We visited mid-morning to avoid the tour crowds, and I would suggest the earlier the better, so as to experience the displays with the level of solitude it requires. I was astounded by the number of people who wouldn't pay a paltry fee for the self guided audio headset as it added so much clarity to the experience. It was shocking to see how a supposedly civilised country such as France treated their fellow humans, but then again, how many empires behaved in such a manor ? and how many countries still are today ? The displays were well laid out and numbered for ease of understanding with the audio headset. I realise that this is Vietnam's story to tell, however, I thought it was a little cheapened by the constant maintenance of the party line through the French area when human emotion must have been to the fore of the poor Vietnamese, and the assertion that, in general, the American POWs were treated with such gentleness and compassion during that conflict. Obviously, the pictures and displays are authentic, however, I imagine selective portrayal was extensively used. I thought the narrative was weigted unnecessarily heavily in one direction, as what I assume would be a more accurate portrayal, would certainly be understandable to most people today. For me, both the story and site were lessened a little by such. I'm glad I went and would recommend a visit to anyone visiting Ha Noi. Also, maybe it's just me, but I noticed a few people openly sobbing ??? Whilst its eye opening for sure, I certainly didn't achieve such emotion.

We spent 50,000VND (about £1.50) for two entry tickets, and we decided not to buy the audio guide. The prison was a decent experience, it had lots of photos/paintings and sculptures to look at and you do learn some interesting things about the war. Unfortunately, they do not control how many people go in at once, and we found it was so busy inside that we were struggling to see things, and people were standing in front of us when we were trying to read/take photos. Thankfully it is quite cool inside, due to lots of fans and air conditioning being used, but we would recommend to go early (we visited at dinner time) to avoid crowds as most people had the same idea as us - to visit during the hottest hours to avoid the heat.

Hoa Lo prison is within walking distance of the old quarter. It’s really done well and gives a good sense of what life must have been like for the prisoners. The audio guide costs about double what the entry fee is (and is on top of entry). I think it would be worth it if you are interested in much more detailed history. The exhibits do have short explanations in Vietnamese and English and actually that would have been enough for me as I found the audio guide didn’t move at my pace and really detracted from me being present in the moment but I think this is just down to how we individually interact with these things.

Would recommend getting the headphones to listen to the stories (100K VND per headset) from actual people that were in the prison and hear the intriguing commentary. It’s a really decent guide from actual escapees and people who were held in the prison. Without it I think you’d go through in about 30 minutes but we ended up being there for a good hour and a half as it was so educational. It can be confronting for some people. We were fine with our children as we explained this is all a part of history and it’s not always a nice story. They enjoyed taking turns with the headset and going through the exhibitions. We shared one headset between us four (2 adults and 2 kids). I would say if there are two adults it’s worth getting one each to go through together. Some of the stories can be 5-7 minutes. Overall if you like history, it’s a good quick trip.

Visiting Hỏa Lò Prison in Hanoi was a truly eye-opening experience. As a tourist, I appreciated the well-preserved historical artifacts and the detailed information provided throughout the museum. What I liked: - The museum offers a balanced narrative about the prison's history, from its use during the French colonial period to its role in the Vietnam War. - The exhibits are engaging and immersive, with a mix of photographs, documents, and reconstructed prison cells that give a vivid sense of the harsh conditions faced by prisoners. - The storytelling was powerful, particularly the section on the resilience and determination of Vietnamese revolutionaries held there. - The air-conditioned interiors provided a comfortable environment for learning, even on a hot day in Hanoi. But I didn’t like something as: - Some parts of the museum felt a bit crowded, especially during peak visiting hours, which made it challenging to fully enjoy the exhibits. - While the displays were informative, I felt that certain narratives were a bit one-sided, particularly in the section dedicated to American POWs during the Vietnam War. Adding more perspectives would enrich the storytelling. Overall, Hỏa Lò Prison is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding Vietnam’s complex past. It’s a sobering reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made during pivotal moments in history.

When we visited in morning (around 10am) the museum was extremely crowded. It was really hard to read any of the information presented. The info was interesting, if not perhaps a bit one-sided. Either way, it was interesting, but a bit stressful to navigate the crowds crammed into the small rooms.

I recently visited the Hoa Lo Prison Relic, and it was a thought-provoking experience. The site is rich in history and provides deep insights into Vietnam's past, particularly during the Vietnam War. The exhibits are well-organized and informative, featuring photographs and artifacts that tell powerful stories. The atmosphere is both somber and reflective, giving visitors a chance to understand the struggles faced by those imprisoned there. The ticket price is reasonable, and the staff were friendly and helpful. I recommend taking your time to read the displays and absorb the history. If you're in Hanoi, Hoa Lo Prison is definitely worth a visit!

This wasn’t just another tourist stop; it was a raw dive into Vietnam’s harrowing history, told from a poignant Vietnamese perspective. The exhibits—photos, artifacts, and stories—pulled at our hearts in unexpected ways. We stood silently before rusted shackles, imagining lives once bound by them. It was somber yet enlightening, as if the walls whispered tales of resilience and pain. As a couple, we found ourselves reflecting deeply, discussing what freedom truly means. Some sections felt hard to digest, almost intrusive, but that’s the point—it forces you to remember, not forget. For all its emotional toll, Hoa Lo is unforgettable, leaving us with more questions than answers about humanity’s past mistakes.

I visited this museum during my Hanoi visit. This museum used to be an actual prison. It now showcases the hardships Vietnamese freedom fighters had to endure when they were put in prison. If someone is a history buff, they should definitely check it out.

The prison dates to 1896 when it was used to hold and torture anyone (local Vietnamese) who opposed the French government (Back then the French held power in Vietnam as THEIR colonial interest). In the mid to late 20th century (US War), Hoa Lo was then used by Vietnamese locals to imprison American POWs who gave the site the nickname “Hanoi Hilton.” Most of the prison was demolished in 1990 to make room for a high rise (Hanoi Towers). A small corner of the original prison still exists dedicated to the history of the prison’s past. There was lots of propaganda media, but mainly about how the French used the prison in the first half of the 1900s as a place of incarceration and torture for anyone that opposed the French governing. Why there is even a Guillotine on display and pictures of severed heads. Only as a side feature is there information about the 600 American prisoners of war that were held there (some over 9 years), during the Vietnam / American War. Besides the citadel this was the only other location worth historical viewing in this very crowded and trash covered city. Yes there are some sights and experiences in this city but based on the pollution and many motor bikes we have no desire to visit the area again.