The Quintessence of Tonkin is Vietnam’s grandest cultural spectacle. The show demonstrates the cultural storey of Northern Vietnam: a tale that balances legend with history, tradition with progress, and peace with turbulence.

Born from an artistic vision to tell the storey of the cultural highlights of Northern Vietnam, the show skilfully blends real-life performers, delightful water puppetry, a stunning light show, an evocative soundtrack and the mountains of Chua Thay into a jaw-dropping extravaganza that tugs on the heart strings. It is a rustic, artistic demonstration of Vietnamese culture: poetry, Buddhism, nostalgia, music, and painting, joy and festivals.

Drawing on the daily life and activities of the people of the northern delta, and including the art of water puppetry in the storey, the audience witnesses the storey of a monk, Tu Dao Hanh, and his journey to Thang Long Royal Palace. At the same time, the storey showcases the talents of the Vietnamese people, who excel in knowledge and martial arts. A traditional village is the setting and traditional instruments and vocal arts such as Ca Tru, Quan Ho, Chau Van are included in the programme.

The Quintessence of Tonkin performers comprise two troupes: the farmers and junior and senior dance students.