Phung Hung Mural Street
A row of old railway viaduct arches on the edge of the Old Quarter, painted with nostalgic murals of Hanoi life.
- Hanoi
- Included in 1 tour
- Tours from $60
- Updated October 2026
About Phung Hung Mural Street
Phung Hung mural street is an open-air gallery on the western edge of the Old Quarter, where the arches of an old brick railway viaduct have been painted with murals of Hanoi in times gone by. It is free, quiet compared with the busy streets nearby, and one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
The viaduct was built by the French in the early 20th century to carry the railway from Hanoi Railway Station north to Long Bien Bridge and across the Red River. Trains still run along the top today — it is the same line that passes between the houses of Hanoi Train Street a little further south. For decades the brick arches underneath were bricked up, used as storerooms and workshops or simply ignored.
Memories of Hanoi: the murals
In early 2018 Vietnamese and South Korean artists, working with Hoan Kiem district and international partners, painted the first series of murals on the arches under the theme “Memories of Hanoi”. The paintings show everyday scenes from the city’s past: a tram on the street, a vendor carrying baskets on a shoulder pole, a stationery shop, scholars writing calligraphy, the old city gates and tube houses. Many are painted so that the arch frames the scene like a window, and a few play with perspective so you can almost step into the picture.
Phung Hung and Train Street
Because the murals sit right under the railway, Phung Hung is a natural partner to Train Street. The famous café section of Train Street begins just south of here, and you can easily walk between the two. Train Street is a wonderful experience, with trains passing an arm’s length from your café table — enjoy it from the cafés, follow the café owners’ instructions and stay off the tracks when a train is due.
Phung Hung mural street is a stop on our Hanoi Instagram tour with a photographer, together with Phan Dinh Phung Street and Train Street, so you leave with great photos of all three.
Is Phung Hung mural street worth visiting?
Yes, for a quick, free and very photogenic stop. The painted arches of the old railway viaduct turn a 20 to 45 minute walk into an open-air gallery of old Hanoi, and it is far quieter than the streets nearby. Because it sits under the same railway line, it pairs perfectly with Hanoi Train Street, whose famous cafe section begins just to the south.
Worth it?
Why visit Phung Hung Mural Street?
- Murals of old HanoiPainted scenes of trams, street vendors, calligraphers and tube houses from the city’s past.
- Historic railway viaductFrench-era brick arches that still carry trains to Long Bien Bridge.
- Free open-air galleryNo tickets, no opening hours — just walk along the street.
- Great for photosArches that frame each painting like a stage, perfect for creative portraits.
- Next to Train StreetCombine it with a coffee beside the tracks a few minutes away.
Make the most of it
Things to do on Phung Hung Mural Street
Walk the length of the murals
The painted arches stretch along Phung Hung street on the side of the viaduct. Allow 20–30 minutes to see them all at an easy pace.
Pose with the murals
Stand inside an arch and become part of the scene. Be patient at the most popular ones and let others have their turn.
Spot the stories of old Hanoi
Look for the tram, the shoulder-pole vendors, the scholars and the stationery shop — each shows a piece of 20th-century city life.
Watch a train pass overhead
Trains run along the top of the viaduct a few times a day; the rumble overhead is part of the experience.
Walk to Train Street
A few minutes south, cafés line the railway where the trains squeeze between houses. Sit in a café, order a drink and let the owner tell you when the train is coming.
Explore the nearby Old Quarter
Hang Ga, Hang Dieu and Bat Dan are a few steps away, with family food shops and the famous pho on Bat Dan.
Shoot it with a professional photographer
Our Hanoi Instagram tour by jeep, limo or motorbike stops at the Phung Hung murals, Phan Dinh Phung Street and Train Street with a photographer.
Timing
Best time to visit Phung Hung Mural Street
Soft light, few people and the street still waking up — the best time for photos.
Harsh light and heat; fine for a quick look but not ideal for photos.
Warm light on the arches and a lively street scene.
The neighbourhood is decorated and busy with shoppers in the Old Quarter streets nearby.
Plan your visit
Walking route: murals, trains and the Old Quarter
Phung Hung murals
Start early at the northern end of the painted arches and walk south along the viaduct.
Bat Dan street
Turn into the Old Quarter for a bowl of pho at 49 Bat Dan, a few steps away.
Hanoi Train Street
Continue south to the café section beside the railway; ask your café when the next train is due and enjoy it from your seat.
Hang Ga and Hang Dieu
Wander back east through family shops and food stalls towards the heart of the Old Quarter.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Finish with a walk around the lake, about 15 minutes away.
Map & directions
How to get to Phung Hung Mural Street
- From Hoan Kiem LakeAbout 1.2 km: 15–20 minutes on foot through the Old Quarter, or 5 minutes by Grab.
- From Dong Xuan MarketAbout 10 minutes’ walk south-west.
- From Hanoi Train StreetA few minutes’ walk north along the railway.
- With a photographerOur Instagram tour includes the murals, with free pickup from Old Quarter hotels.
Eat like a local
Where to eat near Phung Hung Mural Street
- Pho Gia Truyen, 49 Bat DanClassic Hanoi beef pho a few minutes away. Mornings only; expect a queue.
- Cafés on Train StreetEgg coffee, coconut coffee or a cold beer beside the railway.
- Bun Bo Nam Bo, 67 Hang DieuDry beef noodles with herbs and peanuts, close by.
- Banh Mi 25, 25 Hang CaA popular banh mi stop on the walk back into the Old Quarter.
For your camera
Best photo spots at Phung Hung Mural Street
- Under a single archStand inside the arch so the painting becomes your background.
- Down the line of archesA long-lens view along the viaduct shows the rhythm of the murals.
- With a train overheadWait for a train on top of the viaduct for a shot with real movement.
- Street life in frontCyclists and street vendors passing the murals add a modern touch to old Hanoi.
Local advice
Tips for visiting Phung Hung Mural Street
Do
- Come early for empty arches and soft light
- Be patient and share the popular murals with other visitors
- Watch for motorbikes — it is a working street with traffic
- Combine your visit with Train Street and the Old Quarter
- Buy a drink if you sit in a café for photos
Don’t
- Block the road or pavement for long photo shoots
- Touch, lean on or write on the murals
- Climb onto the viaduct or the railway
- Photograph residents in their doorways without asking
- Stand on the tracks at Train Street when a train is due
Visit with a local
Tours that visit Phung Hung Mural Street
Hanoi · Instagram & Photo
Hanoi Instagram Tour: City Highlights by Jeep, Limo or Motorbike
397+ booked
From $72
$60
per adult
Good to know
Phung Hung Mural Street: questions & answers
Where is Phung Hung mural street?
On Phung Hung street on the western edge of the Old Quarter, under the railway viaduct between Hanoi Railway Station and Long Bien Bridge. It is about 15–20 minutes’ walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
Is Phung Hung mural street free?
Yes. It is a public street with no ticket or opening hours.
When were the Phung Hung murals painted?
The first series, called “Memories of Hanoi”, was painted by Vietnamese and South Korean artists and unveiled in early 2018.
What do the Phung Hung murals show?
Scenes of old Hanoi: trams, shoulder-pole vendors, scholars writing calligraphy, old shops and tube houses.
How far is Phung Hung mural street from Train Street?
Very close — a few minutes’ walk along the same railway line. Many visitors see both in one outing.
When is the best time to visit Phung Hung mural street?
Early morning or late afternoon, for soft light and fewer people.
Can I visit Phung Hung mural street on a tour?
Yes. Our Hanoi Instagram tour with a photographer stops at the Phung Hung murals, Phan Dinh Phung Street and Train Street.
Is Phung Hung mural street worth visiting?
Yes – it is a free, quiet and photogenic open-air gallery where the arches of an old railway viaduct are painted with scenes of old Hanoi. It takes only 20 to 45 minutes and is loveliest in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
Can I combine Phung Hung mural street with Train Street?
Yes, easily – they sit on the same railway line and the famous Train Street cafe section begins just south of the murals, a short walk away. Enjoy Train Street from the cafes, follow the owners' instructions and stay off the tracks when a train is due.
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