Visit Hoa Lo Prison: Hanoi Window to Vietnam’s Colonial Past

Unveiling the History of Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi

Establishment During French Colonial Era

Hoa Lo Prison was built by the French colonists in 1896 on the land of Phu Khanh village, part of Vinh Xuong district in Hanoi. In the 19th century, Phu Khanh was known for its traditional craft of making household items like clay pots, kettles, and stoves, which earned it the name "Hoa Lo Village" (meaning "Village of Stoves").

When the French occupied Hanoi, they relocated the entire village, including its ancient temples and pagodas, to make space for a prison, courthouse, and secret police office. This system was designed to control and suppress the Vietnamese independence movements.

Called Maison Centrale in French, the prison was also known as Hanoi Prison. By 1899, though construction was incomplete, it was already being used to detain Vietnamese patriots fighting against colonial rule. Over time, it was expanded and frequently held political prisoners, who endured brutal conditions and severe torture at the hands of the French authorities.

Hoa Lo Prison was built during French rule, transforming a village into a colonial prison.

Its Role During the Vietnam War

From August 5, 1964, to March 31, 1973, the prison served a different purpose. It became a detention center for American pilots captured during bombing missions over the North.

During this time, the American prisoners gave Hoa Lo prison a humorous nickname: the “Hanoi Hilton.” Some well-known figures were held here. Douglas Peter Peterson, for example, later became the first U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam. Another was John McCain, who went on to serve as a U.S. Senator.

The prison housed captured American pilots, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War.

Transition to a Museum

In 1993, the Vietnamese government decided to repurpose Hoa Lo Prison. A section in the southeast was preserved, restored, and recognized as a historical site in Hanoi. This allows both local and international visitors to explore its rich history.

Today, only a small portion of the prison remains - about 2,000 square meters along Hoa Lo Street. This preserved area has been transformed into the Hoa Lo Prison Memorial. Here, visitors can see a monument honoring the patriotic and revolutionary fighters who bravely sacrificed their lives for Vietnam's independence and freedom.

Hoa Lo transitioned into a museum, showcasing Vietnam's fight for independence and resilience.

What to Know Before Visiting Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi

Location and How to get to Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison is located on 1 Hỏa Lò Street, Trần Hưng Đạo Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi.

It is located just 1 kilometer from Hoan Kiem Lake, making it easy to reach by various means of transportation. Here is the detail:

• By car or motorbike: From Hoan Kiem Lake, take Le Thai To Street, head straight to Ba Trieu Street, then turn right onto Hai Ba Trung Street. After about 500 meters, turn left onto Hoa Lo Street. Parking is available near the entrance.
• By taxi and ride-hailing apps: Grab, Be or Xanh SM offer an affordable choice. A car ride costs around $2, while a motorbike is cheaper and takes only about 5 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake.
• By public bus: Several bus routes, including 02, 09, 32, 34, and 38, stop close to the prison. The fare is very economical, at just $0.5 per person. But the driver can’t speak English. You can use the translation app to ask for help.
• On foot or by bike: For a more leisurely option, you can walk or rent a bike on the TNGo app in the Old Quarter. Cycling offers a scenic way to explore Hanoi while heading to the prison.

Opening Hours and Ticket Price

Opening hours: Hoa Lo Prison is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including holidays.

Entrance Fees: 50,000 VND per person.

Discounts:

• 50% off: Seniors (60+), students (with ID), individuals with severe disabilities, and those under social policies.
• Free admission: Children under 16 and individuals with extremely severe disabilities.

Be sure to bring the necessary documents if you qualify for discounts or free admission!

Note: No booking is required for tickets. You can purchase them directly at the entrance. After buying your ticket, it will be checked at the gate, and you'll receive a hand stamp that reads "ĐỒNG SONG."

In Vietnamese, "Đồng Song" carries two meanings: "behind bars" and "companions in learning." This stamp serves as a unique keepsake and a symbol of your visit to Hoa Lo Prison.

After ticket check, you'll get a "ĐỒNG SONG" stamp, symbolizing Hoa Lo's history and learning. (Source: Di tích Nhà tù Hỏa Lò.)

Audio Guide

As one of the key Hanoi attractions, Hoa Lo Prison offers an audio guide for 50,000 VND in 8 languages: Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, English, French, German, and Spanish. It’s a great way to enhance your visit and learn more about the history of Hoa Lo Prison in your preferred language!

Visitors can explore the prison's history through a detailed and engaging audio guide.

What to See at Hoa Lo Prison Relic?

1. Traces of Control and Colonial Architecture

Built by the French during the colonial era, Hoa Lo Prison was one of the most solid and largest prisons in Indochina, covering an area of 12,908 m². The prison was divided into four sections.

The prison was surrounded by a 4-meter-high, 0.5-meter-thick stone wall topped with glass shards and high-voltage electric wires to prevent escapes. Inside, a 3-meter-wide patrol path ran along the wall, guarded by soldiers and overseen by four watchtowers at each corner.

Hoa Lo’s cells were dark and suffocating, with thick gray walls and small windows near the ceiling. Waste buckets, often left uncleaned for days, added to the harsh conditions. The prison also had “special” areas like the cachot and death row cells, known for their extreme severity. More details are provided below.

Construction materials met strict standards, with all metals imported from France. Although initially designed for 450 inmates, Hoa Lo prison later held up to 2,000 prisoners, reflecting the harsh realities of colonial oppression.

The prison preserves colonial-era architecture and symbols of French control over Vietnam.

2. Artifacts of Oppression

Living under such harsh conditions took a heavy toll on the prisoners. The artifacts on display reflect their immense suffering and unwavering resilience.

• Prison uniforms: Clothes were poorly made, often too short and of low-quality fabric. In winter, prisoners layered all available clothing to stay warm.
• Meal utensils: Bowls, chopsticks, and spoons were banned to prevent prisoners from turning them into weapons. Ingenious inmates crafted utensils from almond tree branches or coconut shells discarded by guards.
• Torture devices: Items like boxing gloves, gasoline cans, and electric machines were used to interrogate political prisoners, including women brutally.

These objects stand as stark reminders of the resilience and ingenuity of those who endured life in Hoa Lo Prison.

The museum displays artifacts revealing the harsh conditions and oppression faced by prisoners.

3. The Guillotine at Hoa Lo Prison

The guillotine displayed at Hoa Lo Prison is an original artifact, one of two brought to Hanoi by the French in the late 19th century. Standing at 4 meters tall, it features two wooden pillars supporting the blade, which was held in place by a latch.

The design included a narrow frame below, where the prisoner’s neck was secured by two wooden boards with semi-circular cutouts. Inside the frame, grooves ensured the blade would drop smoothly and precisely. This historical artifact is a reminder of the justice system used during the colonial era.

A preserved guillotine reflects the brutal methods used during French rule in Vietnam.

4. The Cachot - “Hell of hell”

The Cachot at Hoa Lo Prison was used to punish inmates who violated prison rules. Each cell was only 4m², making it a cramped and oppressive space often referred to as the "Hell of Hell."

Prisoners were isolated in these dark, narrow cells, shackled at night, and forced to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves in the same confined area. The cement sleeping quarters were deliberately designed with a downward angle, causing blood to rush to the prisoners' heads.

Conditions in the Cachot were inhumane. After just a short time, prisoners would develop swelling, blurred vision, and severe skin infections due to the lack of hygiene, light, and fresh air. This grim cell remains a stark reminder of the extreme cruelty faced by those imprisoned at Hoa Lo.

The Cachot, a dark, cramped cell, represents the harshest punishments endured by prisoners.

5. The Female Prisoners’ Story

The women’s detention area at Hoa Lo Prison covered 270 m², including four small cells, a room for mothers with young children, a communal cell, a bathing area, and a small courtyard. At times, during the French colonial era, up to 300 female prisoners were held here.

Living conditions were extremely harsh. The cells were cramped, with limited access to water, poor sanitation, and meager food rations that were often cut further. These brutal conditions made life for the female political prisoners unbearably difficult, and many tragically lost their lives.

Despite the hardships, the women displayed remarkable resilience. They united in solidarity, supporting one another and fighting against the oppressive prison system.

Exhibits honor the strength and sacrifices of women imprisoned for fighting colonial oppression.

6. The Death Row Cells

The death row cells in Hoa Lo Prison were kept separate from other areas to stop prisoners from contacting anyone outside. The cells were small, only 2–3 m², with thick 40 cm walls and 3-meter-high ceilings to keep them secure.

Prisoners were chained by both legs and allowed outside only twice a day for 30 minutes to eat and clean their cells. Guards closely watched them the entire time. Every hour, guards also checked the corridors and the back of the cells.

Death row cells offer a haunting glimpse into the fate of condemned prisoners.

7. The Banyan Tree: Silent Witness to History

In the courtyard of Hoa Lo Prison stands a nearly 100-year-old almond tree, a relic from the French colonial era. This tree provided shade for political prisoners, offering moments of relief and connection. It also played a vital role in their resistance, serving as a “secret mailbox” for exchanging messages. Prisoners crafted tools like pipes and chopsticks from its branches, while its leaves and fruit were used for medicine and nourishment. The tree remains a powerful symbol of resilience and solidarity.

A banyan tree in the courtyard stands as a silent witness to the prison's history.

8. Escape Sewer System

While visiting Hoa Lo Prison, visitors can learn about the daring escape of over 100 political prisoners in August 1945. In 1997, the original sewer gate used in the escape was put on display in the men’s courtyard for visitors to see.

Due to harsh living conditions, the prisoners were weak and small in stature, allowing them to squeeze through the narrow sewer to escape. This story remains a powerful testament to their determination and ingenuity.

The sewer system reveals daring escape routes used by prisoners to regain their freedom.

9. American POW Exhibition

Hoa Lo Prison houses a collection of artifacts and images documenting U.S. Senator John McCain’s time as a prisoner from 1967 to 1973. These exhibits offer visitors a deeper understanding of his experience and the historical context.

Among the items on display are the uniforms, helmets, shoes, parachutes, life vests, and other belongings of American pilots, including those used by John McCain. The Vietnamese army and citizens confiscated these during the war and are now preserved in glass cases.

Displays recount the experiences of American POWs held during the Vietnam War.

Hoa Lo Night Tour: A Must-Do Experience for History Buffs in Hanoi

In addition to daytime activities, Hoa Lo Prison offers two immersive night tours every Friday and Saturday, providing visitors with a deeper connection to Vietnam’s revolutionary history.

Sacred Night 2: Living Like Flowers

This tour honors the courageous female revolutionaries imprisoned at Hoa Lo. It draws inspiration from their inner struggles and sacrifices, including stories like that of revolutionary Nguyễn Phong Sắc and his wife Hoàng Thị Ái’s daring escape in 1945.

• Time:19:00 – 21:00 every Friday
• Ticket Price:399,000 VND (~$17) for all ages
• Recommended Age:8 – 75

Sacred Night 2 honors Hoa Lo’s brave female revolutionaries and their inspiring sacrifices.

Sacred Night 3: Flames of Youth

This program celebrates the contributions of young revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Its message: "Youth is not about time, but emotion." During these tours, visitors step into the lives of political prisoners, experiencing the dark and suffocating cells, the dangers of underground escape tunnels, and the resilience of those who fought against all odds.

• Time:19:00 – 21:00 every Saturday
• Ticket Price:499,000 VND (~$21) for all ages
• Recommended Age:10 – 75

An exhibit honoring young revolutionaries who endured hardships for Vietnam's independence.

At the end of the tour, visitors light incense to honor fallen heroes and write reflections in a specially designed visitor book. They can also enjoy unique almond tree-inspired treats, such as “Unyielding Tea,” banyan leaf cakes, and jellies made from the historic 100-year-old banyan tree.

Practical Visitor Tips for Exploring Hoa Lo Prison with Ease

To make the most of your visit to Hoa Lo Prison, keep these tips in mind:

• If you plan to join the night tour starting at 19:00, book in advance and arrive 30–45 minutes early.
• While exploring, avoid smoking, speaking loudly, or touching artifacts. Follow all warning signs and regulations.
• Bring only necessary belongings. Avoid flammable or bulky items, and store large luggage in designated areas.
• Incense burning or flower-laying is permitted only in the memorial area.
• Contact the management team in advance for group visits or educational purposes.
• Wear modest clothing; skirts or shorts should cover the knees, and avoid revealing tops.
• During the Sacred Night Tour, refrain from taking photos or recording videos.

Hoa Lo Prison stands as a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s history, from its colonial struggles to its role in the Vietnam War.

Visiting this historic site offers a unique glimpse into the resilience and determination of those who endured its harsh conditions.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Hoa Lo Prison and uncover the history that shaped Vietnam. Plan your visit today!

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