Overview of Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison is known as one of the most brutal prisons with extremely cruel punishment. It is a historical place that has witnessed the strong determination of Vietnamese revolutionaries and their sacrifice for the country during the First Indochina War. This article will provide you with interesting information about this significant Hanoi historical site.
- Address: No. 1, Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Hoa Lo Prison opening hours: From 8.00 am to 5.00 pm every day (including holidays)
- Hoa Lo Prison entry fee: 50,000 VND/ person
History of Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi
When Vietnam was still a part of French Indochina, the French began constructing Hoa Lo Prison in 1896 and finished it in 1901. The prison was initially named Maison Centrale, which was a common euphemism for French prisons. The prison was used to lock up political prisoners fighting for independence in the war. By 1954, it housed almost 2,000 inmates, who were shackled to walls by the dozen and lived in appalling conditions. Several Vietnamese revolutionaries were put under the barbarous guillotine, which the French had used throughout the region.
After the French were driven out of Hanoi in 1954, the prison was converted into a Vietnamese facility. From 1964 to 1973, several American pilots captured during the Second Indochina War were held here, including senator John McCain and Douglas Peterson, the first ambassador to post-war Vietnam. The inmates of Hoa Lo were gradually released when the war was coming to an end.
For the next 20 years, the prison kept political insurgents in custody. In 1990, it was closed and mostly demolished to make way for high rise construction in the growing Hanoi.
- Maybe you are interested in other famous cultural and historical sites, such as Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi Train Street, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, etc.
Architecture and Structure of Hoa Lo Prison
Once regarded as an unbreakable prison in Indochina, Hoa Lo Prison was surrounded by walls of 4 meters high and 0.5 meters thick, which were encrusted with broken glass and barbed wires powered by high voltage electricity. There are four watchtowers placed at four corners of the prison, so the wardens could monitor every single action of the prisoners.
Covering an area of 12,000 square meters, the inside of Hoa Lo Prison was divided into different areas, including a guard house, a medical house, an iron and textile making house, and seven houses for accused prisoners. There was also a terrible place known as the cachot, which was used to confine those with opposing behaviors or violent criminals. The cachot was regarded as the worst of hell due to its lack of light, air, and space. It was truly a nightmare to all Vietnamese prisoners at that time.
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What to see in Hoa Lo Prison?
Visitors to Hoa Lo Prison will have an opportunity to see exhibits that show the prison’s history in two different periods. The first period is from when French colonialists erected the prison in 1896 until the liberation day of Hanoi (October 1954). The second period is from 1964 to 1973, when the Vietnamese government used a section of the prison to house American pilots.
Inside the prison, you will see an ominous French guillotine, horrifying iron shackles, brutal torture instruments, as well as statues of captives wearing leg chains. The Vietnamese prisoners were mercilessly tortured and beaten on a daily basis by the guards here. Tortures included electric shock, upside-down hanging, and bad rice feeding. This prison will enhance your perspective, understanding, and appreciation for the revolutionary fighters’ spirit, as well as the Vietnamese people’s humane approach toward American prisoners during the war.
Hoa Lo Prison Map
How to get to Hoa Lo Prison Museum?
Hoa Lo Prison is one of the most famous attractions in the capital, so finding and getting to this is so easy by many transportations such as taxi, public bus, motorbike or bicycle.
This prison is at the corner of Hai Ba Trung Street, in the south of Hoan Kiem Lake, so it can take about 15 minutes (5 km) from the lake to the prison if you drive a motorbike.
If you want to use a public bus with a cheaper price (about VND 15,000 / person), you can use many available lines: 02, 09, 23. Besides, this prison is contributed by double decker bus lines in the capital.
For travelers who want to visit the Hoa Lo Prison with private services, you can book a private tour from Vietnam Shore Excursions. Professional and knowledgeable tour guides will share profoundly many interesting stories about this place and Hanoi, as well as the local life of local people during the tour. Here are some Hanoi Tours which customers can find out and book for you and your group.
Regulations for visitors taking Hoa Lo Prison tours
- Do not bring weapons, explosives, or flammables
- Do not smoke
- Do not touch or move the exhibits
- Burn incense and leave flowers at the memorial area only
Hoa Lo Prison is an exceptionally important historical site in Hanoi, having witnessed the fierce tenacity and selfless sacrifice of Vietnamese people for the country. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam’s capital city, make sure to include this location in your itinerary!
