The historic Hoan Kiem District is where you’ll find many of the best things to do in Hanoi. It’s filled with endless restaurants and the charming old town, but also Phung Hung Mural Street! The first time we experienced Mural Street Hanoi we couldn’t believe the colors and imagery painted on the walls of the capital city. Here’s all you need to know and why it’s the must-see street art of Hanoi Vietnam.
How to Get to Mural Street Hanoi
Phung Hung Mural Street is located in the heart of the Hoan Kiem District, and just minutes away from other famous sites in the area. The Hoan Kiem District is our favorite part of the city where all the action is. It’s within walking distance of almost everything you’ll want to see during your stay.
If you decide to get a hotel in the Hoan Kiem District you can easily walk to see this special street art in Hanoi. Still, if you’re a little further away it’s not a problem either! Just jump in a grab taxi or motorbike and you’ll be there in no time.
One of the coolest parts about Mural Street Hanoi is that the art is actually painted on the base of the 120 year old Long Bien Bridge. Each of the arches on this portion of the train tracks have their own mural taking you back in time for a look inside Hanoi’s history.
→ Phung Hung Mural Street Location
The Story of Hanoi Mural Street
While there’s so many great historic things to see in the capital, Mural Street Hanoi is actually very new! This unique Vietnam artwork was started in 2018 as a project by both Korean and Vietnamese artists.
It was created as a celebration of 25 years of political relations between the two countries. Now the bright murals line the sidewalk, and lanterns fill the sky in this once random street along the bridge.
Best Art on Phung Hung Mural Street Hanoi
Each painting on Hanoi Mural Street tells a story of the history of the city and Vietnam as a whole. Yet, what makes this Vietnam artwork so cool is that the paintings were not done in one set style. The murals range from 3D paintings to old photographs, and even colorful carvings in the walls.
Next to each mural is a small plaque that explains a little bit about the individual piece. This combination of amazing art and history makes it one of the very best things to see in Hanoi! Below our some of our favorite selections from Mural Street Hanoi.
Exploring the Hoan Kiem District
Still searching for more things to see after Mural Street Hanoi? After you stop at Phung Hung Mural Street you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many great local restaurants in Hoan Kiem District. Also, if you’re thirsty there’s a place that sells fresh beer for just 10,000 VND at the end of the street!
Aside from that you can walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, go shopping, or grab a seat at a rooftop cafe to take in the beautiful architecture of Hanoi. Be sure to check out our article all about Hanoi Old Quarter before your visit!
→ Hanoi Old Quarter in Vietnam: 12 Awesome Tips For Your First Visit
Where To Stay In Hanoi Vietnam
Ultra Luxury – Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel – Amazing luxury property with a rooftop swimming pool overlooking Hanoi.
Fun Vacation – Scent Premium Hotel – Located in the center of the Old Quarter and just a quick 2 minute walk to the lake.
Budget Travel – Nova Luxury Hotel – Right next to the Hanoi Old Quarter with a beautiful chic design.
Hostel Life –Little Charm Hanoi Hostel – Clean rooms, soft beds, and in the heart of Hanoi. Great budget option in one of our favorite places to visit in Vietnam.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own experience at Mural Street Hanoi? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Vietnam Travel Tips
Check out all our Vietnam articles to help plan your trip! We cover everything from the best Vietnamese food to 50 travel tips & how to get around. You can also find our Northern Vietnam and Southern itineraries as well as an amazing 1 month route!
Transportation: 12Go is what we use to book ferries, trains, buses, and transfers while traveling through Vietnam!
Flights: For cheap flight deals check out Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc for $20 USD and Vietnam to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Get Your Guide is an amazing place to find fun activities all over Vietnam! There is everything from a Hanoi Cooking Class and market tour to a Mekong Delta Pagoda & rowing boat trip, and even the Phu Quoc Cable Car Ride with three island snorkeling tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without insurance. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years and they are always there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
Love your post! I was in Hanoi in 2017, and this is just one more reason for me to go back! I have a post that I wrote about my top things to do in Hanoi. I am going to back to this.
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Thanks Courtney! Yes it’s definitely worth a visit. We loved how they told the history of the city through these colorful murals ( :