About Hoa Lo Prison

It is a great place to learn about the history of Vietnam. It gives an insight into the struggles and history of Vietnam over the last 300 years. What is left of the prison is well set up as a small museum. Vietnamese history has heart-wrenching tales of war and Hoa Lo Prison serves as a reminder of those as well as a memorial to those who lost their lives during some of the most tragic periods in Vietnamese history. The prison was built by the French in 1896 and is also known as "Hanoi Hilton". It was originally built to house political prisoners during the French occupation of Vietnam and was later used by the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. The prison displays a variety of torture instruments including whips, shackles, and a guillotine. The French-period solitary confinement cells and the narrow tunnel through which more than a hundred Vietnamese prisoners escaped to freedom in August 1945 are preserved to date and an interesting feature for the visitors. This visit will change your perspective about the Vietnam war.

 

Must See

  • Exhibits of the crimes of the French colonial administrators are laid out in painstaking detail.
  • Torture instruments including whips, shackles, and a guillotine.
  • The narrow tunnel through which more than a hundred Vietnamese prisoners escaped to freedom in August 1945.
  • Pilot Exhibition which showcases American POW experience in the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War.

How to reach

It is 1.6 km away from the city center.

You can reach there by Bus or Taxi.

  • Bus Stops: 49 Hai Ba Trung, 54 Ly Thuong Kiet.
  • The easiest way to reach the prison is by taxi. Pho Hoa Lo is right at the corner of Pho Ha Ba Trung, south of Hoan Kiem Lake on the lip of the French Quarter.

Taxi Fare: 10,000 VND

Tips

  • Make sure you walk around every corner, go into every door and up the stairs or you'll miss key pieces.
  • Give yourself at least an hour to go through the museum. Most of the indoor areas are air-conditioned or cool.
  • No need to buy the leaflet book in the museum as there are maps to guide you.
  • Take the time to digest the museum map on the wall after going through the entrance (take a photo. It will be helpful).
  • Buy the museum visitor book for more information.
  • Dress modestly as there is a memorial garden which has a shrine. There are overalls you can borrow if you are in sleeveless tops, short skirts, etc. 
  • If you don't have a tour guide, buy the information book at the ticket desk, a great guide book full of information about the prison (only 20.000vnd = 1$).
  • This is not suitable for kids as the museum has some gory exhibits.

Visit Time

Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

Monday:  8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

Tuesday:  8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

Wednesday:  8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

Thursday:  8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

Friday:  8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

Saturday:  8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

You may have to wait for entry during rush hours.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Adults: VND 30,000,
Students (with Identification): VND 15,000,
Children (under 15 years): No Entry Fee

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Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 17.97°C

 

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