This evening you will travel by cyclo to a theatre where this ancient and unique art form of water puppetry is re-enacted. The ‘stage’ is a pool of water in which the puppeteers stand waist deep, hidden by a screen from behind which they skilfully manoeuvre the lacquered wooden puppets so that they appear to dance and play on the water’s surface.

A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides the musical accompaniment whilst performers sing songs telling the story being acted out by the puppets. Each short act relates to daily life and Vietnamese folklore with names such as ‘Returning from school after graduation’ and ‘Rearing ducks and chasing foxes’.

At the performance finale transfer by private vehicle to one of Hanoi’s many superb Vietnamese restaurants for dinner.