Phung Hung Mural Street: Location, Highlights & Things to Do

Phung Hung Mural Street is a vibrant art space that breathes life into the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. This unique street has solidified itself as one of the best to visit in the capital, transforming railway arches into a captivating outdoor art gallery. This GTrip guide will be your local companion, revealing the exact location, must-see highlights, and exciting activities on this unique street. More than just a backdrop for photos, the street is a cultural space, a historical gateway, and a living museum that tells the story of old Hanoi through colorful brushstrokes.

Where is Phung Hung Mural Street?

Location: Hoan Kiem Ward (formerly Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District), Hanoi

Phung Hung Mural Street stretches from the Phan Dinh Phung Street intersection to Hang Bong Street. The street runs parallel to a railway viaduct and is nestled near prominent landmarks like Dong Xuan Market. This location is particularly significant as it places the art street on the border between the historic Old Quarter and the ancient Thang Long Citadel.

Historically, the street itself was once a moat that ran along the eastern outer wall of the Thang Long Citadel during the Nguyen Dynasty. Today, it serves as a symbolic and artistic bridge connecting Hanoi's rich heritage with its dynamic present. The project was conceived to create a space that connects these heritage, artistic, and community values, turning old, mossy stone arches into a vibrant public art display.

Phung Hung Mural Street transforms historic railway arches into a vivid public art space celebrating Hanoi’s heritage and community spirit

History of Phung Hung Mural Street

The murals are part of the "Hanoi - Old Quarter Painting" project by the Hanoi People's Committee aimed at city beautification and cultural heritage preservation through street art. The project opened to the public in early 2018, transforming approximately 200 meters of railway viaduct stone arches into murals depicting Hanoi's past. The street is named after Phung Hung, the 8th-century national hero who defended Vietnam against foreign invasions.

The project brought together 17 Vietnamese and South Korean artists who spent three months creating murals inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture on wooden. To achieve an authentic and traditional feel, the artworks are rendered on wooden-style backgrounds, a choice inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture. Each painting serves as a window into the city's soul, showcasing everything from daily life and traditional festivals to historical landmarks that still resonate in the minds of Hanoians.

How to get to Phung Hung Mural Street?

You can reach the street using various forms of transport, such as a public bus, a rental motorbike, or a convenient taxi.

• By bus: This is a budget-friendly option. You can take several bus routes, including bus numbers 02 or 09, and get off at the stop near Dong Xuan Market. From there, it is just a short walk to Phung Hung Street. Another nearby stop is directly across from No. 16 Phung Hung Street.
• By motorbike: For those feeling more adventurous, renting a motorbike provides flexibility. However, be aware that Hanoi's traffic can be chaotic, so this is best for experienced riders. You can find paid parking at Gam Cau Street near Dong Xuan Market or Long Bien Station.
• By taxi: Taxis are readily available and offer a convenient, direct way to arrive. Simply tell the driver to take you to "Pho bich hoa Phung Hung quan Hoan Kiem" or “Pho bich hoa”. Reputable companies to consider are Mai Linh and Xanh SM or G7 Taxi.

Phung Hung Mural Street is easily accessible by bus, motorbike, or taxi, with nearby stops at Dong Xuan Market and parking available at Gam Cau Street

Read more: Top 15 Hanoi Taxis Brands: Fast, Safe & Affordable Rides

Highlights of Phung Hung Mural Street

Among the many famous hanoi streets, Phung Hung Mural Street is a prominent cultural destination where stories about the life and traditions of Hanoi’s people are vividly told through murals. Along the approximately 200-meter-long street, beneath the ancient stone arches of the railway viaduct, dozens of murals have been created as an open-air art museum. The street offers an emotional journey through the history and culture of Hanoi.

As you walk along Phung Hung Street, you will see many paintings depicting profound everyday moments. These include an elderly calligraphy master writing during Tet, children playing traditional folk games, and the iconic leng keng tram, all symbols of old Hanoi. The murals are windows into the soul of the city and its people.

Additionally, many murals along Phung Hung Street vividly capture scenes from daily life. These include women carrying street vendor baskets, the bustling Trang Tien Department Store, and the lively Mid-Autumn Festival procession on Hang Ma Street. These artworks come together to paint a vibrant portrait of Hanoi’s culture and everyday rhythm, blending the charm of the past with the energy of the present. The area doubles as a cultural hub, offering events that help locals and visitors reconnect with tradition amid the city’s modern pace.

Highlight of Phung Hung Mural Street is vibrant murals on wooden-style backgrounds, portraying iconic scenes like lion dances, street vendors, and life during the subsidy

Read more: Discover the 12 Most Famous and Unique Streets in Hanoi

Things to do in Phung Hung Mural Street

Beyond admiring the art, Phung Hung Mural Street invites you to actively engage with Hanoian culture through hands-on games, photography, and tasting local treats. This lively street transforms, especially on weekends, into an interactive entertainment space for all ages.

1. Admire the magnificent paintings on their wooden-style backgrounds

The main attraction of Phung Hung Mural Street is, of course, the stunning murals. Take a stroll and appreciate the incredible artwork that adorns the old railway arches. You should pay attention to the details and the unique texture of the wooden-style backgrounds, which give the paintings a durable and authentic feel. Notable paintings to look for include depictions of the Mid-Autumn Festival lion dance, the traditional ganh hang rong (street vendor), and memories of the old public water pumps from the subsidy period.

Phung Hung Mural Street features vivid murals on wooden-style surfaces, portraying Hanoi’s nostalgic scenes like lion dances, street vendors, and old water pumps

2. Participate in interesting folk games

The street is a static art display, it's a vibrant hub of activity, especially on weekends. Visitors have the chance to engage in various traditional Vietnamese activities and games. You can try your hand at several traditional Vietnamese games, like O An Quan (mandarin square capturing), Parcheesi, rope skipping, and shuttlecock kicking. This makes it an excellent recreational space that helps preserve and promote Hanoi's cultural heritage.

3. Purchase souvenirs and traditional confectionery

A trip to Phung Hung Mural Street is incomplete without browsing the charming shops and stalls that line the area. Here, you can find unique keepsakes and delicious local snacks to take home as gifts. Look for items such as ‘to he’ (edible toy folk art), traditional O Mai, and various other handmade crafts that reflect Vietnamese culture. It's a perfect way to bring a piece of Hanoi's artistic spirit home with you.

Read more: What To Buy In Hanoi: Top 20 Must-Have Souvenirs & Gifts

Attraction near Phung Hung Mural Street

Phung Hung Mural Street's prime location makes it the perfect starting point to explore other iconic landmarks of Hanoi. Within a short walking distance, you can immerse yourself further in the city's history, culture, and bustling daily life.

1. Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Just a short distance from Phung Hung Street lies the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This vast complex of historical relics was the center of political power for over a thousand years. Exploring its ancient foundations, palaces, and gateways offers a profound glimpse into Vietnam's royal history, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts. You can walk through the archaeological site and view artifacts dating back to the Ly and Tran dynasties. You shouldn’t miss climbing the Hanoi Flag Tower for a panoramic view of the historic grounds.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s royal past with ancient ruins, dynastic artifacts, and sweeping views from the Hanoi Flag Tower

2. Hanoi Train Street

Known for its surreal beauty and thrilling moments, Hanoi Train Street is where a railway track cuts narrowly through a dense residential neighborhood. Tourists flock here to sit at a cafe and watch the train pass by just inches from the buildings. It offers a unique photo opportunity and an unforgettable glimpse into the unique daily life of the locals who call this street home. Time your visit to catch the scheduled train and feel the rush as it rumbles past just feet away. Enjoy a coffee while chatting with residents who have adapted remarkably to living right next to the tracks.

3. Hanoi Old Quarter

Phung Hung Street serves as a gateway to the famous Hanoi Old Quarter. This labyrinthine network of streets has been the city's commercial heart for centuries. Each street was traditionally dedicated to a specific craft or type of merchandise. Today, it's a bustling area filled with ancient houses, vibrant street food stalls, and countless shops, offering an immersive cultural experience.

4. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater offers a chance to witness a truly unique Vietnamese art form. Puppets are skillfully maneuvered over a pool of water, enacting scenes of rural life, national legends, and historical events. This traditional performance, accompanied by live folk music, is a captivating and entertaining experience for all ages. Arrive early to get front-row seats for the best view of the puppets gliding across the water. Audio guides or English subtitles are available to help international visitors follow the storyline.

Phung Hung Mural Street is just one of the many unique things to do in Hanoi. For a complete experience, follow our detailed 4 days in Hanoi itinerary to discover the city’s top attractions and hidden gems.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre brings Vietnamese legends and rural life to life with skillful puppetry, live music, and water-based stagecraft

Phung Hung Mural Street is far more than just a picturesque spot in Hanoi, it's a living canvas that beautifully captures the city's soul. This unique street offers a journey back in time through its evocative murals, lively folk games, and proximity to historic landmarks. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the rich tapestry of Hanoian culture. Let GTrip guide you on your next Hanoi tour as you explore this artistic and historical treasure in Vietnam's capital.