Now, many parts of the nearly 4km wall have fallen off, while the mended portions appear irregular in colour and patchy.
At the opening ceremony in 2010, the road was recognised as the world's largest ceramic mosaic by the Guinness Book.
The deterioration is mainly attributed to lack of upkeep and public indifference to the work built along the Red River Dike.
Along the road, numerous street vendors have pulled tarps over the wall for tea and food stalls. The pervasive stench of urine only adds to the shameful spectacle.
Ceramic Road looking worn after three years
- Hanoi welcomes 740,000 visitors for Reunification Day and May Day
- Hanoi focuses on cultural and historical tourism
- Record late April heat scorches Hanoi
- Hanoi’s integral role in national unification drive
- 20 new FDI projects set up in April in Hanoi
- Introduction of community tourism area in Hanoi herb kingdom