January
17.3°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Hanoi
Hoa Lo Prison
A French colonial prison turned museum, with the story of Vietnamese revolutionaries and wartime prisoners.
- Time needed
- From 1 hour
- Entry fee
- 50,000 VND
- Best months
- Oct – Dec
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
Overview
Hoa Lo Prison was built by the French in 1896 and was called Maison Centrale. Today only a part of the old complex remains, and it is run as a museum about Vietnamese prisoners and political fighters during the colonial period.
You walk through cells, a recreated guillotine and the courtyards. Later displays tell the story of American pilots held here during the war, who nicknamed it the “Hanoi Hilton”. The museum is serious in tone, so give yourself time and read the English panels.
Highlights
- Walk through the old cells and the courtyards
- See the guillotine and the solitary rooms
- Read the stories of Vietnamese revolutionaries
- Learn why American pilots called it the Hanoi Hilton
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily 8:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 50,000 VND |
| Time needed | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning or late afternoon |
| Good for | History fans, adults, older teenagers |
| Accessibility | Stairs and narrow cells; some areas are not suitable for wheelchairs |
| Facilities | Toilets, gift shop, audio guide (extra) |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hanoi by month.
February
18.3°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.7°C ~ 71°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.7°C ~ 82°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
29.1°C ~ 84°F
20 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.4°C ~ 81°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.1°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
17.9°C ~ 64°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
From Hanoi centre
Hoa Lo Prison sits on Hoa Lo street, a 15 to 20 minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake or about 5 minutes by Grab. Look for the large stone gate.
Tips before you go
- Some exhibits are heavy, so think twice with young children
- Use the audio guide if you want full details in English
- Combine it with the Old Quarter, only 10 to 15 minutes on foot
- Go in the morning to avoid tour groups
Location
1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
About 1 km from Hoan Kiem Lake
More attractions in Hanoi
FAQs
Why is it called the Hanoi Hilton?
American prisoners of war used the nickname during the Vietnam War, because the prison was crowded and basic.
Is Hoa Lo Prison suitable for children?
It is suitable for older children and teenagers. Some displays are dark and may upset younger children.
How long should I plan?
About one hour is enough. Plan more time if you use the audio guide.