The Quintessence of Tonkin

The Quintessence of Tonkin blends professional performers, a mesmerizing set, delightful water puppetry, a stunning light show, an evocative soundtrack at a breathtaking open air set up with the Chua Tay Mountain as the backdrop.

It showcased the traditional elements of Vietnamese culture in a contemporary and innovative way. The water stage is 4,300sqm huge and could accommodate up to 250 performers at once. Most of the performers are the locals from the Sai Son village who were trained for two years to bring the extravaganza to life with their passion.

The show draws inspiration from the spiritual history of the nearby Thay Pagoda by telling the story of the pagoda's founding by venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and explains the ancient union between religion and the monarchy. The show is blends 6 different aspects of the cultural Quintessence of Tonkin: Poetry, Buddhism, Nostalgia, Music & Painting, Joy & Festivities. Besides, water puppetry - a typical form of Vietnamese art, which has existed for more than 1,000 years - as a part of the Quintessence of Tonkin will bring you vivid images of daily rural life in Vietnam.