Looking to explore the colorful Nhon Ly murals? Located around 20–25 km from central Quy Nhon, Nhon Ly Fishing Village is known for its painted walls, narrow stone lanes and traditional coastal life.
The murals depict fishing boats, marine animals, local traditions and everyday scenes from the village. As you walk through the hillside alleys, you’ll discover colorful artwork alongside real fishing-village homes, small shops and glimpses of the sea.
Whether you’re visiting independently or combining the village with nearby Eo Gio, here’s how to explore Nhon Ly’s mural lanes and discover the stories behind them.
Where Are the Nhon Ly Murals?
The Nhon Ly murals are located throughout the traditional fishing village of Nhon Ly on the Phuong Mai Peninsula, northeast of central Quy Nhon. Unlike a conventional art gallery, the paintings appear on walls along residential streets and narrow lanes descending toward the sea. The original mural project focused on three village routes, including Dốc Quán in Ly Luong, Xom Chua in Ly Hung and a connecting lane between the two village areas.
Quick travel information:
- Location: Nhon Ly Fishing Village, Phuong Mai Peninsula
- Distance: Approximately 20–25 km from central Quy Nhon
- Travel time: Around 30–40 minutes by road
- Walking time: Approximately 60–90 minutes
- Transport: Motorbike, taxi, private car or guided coastal tour
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon
- Nearby attractions: Eo Gio and Ky Co Beach
The murals are spread through everyday village lanes rather than a single ticketed attraction. Visitors can explore the streets independently while respecting residents’ privacy.
Why Are There Murals in Nhon Ly Fishing Village?
The Nhon Ly mural project began in 2023 as part of efforts to improve the village environment and encourage community-based tourism. The idea originated with Giac Ty, the abbot of Ngoc Hoa Buddhist temple, who proposed decorating walls along Doc Quan in Ly Luong Village.
Local authorities, residents, businesses and artists subsequently worked together to develop colorful murals across several village streets. Rather than painting unrelated decorative images, the artists focused on subjects connected to Nhon Ly’s identity.
Common themes include fishing traditions, boats, marine life, coastal landscapes and local folk culture. Some murals also depict bai choi, a traditional Central Vietnamese performing art combining music, poetry and a folk game. The result is an outdoor collection of artworks that reflects the community’s relationship with the sea.
A Self-Guided Nhon Ly Mural Walking Tour
One of the best ways to experience the Nhon Ly murals is simply to walk through the village at a relaxed pace. The original three mural routes together extend for nearly one kilometer, although exploring the surrounding streets and waterfront may take longer.
Suggested walking route: Upper Nhon Ly Village → Doc Quan → Mural Alleys → Xom Chua → Waterfront
Allow around 60–90 minutes for the main walk, with extra time if you want to enjoy local food or explore the fishing village.
Stop 1: Begin in the Upper Village
Start your walk in the higher part of Nhon Ly, where narrow lanes wind between closely built houses. The village’s hillside setting creates interesting views as the streets gradually descend toward the coast. Along the way, look for colorful walls, stone steps, small homes and glimpses of the ocean appearing between buildings. Walking downhill can be more comfortable than beginning at the waterfront and climbing back through the steep lanes.
Photography tip: Include the painted walls, stone pathways and surrounding houses in your photographs. These details help capture the atmosphere of the village rather than just the artwork.
Stop 2: Explore Doc Quan – Where the Mural Project Began
Doc Quan is one of the most meaningful stops on a Nhon Ly walking tour. This lane was associated with the original idea for the mural project, which later expanded into other parts of the village. As you walk through the street, look for paintings inspired by the daily lives of coastal residents. Fishing boats, nets, marine animals and scenes of local work reflect the livelihoods that have shaped Nhon Ly for generations. The artwork feels particularly connected to its surroundings because the real fishing community is only a short walk away.
Stop 3: Discover the Stories Behind the Paintings
The Nhon Ly murals are more than colorful backgrounds for photographs. Many paintings highlight the relationship between the village, the sea and local cultural traditions.
Look closely and you may recognize different themes:
- Fishing boats: Representing the community’s traditional livelihood
- Fishing nets: Reflecting daily work along the coast
- Marine animals: Highlighting the surrounding marine environment
- Local traditions: Showing cultural activities and folk art
- Coastal landscapes: Connecting the village with its natural surroundings
Some murals also feature environmental messages, encouraging greater awareness of the coastal ecosystem. Taking time to understand these subjects makes the walk more meaningful than simply collecting photo spots.
Stop 4: Walk Through Xom Chua
Xom Chua is another area associated with the original Nhon Ly mural project. Here, colorful paintings appear alongside traditional houses, stone-paved lanes and quiet residential corners. The combination of artwork and everyday village life creates a distinctive atmosphere. You may notice plants growing beside doorways, small shops or residents going about their normal routines. Remember that these are family homes rather than purpose-built tourist attractions. Keep pathways clear and avoid entering private spaces.
Stop 5: Follow the Lanes Toward the Sea
Continue downhill toward Nhon Ly’s waterfront, where the painted images of boats and fishing life begin to connect with the real coastal scenery. Along the shoreline, look for traditional fishing boats and Vietnam’s distinctive round basket boats, locally known as thung chai. Depending on the time of day, you may also see residents preparing fishing equipment or carrying out everyday activities near the water. This is a fitting place to finish the mural walk, with the sea providing the setting behind many of the stories painted on the village walls.
Best Time to Explore the Nhon Ly Murals
The murals can be enjoyed at different times of day, but morning and late afternoon are generally the most comfortable for walking.
Early Morning – Best for Village Life
Early morning is a good time to experience Nhon Ly beyond its colorful walls. The weather is usually cooler, and the waterfront may be active with fishing-related routines. It is also a pleasant time for photography before the stronger midday sun reaches the narrow village streets.
Late Afternoon – Best for a Relaxed Walk
Late afternoon offers more comfortable temperatures and softer light across the village. This can be a convenient time to explore the murals before enjoying the surrounding coastal atmosphere. If you plan to photograph fishing activities, remember that the timing of local work depends on fishing schedules and cannot be guaranteed.
How to Get from Quy Nhon to the Nhon Ly Murals
Nhon Ly Fishing Village is approximately 20–25 km from central Quy Nhon, with a typical driving time of around 30–40 minutes. The usual route crosses Thi Nai Bridge toward the Phuong Mai Peninsula before continuing to Nhon Ly.
Quy Nhon to Nhon Ly Fishing Village: How to Get There & What to See
Route: Quy Nhon City Center → Thi Nai Bridge → Phuong Mai Peninsula → Nhon Ly Fishing Village
By Motorbike – Best for Independent Travelers
A motorbike offers flexibility if you want to explore the village and stop along the way. This option is best for experienced riders with the required driving licence.
By Taxi or Grab – Best for Convenience
A taxi or ride-hailing car is comfortable for couples and first-time visitors. Consider arranging your return transportation in advance, as available vehicles may be more limited than in central Quy Nhon.
By Private Car or Guided Tour – Best for Combining Attractions
If you’re planning to explore Nhon Ly alongside Eo Gio or Ky Co Beach, a private vehicle or organized tour can make transportation easier. When visiting the murals independently, set Nhon Ly Fishing Village as your destination and ask locally for the mural lanes around Doc Quan and Xom Chua.
What Else to Do Near the Nhon Ly Murals
After exploring the village, you can continue to nearby coastal attractions or enjoy local food.
Visit Eo Gio
Eo Gio is known for its rocky cliffs, coastal pathways and sweeping ocean views. It is located near Nhon Ly and can easily be combined with a mural walk during a half-day excursion.
Explore Ky Co Beach
Ky Co Beach offers sandy shores, turquoise water and opportunities for swimming and relaxation. Travelers visiting by speedboat may also enjoy snorkeling at a nearby coral area when sea conditions allow.
Enjoy Local Seafood
Nhon Ly has seafood restaurants where visitors can enjoy dishes prepared with local ingredients. Ask about the day’s available seafood and confirm prices before ordering, especially for dishes sold by weight.
- Quy Nhon to Eo Gio: How to Get There & What to See
- Ky Co Travel Tips: From A Local’s Guide
- Quy Nhon at Night: Food, Bars and Local Things to Do
Discover More of Nhon Ly with THICHTOURS
If you’d like to experience more of Nhon Ly’s fishing traditions beyond the mural lanes, THICHTOURS offers Night of the Fishermen – Authentic Squid Fishing Tour in Quy Nhon.
This evening experience introduces travelers to traditional squid fishing and the coastal lifestyle surrounding Nhon Ly.
Your fishing experience includes:
- 17:00 – Hotel pickup: Travel from Quy Nhon toward Nhon Ly Fishing Village.
- 17:45 – Coastal sunset: Enjoy the seaside atmosphere before heading out on the water.
- 18:00 – Traditional squid fishing: Travel by local fishing boat to a floating platform, where fishermen demonstrate traditional fishing techniques.
- Try catching squid: Learn how the equipment works and take part in the fishing activity.
- 19:30 – Seafood supper: Enjoy a meal on the floating platform with freshly prepared seafood.
- 21:00 – Return to shore: Finish the fishing experience and travel back toward the mainland.
- 21:30 – Hotel drop-off: Return to your accommodation in Quy Nhon.
This is a separate evening activity rather than a dedicated mural walking tour. Travelers interested in both experiences can explore the mural lanes independently during the day and consider the fishing tour afterward.
Prefer a daytime coastal adventure? THICHTOURS also offers the Ky Co & Eo Gio – The Blue Coast Adventure tour, combining Eo Gio sightseeing, Ky Co Beach, snorkeling and local food.
The published Ky Co & Eo Gio itinerary does not specifically list a guided mural walk, so visitors should not assume it is included. Tour timing and marine activities may change due to weather and sea conditions. Confirm current arrangements before booking.
Interested in discovering Nhon Ly’s fishing culture? Contact THICHTOURS to check availability for its squid fishing or coastal experiences.
Practical Tips Before Walking Through Nhon Ly
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid strong midday heat.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for narrow, sloping stone lanes.
- Bring sunscreen, drinking water and a hat.
- Allow at least 60–90 minutes for the mural walk.
- Keep motorbike access and residents’ pathways clear.
- Ask permission before photographing local people or private homes.
- Avoid touching or damaging painted walls.
- Carry Vietnamese cash for small local purchases.
- Respect the neighborhood’s quiet atmosphere, especially early in the morning.
- Allow extra time if you plan to visit Eo Gio or enjoy seafood afterward.
Local tip: The murals are scattered across different village streets rather than concentrated at one entrance. Start around Doc Quan and Xom Chua, then follow the lanes toward the waterfront to enjoy both the artwork and the fishing-village atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the Nhon Ly murals located? The murals are found along several streets in Nhon Ly Fishing Village on the Phuong Mai Peninsula. Notable areas include Doc Quan and Xom Chua.
- How far are the Nhon Ly murals from Quy Nhon? Nhon Ly is approximately 20–25 km from central Quy Nhon, depending on your starting point and destination within the village.
- Is there an entrance fee for the Nhon Ly murals? The murals are painted along public village lanes rather than within a conventional ticketed attraction. No general mural-walk entrance fee was identified in the sources reviewed, although separate services or nearby attractions may charge fees.
- How long does the Nhon Ly mural walking tour take? Allow approximately 60–90 minutes for a relaxed walk through the main mural streets. You may want longer if you plan to explore the waterfront or stop for local food.
- What do the Nhon Ly murals depict? The paintings feature fishing boats, nets, marine animals, village landscapes, traditional activities and aspects of local culture.
- Can I visit the murals and Eo Gio on the same day? Yes. The mural lanes and Eo Gio are located close to each other, making them easy to combine during a half-day trip.
- Is a guided tour necessary to see the Nhon Ly murals? No. Visitors can explore the village independently. A knowledgeable local guide can add cultural context, but a guided mural tour should be booked only with an operator that specifically confirms the experience.
- Are the Nhon Ly murals worth visiting? Yes, especially if you enjoy photography, local culture and exploring traditional fishing communities. The murals offer an interesting introduction to Nhon Ly’s coastal identity beyond its more famous nearby attractions.
Discover the Colorful Side of Nhon Ly
Exploring the Nhon Ly murals is a simple but rewarding way to experience one of Quy Nhon’s traditional fishing villages. From colorful paintings of boats and marine life to narrow stone lanes and the working waterfront, the village brings together street art, local culture and coastal scenery.
Take time to explore the murals, look beyond the painted walls and observe the everyday surroundings that inspired them. If you’d like to discover more of the region afterward, nearby Eo Gio and Ky Co offer beautiful coastal experiences, while Nhon Ly’s fishing traditions can be explored further through local activities.
Ready to experience more of Quy Nhon’s coast? Contact THICHTOURS to explore available fishing and coastal tours and choose an experience that suits your travel plans.
