Overview of Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison is an important historical relic, located at 1 Hoa Lo, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi City. This work was built by the French colonialists in 1896, with the original purpose of detaining patriotic Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers. During that period, this was one of the largest and most fortified prisons in Indochina. Currently, the remainder of the prison has been strictly preserved to become the Hoa Lo Prison Historical Relic Area.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison has enormous historical value, reflecting the cruelty of the old regime and the indomitable fighting spirit of generations of Vietnamese people. The relic displays artifacts depicting the harsh living conditions and resilient lives of political prisoners. Visiting Hoa Lo is a profound experience, helping visitors better understand a tragic and heroic historical period of the Vietnamese people.

Outstanding attractions at Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison Relics Area is a serious historical museum, where visitors can witness and feel a part of the nation's tragic past.

Main Gate and Death Sentence Display Area

Guillotine (Guillotine) displayed at Hoa Lo Prison

The main gate of Hoa Lo Prison, with its solid architecture and heavy iron fence, is the first point visitors encounter, recreating the grandeur of the prison when it was first built. Behind the gate is a display area focusing on punishment and brutal torture tools. The most prominent is the Guillotine used by the French colonialists. The display of these artifacts aims to recreate the cruelty of the colonial regime and the pain that revolutionary soldiers endured, helping visitors clearly feel the harshness of prison life.

Political Prison Life Exhibition Area

Reconstructed prison cell at Hoa Lo Prison

This area recreates in detail the lives of Vietnamese political prisoners detained at Hoa Lo. The prison cells are kept in their original state with shackles, chains and models and wax statues depicting the daily activities and struggles of prisoners. In particular, there are "Xa Lim" (solitary confinement cells) and common prison cells, which demonstrate the attachment, solidarity and indomitable spirit of the soldiers. Visitors will learn about the forms of resilient struggle, prison escapes and secret cultural activities that take place right inside the prison.

"Hanoi Hilton" Exhibition Area and Night Exhibition

Display area

The back part of the relic focuses on displaying the period when Hoa Lo Prison was used to detain American pilots during the Vietnam War, nicknamed "Hanoi Hilton". This area displays artifacts and images about the lives of American prisoners of war, highlighting the Vietnamese Government's humanitarian policy toward prisoners of war. In addition, the Relic Area regularly organizes experiential Night Tours, with special lights and sounds, helping visitors have a more intuitive and emotional view of the prison's history in the evening.

In addition to the main display areas, Hoa Lo Prison also has many other important internal relics:

  • Prison Break Underground: Prison Break Simulation of the secret tunnel that revolutionary soldiers dug to escape from fortified prisons.

  • Prison Break Almond Tree: Where prisoners are said to have hidden important items and information, symbolizing hope and life.

  • Women and Children Prison: Separate display area especially about the sacrifices and struggles of female political prisoners.

  • Yard areas and enclosure walls: Help visitors feel the isolation and massive scale of French colonial prison architecture.

Best time to travel

Visit Hoa Lo Prison is a deep historical experience colors, so the best time often does not depend on the weather but on the purpose of the experience and the special operating hours of the monument.

Autumn (September to November) and Spring (February to April) are the times when the weather in Hanoi is coolest and most pleasant. This is ideal for walking and visiting the outdoor areas of the monument without being affected by harsh sunlight (summer) or extreme cold (winter). Visiting during the day helps visitors have enough light to clearly observe artifacts, models and architectural details, making learning about history more comfortable and effective.

Evening time is the most special time to visit Hoa Lo Prison through the experiential Night Tour program. This tour usually lasts about an hour, using lights, sound and actors to more realistically recreate the lives, struggles and sacrifices of the prisoners. Experience in the evening brings stronger and more intuitive emotions than during the day, helping visitors clearly feel the solemn and tragic atmosphere of history. Tourists need to book tickets in advance because the Night Tour usually has a limited number of tickets.

Travel information

By Air

For visitors from the Central and Southern provinces, traveling by air is the fastest option.

  • Arrival airport: Airport Noi Bai International (HAN), about 25–30 km from Hoa Lo Prison Relics (Ca Nam Ward).

  • Popular flight routes:

    • HCMC (SGN) → Hanoi (HAN) – Flight time about 2 hours.

    • Da Nang (DAD) → Hanoi (HAN) – Flight time is about 1 hour 20 minutes.

  • Operating airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines.

By Road and Rail

The road and rail route is a popular and economical choice for tourists from neighboring provinces or who want to experience a journey across Vietnam.

  • Route Popular (Road):

    • From neighboring provinces: There are many high-quality bus routes from the Northern and Southern provinces to Hanoi's major bus stations (My Dinh, Giap Bat, Gia Lam). From these bus stations, you can easily catch a taxi or city bus to Hoa Lo.

  • Popular route (Railway):

    • HCMC → Hanoi: Thong Nhat SE train (time about 30–35 hours).

  • Arrival station: Hanoi Station (Hang Co Station) is the station Main location, only about 1 km from Hoa Lo Prison Relics, very convenient to move on.

  • Methods of transportation from the Station/Bus Station to Hoa Lo: Taxis, traditional motorbike taxis or technology motorbike taxis.

Moving Around Hoa Lo Prison (Ca Nam Ward)

Because Hoa Lo Prison is located in the central location, moving within the city from neighboring areas, especially Hoan Kiem Ward (Ho Guom/Old Town area), is very simple.

  • On foot: From the Hoan Kiem Lake area, it only takes visitors about 10 - 15 minutes to walk through major streets to get there. This is a great way to see the sights and feel the pace of life in the Capital.

  • Inner city buses: Some bus routes such as 01, 32, 34, 45 have stops very close to the monument (on Hai Ba Trung or Quan Su streets). This is the most economical option.

  • Technology motorbike taxi/taxi: Always available and convenient, especially if visitors want to save time and go straight to the monument gate. Inner-city costs are very low.

Accommodation information

The area around Hoa Lo Prison (Ca Nam Ward) is a diplomatic and commercial center, with many large hotels, convenient for tourists to visit relics and Old Town sites.

Hang Sang (4–5 Stars)

Melia Hanoi Hotel is located at 44 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, about 500m from Hoa Lo Relics. This is an international 5-star standard hotel, featuring modern architecture, luxurious interiors and full amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, gym, spa and large-scale conference area. The hotel serves a variety of cuisine from Asia to Europe. Room prices at Melia Hanoi range from 3,000,000 - 6,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type and time of booking.

Melia Hanoi Hotel

Hilton Hotel Hanoi Operais located at 1 Le Thanh Tong Street, about 1 km from Hoa Lo. This is a high-class 5-star hotel, designed in a classic French style, providing a sophisticated resort space. The hotel has a swimming pool, spa area and restaurant serving fine cuisine. The average room price is about 3,500,000 - 7,000,000 VND/night, depending on room type.

If you want more options for a luxury vacation near Hoa Lo, you can consider other quality hotels:

  • Hanoi La Selva Hotel – No. 55 Tran Hung Dao Street – Price approx. 1,800,000 – 3,500,000 VND/night

  • Maison d'Hanoi Hanova Hotel – No. 93-95 Tho Nhuom Street – Price about 1,500,000 - 2,800,000 VND/night

  • The Ann Hanoi – No. 38 Hang Chuoi Street – Price about 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 VND/night

Experience (2–3 Stars)

Hanoi Golden Moment Hotel is a popular 3-star choice, often located on streets near Hoa Lo such as Quan Su or Hang Bong. These hotels have modern, clean rooms, providing basic amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. This type is very suitable for tourists who want a central location for walking tours but at a reasonable cost. The average price is about 700,000 - 1,200,000 VND/night for 2 adults.

Rising Dragon Palace Hotel is located on Hang Gai Street (not far from Hoa Lo), is a 3-star+ choice with a professional and cozy service style. Despite the affordable price, the hotel still offers good room quality and service. This hotel provides amenities such as a restaurant and tour booking service.

For travelers who love a cozy space, reasonable costs but still fully equipped, the following places are worth a try:

  • Hanoi Backpackers Hostel – No. 48 Hang Bac Street – Price from 300,000 – 500,000 VND/night (dorm room or private room)

  • Little Hanoi Hostel – No. 10 Hang Gai Street – Price from 450,000 – 800,000 VND/night

  • Hanoi Lucky Hotel – No. 12 Hang Vai – Price from 500,000 – 850,000 VND/night

Cuisine and festival culture

High-class restaurant

La Badiane Restaurant is located at 10 Nam Ngu Street, less than 500m from Hoa Lo Prison. The restaurant features French cuisine combined with Vietnamese spices (Fusion), located in a classic French villa with a cozy garden. The space is designed to be luxurious and romantic, very suitable for special parties. The menu is famous for its unique dishes, meticulously presented, providing a sophisticated culinary experience. Average price 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND/person.

La Badiane Restaurant

Club De L'Oriental Restaurant is located at 22 Hang Gai Street, only about 1 km from Hoa Lo Prison. This restaurant has a traditional Vietnamese royal cuisine style, serving sophisticated dishes, artistically presented in an ancient space. This is a great choice for visitors to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine in a formal space, near the historical center area.

Some other high-class culinary places you can refer to near Hoa Lo Prison:

  • Samadhi Garden & Bistro – No. 75 Ly Thuong Kiet Street: Famous for its green garden space and European-Asian fusion cuisine. Prices range from 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person.

  • Hemispheres Steak & Seafood Grill Restaurant - No. 8 Do Duc Duc (Top 5-star choice, need to travel by taxi): Specializes in premium steaks and seafood.

  • Press Club Restaurant - 59A Ly Thai To Street: Meeting place for diplomats, serving high-class international and Vietnamese cuisine.

Local cuisine

Pho Suong is one of the traditional pho restaurants, located near Hoa Lo area. This dish is the "soul" of Hanoi cuisine, with rich broth, fragrant with beef and cinnamon. Bun Cha Huong Lien (Bun Cha Obama restaurant) is also within a close radius, a famous global destination.

Pho Suong

Suggested address:

  • Pho Suong – 24 Trung Yen Street (near Hoa Lo): Traditional beef pho, famous for its rich broth.

  • Bun Cha Huong Lien – 24 Le Van Huu Street (near Hoa Lo): Restaurant Bun cha is world famous.

  • Tho Coffee Shop - 112 Quan Su (near Hoa Lo): Famous for egg coffee and traditional coffee.

This area also has other rustic dishes that cannot be missed. Bun Rieu Cua is a cool and attractive dish with the mild sourness of tomatoes and the sweetness of crabs. Hot Duc Noodles is a warming snack in winter, with soft, flexible dumplings drenched in fragrant minced meat sauce.

Suggested address:

  • Bun Rieu Cua Huyen – 24 Quan Su Street (near Hoa Lo): Traditional crab noodle shop, crowded.

  • Experience Culture & Festivals

    Experience Hoa Lo Prison Night Tour

    House Night Tour Hoa Lo Prison

    This is the most unique cultural experience in the area. The Night Tour takes place in the evening, using lights, sound and actors to recreate the lives and sacrifices of prisoners. The experience is strongly emotional, helping visitors have a visual view of the nation's tragic history. Tourists need to book tickets in advance because night tours often have limited numbers.

    Other cultural activities:

    • Hanoi Opera House: Classic French architecture (about 1km from Hoa Lo), regularly organizes major art events such as Opera, Ballet, and concerts.

    • Traditional Craft Markets: Occasionally held in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem Ward), displaying handicraft products, silk and local specialties.

    • Hanoi Book Street: Located on December 19 Street (near Hoa Lo), is a quiet cultural space where visitors can read books and enjoy coffee.

    Amusement area

    Hoa Lo Prison neighborhood (Ca Nam Ward) is located at the intersection of the diplomatic and administrative areas and the Old Quarter, offering a variety of entertainment options.

    Hanoi Book Street is located on December 19 Street, a short walk from Hoa Lo Prison. This is a quiet cultural space where visitors can find book stalls, cafes and public reading areas. Different from the noise of the Old Town, Book Street brings an intellectual, relaxing atmosphere and is an ideal place for those who want to find a space to rest, read books and cultural exchange in the heart of the city.

    Hanoi Book Street

    Theatre Lon Hanoi is a beautiful classical French architecture, located about 1 km from Hoa Lo Prison. This building is not only an architectural attraction but also a major cultural center. The Opera House regularly hosts concerts, operas, ballets and large-scale art events. Visitors can check the performance schedule to experience a night of enjoying top art. Located nearby is Trang Tien Plaza Shopping Center, which combines high-end shopping and entertainment dining.

    The area around Hoa Lo Prison also has many other attractive entertainment and cultural venues, mainly located in Hoan Kiem Ward (Sword Lake area):

    • Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street: Active on weekend nights, where cultural activities, street art, folk games and community exchanges take place. This is Hanoi's largest nightlife entertainment center.

    • Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: Located on Dinh Tien Hoang street, is a place for unique traditional folk art performances.

    • Bars/Pub: Scattered on Ly Thuong Kiet, Hai Ba Trung streets and the Old Quarter area nearby, providing rich nightlife entertainment services.

    • Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square: Located at the gateway of the Old Quarter, is a venue for community events and festivals.

    Suggested tours

    Experience tours

    Hoa Lo Night Tour

    • Schedule: Takes place at Hoa Lo Prison Relics (Ca Nam Ward). Visitors can re-enact the tragic life and indomitable fighting spirit of the prisoners through light, sound and the actors' performances.

    • Transportation: Walking inside the relic area.

    • Reference tour price: About 350,000 - 600,000 VND/person (Including entrance tickets and performance experience).

    • Organizer: Hoa Lo Prison Relics Management Board.

    Tour "Ancient French Architecture & Street Cuisine"

    • Itinerary: Start from the Hoa Lo House area - Walk through the streets with ancient French architecture (Ly Thuong Kiet, Tran Hung Dao) - Enjoy famous local cuisine (like Pho Suong, Bun Cha) - End at the Cathedral area with egg coffee.

    • Transportation: Mainly walking, combined with public motorbike taxis technology.

    • Reference tour price: 500,000 - 750,000 VND/person (Including food costs and local tour guide).

    • Organizing unit: Groups of professional culinary guides (Food Tour) and Local Tour.

    Family tour

    Tour to visit historical sites in Hanoi  

    • Itinerary: Hoa Lo Prison – Hanoi Opera House – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Temple of Literature – National Tu Giam – Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Ward) – End in Old Town. This tour covers the main historical and cultural relics of Hanoi.

    • Transportation: 16–29-seat tourist car.

    • Reference tour price: 700,000 – 950,000 VND/person (including lunch and tour tickets agency).

    • Organizing unit: Hanoitourist, major travel companies.

    Shopping and Souvenirs

    The souvenir shop located right inside the Hoa Lo Prison relic site is the only place that sells exclusive historical gifts. The products here are often miniature models of prison items (such as shackles, gongs), book publications, postcards and badges bearing the image of Hoa Lo Relics. In particular, items related to the Night Tour such as "prison escape gift bags" or historical publications are also very popular with international tourists. Shopping here is not only about buying gifts but also a way to contribute to the preservation of monuments.

    Souvenirs at Hoa Lo Prison

    Hoa Lo Prison is located very close to famous commercial streets of the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem Ward). Visitors can walk to Hang Gai Street to buy silk products, embroidery and sophisticated handicrafts, or visit Hang Bong Street to buy fabric items and fashionable clothes. This area also has many shops selling Lacquer Paintings and handcrafted souvenirs bearing the mark of Hanoi, reflecting traditional handicrafts.

    Support information and other information

    To have the safest and most convenient trip in the center of the Capital, visitors should save emergency contact information and official support agencies in the Hoa Lo Prison area (Ca Nam Ward and Cua Nam Ward) Hoan Kiem Ward).

    >Support for Security and Tourist Police

    In the area of Hoa Lo Relics and neighboring Old Quarter, the security system is always strengthened.

    • Hanoi City Police/Emergency Switchboard:

      • Report/Emergency security support: 113

      • Fire alarm/Fire prevention: 114

      • Ca Nam Ward Police: This is the direct security management unit at Hoa Lo Relic. Visitors can contact the neighboring Hoan Kiem Ward Police (024 3825 5538) for assistance.

    • General Department of Market Management - Consumer Rights Protection:

      • Contact switchboard: 1900.888.655

      • Contact if you encounter problems with non-transparent prices, counterfeit goods or illegal business practices.

    Nearest Medical and Emergency Services

    When urgent medical assistance is needed, visitors You should quickly contact the emergency number and know the major hospitals near the Hoa Lo area.

    • Emergency switchboard: 115

    • Viet Duc Friendship General Hospital:

      • Support phone number: 1900 1902

      • Address: 40 Trang Thi Street, Hoan Kiem Ward (about 1.5 km from Hoa Lo), is the facility largest medical facility near this area.

    Service and Travel Support

    To have the best experience and protect travel rights, tourists should use the following support channels:

    • National tourism support hotline:

      • Contact phone number: 0941 33 66 77

      • Useful for answering questions, consulting travel information and receiving feedback.

    • Noi Bai Airport - Central customer support:

      • Contact number: (+84) 024 3886 5047

      • Useful if you need information about baggage or airport services after landing or before departure.

    Wish visitors will have a trip full of contemplation and deep emotions, fully discovering the tragic but heroic historical value at Hoa Lo Prison Relics!