Hanoi Ceramic Mural: Visitor Guide to the World’s Longest Mosaic | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Admission: Entirely free public artwork accessible anytime.

Opening Times: Available 24 hours

The Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, also known as Hanoi Ceramic Road (Con đường Gốm sứ), is a remarkable open air gallery etched onto the concrete walls of the Red River dike system. Launched in 2007 and completed in time for the city’s Millennial Anniversary in 2010, this mosaic along the Red River dike system is 2.5 miles (4.1 km) long, earning it a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest ceramic mosaic.
It starts in the north on Vành Đai 1 (Ring Road 1) at the intersection with Đ. Thanh Niên (Thanh Niên Street) (map), and follows Đ. Vành Đai 1 (Ring Road 1) all the way south to one of the intersections with Đ. Hồng Hà (Hong Ha Street) (map).

You have probably seen some of the murals yesterday on your way to Long Bien Bridge. Tomorrow, when you go to the Halong Bay area, your driver will likely pass some parts of the mural, too.

Here are some photos that we took:

A Colorful Chronicle of Vietnamese History & Culture

Designed by Hanoi journalist and artist Nguyễn Thu Thủy, alongside a consortium of local and international artists, this mural transforms a utilitarian dike into a vibrant storytelling canvas. Created in collaboration with embassies like Goethe-Institut and the British Council, it involved 35+ professional artists, 100 traditional artisans, and 500 children, making it a true showcase of community participation.
Crafted with tesserae from the famed Bát Tràng ceramic village, each 3×3 cm tile forms part of a visual symphony depicting Vietnam’s past through:

• Ancient dynasties: from Đông Sơn drum motifs to stylized dragons of the Lý, Trần, Lê, and Nguyễn dynasties.

• Traditional folk art: Dong Hồ and Hàng Trống painting styles capture agrarian life, festivals, lotus ponds, and buffalo herds.

• Modern scenes: Cyclo drivers, cityscapes, Tet celebrations—a bridge between history and the contemporary era.

• Children’s artwork: Playful motifs such as kites, fish, and urban dreams—authentic visions from young Hanoians.

• International cultural pieces: Sponsored sections from countries like Sri Lanka and Taiwan highlight global friendship and cultural exchange.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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