Discover Hanoi’s Best Street Art on Guided Tours

Top Spots to See Street Art in Hanoi: Your Ultimate Guide

Phung Hung Mural Street: A Cultural Masterpiece in the Heart of Hanoi

Location and Access

• Address: Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• How to Get There:
  • From Hoan Kiem Lake: Walk along Hang Ma Street, then turn onto Phung Hung Street. It’s a 5-minute walk.
  • By Bus: Take Bus 01, 18, or 86, which pass nearby.

By Taxi or Motorbike: Search for “Phung Hung Mural Street” on your map app.

What Makes Phung Hung Mural Street Special?

• This lively street is lined with 17 colourful murals that depict the culture of Hanoi.
• The murals were made in a public art project by Vietnamese and Korean artists who wanted to help save Hanoi’s history and culture.
• Every mural has a story – from the traditional game music “ o an quan” (a traditional Vietnamese game) to the nostalgic street life “Old Hanoi street”.

Key Highlights:

• Cultural Murals: Check out murals of Hanoi’s old markets, traditional festivals, and the famous Long Bien Bridge.
• Interactive Art: Some murals are made for photographs, and for you to insert yourself in the scene.
• Community Vibe: A fishbowl, this is where you’re likely to find locals when they want a drink, making it a fun place to watch Hanoi’s street life

Best Time to Visit:

• Early morning (7 AM – 9 AM) for soft light and fewer people around.
• The afternoon (4:00 – 6:00 PM) for a warm golden glow shoot is late.

Nearby Attractions:

• Hoan Kiem Lake: The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from here, which is ideal for a leisurely walk around.
• Dong Xuan Market: Only a quick walk, you can find souvenirs and local snacks there.
• Long Bien Bridge: An iconic, historic bridge (from which you can see the murals).

Phung Hung Mural Street (Sours: forevervacation)

Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural: The World’s Longest Mosaic Masterpiece

Location and Access

• Address: Along the Red River Dyke, starting from Tran Nhat Duat Street, running along Yen Phu Road.
• How to Get There:
  • From Long Bien Bridge: Start at the base of the bridge and walk along the dyke.
  • By Bus: Buses 09, 24, and 55 stop along Yen Phu Road.
  • By Motorbike: Follow Yen Phu Road towards Tran Nhat Duat Street.

What Makes Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural Special?

• The ceramic mural, a collaborative work, measuring over 6.5 kilometers, and is the world’s largest according to The Guinness Book of Records.
• The mural was designed to celebrate Hanoi’s 1,000th anniversary in 2010 and contains thousands of hand-painted ceramic tiles contributed by Vietnamese and international artists.
• One part of the mural is dedicated to a specific part of Vietnamese culture:
  • Traditional Folklore: Presentations of typical old fables such as Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh (Mountain God and Water God).
  • Historical Events: A look back at Vietnam’s past, from the mythical Trung Sisters.
  • Cultural Diversity: Panels of the various ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Key Highlights:

• The Iconic Dragon Section: An intricate and colorful display of dragons symbolizes power and prosperity.
• International Art Contributions: Pages about international artists who belong to the project.
• Vietnamese History in Art: Panels depicting important historical events in Vietnam’s history.

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning (7:00 – 9:00 AM) for soft lighting and fewer people.
• Evening (4:00 – 6:00 PM) for a warm glow, emphasizing the color

Nearby Attractions:

• Long Bien Bridge: This is a historic bridge with a view of the mural.
• Old Quarter: a short walk to go shopping or dining.
• Hanoi Opera House: A short ride away, it provides a window onto Hanoi’s French colonial architecture.

Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural (Sours: wikipedia)

Tam Thanh Mural Village: A Day Trip for Art and Culture

Location and Access

• Address: Tam Thanh Village, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province.
• How to Get There:
  • From Hanoi: Fly to Da Nang International Airport (1.5 hours), then take a taxi or bus to Tam Ky City (1.5 hours).
  • By Motorbike: From Da Nang, ride south along National Highway 1A, following signs to Tam Ky.

What Makes Tam Thanh Mural Village Special?

• Now the tiny coastal fishing village has been turned into an open-air art gallery, the result of a community art project by South Korean and Vietnamese artists.
• Almost every house is covered in vivid murals featuring scenes of local life, children playing, fishermen, and classical Vietnamese fables.
• The project’s goals were to bring art to those in rural communities and also to create a tourist attraction.

Key Highlights:

• Mural Themes: Daily life of fishermen, Flowers, and children playing cultural folklore.
• Cultural Immersion: And there is actual village life beyond the art as well, men can join in fishing with the locals.
• Local Artisans: Stop in and meet local artists still creating and maintaining the murals.

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning (7:00 - 9:00 AM) to avoid harsh lighting and to observe locals getting the day started.
• Late afternoon (4:00 – 6:00 PM) for warm, colorful light.

Nearby Attractions:

• Ky Anh Tunnels: A Historical site that was utilized during the Vietnam War.
• Tam Thanh Beach: Beautiful beach, peaceful, a good place to chill.

Tam Thanh Mural Village (Sours: hiddenhoian)

Train Street: Where Art and Adventure Meet

Location and Access

• Address: Alley 224 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• How to Get There:
  • From Hanoi Train Station: Walk along Le Duan Street until you reach the narrow alley.
  • By Motorbike: Park at the nearby side streets and walk in.

What Makes Train Street Special?

• A residential lane through which a train rolls by only a few inches from the houses and cafes.
• The walls lining either side of the track have been tagged up with some bright and expressive graffiti art.
• Pizzerias and cafes are situated trackside as the train speeds past.

Key Highlights:

• Graffiti and Street Art: The trackside walls are a canvas for local artists.
• Cafe Experience: Sip a latte, a mere foot from the train track – an experience of a lifetime.
• Scheduled Train Arrivals: Be certain to look at train times for the optimal experience.

Best Time to Visit:

• Before the train arrival to arrives for a relaxed experience.
• During the day, for better light and fewer people.

Nearby Attractions:

• Hanoi Railway Station: Just a 5-minute walk away.
• Hanoi 36 Streets: Just a small walking distance for some more street art and shopping for tourists.

Train Street (Sours: getvisavietnam)

Street Art Hanoi Tour: A Detailed Day Itinerary

A Perfect Day Exploring Hanoi: A Street Art and Cultural Discovery Tour

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Phung Hung Mural Street – Hanoi’s Cultural Canvas

Start your day at the Phung Hung Mural Street, a colourful site that brings Hanoi’s history to life thanks to the 17 magnificent murals. It is which is nestled in the Hoan Kiem District, one of the most colorful street art galleries in Hanoi, where traditional Vietnamese culture intersects with creative innovation. Walk past the murals that portray folk games, historical scenes, and life, all the while listening to your guide’s take on what the pics are about. Snap Instagram-worthy shots as you go and take in the artistic ambiance of Hanoi while you do.

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Coffee Break at The Note Coffee (64 Luong Van Can Street)

After The Murals, a short walk away is The Note Coffee, a snug café with colorful sticky notes left by patrons. Enjoy Vietnamese traditional egg coffee here. Your guide will then continue to the next portion of the tour, preparing the history during which we will visit Hanoi’s historic beauty.

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll to Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Hanoi, where the past meets the present. You will hear the story of the Golden Turtle and the sword that gives the lake its name from your guide. Embark on a crossing of the bright red Huc Bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, a small island sanctuary which provides an oasis of calm amid the city.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Hanoi Old Quarter – Exploring Hanoi 36 Streets

Explore the boisterous intertwining streets of Hanoi’s 36 Streets, with each street named after the goods traditionally sold there. Stroll narrow alleys like Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Gai (Silk Street), and Hang Ma (Paper Street). Find secret shops, talented artisans, and vibrant markets. Your guide will tell tales of Hanoi’s trading past and help you identify hidden street art hidden down quiet alleyways.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch at Cau Go Restaurant (73 Cau Go Street)

Regroup with a fabulous Vietnamese lunch in Cau Go Restaurant on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. Try local specialities such as Bun Cha (noodles with grilled pork), Nem Ran (spring rolls), and a cool glass of fresh-squeezed lime juice. Your guide will share tidbits about Hanoi’s culinary history, adding a tasty stop to your adventure.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s First University

For lunch, try the dry noodles at this canal-side institution with counter seating, just by the Hoa Kiem Lake. After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature, a serene sanctuary dedicated to Confucius and scholars. Discover the ancient courtyards, understand Vietnam’s traditional education system, and appreciate the poetry of the gardens. This historical site is great for photos with its old pavilions, lotus ponds, and elaborate carvings.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Train Street – A Thrilling Art and Coffee Experience

Keep walking to Train Street (224 Le Duan Street), one of the most thrilling places in Hanoi. Here, a train whips through, inches from houses and cafes, excitingly. Have a seat at a trackside cafe or shop, sip a fresh juice or Vietnamese iced coffee, and snap the perfect photo as the train goes by. Your guide will tell you the rich history of this particular street and how it became the busy spot that it is today.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Hoa Lo Prison – A Historical Perspective

Take a step back in time at Hoa Lo Prison, or the Hanoi Hilton. Your guide leads you on a walking tour of this former prison, sharing stories of Vietnamese revolutionaries who were confined here during the French colonial period and American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. It is a sobering but necessary part of Hanoi’s history.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Refreshing Break at Hanoi Social Club (6 Hoi Vu Street)

Unwind with a coffee or fresh juice at the Hanoi Social Club, a trendy cafe with a bohemian feel. Contemplate your walk so far, swap stories with your guide, and gear up for the day’s remaining cultural highlight.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: St. Joseph’s Cathedral – Hanoi’s Gothic Landmark

End your day at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a nine-story Gothic church built by the French in the 19th century. Appreciate the beautiful architecture, capture photos of the towering spires, and visit the surrounding area, full of cute little cafes and small shops! Your guide will explain the history of the cathedral and how it has served Hanoi’s cultural life.

5:30 PM: Tour Ends – A Day of Art, History, and Culture

Here ends your adventure in Hanoi. You’ve taken in the city’s dynamic street art, delved into its ancient past, and soaked up its modern culture. Leave with amazing photos, great memories, and a better knowledge of Hanoian artistic and cultural life.

Hoa Lo Prison (Sours: vietravel)

Tour Details and Pricing

• Tour Type: Private Guided Tour (Flexible and Customizable)
• Duration: Approximately 9 hours (8:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
• Includes:
  • Local professional English-speaking guide with great knowledge of Hanoi’s art, history, and culture.
  • Included: Admission to Ngoc Son Temple, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison.
  • Lunch at Cau Go Restaurant.
  • Bottled water, light snacks.
• Excludes:
  • Personal expenses (coffee, drinks, souvenirs).
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point (Hoan Kiem Lake).

How to Book:

• Contact Impress Travel Hanoi:
  • Website: Impress Travel – Hanoi City Tour
  • Phone: +84 912 379 189
  • Email: info@impresstravel.com

Street Art Hanoi: A Colorful Reflection of Culture and History

Street Art Hanoi is not just eye candy – it’s a living depiction of the city’s soul, which comes to life as an episode of its history, folklore, and modern life as it still graces the walls. From Phung Hung Street’s busy murals to the discreet graffiti of Hanoi 36 Street, each work of art is its own story. This is where you’ll find traditional Vietnamese legends like the fearless. Trung Sisters and the story of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, as well as representations from contemporary life. These walls provide artists with an opportunity to express their ideas, tell stories of their culture, and, through a conversation, connect the audience from the past to the present. For the residents, they are a reflection of pride and culture, but for tourists, they are windows to the soul of Hanoi, a way to understand the city beyond its circuitous attractions.

But Street Art Hanoi’s story is bigger than just the murals, it’s a story of community and creativity. The local artists are the creative muscle here, and they turn drab walls into living paintings. Many of the murals, such as those along Phung Hung Street, were the result of community art projects that involved local people and international partners. Not only are these artists instrumental in birthing the murals, but they return to them frequently, to touch them up, add on to them, and keep the stories alive. For the Hanoi people, the murals are part of everyday life – children play on the steps beneath, families pose for photos, and street vendors set up nearby. This combination is what makes Street Art Hanoi a masterpiece of community art.

Conclusion

Street Art Hanoi is a dynamic walk through the heart of the city, where every mural is a tale and every street is a page. From the famed murals at Phung Hung Street to the secret graffiti pieces in the narrow alleys deep into Hanoi 36 Street, creativity and culture are everywhere in this town. The content of the mural displays the image of the historical, folklore, and modern life of Hanoi people, and the ordinary wall has become an expressive window.

But there is always more to explore. Besides the well-known spots, Hanoi’s secret corners conceal a stock of secret artworks to be discovered. So pick up your camera, explore the street, and leave the colorful world of Street Art Hanoi to astound you! Ready to dive