The Bamboo Circus Show (Teh Dar Show) at Hoi An Lune Center

Hoi An is a great destination to learn about the cultures in central Vietnam. Back to history, it’s an international trading port, and a melting pot between different nationalities. Before Vietnamese arrivals, on-site Cham people followed Hinduism and left numerous temples in the land (such as My Son sanctuary).

Up to the mountains in the Annamite range – so called ‘the Central highlands’, 12 ethnicities boast their cultural traditions and beliefs that have stayed strong against influences from outside. They use gongs and ceremonies to connect with the gods and ancestors. It’s totally different from everything which travelers see in Hoi An and other famous tourist cities.

This article is all about Teh Dar show (aka ‘the Bamboo circus show’) of the Lune Productions in Hoi An. It is a ‘story teller’ showing featured culture of the highlanders, especially intangible values by contemporary performing arts. If don’t travel to the mountains, here is the opportunity to know about them. To see other cultural shows and performances in Hoi An, please browse https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-cultural-shows.

Opening Hours

The auditorium of the Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts opens from 5:30 to 7 pm. Meaning that it opens 30 minutes earlier than The Dar show time and closes when this show ends. During the day, people can walk around and see it (the ‘bamboo dome’).

The Design

In the heart of Dong Hiep park, near the influence between Hoai river and Thu Bon river, the theatre is made of bamboo. It’s the first and only of its kind in Vietnam. This building features a 13-meters-tall dome that represents the full moon, and has one auditorium only for the audience.

The Seating Plan

The Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts auditorium has 299 seats (and sure, indoor). They are arranged in 3 categories: A (‘aah’), O (‘ooh’) and W (‘wow’). Each category corresponds to a type of ticket (please see the prices and details in the section below). In the front of the Stage, there are 177 seats, including 145 Ooh seats and 32 Wow seats. To the right and the left of the stage, 122 Aah seats. All seats have a number and a letter to recognize.

Location and How to Get to the Hoi An Lune Center

Location and Address of the Hoi An Lune Center

The Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts is in Dong Hiep park, within the heart of Hoi An city. This park occupies the eastern tip of An Hoi island which is opposite to Hoi An ancient town Unesco world heritage site. Lune center’s address is 1A Nguyen Phuc Chu street, Minh An ward.

Here is the distance from main tourist places in Hoi An to the Hoi An Lune Center:

– An Bang beach to Hoi An Lune Center: 5 km

– Cua Dai beach to Hoi An Lune Center: 5,5 km

– Tra Que vegetable village to Hoi An Lune Center: 4 km

– Thanh Ha pottery village to Hoi An Lune Center: 3 km

– Cam Thanh coconut village to Hoi An Lune Center: 6 km

– The Japanese covered bridge to Hoi An Lune Center: 350 meters

– Hoi An central market to Hoi An Lune Center: 800 meters

Walking

Watching Teh Dar show is often in the evening walking tour around Hoi An old town because it’s a short walk away from this area. From there, visitors need to find An Hoi bridge (not Japanese bridge!) spanning Hoai river. Please walk to the other side, then turn left and follow the riverside street – Nguyen Phuc Chu St until its end. It’s flat and safe for wheelchair users and elders.

If the hotel is close to Hoi An old town, we recommend walking to the Lune center instead of taking a car. Time and money savings are reasons.

Bicycle

The bicycle is allowed to get around Hoi An ancient town heritage all the times. From the Old town, the riders only need to ride across the bridge on Hoai river and then follow Nguyen Phuc Chu street to the theatre. Parking service is available there, and it’s free of charge.

However, before the showtime (by 6 pm), crowds are around the bridge and on it. So, sometimes visitors must walk with the bicycle.

Car, Taxi and Shuttle Bus

Travelers can get to the Hoi An Lune Center by car from everywhere in Hoi An. From the beaches – An Bang and Cua Dai, the taxi fare will be around 100,000 VND (for one way). If go from Cam Thanh or Nam Hoi An areas, it’s more expensive. Please don’t forget checking the free shuttle bus timetable in the hotel, to use it if your timings are matching.

After the show, visitors can walk around the Ancient town nearby to explore and have dinner. And then, come to crossroads along Cao Hong Lanh St, Tran Hung Dao St or Hoang Dieu St to see taxi drivers, and back to the hotel.

The distance from Da Nang to Lune center theatre (Hoi An old town) is some 30 kilometers. Meaning that it takes visitors around 45 minutes each way. If need a private car with a friendly driver, please text/call us in whatsapp number +84968009827. We have guided tours and ticket reservations too.

Motorbike

It’s possible to ride the motorbike to the Hoi An Lune Center – the theatre of Teh Dar show. From everywhere in Hoi An or Da Nang, travelers need to find the quickest way to see Ngo Nguyen street (in An Hoi island). After that, please follow this road until its end, and ride in the grounds of the theatre. Security men will tell where the parking lot is. Definitely, there is no parking fee (it’s free).

From Da Nang, there are two road options to reach Hoi An: the inner road – DT 607 and the coastal road – Vo Nguyen Giap Rd or Lac Long Quan Rd. Both are wide, safe and easy to navigate (just go straight!).

Cyclo (or Rickshaw)

The cyclo (3-wheeled bicycle taxi) is non motorized, so it’s allowed to go around Hoi An old town area. It’s not difficult to see cyclo drivers in town who wear a blue uniform. Ask them directly how much to get from where you stand to the Hoi An lune center, to make sure the price. Only one adult is okay to sit on the cyclo, but small kids can be accompanied. This ride is helpful for those who can’t walk much or for a long distance (elders for example).

What is the Teh Dar Show (Bamboo Circus Show)?

The Teh Dar show is one of top spectators of the Lune Productions. This was first on stage on 2th August 2016 in Ho Chi Minh city, at Saigon opera house and then on 25^th March 2018 in Hoi An. The night before, a short part of it (around 7 minutes) was on display to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Hoi An city’s establishment day.

The theme of this show focuses on the culture and life of ethnicities living in Tay Nguyen – the Central highlands of Vietnam. During its time, the audience will see their costume and accessories, listen to the music from their traditional instruments, hear their own languages and know how they look (some of the performers are tribers). Music is always live, and the performances are awesome. Please see our review below to know the details.

Here is things travelers should know about the Central highlands and people:

– Area: 55,000 km², covering 5 provinces (Kontum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong)

– Major local ethnicities: Jarai, Ede, Bahnar, K’hor, Sedang, M’nong

Hoi An Bamboo Circus Show Timing and Reschedule

Teh Dar Show Timing

Teh Dar show (‘bamboo circus show’) at the Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts is 1 hour long, from 6 to 7 pm. It’s available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday every week. Meaning that on Monday and Friday, this show is not available.

Teh Dar Show Reschedule in 2023 (Hoi An)

January to August: sold out

September: + available: 2/9, 3/9, 5 to 7/9, 9/9, 10/9, 12 to 15/9, 17/9, 18/9, 19 to 21/9, 23/9, 24/9, 26 to 28/9, 30/9

+ not available: 1/9, 4/9, 8/9, 11/9, 15/9, 18/9, 22/9, 25/9, 29/9

October: + available: 1/10, 3 to 5/10, 7/10, 8/10, 10 to 12/10, 14/10, 15/10, 17 to 19/10, 21/10, 22/10, 24 to 26/10, 28/10, 29/10, 31/10

+ not available: 2/10, 6/10, 9/10, 13/10, 16/10, 20/10, 23/10, 27/10, 30/10

November: + available: 1/11, 2/11, 4/11, 5/11, 7 to 9/11, 11/11, 12/11, 14 to 16/11, 18/11, 19/11, 21 to 23/11, 25/11, 26/11, 28 to 30/11

+ not available: 3/11, 6/11, 10/11, 13/11, 17/11, 20/11, 24/11, 27/11

December: + available: 2/12, 3/12, 5 to 7/12, 9/12, 10/12, 12 to 14/12, 16/12, 17/12, 19 to 21/12, 23/12, 24/12, 26 to 28/12, 30/12, 31/12

+ not available: 1/12, 4/12, 8/12, 11/12, 15/12, 18/12, 22/12, 25/12, 29/12

Teh Dar Show Reschedule in 2024 (Hoi An)

The reschedule of the Teh Dar show in Hoi An in 2024 will be updated soon. It’s not confirmed yet by the Lune Productions

Bamboo Circus Show Hoi An Review

Note: Camera is not allowed during the Teh Dar show.

Teh Dar show is a wow-to-wow performance about the ethnicities and their culture in the Central highlands of Vietnam. In Hoi An, it’s unique, meaning that it’s the only chance for travelers to learn about them and see them up-close in this heritage town. Generally, the production is great, making the spectators don’t stop clapping their hands.

The Teh Dar show is an exceptional blend of bamboo cirque, acrobatics and live tribal music. During an hour, more than 20 fully-talented performers and musicians will bring surprising and nervous emotions. And also, laughs! Skills and acrobatics are really interesting, going smoothly and outstandingly from beginning to end (kids would say ‘how can they do that?’). Some of the artists are tribers born and grew up in the Central highlands, so their look, their costume and their language are 100% authentic. To provide a genuine experience through, the speaking language of all performers is indigenous to the highlands, particularly Austronesian or Austro-Asian ethno-linguistic languages (not Vietnamese!).

Music and vocal are the highlight of Teh Dar show too. It’s always live and performed by traditional tribal music instruments, by passionate highlanders. There are gong, buffalo horns, T’rung (a king of bamboo xylophone), elephant drum. Especially, the Space of gong culture was inscribed by Unesco to be an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2008. It’s engaging and toe tapping. There is no doubt that not just eyes, ears also are ‘happy’ with beautiful sounds from the mountains.

In addition, the Teh Dar show is concepted and created by leading specialists who have a deep understanding in their field. This confirms the high quality of the show. They are Tuan Le – the director, Nguyen Lan Maurice – the concept trainer, Nguyen Nhat Ly – the music director and Ngo Thanh Phuong – the choreographer. Each person achieved many awards prior to coming together and giving birth to the Teh Dar show.

About the stage, seatings are designed to make sure that it’s not too far to enjoy seeing the performances and listening to the music. Probably, the spectators will keep themselves entertained until the show ends. Lighting is also fine. The auditorium is indoor and away from noise in town, therefore on a rainy day, visitors can admire the performing arts but not get wet.

In conclusion, it’s worth watching the Teh Dar show at the Hoi An Lune Center, especially because of its music and conception. However, the price is one thing to consider if you are busy with things to do in and around the town.

Bamboo Circus Show Hoi An Ticket and Prices

The official price of The Dar show at the Hoi An Lune Center is 700,000 VND, 1,150,000 VND and 1,600,000 VND for Aah, Ooh and Wow seats respectively. These rates are for adults and children above 12 years old. Parents will get a 30% discount for children between 7 and 12 years old. Meaning that the prices are 490,000 VND, 805,000 VND and 1,120 VND from lowest to highest. It’s free for kids under 7 years old, and they have to go with their parents.

‘Aah’ ticket holders will have complimentary iced tea water and seats to have a break before the showtime. A signature cocktail or soft drink is included for higher standards (‘Ooh’ and ‘Wow’ tickets).

Here are places you can buy tickets for The Dar show (Hoi An bamboo circus show):

– Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts: from 9:30 am to 6 pm, except Monday and Friday

– Text/call us on whatsapp number +84968009827 when you are anywhere in Hoi An. We can go to your place and complete everything there

– Official webpage of the Hoi An lune center (must pay full price in advance)

Activities Before the Bamboo Circus Show

River Cruise on Thu Bon River

Thu Bon river is to the south of Hoi An ancient town. In the afternoon, especially sunset time, one of the best activities is cruising this river by boat (sure, departing from the town). The ‘medium’ ride brings passengers to the Moonlight bridge and the Clam island. In the longest ride, it’s possible to see Cua Dai bridge, local fishing nets, islands, villages, and life of people along the riverfronts.

For more information, please browse https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-river-cruise/. Text/call us in whatsapp number +84968009827 to book a private boat with a fixed price.

Walking Street Foods Tour

Before the showtime, visitors can join a walking local street food tour. In this culinary experience, many dishes and drinks are introduced and described by the local guide. Of course, visitors will sample them to know the flavours and fill the stomach. The tour is also available for vegetarians.

Sightsee Hoi An Ancient Town Heritage

In the afternoon, visitors can buy a Hoi An old town ticket pass to sightsee the best protected buildings and watch another performance – at 66 Bach Dang St theatre. 4 places and the show are included in this entry fee. Besides the minishow (only 15 minutes), we recommend visiting Tan Ky house, the Fujian assembly hall, the Japanese covered bridge, and a museum.

Read our guide to Hoi An ancient town for more information.

Things to Do After Hoi An Bamboo Circus Show

Nguyen Hoang Night Market

250 meters away from the Bamboo show theatre, Nguyen Hoang night market is the largest night market in Hoi An (that’s why it’s known as ‘Hoi An night market’). It includes more than 150 stalls where locals sell street foods, souvenirs (such as lanterns), clothings. Around its entrance, lantern shops are ideal places to take photos with so many colorful lanterns behind.

Lantern Boat Ride on Hoai River

Hoai river is the river close to the Hoi An lune center theatre. This river is a small branch of the Thu Bon river that runs through the Old town. Traditionally, in the full moon night, local people cruise it by sampan boats and release paper lanterns to make wishes for beloved persons. Today, visitors can experience the ride anytime during the evening (not later than 10 pm please).

From the Theatre, just need to go to An Hoi bridge to see the nearest booths and buy tickets to go. The prices now are 150,000 VND and 200,000 VND, depending on size of the group (5 passengers maximum). See full details in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-lantern-boat-ride/.

Try Hoi An Local Street Foods

Around the Lune center theatre, plenty of street foods are awaiting for visitors to try. The closest street food paradise is Nguyen Hoang night market (250 meters via the riverside road). Here, yummy grilled pork skewers, grilled beef in betel leaf, noodles, banh mi sandwich, tofu with sweet puddings, and more will be seen. The price is absolutely not expensive.

There is another night market to visit too. It’s by the Central market (on Bach Dang street), 800 meters away from the Theatre. Visitors need to walk across An Hoi bridge and then turn right, follow the river until see food and souvenir stalls. It’s less crowded here.

If need a tour or local guide to deepen your knowledge about Hoi An street foods, please text/call us in whatsapp number +84968009827.

Bars and Pubs

After having dinner at a local restaurant, visitors can go and see lively bars and pubs along Nguyen Phuc Chu street. Live music performed by international singers and musicians is available until midnight. The atmosphere there is the most social in town.

See Lanterns in Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An is famous for lanterns and most of them are in its Old town. The best night to see them is in the full moon when the local festival takes place (on common days, it’s also charming!). Visitors definitely love seeing them and taking pictures.