What is Tam Thanh Mural Village like?
Location & Geography
Tam Thanh Mural Village sits in Hoa Trung Hamlet, Tam Thanh Commune, about 45 kilometers south of Hoi An and just outside Tam Ky City in Quang Nam Province. The village lies between the sea and the Truong Giang River, surrounded by quiet countryside and sandy roads. Its coastal location gives it a breezy, open feel, far removed from the tourist crowds of central Vietnam’s better-known destinations.
From fishing village to art project
For generations, Tam Thanh was a modest fishing community where most families depended on the ocean for their livelihood. Life was simple and quiet, with little tourism or infrastructure.
In 2016, everything changed when Vietnamese and South Korean artists launched the “Art for a Better Community” project, painting the walls of around a hundred local houses and turning the area into Vietnam’s first mural village. The colorful artwork portrayed scenes of daily life, the sea, and village traditions, quickly transforming Tam Thanh into a small symbol of community art.
Tam Thanh today
Nearly a decade later, some murals have faded under the coastal weather, and the village’s art project feels less maintained than before. Yet Tam Thanh remains an atmospheric place to explore — quiet, local, and authentic.
A few vibrant murals still stand out, fishermen continue their routines, and visitors can wander freely through narrow lanes or along the beach. Tourism is minimal, facilities are basic, but the calm rhythm of daily life gives the village its real charm.
Highlights of visiting Tam Thanh Mural Village
Tam Thanh isn’t packed with attractions, but that’s exactly its appeal. You come here to wander through quiet streets, admire the murals, and get a glimpse of daily life by the sea. It’s small enough to explore in about an hour, with just a few cafes and a long, quiet beach nearby. Think of it less as a checklist of sights and more as a slow, easy stop to enjoy the art and atmosphere.
1. Murals & Art Installations
The heart of Tam Thanh Mural Village is its main street, lined with colorful houses covered in hand-painted murals. Many of the walls show local life — fishermen repairing nets, children playing, women selling seafood — mixed with ocean scenes and traditional motifs.
Some of the best pieces are easy to find, while others hide in narrow alleys or behind corners, so it’s worth wandering freely rather than following one path.
Along the coast, you’ll also spot painted round basket boats that double as floating artworks, and a few faded 3D-style murals that once stood out as highlights.
Each area feels a little different: walls near the sea carry brighter tones and open views, while those near the river feel quieter and more lived-in.
2. Village life & Fishing scenes
Beyond the artwork, much of Tam Thanh’s charm comes from everyday life. Fishermen still launch their boats at dawn and return by mid-morning with their catch.
You can see nets drying on the beach, women sorting fish in the shade, and children cycling through the lanes. The houses are simple, with fences and gardens full of chickens and fishing gear. Life here moves at its own slow rhythm, and even a short walk through the backstreets gives you a glimpse of real coastal Vietnam — unhurried and genuine.
3. Beach & Coastal stretch
Tam Thanh Beach runs just beyond the murals, with a long stretch of sand and barely any development. It’s quiet and scenic but not entirely pristine; some areas are clean and inviting, while others collect litter after storms. The sea can be rough for swimming, but it’s perfect for a walk or a rest in the breeze. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy it, with soft light and fishing boats scattered along the horizon.
4. Nearby viewpoints & Hidden nooks
A few small spots around the village offer peaceful views of the coast and river. You can walk to the fishing pier or the edge of the riverbank, where locals sometimes cast nets or fix boats. Low walls and open paths at the ends of side streets make great photo stops, and even a simple turn down an unmarked lane can lead to quiet scenes of daily life framed by the sea.
How to get there
Where is Tam Thanh Village?
Tam Thanh Mural Village is located about 45 kilometers south of Hoi An, near Tam Ky in Quang Nam Province. On Google Maps, you’ll find it listed as Lang bich hoa Tam Thanh. The village sits along the coast, surrounded by sandy roads and quiet fishing communities.
Because it’s not a major tourist attraction, there are no regular tours or group trips from Hoi An. Some private tours include it on request, often combined with nearby sites like the Heroic Mother Monument or Ky Anh Tunnels. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrange your own transport — by motorbike or with a private driver — as there’s no direct public bus or organized service to the village.
Renting a car with driver
The easiest and most comfortable way to visit Tam Thanh from Hoi An or Da Nang is to rent a car with a private driver. This gives you flexibility to stop for photos along the coastal route or visit nearby places on the same trip. It also avoids the hassle of arranging a return taxi from a quiet area with little traffic.
The cost depends on distance and waiting time, but generally ranges from about 1,000,000 to 1,300,000 VND for a half-day trip including the driver waiting. Taxis are less practical because few operate in the area, and drivers from Hoi An usually prefer fixed return bookings. With a private driver, you can agree on the route and duration in advance, making it a relaxed way to explore.
Driving a motorbike
For those who enjoy some independence, visiting by motorbike is a fun option. The ride takes about an hour from Hoi An, mostly along quiet coastal roads with little traffic and open views of the sea. You can rent a motorbike in town for around 150,000 to 200,000 VND per day. Make sure your fuel tank is full before leaving, and follow the route via the Cua Dai Bridge and Vo Chi Cong coastal road — it’s scenic and far safer than the busy Highway 1A.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat; there’s little shade on the way, and the heat can be intense around midday. The trip suits confident riders looking for a relaxed day ut, combining the coastal ride with an hour or two in the village and perhaps a stop at a nearby beach on the way back.
Practical tips for visiting
Timing & Best hours
The best times to visit Tam Thanh Mural Village are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is soft and the temperature is pleasant. Around midday, the streets are empty and the heat can be intense, with little shade along the lanes. If you’re visiting during the rainy season (roughly October to January), it’s best to check the weather before setting out, as the coastal road and village paths can flood after heavy rain.
Time allocation
You don’t need long to explore — about an hour is enough to see the murals and wander through the lanes at a relaxed pace. If you add time for the beach or a stop at a local café, plan for two hours in total. Many visitors combine Tam Thanh with a few nearby places, such as the Heroic Mother Monument or a quiet beach along the same route, making it a good half-day trip from Hoi An.
What to bring
Bring the basics you’d take on any short countryside trip: sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent, especially if you plan to stay near the beach around dusk. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll walk through sandy and uneven paths. Pack water and a few snacks — shops are limited and may not always be open. A power bank is useful for photos, and bring some cash, since card payments are not accepted anywhere in the village.
Facilities & Amenities
There’s no entrance fee to visit Tam Thanh Mural Village, and there are no official opening hours — you can come and go freely. Parking for motorbikes usually costs around 5,000 VND. Facilities are basic: a few small cafés and drink stalls open irregularly, and public restrooms are rare. If you need a proper meal or more comfortable facilities, it’s better to stop in Tam Ky City or Hoi An before or after your visit.
Etiquette & Respectful behavior
Tam Thanh is still a real fishing village, not a tourist park, so it’s important to be considerate. Don’t climb or lean on the murals, and avoid touching the painted surfaces. When taking photos, ask before photographing people, especially near their homes or inside courtyards. Keep your voice low, as many locals work or rest during the day. Finally, carry your rubbish with you — the village struggles with waste management, and leaving trash behind undermines the very beauty people come here to enjoy.
What is nearby to combine a visit
Tam Thanh is a bit remote and doesn’t take long to explore, so it’s best combined with other stops along the coast. Most visitors treat it as part of a slow half-day or full-day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang, adding a beach visit or a short cultural stop nearby. The surrounding area is quiet and local, so don’t expect big resorts or developed attractions — but that’s what makes this route peaceful and worth exploring.
Beaches
Right beside the village is Tam Thanh Beach, a long and quiet stretch of sand where you can walk, rest, or watch fishermen pulling in their nets. The beach continues north and south under different names such as Binh Nam Beach, Tinh Thuy Beach, and Binh Minh Beach. All are largely undeveloped and mostly used by locals.
You’ll often have the sand to yourself, which is part of the charm, though litter can be an issue, especially during windy months from October to February. A few remote restaurants and small hotels are scattered along the coast, but they’re spread out and open irregularly.
Vietnamese Heroic Mother Statue (around 10 minutes)
About 10 minutes from Tam Thanh stands the Vietnamese Heroic Mother Statue — a huge granite monument dedicated to mothers who lost their children in war. It’s impressive in size and significance, but not a major highlight unless you’re already nearby. The site has a peaceful atmosphere, nice views over the countryside, and no entrance fee, so it’s an easy short stop to pair with the village.
Ky Anh Tunnels (around 20 minutes)
Roughly 20 minutes away, the Ky Anh Tunnels offer an interesting look at Vietnam’s wartime history. This underground system was used by local resistance forces and remains well-preserved, though few tourists visit. If you plan to go, it’s best to call ahead, as there may not always be a guide available on site. It’s an off-the-beaten-path visit that pairs well with the quieter, local feel of Tam Thanh.
Chien Dan Cham Towers (around 25 minutes)
A short drive north of Tam Ky, the Chien Dan Cham Towers date back to the Champa Kingdom. They’re not as grand as My Son Sanctuary but still worth a quick visit if you enjoy historical sites. The towers stand in an open field, and you can explore freely without crowds — a good cultural stop to balance the more contemporary art of Tam Thanh.
Tam Hai Island (around 30 minutes)
If you’re in the mood for more exploring, continue about 30 minutes south to Tam Hai Island. You reach it by a short local ferry crossing that adds to the experience. The island has quiet fishing villages, coconut groves, and beaches that could be stunning if not for occasional litter, especially after storms. It’s not the place to spend a lazy beach afternoon, but it makes for a scenic coastal drive and a glimpse of rural island life.
Is Tam Thanh worth a visit?
Tam Thanh Mural Village isn’t a major highlight of central Vietnam, but it has its quiet appeal. The murals may be fading, and the village itself is small, yet the calm atmosphere and the coastal ride to get there make it a pleasant escape from Hoi An’s crowds. It’s the kind of place you visit for an hour or two, not to check off a big sight but to enjoy a slower rhythm and see a real fishing community that once embraced art as a way to brighten daily life.
If you’ve already explored the main attractions around Hoi An and are looking for something offbeat, it’s a worthwhile side trip — especially if you like photography, rural drives, or unpolished places with character. But if your time in the area is short, you won’t miss too much by skipping it. Tam Thanh is best suited to travelers who value the journey and atmosphere more than the number of things to see.
