Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison
A former colonial prison and "Hanoi Hilton" that witnessed key events in Vietnamese history.
Hanoi
Prison Museum
History
Hoa Lo Prison is a place with a heavy and striking history. Built by the French in the late 19th century for political prisoners, the complex later gained worldwide notoriety during the Vietnam War under the sarcastic nickname "Hanoi Hilton" when it held American POWs. Today, it is an important museum offering a glimpse into contrasting periods of Vietnam's past.
- Duration
60–90 minutes
- Average Budget
from $5
- Admission
50,000 ₫
- On-site Language
Vietnamese, English
What you need to know
Colonial Period: You will see the original cells where independence fighters were held, an authentic guillotine, and grim solitary confinement cells (Cachot). The exhibition details the inhumane conditions prisoners endured.
American Period: This section is dedicated to captured pilots. It displays personal belongings, including John McCain's flight suit, and photographs depicting the prisoners' life during that period according to the official Vietnamese version of events.
Tip: The visit can be psychologically distressing due to life-size reconstructions of torture and harsh living conditions.
The museum is open daily. It is recommended to visit from 14:00 to 16:00 or before 09:00 to avoid tour group crowds.
On-site
- How to get there
10-15 min walk from Hoan Kiem Lake; Grab taxi
- Address
1, phố Hỏa Lò, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
- Opening Hours
08:00 – 17:00
- Cash
Required for ticket purchase
- Photography
Allowed without flash
- With Children
Not recommended under 16 years old