The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater has installed two automatic ticketing machines next to the ticket counter, where visitors can select a date and time and also their seats, with payment made by Visa or debit card. A staff of technicians are also on hand to assist when needed. Photo: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Many visitors used the machines rather than the ticket counter on the first day the new system was in operation. Foreign visitors are more familiar with automated ticketing so the theater decided to introduce it, according to Deputy Director Mr. Chu Van Luong. It remains new to Vietnamese visitors, however, so the ticket counter remains open. Water puppetry originated in the Red River Delta in Vietnam’s north, where many towns and villages have communal ponds, which were used as the stage when the artform appeared around the 10th century. The villages of Thach That and Dao Thuc in Hanoi and Rach and Nguyen Xa in the nearby provinces of Nam Dinh and Thai Binh … [Read more...] about Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre introduces automatic ticketing
Thang long opera house
Thang Long Opera Hotel – luxurious in simplicity
The Hanoitimes - Thang Long Opera Hotel is only few minute walk from Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem lake. This is one of the most highly rated hotels in Hanoi capital. Thang Long Opera Hotel, formerly known as Thuy Tien Hotel, was built and put into operation on the occasion of 40th anniversary of the capital's Liberation Day (October 10th 1994). This 3-star international hotel has 71 rooms equipped with full of facilities as well as experienced and dynamic staff. The facade of Thang Long Opera hotel Since November 9th 2004, Thuy Tien hotel’s ownership has been transferred to to Hanoi Tourism Corporation. In May 2006, the hotel was renamed Thang Long Opera hotel. The entire Thang Long Opera hotel looks like a limewashed building, standing humbly at the beginning of Tong Dan street and has been an integral part of this neighborhood for a long time. Looking from the outside, the doorways with curve balcony evoked ancient French architectural … [Read more...] about Thang Long Opera Hotel – luxurious in simplicity
Capital city works to develop culture industry
A house in Duong Lam ancient village in Son Tay township, Hanoi (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi hopes to create a new driving force for the local culture industry, a sector with untapped potential. The capital is home to 5,900 relic sites and more than 1,700 intangible cultural heritage assets that can serve as cultural tourism attractions. The Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature, the President Ho Chi Minh relic site, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter and Duong Lam ancient village on the city’s outskirts are among must-see destinations for tourists in Hanoi. Intangible cultural heritage assets like water puppetry, ca tru singing, cai luong (reformed opera), cheo (popular opera) and chau van singing have become familiar to Hanoians and tourists. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which offers performances year round, is deemed a success story in arts business. Meanwhile, the presence of both the State and private sectors in the cinema system is … [Read more...] about Capital city works to develop culture industry
International marathon to showcase Hanoi landmarks
Hanoi will use an international marathon next year to showcase its history and special attractions. The Hanoi International Marathon 2019, to be held on April 14, will be routed through the city’s iconic landmarks, officials said. It will be the very first time the capital city of Vietnam has ever hosted the international marathon, joining other famous cities like Tokyo, London and Berlin in hosting this event. The runners, expected to come from all parts of the world, will race on roads that run through famous landmarks like the Old Quarter, West Lake, the Opera House, the Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake and the Thang Long Citadel. To Van Dong, director of Hanoi's Culture and Tourism Department, said the city is hoping that the design and routing of the race will attract thousands of marathoners and tourists. For those who say there is nothing much to see in Hanoi besides the Temple of Literature and water puppetry shows, the city wants to tell “another story,” Dong … [Read more...] about International marathon to showcase Hanoi landmarks
The ancient Hien Town is alive with history
VietNamNet Bridge – We left Hanoi, travelling along the right bank of the Hong (Red) River to visit historical relics in a special complex bearing remarks of the once famous area. Spirituality: Locals at a worship ceremony at Hien Pagoda. It had the old saying “Thu nhat Kinh ky, thu nhi Pho Hien” (The most important area is the Imperial capital city [Thang Long], the second is Hien Town). The famed town hosts more than 100 relic sites including Xich Dang Literature Temple, Bell Pagoda and Hien Pagoda. It also hosts Tran Temple, May Temple and Mother Temple. Visiting the old town, one may share the same regret with me as the leading trading centre in the north of the country in the 17th century, a small bustling Trang An is now found only in traces. In the middle of the 17th century, with the advantage of an entry way to Thang Long Capital, Hien Town had quickly developed from a residential area into a big economic hub. Traders from China, Japan, Thailand, … [Read more...] about The ancient Hien Town is alive with history