Hanoi | Hoa Lo Prison: A Museum Constructed from Hoa Lo Prison

#September2025 Stepping into Hanoi's ancient Hoa Lo Prison is like stepping back in time and into a poignant history. Built by the French, this prison once held Vietnamese political prisoners and later served as a US POW camp during the Vietnam War. Though now a museum, the interior exhibits are limited, yet it's enough to immerse you in that inhumane past. Tickets are affordable at 50,000 Vietnamese dong. The air-conditioned museum makes for a comfortable stroll. Even if you're not familiar with Vietnamese history, the exhibits still give you a sense of the prisoners' determination to fight for independence and freedom. Contrary to expectations, this place doesn't just showcase the horrors of the Vietnam War; it focuses more on the heroic deeds of Vietnamese independence heroes. Travelers unfamiliar with this period may find it difficult to connect with the story. We highly recommend renting the audio guide; the approximately two-hour explanation will provide a deeper understanding of the stories behind each exhibit, otherwise you'll likely just skim through the exhibits. Overall, Hoa Lo Prison is a unique and historically significant attraction, perfect for first-time visitors to Hanoi and should be included in your travel list.