Walking is one of my favorite activities.  Throw in some street art?  Double-y in. When I found out about the consecutive murals along the walls of the Long Bien Bridge I was very excited to check it out.  It’s a recent addition to the neighborhood, completed in early 2018, and is the work of both Korean and Vietnamese artists with an aim to “create a new community and cultural space for local residents and visitors alike.”  A proper way to recognize their 25 years and counting of diplomatic relations.  As always I’ll try to keep my commentary minimal so you can enjoy the sights…

Kids celebrating at festival time with dragon.  Contemporary indeed with designer print. 

Some of the murals remind are reminiscent of bygone activities, as the street was once primarily used for selling motorbikes.  

Some are as simple as a young girl making her way to school. 

A kiss connects two people of differing backgrounds just like a bridge connects two distinct parts of the city. 

“House no. 63” with different layers of time that’s passed as old-style homes give way to contemporary building techniques. 

Vietnam’s Tet

“Every year, when peach blossoms bloomed

There, we saw an old calligrapher

Spread his ink and scrolls of red paper

On the busy sidewalks amidst the crowds”

(Vu Dinh Lien – “Ong Do”)

The Bao An Pagoda, demolished in 1898, urged visitors to remember and give thanks to their parents. 

Hanoi, land of the flowers

If you want to check out art ò Phung Hong street for yourself head to Long Ben train station, and walk along Phung Hung street through the Hanoi old quarter.  Grab yourself a Banh Mi and coffee, and take it nice and slow.