Phung Hung Mural Street: A Vibrant Outdoor Museum in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hotel Larosa 9 June, 2025 0 Comments Culture, Travel Tips

Phung Hung Mural Street is a unique and enchanting destination where past and present intertwine, creating a lively artistic space in the heart of ancient Hanoi. More than just a street, it’s an open-air museum, telling the story of old Hanoi through colorful brushstrokes.

Phung Hung Mural Street: Where Hanoi’s Memories Come Alive

Phung Hung Mural Street is located on Phung Hung Street, Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. This street is nestled close to Dong Xuan Market and Hang Dau Street, stretching from Phan Dinh Phung Street to Hang Bong Street. What makes Phung Hung unique is its origin as the eastern wall of the ancient Thang Long Citadel, running parallel to an elevated railway bridge and charming old French-style houses.

To breathe new life into the stone arches built during the French colonial period, a special art project transformed this area into a vibrant street gallery. Phung Hung Mural Street is a collection of 20 artworks created by Vietnamese and Korean artists, completed over approximately three months on a total of 127 ancient bridge arches. This artistic transformation often draws comparisons to the famous Gamcheon Culture Village in South Korea, where street art has become a true tourism icon.

Murals That Tell Old Stories

Each painting on Phung Hung Street is a vivid piece of memory from old Hanoi. You’ll encounter images of public water pumps, reminiscent of the subsidy period when people queued together for water. Or perhaps you’ll see murals depicting general stores, women carrying street vendors’ wares, the “leng keng” trams, and calligraphers giving chữ (calligraphy)… All authentically recreate the simple daily life of the capital’s residents decades ago.

The artists poured their hearts into “recreating” old Hanoi, aiming to convey the message of preserving Hanoi’s traditional values and cultural essence through the flow of time and development. These artworks not only hold deep cultural significance but also create fantastic “vintage Hanoi” “check-in” spots, attracting a large number of visitors, especially young people. The paintings are rendered on wooden panels using paint and golden acrylics, ensuring their durability for 5 to 10 years. As night falls, lanterns illuminate the street, transforming Phung Hung into an even more sparkling and mystical space.

Engaging Activities on Phung Hung Mural Street

Phung Hung Mural Street is at its most beautiful around the 8th lunar month, when this cultural space is lavishly decorated and hosts numerous captivating cultural performances, painting activities, and traditional folk games. On weekends or holidays, it becomes an ideal destination for families to stroll, play, and reminisce. Visitors often stop by to purchase souvenirs and traditional sweets as gifts.

Discover Unique Photo Opportunities and Cultural Experiences

When you visit Phung Hung Street, you’ll not only admire unique artworks but also have endless opportunities for stunning photos with countless beautiful, unique, and unusual angles. Every wall, every arch can become a perfect backdrop for your “thousand-like” pictures.

Get Lost in Chill Cafes

After an exhilarating photo session, you can find a “chill” cafe along Phung Hung Street to relax. Savoring a delicious cup of coffee, listening to soothing music, and letting your soul drift in the peaceful ambiance amidst the bustling city is a truly wonderful experience.

Here are some cafes you should visit:

Railway Cafe Phung Hung: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind “train view” coffee! Sip on fragrant coffee, watch trains pass by, feel the gentle vibrations, and listen to the train’s whistle… it’s an incredibly exciting experience.

28 Train Street – Cafe & Bistro Phung Hung: More than just a cafe, this spot also functions as a bistro with a diverse menu of European and Asian dishes. You can enjoy a romantic dinner while admiring the street view and passing trains.

Hunt for Unique Handmade Goods

If you’re a fan of one-of-a-kind items with a personal touch, Phung Hung Street and its surrounding areas are your paradise. From exquisite jewelry and unique fashion accessories to trendy home decor items, everything is waiting for you to discover.

You might want to visit:

An handmade – craft station & souvenir Hang Gai: A place that gathers countless unique and meaningful “made in Vietnam” handcrafted products.

Refuel with Authentic Hanoi Cuisine

After hours of exploration, recharge your energy at the enticing eateries near Phung Hung Street and savor Hanoi’s distinctive flavors:

Pho Bo Ly Quoc Su (27B Phung Hung): This “legendary” pho restaurant, with over 30 years of experience, is renowned for its deeply simmered beef bone broth – rich and incredibly delicious – served with fresh beef and crispy quẩy (fried dough sticks).

Bun Cha: Enjoy delicious bún chả with fragrant grilled pork, fresh vermicelli, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. You can also try Bun Cha Que Tre Hang Bong or Bun Cha Dac Kim nearby.

Bun Thang (25 Phung Hung): The pinnacle of Hanoi cuisine, featuring a delicately sweet and refined broth, accompanied by shredded chicken, thinly sliced egg omelet, Vietnamese sausage, and shiitake mushrooms.

Additionally, the Phung Hung street area boasts a variety of other restaurants:

Luk Chew: The first authentic Cha chaan teng-style restaurant in Vietnam, bringing the distinctive ambiance and flavors of Hong Kong.

Republik Homemade Pizza: A “pizza paradise” with a diverse menu of homemade pizzas, sure to satisfy any pizza lover.

Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Phung Hung Street and Nearby Attractions

To make your trip to Phung Hung Street even more enjoyable, here are some useful tips:

Golden Time for Photos

Early morning or late afternoon is the ideal time for photography at Phung Hung due to the soft, enchanting light, perfect for stunning photos. Furthermore, visiting on weekdays will help you avoid weekend crowds, giving you more space to fully appreciate the street’s beauty.

Handy Tips

Walk: Strolling along Phung Hung Street is the best way to truly absorb its charm.
Carry water: Keep water handy to stay hydrated during your exploration.

Important Notes

During your exploration of Phung Hung Street, please remember to:

Maintain general hygiene: Avoid littering to help keep the environment green, clean, and beautiful.
Respect public spaces: Refrain from making excessive noise or pushing.

Combine with Nearby Attractions