Hoa Lo Prison is one of the more historic attractions in Hanoi. It’s also in a very convenient location, easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the Old Quarter. If you’re staying near Hoan Kiem Lake, you’re minutes away from the prison.
I recently walked to the prison museum from my hotel on the west side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Tickets are 50.000 VND for adults, and children under 16 are free. This is a well-run and organized attraction. There are numerous helpful staff members inside. I’d say that visiting Hoa Lo Prison is a must-do in Hanoi because of its history and ease of access.
For more things to do in Hanoi, read about my recent visits to the Military History Museum and the Museum of Ethnology. And this guide covers where to stay in Hanoi.
Hanoi’s Hoa Lo Prison Visitor Info
| Location | Google Maps |
| Hours | 8 AM to 5 PM daily |
| Cost | 50.000 VND // free for children under 16 |
| How much time | Plan between 1 and 2 hours |
| When to visit* | Try to avoid weekends and afternoons |
| Official website | Hoa Lo Prison |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair friendly without assistance |
| Other notes | Audio guide available for 100.000 VND |
Visiting Hoa Lo Prison, the Hanoi Hilton
Getting here: Hoa Lo Prison is just west of Hoan Kiem Lake. You can walk here in 10 minutes if you stay anywhere near the new La Siesta Premium Lakeside (Agoda / Booking) or the Serene Central (Agoda / Booking). If you’re a bit farther out, then use the Grab app to book a taxi.
The prison has a lengthy history, most notably as housing American prisoners (from 1964 to 1973) during the Vietnam War. For anyone familiar with the American political scene, Senator John McCain was a prisoner here. It was during this period that American POWs nicknamed Hoa Lo Prison the “Hanoi Hilton.”
Hoa Lo Prison, originally named Maison Centrale, was built by the French between 1896 and 1901. The French colonists mainly housed political prisoners. Most of the original prison complex was demolished in 1993, and what was left was turned into today’s museum.
The exhibits at the prison are both indoor and outdoor. There is AC in some of the indoor areas. There are bathrooms all around the grounds. There are also vending machines with cold drinks and a souvenir shop.
After visiting Hoa Lo Prison, you can walk to Hanoi Train Street (the southern location) in less than 20 minutes. This is what I did on my recent visit to Hanoi.
Klook.com
