"Get Lost" in Tam Thanh Mural Village – Vivid Art Walls by the Sea

Tam Thanh Mural Village is located in Hoa Trung Hamlet, Tam Thanh Commune, Tam Ky City, former Quang Nam Province (now Da Nang City). The village is about 7km from the center of Tam Ky, bordered by the vast East Sea on one side and the peaceful Truong Giang River on the other.

Directions for travel:

• From Da Nang or the Quang Nam area, follow National Highway 1A, then turn onto the coastal road (the area after Cua Dai Bridge) and continue following the signs to Tam Thanh Beach.
• If coming from the center of Tam Ky, simply drive along Duy Tan Street for about 10–12km to reach the village.

The most convenient mode of transportation is a motorbike to easily navigate the small alleys in the village. If traveling in a group or with family, you can opt for a taxi or private car.

Currently, admission to Tam Thanh Mural Village is completely free. Visitors only need to pay a small parking fee of around 3,000 VND per vehicle, which helps support local residents in managing and maintaining the shared space.

Tam Thanh Mural Village is not just an ordinary fishing village, but also "Vietnam's first mural village," established in 2016 through a Vietnam-Korea art exchange project. More than 100 wall paintings were created by artists and volunteers from both countries, transforming old walls into vivid works of art depicting the daily life of Central Vietnam's coastal fishermen. In 2017, the village set a Vietnamese record for the "First and largest basket boat art collection" (111 painted basket boats). After fading over time due to weather, the village was restored in 2023 with 25 new murals, 50 basket boat artworks, and 4 sculptures, focusing on the themes of environmental protection and love for nature.

What creates its appeal is the harmonious blend of community art and local culture: the paintings are not only visually pleasing but also carry humanistic messages, helping residents improve their livelihoods through tourism. The village resembles a vibrant "inland Ha Long," attracting youth for photo ops and art enthusiasts. Additionally, you can combine your trip with a visit to nearby Tam Thanh Beach to relax, enjoy fresh seafood, or explore the Heroic Mother Thu Statue – a historical landmark just 7km from the village.

The murals in Tam Thanh village are mainly inspired by fishermen's lives, the sea, and childhood, painted on house walls, fences, pathways, and even basket boats. Below are some of the most impressive works:

• Underwater world mural with a mermaid: A vibrant artwork depicting the ocean with dolphins, sharks, starfish, and a mermaid, carrying a message of marine environmental protection.
• Girl and school of fish mural: The image of a young woman blending with goldfish, symbolizing the bond between humans and the sea.
• Mother and child / Maternal love mural: Depicts a mother holding her child in a rural village setting, evoking warmth and hope.
• Basket boat road: Hundreds of old coracles painted with scenes of fishing activities and fish markets, creating a unique artistic pathway.
• Angel mural with mushrooms and magical forest: A whimsical artwork featuring angel wings and giant mushrooms, perfect for magical photo shots.
• Children playing mural: Images of kids flying kites and playing soccer, recalling a peaceful childhood.

They not only create impressive photo backdrops but also help reflect the culture, life, and spirit of the Tam Thanh fishing community.

“Getting lost” in Tam Thanh Mural Village doesn't mean taking the wrong path, but rather becoming absorbed in exploring the paintings on house walls. You can rent a motorbike for around 100,000 VND/day to ride slowly through narrow alleys, where every wall tells a different story. The locals here are very friendly; if you get a chance to chat, you will understand more about the meaning behind the paintings tied to the fishing village life.

After walking around the village, you can combine your trip with a stroll along Tam Thanh Beach, watch the sunrise or sunset, and enjoy grilled fish and fresh squid right on the beach at budget-friendly prices, around 50,000–100,000 VND per portion.

Don't miss the basket boat road, an easy stop for photos and rest, or check out the newly added sculptures of fishermen. If you have time to stay overnight, beachfront homestays like Jeju Beach Front Villa or Blue Ocean Homestay are suitable choices to fully experience Tam Thanh's peaceful pace of life. This is a gentle pause for anyone looking to relax and recharge between the sea and art.

To get great, shareable photos when visiting Tam Thanh Mural Village, you should prepare and keep in mind the following tips:

• Thorough personal preparation: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes as you will be walking quite a bit in the village.
• Choose the right time for photos: It is recommended to arrive before 8 AM or after 5 PM to avoid harsh sunlight and take advantage of natural light that makes wall colors look clearer and brighter.
• Pose creatively: You can stand in front of angel murals to create a “wings growing” effect, or sit next to a basket boat to feel closer to fishermen's life.
• Try diverse camera angles: Besides close-up shots, try finding an elevated spot near the sea to capture panoramic views of the village, adding depth to your photos.
• Be respectful while taking photos: Do not graffiti, touch, or damage the murals, and respect the daily lives of local residents.

With thorough preparation and taking your time to observe, you can capture beautiful moments that fully reflect Tam Thanh's artistic space and coastal life.

Tam Thanh Mural Village does not require following a fixed itinerary. Simply walk slowly through the alleys, admire the paintings tucked away between local houses, and listen to the sound of ocean waves behind the village. There aren't many services or entertainment activities here, but it's enough for a few hours of walking, taking photos, and observing coastal life. For those looking for a gentle, easy day trip that is not overly crowded, Tam Thanh is a suitable choice.