Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoa Lo Prison Museum stands as a powerful testament to a pivotal period in Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle. It is also a lasting symbol of the resilience, courage, and indomitable spirit of Vietnamese patriots who were imprisoned by the French colonial regime.

Join HÔTEL du PARC HANOI as we explore this remarkable historical site.

 

I. Introduction to Hoa Lo Prison

1.History of Hoa Lo Prison

 

At the end of the 19th century, in an effort to suppress Vietnamese resistance movements, the French colonial authorities constructed Hoa Lo Prison in Phu Khanh Village, Hanoi, in 1896. It was one of the largest prisons in French Indochina at the time.

Originally a traditional pottery village, the area was transformed into a place of detention and torture for thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries. Despite brutal conditions, these patriots upheld their integrity and determination, turning the prison into a “revolutionary school.” Many successfully escaped and continued contributing to the national liberation movement.

 

After 1954, the prison came under the management of the Vietnamese government and was temporarily used to detain criminal offenders. From 1964 to 1973, Hoa Lo Prison also held American pilots captured during bombing missions over North Vietnam. These prisoners referred to the site as the “Hanoi Hilton,” including notable figures such as Douglas Peter Peterson and John McCain.

 

In 1993, part of Hoa Lo Prison was preserved, restored, and officially recognized as a Hanoi Historical Monument. A memorial was also established to honor the revolutionary soldiers and patriots who sacrificed their lives here.

 

(Source: Internet)

 

2. Where Is Hoa Lo Prison? How to Get There

 

Address: No. 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Thanks to its central location, Hoa Lo Prison is easily accessible and conveniently connected to many attractions in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

From HÔTEL du PARC HANOI, the museum is only 1.2 km away, offering visitors multiple transportation options:

• Taxi or ride-hailing services
• Public buses
• Motorbike (parking available near the site)

Walking is also an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers, allowing you to experience local life at a relaxed pace while enjoying a safe and pleasant journey.

 

3. Opening Hours & Ticket Prices

a. Opening Hours

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily (including public holidays and Tet)

Visitors can register for both daytime and nighttime tours of Hoa Lo Prison.

Day tour:
Audio guides with headsets are available for rent, providing insightful commentary and a richer experience.

 

Night tour:
“Sacred Night 2: Living Like Flowers”

–Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

– Schedule: Every Friday and Saturday

 

b. Ticket Prices

Day Tour Ticket: VND 50,000 / person

Free admission or discounted tickets apply to:

 

50% Discount:

-Students (with valid student ID)

-People with severe disabilities

-Vietnamese citizens aged 60 and above

-Social policy beneficiaries

 

Free:

-Children under 16 years old

-People with extremely severe disabilities

Night Tour Ticket: VND 399,000 – 499,000/person (Note: Night tour tickets often sell out quickly. Early booking is highly recommended to secure your chance to experience this unique and emotional journey)

 

4. What’s Inside Hoa Lo Prison?

Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hanoi, especially those with a passion for Vietnamese history. During the French colonial period, the prison was known as a true “hell on earth,” with a capacity of around 500 prisoners.The detention areas inside Hoa Lo Prison were deliberately designed to imprison and brutally torture Vietnamese revolutionaries. 

 

The dark solitary confinement area (Cachot) (Source: Hoa Lo Prison Relic)

 

Today, Hoa Lo Prison still preserves numerous original artifacts from the resistance period against French colonial rule. Each item carries a powerful historical story, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made for Vietnam’s independence.

 

(Source: Hoa Lo Prison Relic)

 

Visitors to Hoa Lo Prison can witness a wide range of barbaric weapons and restraints once used to suppress and torment patriotic prisoners.

 

The iron shackles – commonly used by the French colonial authorities (Source: Hoa Lo Prison Relic)

 

Most notably, the giant guillotine, stained with the blood of countless Vietnamese revolutionaries, turned Hoa Lo Prison into one of the most notorious prisons in history.

 

5. Important Notes for Visitors to Hoa Lo Prison

 

-Visitors may explore the site individually or in groups. Group tours can contact the management board directly or by phone in advance.

-Explosives, flammable materials, and large luggage are not permitted; belongings must be deposited at designated areas.

-Smoking and moving exhibits are strictly prohibited.

-Cars, bicycles, and motorbikes must be parked in designated parking areas.

-In case of questions or emergencies, visitors should immediately notify and follow the instructions of museum staff.

-Incense and flowers may only be placed in the memorial area.

 

II. Additional Services

1. Audio Guide Rental

During daytime visits, visitors may rent audio guide devices with headphones to enhance their experience and gain deeper insights into the exhibits.

-Price: VND 50,000/device/2 hours

 

2. Tour Guide Services for Groups

-Groups under 20 people: VND 400,000/group

-Groups over 20 people: VND 600,000/group, plus VND 30,000/person from the 21st guest onward

Visiting Hoa Lo Prison is a deeply emotional journey – one that anyone who loves Vietnam and its history should experience at least once in their lifetime.

 

III. Where to Stay When Visiting Hoa Lo Prison?

To conveniently explore Hoa Lo Prison and other nearby attractions, HÔTEL du PARC HANOÏ is an ideal accommodation choice for travelers visiting Hanoi.

 

 

Located just 1.2 km from Hoa Lo Prison and approximately 2.5 km from Hanoi Old Quarter, the hotel offers excellent accessibility, allowing guests to easily reach major sightseeing, entertainment, and shopping areas in the city center.

 

 

As a 5-star hotel under Japan’s Plan･Do･See Group, with a prime location and luxurious ambiance, Hotel du Parc Hanoi promises a refined, attentive, and comfortable stay – ensuring a truly memorable journey while discovering the capital of Vietnam.

 

 

Please make a room reservation via the link. https://shorturl.at/jx2Bl