The Maison Centrale, as the French colonists called it, is located at 1 Hoa Lo Street, at the corner of Hai Ba Trung Street, south of Hoan Kiem Lake. Hoa Lo Prison, commonly known as the “Hanoi Hilton”, evokes the fierce wartime history of the Vietnamese people, as it was once a place that witnessed atrocities, pain, and loss for the Vietnamese patriots. The site was formerly a pottery quarter in the village of Phu Khanh, which was destroyed to build a prison, eventually becoming one of the most inhumane in the country. Hoa Lo Prison bears witness to a bygone era and the resilience of Vietnamese resistance, and it was recognized as a historical monument in 1997.

A bit about Hoa Lo Prison - the “Hanoi Hilton”

Hoa Lo Prison is located on the street of the same name in Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. Just 4 years after the construction of Con Dao Prison, Hoa Lo was built by the French colonialists in 1896 and was referred to in French as Maison Centrale (Central House). It had a vast and sturdy area covering up to 12,000 square meters. During the colonial era, the prison was renowned as the most famous prison in Indochina. Currently, after being transformed into a historical relic site, the remaining area is 2,434 square meters. The prison was established to serve as a central prison for the central and northern regions, detaining political prisoners and patriots who opposed the French colonial government from 1896 to 1954. 

The name “Hoa Lo”, meaning “Fiery Furnace” originated from Phu Khanh village, Vinh Xuong commune (formerly), which was known for its pottery production and its stores selling wood stoves and coal fire stoves. During the French colonial period, Hoa Lo Prison was built with a structure comprising 4-meter-high stone walls, reinforced with electrically charged wires. The prison area is divided into 4 sections A, B, C, and D, where:

- Sections A and B: Reserved for prisoners under investigation, less significant offenders, or those violating prison regulations.

- Section C: Reserved for French or foreign prisoners.

- Section D: Reserved for prisoners awaiting the death penalty.

What to see at Hoa Lo Prison ?

Day tour to Hoa Lo Prison 

Day tours at Hoa Lo Prison are priced at only 30.000 VND per person. You can also rent an audio set for 50.000 VND. Visitors will sequentially pass through each area with gradually dimming light, experiencing the chilling darkness inside the cells while having a look at exhibited items such as the prisoners' clothing, utensils and other artifacts.

The giant guillotine

The giant guillotine was a torturous and horrifying tool. The guillotine consists of two 4-meter-high wooden columns with a sharp blade suspended overhead, below are two crescent-shaped wooden pieces joined together to hold the condemned prisoner's head, and in front, an iron receptacle to catch the severed head, alongside a woven bamboo basket to contain the remains.

The Dungeon

The dungeon of Hoa Lo Prison was often referred to as “the hell within hell”, where prisoners were shackled and tortured in a dark and cramped space. Prisoners in the dungeon would develop sores and swelling due to poor hygiene conditions and lack of sunlight.

As for female prisoners, although they were not shackled, they still endured a great deal of pain through electric shocks to the reproductive parts. In addition to the physical torture, all prisoners were forced to perform grueling labor under the supervision of the guards.

Country almond tree

Within the courtyard of Hoa Lo Prison, there are large country almond trees that were planted by revolutionary soldiers using wild saplings near the court. In the past, prisoners used to rest under the shade of these trees and use the seeds and leaves to make medicinal remedies. The dried branches of the trees were repurposed for making writing brushes, with the tip of the brush crafted from the flower buds. As of now, these country almond trees have reached an age of nearly a hundred years.

Night tours

The "Sacred Night" historical site tour in Hoa Lo Prison focuses on two themes and takes place from 7 PM to 9 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Remember that the number of participants is limited, so if you want to take the tour you need to book 1 or 2 months in advance.

“Sacred Night 2 - Living Like Flowers” 

This tour honors female soldiers and revolutionary female prisoners at Hoa Lo Prison who lived, fought, and dedicated themselves to the independence and freedom of the nation. With a noble spirit, these mothers and sisters have become fragrant flowers in the golden history of the nation.

"Sacred Night 3: Flame Of Youth" 

This tour is a tribute to the significant contributions and great sacrifices of young revolutionary soldiers who were imprisoned by the French colonialists at the Hanoi Hilton. Visitors get to learn about the intense hunger strikes in Hoa Lo Prison and listen to the narration about the difficult treatments that political prisoners were under. 

Each tour is an experiential, maybe even scary, but emotional journey where visitors can vividly understand what it’s like being a prisoner held at Hoa Lo prison. At the end of the exploration journey, visitors can enjoy drinks and food made from country almonds and receive a meaningful souvenir from Hoa Lo Prison.

Opening hours and tickets

Hoa Lo Prison opens daily from 8:00 to 17:00, including the holidays. Night tours are held from 7 PM to 9 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The entrance fee for Hoa Lo Prison is 30,000 VND/person. Some specific groups are eligible for a 50% discount or free admission:

Groups eligible for a 50% discount:

- Students (with valid student ID).

- People with disabilities.

- Vietnamese citizens aged 60 and above.

- Individuals covered by social welfare policies.

Groups eligible for free admission:

- Children under 15 years old.

- People with severe disabilities.

- Veterans, members of the National Prison Liaison Committee, and members of the Resistance Liaison Committee.

Ticket prices for the night tours at Hoa Lo Prison:

- “Sacred Night 2 - Living Like Flowers”: 399.000 VND/person.

- "Sacred Night 3: Flame Of Youth": 499.000 VND/person.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the Hanoi Hilton, the echoes of history linger within its walls, telling a poignant tale of Vietnam's indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. This place, once a crucible of pain and suffering, now stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people throughout their quest for independence. In the heart of Hanoi, Hoa Lo Prison stands as a living testament to the unwavering courage that has shaped Vietnam's past and continues to guide its future.

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