I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
This guide will help you in making a memorable trip to Hoa Lo prison relic, one of the most famous "hells on earth" built by French colonialists in Indochina. As the doors creak open, we will embark on a journey that unveils the hidden tales of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. This destination attracts not only senior tourists but also young people like students to learn about history in a lively and interesting way.
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1. General information about Hoa Lo prison
Hoa Lo Prison, also known as Maison Centrale in French, is an old prison built in 1896. Its French name means central prison. Located at no. 1, Hoa Lo Street, Hanoi, this was a place where political prisoners and patriots were held. A place where not only the barbaric crimes but also the unyielding will and spirit of so many patriotic Vietnamese boys were witnessed.
At the time of construction, this prison had an area of up to 12,000 square metres, solidly built with stone walls up to 4m high and 0.5m thick with a woven electric steel wire system. Nowadays, Hoa Lo Prison only has an area of about 2,434 square metres, preserved as a historical relic, opening for visitors. It is divided into four zones:
- Zone A, B: for misdemeanour inmates and those who violated the disciplines
- Zone C: for French prisoners and foreign prisoners
- Zone D: for prisoners who committed serious crimes and those awaiting execution
Visit Hoa Lo prison, where you can see dozens of artefacts and vivid pictures that simulate the lives of prisoners in the past. Visitors would have the deepest feelings about the loss and sacrifice that so many people had to face to preserve Vietnam’s peace and independence.
2. How to discover Hoa Lo prison relic?
After purchasing tickets for the tour, there will be a guide to visit the prison. Although there is comprehensive information in each room or on the screens at this historic site in Hanoi, we recommend having a tourist guide in person or renting a walkie-talkie with earphones for more detailed explanations. Listening to the narration of political prisoners and seeing the artefacts right before your eyes, you will experience historical stories in your own way.
In the first room, you will discover the history of the old pottery village that was destroyed to build the prison. For your information, the name "Hoa Lo" means "oven" in memory of the pottery village.
From the first exhibit space, you will take turns going through many different areas with realistic images displayed right before your eyes. During decades of operation, the prison imprisoned and tortured both physically and mentally many Vietnamese comrades and revolutionaries. Most impressive is the 4-metre-high guillotine, which made this the most famous prison in the world at that time.
The deeper you go, the more the light fades, the death prison scene that can only be seen in movies or heard about appears vivid, making many people scared.
The place that brings the most authentic emotions is the Cachot, known as the "dungeon of the underworld. Prisoners were all held, tortured and lived in this place where no light could reach. The dirty life and lack of sunlight made many people scabby and even insane.
Despite the harsh prison life with brutal torture and lack of food, the patriotism and desire for freedom never ceased. Prison escapes, revolutionary propaganda and enlightenment for soldiers were always going on. Among the artefacts, there are the embroidered pillows or towels of the women soldiers. They were a little hope to help them have more motivation to get through this arduous life.
Besides artefacts and true historical stories, recently, Hoa Lo Prison has attracted many young people to visit with interesting multimedia images. There are many innovative forms of tours, such as online tours and podcasts on the Spotify platform. In particular, Đêm Thiêng Liêng (Sacred Night tour), an exciting journey back in time with reenacted scenes combining vivid sounds and lights, is always fully booked 2 months in advance.
3. Hoa Lo prison ticket, opening hours and dress code
Opening hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week, except for some holidays or special occasions
Price of Hoa Lo Prison entrance ticket
Adults and children from 15 years old: 30,000 VND/person.
Pupils, students, and people aged 60 and over: 15,000 VND/person.
Children under 15 years old and people with disabilities: free.
Dress code
Although there is no dress code like in temples and pagodas, please remember that this is a place of remembrance, so we recommend you to remain polite and do not wear too vulgar clothes.
Other notes
- Do not smoke when entering Hoa Lo Prison
- Do not touch artefacts, make noise or mess during the visit
- Maintain hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately
Hoa Lo prison relic, once a symbol of pain and oppression, now stands as a solemn reminder of the past, helping us to learn from the mistakes that were made. Finish the visit, may we be inspired to champion justice, freedom, and compassion in our own lives. For in understanding the darkness of Hoa Lo Prison, we are reminded of the enduring power of hope, resilience, and the unwavering human will to prevail. Hopefully, with these sharings, you will have more understanding and would like to participate in a "prison trip" at least once.
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