Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison was built by French colonists in 1896 to hold Vietnamese political prisoners — at its peak it housed five times its intended capacity. The Vietnamese name means "fiery furnace" or "hell's hole." After the French left, the prison was used to hold American POWs during the Vietnam War; US pilots, including John McCain, nicknamed it the "Hanoi Hilton." Today a museum occupying the southern portion of the original site tells both stories through exhibits, photographs, and preserved cells.

Located at 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District. Entry 30,000 VND. Open 08:00–17:00 daily. Allow 1–1.5 hours. The contrast between the grim French-era cells and the comparatively comfortable POW quarters the museum presents is itself a topic of debate worth reading about before you visit.

Hotel recommendations coming soon.