Top 5 Must-See Cultural Shows in Vietnam & Cambodia Tours

Are you looking for Vietnam and Cambodia tours that your whole family can enjoy? Make sure that the itinerary includes a cultural show or two. Both Vietnam and Cambodia offer traditional art performances that you won’t get to see elsewhere in the world. So before you choose a tour package, check to see if any of these cultural shows are on the schedule:

1. Vietnam water puppetry

Audiences of all ages, especially children—enjoy Vietnamese water puppetry because it's unique and entertaining. It was invented by farmers in the 11th century as a form of entertainment during times when their rice fields get flooded. Water puppetry is essentially a celebration of wet rice cultivation complete with lighting effects and traditional music. Be sure not to miss it.

2. Royal court music

If you’re visiting the old capital of Hue, then you might want to drop in for a Nhã nhạc cung đình Huế performance to develop a deeper appreciation of court dance and music. These types of performances were once exclusive to the imperial family, from the 13th century Tran dynasty to the 20th century Nguyen dynasty. These days, travelers on Vietnam and Cambodia tours can enjoy this total show. It’s a deaf and it is a must-see if you’re interested in traditional instruments such as the bamboo flute, the moon-shaped two-string lute, the conical oboe, and the two-stringed vertical fiddle.

3. Ca tru singing

Ca tru is a northern Vietnamese art of singing poetry. Three performers form a Ca tru group, one singer and two musicians using traditional instruments. The special singing technique is passed down from generation to generation within the family. Ca tru was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

4. Quan Ho singing

Another traditional art performance from Northern Vietnam, Quan Ho is a romantic antiphonal folk show of men and women singing to each other. The performance is made more interesting by the traditional costumes performers wear during the show, a four-part dress with a large round hat and a scarf for women, and a turban, umbrella, and ao dai for men.

5. Apsara dance

When your tour brings you to Cambodia, be sure not to miss this traditional Khmer dance performance. You can watch it and several venues around Siem Reap. The shows are usually offered as packages that combine a dinner buffet and dance spectacle.