Tai Pagoda, like all such structures, sits on top of Cau Lau hill near a beautiful lake on the outskirts of Hanoi. It was built in the 11th century as a dedication to monk Tu Dao Hanh, a famous master of water puppet theatre. The pagoda has become not only a monument to the founder of Vietnamese puppet theatre, but also a testament to the Vietnamese people's special respect for the great masters.
Over the centuries, Tai Pagoda has been rebuilt many times, while managing to preserve the unity of the external lines. As is customary, the pagoda consists of three separate prayer halls. The outer one, or Ha Pagoda, has been used for ceremonies and offerings since ancient times. In the central Chung Pagoda, prayers are offered to the great Buddha. In Thuong Pagoda, Master Tu Dao Han is worshipped and there is a sandalwood statue of him.
The pagodas have preserved many ancient sculptures, especially impressive are two huge clay statues of guards dating back to the XVIII century.
In Vietnam, puppet theatre on water is considered a very ancient art, closely related to the traditions of peasant life. In ancient times, peasants staged performances of wooden puppets in water-filled rice fields. Nowadays, exotic, bright, unique puppet shows on the water have become the national pride of the country.
In memory of the forefather of the folk genre Tu Dao Han, a theatre pavilion was built in the centre of the lake on the shore of which stands the Tai Pagoda. It hosts the most beautiful water puppet theatre performances. And a famous puppet performance festival is organised every year.
