Nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton" by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, Hoa Lo Prison has seen generations of Vietnamese revolutionaries who fought against French colonialists. The prison was built by the French in 1896. By the 1930s, nearly 2,000 political prisoners were incarcerated in the cells originally constructed to hold no more than 450 inmates--in fact, hundreds of prisoners broke away over the years through the sewage system. During the 1990s, most of the prison was torn down, leaving only the gatehouse for the museum. See the notorious French guillotine, a ghastly relic of French colonial presence in Indochina. The exhibits include U.S. Senator John McCain's flight suit, which he wore when he was shot down and rescued by locals in 1967. Find out how to plan Hanoi trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.
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Tours to Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison reviews
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I didn't rent the audio guide and felt the English explanations were sufficient for my understanfing about the dark history. It reminded me of how recent our "civilization" is and there is no lack of.... more
I didn't rent the audio guide and felt the English explanations were sufficient for my understanfing about the dark history. It reminded me of how recent our "civilization" is and there is no lack of.... more »
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As tourists, I believe its always important to be interested in a country’s history. Hoa Lo Prison was an excellent visit for this. Very extensive and informative visit. I agree with other reviews..... more
As tourists, I believe its always important to be interested in a country’s history. Hoa Lo Prison was an excellent visit for this. Very extensive and informative visit. I agree with other reviews..... more »
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Went on the special night tour which was amazing in every way possible! It was a roller coaster of emotions - pain, anger, sadness, and hope, but above all, PRIDE 🇻🇳 Everything was so carefully planned out, and you could feel the dedication and love that went into organising the tour. The staff were lovely. The tour ended with specialty sweet treats made in-house by the team as well! 100% would go again. Note that tickets to the night tour get sold out pretty quickly and need to be booked IN ADVANCE.
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It was amazing to walk amongst history. You feel surrounded by what the men and women had to endure. Want to go again.
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