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Concealed off Vietnam's inner coast, Tam Thanh Mural Village is an intimate fishing town turned into colorful works of art. Located in Quang Nam Province, this seaside village has turned into a kaleidoscopic location where local traditions and global innovation meet. With Vietnam being home to numerous beaches and old cities, Tam Thanh is different: an unexpected engagement with art at the most unexpected place.
Art is everywhere at Tam Thanh Mural Village (Source: vietnamtourism)
Tam Thanh's transformation began in 2016 as part of a South Korea-Vietnam joint art project. Following South Korea's success with mural villages like Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village, the project aimed to turn Tam Thanh from a quiet, overlooked coastal village into a visual and cultural attraction. Vietnamese artists, along with Korean volunteers and the villagers, painted vibrant murals on the village's old walls. These are not random pieces of street art, they tell stories.
The majority of the murals depict everyday life in Tam Thanh: children playing, fishermen at work, local myths, and domestic scenes of family life. The project not only made the village more beautiful, it created a new source of pride and identity for residents. Tourism began to emerge, with new jobs and better infrastructure. Tam Thanh quickly became Vietnam's first mural village and remains a unique destination where art, culture, and community meet.
History of the village (Source: Saigoneer)
Tam Thanh is a year round destination, but most suitable to visit during the dry season, February to August. It has sunny skies, low humidity, and warm pleasantness perfect for a stroll or a bike ride through the village. If you do not want to encounter large crowds, March to May is the ticket, when the weather is still superb but with fewer tourists than summer peak season.
Avoid the rainy season (typically September to December), when roads become flooded and travel is unpleasant. Though the village is still accessible, walking in the rain takes away from the enjoyment of admiring the murals.
Best time to visit (Source: LocalVietnam)
The murals are the main draw and there are over 100 of them. Wander through the village and you’ll come across colorful depictions of Vietnamese life: fishermen casting nets, schoolchildren on bicycles, elderly couples enjoying tea. Some murals even incorporate physical elements like windows or staircases, creating an interactive 3D effect. The best part? It’s all free. No entrance fee, no ticket line, just a self-guided open air gallery.
To fully appreciate the artwork, take your time. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photos, and the village is quieter then. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love spotting all the animal themed paintings or posing with the characters in the art.
Exploring the murals (Source: Pelago)
Within walking distance from the mural-lined alleys, Tam Thanh Beach offers an opportunity to relax. It's not as crowded as the beaches in Da Nang or Nha Trang, so it's an ideal spot for a stroll or a swim in shallow, transparent water. Locals visit in the late afternoon, and you might be able to catch a game of beach soccer or fishermen returning with their nets.
The beach is also spotted with the traditional coracle boats, those round, woven basket boats that the local fishermen utilize. Some of the murals even depict the boats being used. It's a nice place to watch the sunset and take in the slower pace of life.
Tam Thanh Beach (Source: VinWonders)
If you are adventurous, take a short trip to the nearby Truong Giang River. Boat rides are normally offered by local fishermen, giving you a taste of the mangrove-lined canals and rural life that has remained largely unchanged over the years. It's also a chance to see the countryside from a different perspective, idyllic, tranquil, and full of natural beauty.
This is also an opportunity to mingle with the people. The residents are more than happy to recount stories or explain their fishing techniques. You will not find shiny tourist services here, but you will find authenticity.
Truong Giang river - Quang Nam (Source: BaoQuangNam)
Read more: Center Vietnam Tour 5 days: Best of Central Region
Tam Ky train station (Source: BaoQuangNam)
Tam Thanh Mural Village is proof that sometimes the little things can make a big difference. It's not just the art, it's the ambiance. The quiet roads, the friendly locals, the sea breeze, and the touching details in every mural come together for an experience that's as memorable as it is Instagram worthy. Want to experience Tam Thanh without the stress of planning? Let Asia King Travel handle the details.
Read more: Center Vietnam Tour 4 days 3 Nights: Center Discovery
