Hoa Lo Prison, also called the “Hanoi Hilton”, is an infamous prison in Hanoi that housed prisoners during the French colonial period. But its ruins are a popular tourist attraction for those looking to learn about some of the area’s most gripping historical events.
In this article, you will learn more about the Hoa Lo Prison and its lasting influence on Hanoi and find out exactly how you can get there!
Contents
History of Hoa Lo Prison
The moniker “Hoa Lo” derives from two words, “Hoa”, which stands for fire, and “Lo”, which pertains to the stove. It was named after Hoa Lo street, which, in the past collected numerous stores peddling wooden stoves and “earthen stoves that burn”. Since the prison was situated in the village of Hoa Lo, it then became known as the “Hoa Lo Prison”.
The French colonists built this dungeon in 1896 as the main prison for Central and Northern Vietnam. The plan was to capture and torture people who didn’t agree with French colonial rules, like patriots, dissidents, and political prisoners.
Many notable Vietnamese revolutionary commanders have once detained here, including Do Muoi, Le Duan, Nguyen Van Cu, etc.
At that time, Hoa Lo prison was referred to as “Maison Centrale” (which translates to Hanoi Prison) or “Central House”.
In 1913, its capability was heightened from 460 convicts to 600. But, notwithstanding, it was even laden when keeping around 730 felons in 1916, mounting up to 895 in 1922 or 1,430 in 1933.
By 1954, it had accommodated more than 2,000 people in unsanitary conditions and with various ailments. It became a symbol of colonial oppression and Vietnamese resentment toward the French.
Following the release of Northern Vietnam in 1954, Hoa Lo prison was briefly operated by the state to detain those that broke the law.
At the Dien Bien Phu air crusade, the Vietnamese captured hundreds of Yankee fliers and prisoners of war (POWs). Including Douglas Peter Peterson, who was later known as the US’ first Ambassador to Vietnam, and Senator John McCain.
Those American captives laughably named Hoa Lo jail “Hanoi Hilton”, even though everyone knows it wasn’t anything close to a hotel. Some jail is still preserved as historical relics to honor the brave Vietnamese soldiers.
Structure of Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo, previously one of Indochina’s largest and most solid prisons, spanned an area larger than 1200 square meters.
The Hoa Lo Prison designs with 4-meter-high stone walls of 0.5-meter thickness. It reinforces with broken glass and bare wire with high-voltage electricity. Set around the prison are four watchtowers on each corner of the four directions, allowing the guards to watch any activities carefully.
The prison has a system of areas, such as a guardhouse, an infirmary, seven holding cells for the accused, and a workshop for creating metal, besides our fabrics, leather goods, and four chambers for ill-disposed and lawbreaking inmates.
The managerial region, which holds two abodes, is the guardianship area’s other side. The lower story includes a slim passageway in the center posture. The legacy stand, patrol throughway, accountant’s bureau, cell of custody, and night sentries lie on its right side. Besides, on its left is the aisle track along with the directors; chamber.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III tours Hỏa Lò Prison in Hanoi, Vietnam, July 28, 2021. Used by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, it was known as the “Hanoi Hilton” by those American service members imprisoned there.
Source: defense.gov
The second floor is a guard’s dwelling with two balconies, a dining area, a lounge, and four chambers. One region is the infirmary, while the cookhouse and the laundry room are on the right side of the steps. And the left side of the stairs houses the parlor, medicine cupboard, and pantry.
Highlights of Prison
The main feature of the prison is the guillotine, consisting of 2 to 4-m-high wooden columns upholding a giant blade.
At Hoa Lo Prison, a hazardous area is also known as the Cachot. It considers the most intense torment (extremely dark, cramped, and airless). To incarcerate those who have displayed hostile behavior or are dangerous criminals. It has become a true horror for all the inmates present.
Things to Do & See at Hoa Lo Prison Museum
The Hoa Lo Prison Museum in Hanoi is an important historical site. It details the cruelties suffered by the Vietnamese during the French and American wars.
Visitors can explore the living quarters where inmates hold and learn about the torture methods used. Besides, view artifacts from daily life at the prison, such as prisoner art and manuscripts.
In addition, there are different activities like guided tours and re-enactments. So that offers an opportunity to delve deeper into what life was like during Vietnam’s war years.
How Do I Get to Hoa Lo Museum?
- Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi
- Opening times: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Admission costs: 30.000 VND/ ticket (50% deduction for student ID).
- How to get there: Located 2 km from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and 1 km from the Temple of Literature, you can walk there in approximately 20 minutes if you are somewhere in the city center. Alternatively, one could also get to Hoa Lo prison by bus. Buses 2, 32, 34, and 38 have stops near that place.
Tips on Visiting
- Wear comfortable and conservative clothing.
- Be polite and respectful of the surroundings.
- Bring a camera with you as Hoa Lo is an excellent subject for photographs.
- Don’t forget to take a ticket the first time you enter Hoa Lo after visiting an information center.
Now is the perfect time to visit Hoa Lo Prison, as it is a place of historical significance and has a rich cultural heritage. Readers have learned more about Vietnam’s history by visiting websites like vietnamtravelers.com.
