Puppetry is common throughout the world, but puppetry theatre of Vietnam on water is unique. The art of water puppetry appeared in the Ly dynasty (1010-1225). Vestiges of evidence have been found in several places such as the pavilion on water by the Long Tri lake in the Thay Pagoda, Ha Tay province. Water puppetry was developed in lake and pond-rich areas in the Red River Delta. The surface of water serves as the stage while spectators sit at the edge of water. The puppeteers both male and female stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets making them move about and even dance on the surface of the water. The water serves not only to hide the puppeteers and strings of the puppets but also to create a trembling stage full of reflection, while providing natural amplification for singing puppeteers accompanied by percussion music and fire crackers.    

Vietnam Travel Map

China Beach, Vietnam, an endless expanse of unspoiled white sand beach, is one of the best beaches in Vietnam. It is more famous among the American and Australian soldiers for being the landing ground during the Vietnam War

Until recently this was a fishing island known only among Vietnamese for its fish sauce. In the last decade tourism has developed fast. Nowadays the accommodation offer is quite varied

Another Vietnam's best beach resort in Vietnam, Mui Ne, which is found on Highway No. 706, and features sweeping sand dunes and beautiful rows of palm-trees

Upon arriving to Nha Trang, most tourists will pass through downtown. Beyond the rows of businesses and homes will be Nha Trang beach. Tran Phu Boulevard is Nha Trang most famous thoroughfare

This park covers 74, 000 Hectares of lowland forest and swamp approximately 100km (70miles) north east of Ho Chi Minh City and is home to numerous birds and mammals

Bach Ma National Park is located in central Vietnam (less than an hour drive from Hue city) and around 680 km from the country's capital Hanoi. The national park covers an area of 22, 031 ha and was created in 1991 to protect the centre of the last corridor of forest stretching from the South China Sea to the border with Lao PDR.

Ba Vi National Park is centred on Mount Ba Vi, a mountain isolate situated about 50 km west of Hanoi. The mountain rises steeply out of a plain that rarely exceeds 30 m in elevation. In general, slopes on the western side of Ba Vi mountain, at an average of 25°, are steeper than those on the east

With 25, 000 hectares and 140 km South of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is the first National Park of Vietnam which was established in 1962. The botanical richness of the forest is impressive as it supports a wide variety of flora species and patches of primeval forest, including ancient trees with thick clusters of roots, and parasitic plants and ligneous creepers.