Tinh Hoa Bắc Bộ - The Quintessence of Tonkin

Located 25km west of central Hanoi, The Quintessence of Tonkin occupies a space close to Chua Thay, a special National Cultural Heritage site and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam.

The spectacle draws inspiration from the pagoda’s spiritual history, with storyline elements that focus on the founding of the pagoda by the venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and the ancient union between religion and monarchy. Chua Thay can be easily visited in conjunction with a trip to The Quintessence of Tonkin, which helps frame the spectacle.

The stage was built in between the auditorium and the hill where Chua Thay rests, so the audience watches the performance to the backdrop of the pagoda. The pagoda thus plays a vital role in the spectacle. The stage is permanently submerged under the water, and is large enough to accommodate 250 performers at one time.