1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
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Highlights
Hoa Lo Prison Museum, the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” offers a vivid and impactful journey through Vietnam's history, showcasing the resilience of its people.
1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Get directions
"Perhaps the most relevant museum in Hanoi for American visitors is the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, popularly known as the "Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. Its exterior is a strangely cheery yellow, and it was part of a complex built by the French around the turn of the 20th century. You’ll know you’ve reached the building when you see its original French name, Maison Centrale, in bold letters above the entrance. The exhibits cover both the French treatment of Vietnamese prisoners and the U.S. soldiers and pilots housed here during the Vietnam War—including Senator John McCain, who was detained here from 1967 to 1973. (His flight suit is among the displays.) A visit can be a powerful, and at times emotionally difficult, experience."
"Perhaps the most relevant museum in Hanoi for American visitors is the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, popularly known as the "Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. Its exterior is a strangely cheery yellow, and it was part of a complex built by the French around the turn of the 20th century. You’ll know you’ve reached the building when you see its original French name, Maison Centrale, in bold letters above the entrance. The exhibits cover both the French treatment of Vietnamese prisoners and the U.S. soldiers and pilots housed here during the Vietnam War—including Senator John McCain, who was detained here from 1967 to 1973. (His flight suit is among the displays.) A visit can be a powerful, and at times emotionally difficult, experience."
A Profound Journey Through Vietnam’s History
Visiting Hoa Lo Prison was a deeply moving experience. The museum offers a stark and powerful glimpse into Vietnam’s turbulent past, from its days under French colonial rule to the Vietnam War. Walking through the preserved cells and exhibits, I was struck by the resilience and courage of those who endured unimaginable hardships within these walls. The displays are informative and thought-provoking, providing insight into the struggles for independence and the complexities of war. It’s a sobering reminder of the cost of freedom and the strength of the human spirit. A must-visit for anyone seeking to understand Vietnam’s rich and challenging history.
W. Chan
Google
Went there during a weekday afternoon there were a lot of people including young children. Adult tickets cost 50k and audio guide cost 100k. Definitely need the audio guide to truly take in the experience. It is haunting reminder that freedom is not free for the coming generations of Vietnamese seeing peace in their time.
Joe Miller
Google
Really good museum with information in English, French and Vietnamese.
We didn’t book in advance, you can get tickets easily from the Kiosk by the entrance.
Took us around an hour to get around it which covered the Prisions early history with the French imprisoning Vietnamese revolutionaries and the more modern history of American Pilots being held here once their planes had been shot down.
Gave a real sense of the oppression that the Vietnamese people have fought against over the years. Very well run museum and would recommend 100%
Valerie P
Google
This is the 1st audio.tour that I have not skipped one minute. Brilliantly presented. Huge eye opener to the resilience of the Vietnamese people and gave a great understanding to their national pride. Hard not to become emotional at parts.
Ida Ngurah
Google
The ticket for children under 16 is free. They have audio device to hear the story of the prison. It is quite well managed with lots of displays and pictures. The path to follow inside the prison is clear and easy. They have souvenir shops inside too
Amanina Osman
Google
It was a very educational visit for us. We learned a lil bit about the French colonization & the Vietnam War and why the prison was also called 'Hanoi Hilton'.
We went to the museum during their Public Holiday so it was quite packed with locals & foreigners. The museum is well-maintained, informative and the descriptions are in 3 languages (English, Vietnamese & French)
Entrance fees was 50k VND and they do provide audio guide for 100K VND for rent
Dinofaucon
Google
This museum ambiance is well made and it's easily understandable for french and english people.
It relates to French colonialism with its impact on Vietnamese people that were imprisoned and how those organized their revolution to get their freedom.
There is also a part of the fight related to the defense against American imperialism, especially against aircraft. Can understand why patriotism so important to Vietnamese.
50k/person, highly recommended!
Vincent Thian
Google
Went on 1 June, quite a lot of other foreigners as well. Was able to learn about the history of the prison, and the actions the various cruel actions that were used to the prisoners. Made us realise the importance of humanity.
Didn't hire a guide or rent an audio guide, as am able to read the English words that were made present on most boards.