short on your expectations in some area. Your helpful comments are much appreciated, and your feedback will help us to continually improve the services offered to all our guests. Looking forward to see you again in the near future.
Written June 20, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spideylover
fort worth, TX49 contributions
Not worth it
Dec 2019 • Couples
Sorry to be a debby downer, but it sooooooooooo is not worth seeing this show. You leave your hotel at 4:40 for a 5 o'clock pickup, then drive AN HOUR AND A HALF to get there, see it, then another hour and half back to arrive at 9:45. Not even close to worth the hassle.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gotta_Travel_Around
Santa Clara, CA25 contributions
Great show but expensive
Jan 2019 • Friends
You can show your booking code on your mobile.

The seating arrangement is not numbered or controlled, people sit anywhere regardless of ticket price. Therefore just purchase the cheapest tickets.

Show is only around 45 mins which is a shame as it is very good, I wish it were around 1.5 hrs for the price we paid.

Bus transfer to/from location was well organized and on-time.
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ls L
25 contributions
Excellent show
Apr 2019 • Business
An hour away from busy old quarter of Hà Nội. Nearby Thầy Pagoda where is considered the source of Water Pupet Show...This is great show in terms of the meaning of culture & the size...highly recommended!
Written April 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dutchman888
Melbourne, Australia186 contributions
Excellent Show
Nov 2018 • Couples
Absolutely fantastic show. We didn't have any trouble getting to and from the venue using the shuttle bus. Just be aware that you meet inside the foyer of the Hanoi Tower. Out guides on the bus Thanh, Van and Huyen were very helpful and the bus driver Mr Chu Ba got us there safely.
The show is spectacular. Difficult to describe but it is basically a cultural stage show on water. Do not bother with the expensive seats, buy the cheapest as you can sit anywhere after the show starts. There was only about 50 people there when we attended.
Written December 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
llodell
Maui, HI42 contributions
Disney Level Quality
Oct 2018
Absolutely the best show in Vietnam. The performers seem to love their job and it shows. The only thing that I would do is bring a cushion the stadium seats are hard. However, the show was so wonderful that I forgot that the seat was hard. Take a sack dinner or eat locally before the show. There is nothing to eat afterward.
Review of: The Quintessence of Tonkin
Written December 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yair Sadeh
Binyamina, Israel108 contributions
Amazing experience
Sep 2018 • Couples
Hard to describe even what is it. A mixture of multimedia over a lake. Combining dance and sing and theatre and sound describing the authentic life of the red river life. Tenths of actors
Very imprsssing
Written September 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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The Quintessence of Tonkin (Hanoi) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Quintessence of Tonkin
The Quintessence of Tonkin is open:
  • Sun - Sat 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
The Quintessence of Tonkin admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $51.29, while a popular guided tour starts around $1,142.57 per person. See all 3 The Quintessence of Tonkin tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
The Quintessence of Tonkin tickets are known to sell out fast, and same-day tickets may not be available. We recommend booking e-tickets tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 The Quintessence of Tonkin tickets and tours on Tripadvisor