Hoa Lo Prison is one of the most important historical destinations in Hanoi, carrying in itself the painful but proud stories of the Vietnamese people. It has witnessed many heroic struggles of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers. Today, Hoa Lo is not only a place that attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists, but it also provides a glimpse of the struggle for Vietnam’s past. In this article, let Karst Plateau discover details about every corner of Hoa Lo prison!
Hoa Lo prison only has an area of about 2,434 square meters, preserved for sightseeing
Located in the heart of Hanoi’s capital, Hoa Lo prison is one of the most prominent historical sites, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the important stages of Vietnamese history. Built in the French colonial period, this place was originally used to detain political prisoners, and then became one of the most famous prisons in the Vietnam War.
1.1 The History of Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison was built in 1896 during the period of French colonial rule in Vietnam. It primarily served as a detention center for political prisoners and patriotic revolutionaries who opposed the colonial administration.
In the 1960s, when American pilots were detained here, Hoa Lo became “Hanoi Hilton”, symbolizing an image against the brutality that this place has endured.
In 1993, the Vietnamese government decided to reuse this prison. Part of the southeast is preserved, restored, and recognized as a historical monument in Hanoi. This allows both domestic and international tourists to discover the rich history of this place. Today, this prison has only about 2,434 m2 left, preserved to be the monument, serving the needs of visitors.
1.2 Architecture and Prison Structure
Hoa Lo prison is designed in the French architectural style, with many blocks of bearing bricks and surrounding barbed wire fence systems. The prison design is strict, with the cells built to ensure no exit for prisoners.
The total area of the entire prison area has been wide up to more than 12,000m2. However, today only 2,434m2 is retained to be conserved to become a relic area, serving the purpose of the tourist tour.
During the French colonial period, Hoa Lo was designed to be built with a structure including 4m and 0.5m high stone walls that were reinforced with electric wire. The entire prison area is divided into 4 zones A, B, C, D. Inside the prison consists of many different areas, from collective detention to solitary confinement for important prisoners. The iron shackles, torture tools, and the courtroom are preserved to recreate the gloomy and harsh scenery that prisoners have experienced.
2. What can be seen at Hoa Lo prison today
Tourists visit the display area inside the Hoa Lo prison
Today, Hoa Lo prison has become an important historical monument, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists to visit.
2.1 Artifacts and Exhibitions
The highlight of the Hoa Lo prison is the system to show rich artifacts, reflecting the truthful life in prison of revolutionary soldiers. Here, visitors can admire many remarkable artifacts such as:
Giant guillotine: This is a torture tool, forced bow, is the horror of prisoners. The guillotine has 2 wooden pillars 4 m high, sharp blades hanging on high, and below are 2 semicircular planks together to keep the death row head. The front is an iron drawer used to catch the head of the dead, next to the rattan container containing the body.
Dungeon: This place is often like hell – where prisoners are shackled, corporal punishment, and tortured in a dark, cramped space. Prisoners in prison after a while suffered scabies, and edema due to poor hygiene conditions and lack of sunlight.
2.2 Area recreation
One of the attractive highlights at Hoa Lo prison is the area that recreates life in prison, where the actors recreate the most vivid moments of the resistance period. This is a great opportunity for visitors not only to enjoy history but also to feel the pain, and the endurance of revolutionary soldiers.
The area is quite rich with a variety of events held regularly. The attendees will be inspired by the true and sincere image of those who have lived and endured harsh circumstances. This helps create a sense of closeness and easily understand history.
More vividly, visitors also have the opportunity to transform into political prisoners. At the end of the tour is an activity to enjoy snacks such as bánh lá bàng (steamed cake made from tropical almond leaves), thạch bàng (jelly made from tropical almond leaves) và chè lá bàng (sweet soup with tropical almond leaves).
2.3 Multimedia projection
Hoa Lo prison has applied modern technology to the presentation and explanation, helping visitors have the most realistic experience of history. An automatic explanation system with 35 outstanding historical stories, allows visitors to explore the space and time of the painful days.
Here, visitors can watch documentary films, witness interviews, or even participate in magic experiences to help recreate historical events. The vivid images and videos bring a different view of Hoa Lo prison, thereby helping visitors have a more profound and profound view:
The content of the explanation includes:
History of prison formation.
The lives of prisoners.
Forms of torture and protest.
This is a good help in conveying history to help visitors better understand the values of the present and past life. The combination of modern technology and history has created a creative educational space, becoming a highlight for anyone to visit this place.
3. Why should you visit
Hoa Lo is not only a historic destination but also brings a lot of cultural and memorable values
Learn about culture
Immersed in historical and cultural space at Hoa Lo prison, visitors will experience not only the brutality of the colonial regime but also learn about the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people. The prison is an integral part of the country’s cultural picture, reflecting the patience and dedication of the people in the anti-foreign invasion.
Unique experience
Hoa Lo Prison is not only one of the historical sites but also gives visitors unforgettable unique experiences. Coming to this place, you will not only see the artifacts but also be able to participate in many interesting activities that will make you feel like you are living in painful historical days.
Unique experiences at Hoa Lo:
Join tours about the lives of prisoners.
Interactive activities such as getting used to historical artifacts.
Art activities recreating historical events.
Favorable location
Hoa Lo Prison is located at No. 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, with a convenient central location, near many famous tourist destinations. This is an ideal stop for anyone who wants to explore the historical imprints of the capital. Not only easy to move, but visitors can also combine to visit many other famous places on the same trip.
4. Useful information for visitors
If you are planning to visit the prison, here are some necessary information
Hoa Lo Prison is one of the unique historical destinations in Vietnam, contributing to helping visitors better understand Vietnam’s history. If you are planning to visit, here is some useful information to know.
Opening hours and Tickets to visit
Currently, Hoa Lo prison is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily.
Daytime tour: The day tours at Fire Lo Prison have a ticket price of only 50,000 VND/person. After buying tickets, visitors can rent a radio with headphones to listen to the explanation, quoting the narrative of the characters who have been detained in this prison. In addition, each gallery, and each item also has signs that provide detailed information for visitors.
The tour ticket price for Hoa Lo prison is 300,000 VND/person, held in the evening on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every week. By combining the sound, light and acting art of the actors, Hoa Lo prison gives visitors an extremely true and vivid experience of the glorious struggle of the soldiers. Mr. Dung sacrificed to bring peace and democracy to the country.
How to move
To go to Hoa Lo prison, visitors have many options for transportation:
Buses: Bus routes traveling through this area are very frequent including routes 02, 09, 23, 34.
Taxi: This is a convenient and fast means when traveling in the city center.
Motorbike: If you like unique experiences, you can rent a motorbike for convenient transportation and free exploring.
Walking: If you are in the old town area, you can walk to watch and easily find your way.
Note that traffic in Hanoi can be quite crowded, so it is best to choose a reasonable time to avoid wasting time.
Note when visiting
When visiting Hoa Lo prison, there are some important notes for visitors:
Do not bring explosives or flammable substances into the monument campus.
Smoking is prohibited in prison areas.
Maintain general hygiene and do not move the display artifacts.
Respect the history of this place, and listen and understand the story that each artifact brings.
Wearing polite outfits, and avoiding noise when visiting. Do not touch artifacts or damage the display areas.
Respect the sacred space and history of the monument.
Nearby tourist destinations
After visiting Hoa Lo prison, visitors can continue the journey to explore some of the famous tourist destinations nearby:
Hoan Kiem Lake: The symbol of Hanoi, an ideal place to relax and admire.
Hanoi Cathedral: With classical architecture, the Cathedral is an attractive destination for those who love art.
Temple of Literature Quoc Tu Giam: The famous cultural sightseeing place.
Visiting these places not only helps you to have more interesting experiences but also enriches your knowledge of Hanoi culture and history.
Hoa Lo Prison is not only a historical monument but also a place to store heroic stories about the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese nation. If you are looking for a destination with bold historical, cultural, and emotional values, this is definitely a place not to be missed when coming to Hanoi. Besides, if you love to explore history, there are many other museums in Hanoi so you can continue the cultural exploration journey of the capital! For more information and travel tips in Hanoi, please visit Karst Plateau website.
