The renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi traces its origins to a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. This unique performance style emerged during times when rice paddies were flooded, and villagers would entertain themselves by standing in waist-deep water while manoeuvring puppets across the surface. Using long rods to control the figures, the puppeteers remained concealed behind a screen, creating the illusion that the puppets were gliding gracefully over the water.