Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi, also known as Maison Centrale, was built by the French colonialists to imprison and torture soldiers and patriotic leaders. After its purpose changed, the prison was preserved and restored, becoming a unique tourist destination in the capital. Continue reading the article compiled by San Hotel Series below to discover more stories related to this “hell on earth”.
Where is Hoa Lo Prison? How much is the ticket?
Address: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Opened: 1896
Architect: Auguste Henri Vildieu
Visiting Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi: Important Information and Ticket Prices
Opening hours: Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi is open every day of the week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including public holidays and festivals, allowing visitors to explore its rich historical significance at their convenience.
Ticket prices:
50,000 VND per person for a single entry.
Free admission:
- Individuals with severe disabilities as per Clause 1, Article 11 of Decree No. 28/2012/ND-CP.
- Children under 16 years old.
50% discount on admission:
- People with moderate disabilities according to Clause 2, Article 11 of Decree No. 28/2012/ND-CP.
- Seniors aged 60 and above.
- Students, pupils, and trainees aged 16 and over with a valid student ID.
- Certain groups enjoy special discounts in line with cultural policy benefits.
History of Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi
In response to the growing resistance movements of the Vietnamese people at the end of the 19th century, the French colonialists reinforced their oppressive machinery by adding more police forces, strengthening the judicial system, and establishing a vast network of prisons. In 1896, on the land of Phu Khanh village in Vinh Xuong commune, Tho Xuong district, Hanoi, the French built Hoa Lo Prison, one of the largest prisons in French Indochina.
Originally covering an area of more than 12,000 square meters, the prison complex now retains only 2,434 square meters, preserved as a historical site to give visitors a chance to witness firsthand the harsh conditions of a colonial-era prison. As you explore Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi, you’ll get an immersive experience of what it was like to be imprisoned under French rule.
Despite the brutal conditions, the Vietnamese revolutionaries remained steadfast, keeping their revolutionary spirit alive. They transformed Hoa Lo Prison into a school of resistance, spreading revolutionary ideology, and many even managed to escape and return to their people and organizations, continuing to contribute to the national liberation movement.
=>See more: Vietnam Military History Museum Free Admission
Many prominent revolutionary leaders were imprisoned by the French colonialists at Hoa Lo Prison, including notable figures such as Phan Boi Chau, Nguyen Quyen, Nguyen Luong Bang, Luong Van Can, and Ho Tung Mau. In addition, five General Secretaries of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Van Cu, Le Duan, Truong Chinh, Do Mui, and Nguyen Van Linh, were also held there.
After Vietnam’s northern region gained independence, the Vietnamese government took control of Hoa Lo Prison and temporarily used it to detain individuals who violated the law. However, from August 5, 1964, to March 31, 1973, Hoa Lo Prison was also used to hold American pilots who were shot down while carrying out bombing missions over North Vietnam.
In 1993, the Vietnamese government decided to repurpose the prison to support the economic development of Hanoi. Part of the southeast section of the prison was preserved, restored, and classified as a historical site. Today, Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi is home to a memorial dedicated to the brave Vietnamese patriots and revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives within its walls in the fight for independence and freedom.
What is in the world’s most notorious prison “Hoa Lo Prison”?
It is no coincidence that this prison is famously known as “Hell on Earth”. So, what makes Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi so notorious? Let’s explore the most striking features of this historical site that continue to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
The prison door is made of ironwood and weighs 1,6 tons
The prison door is made of ironwood and weighs an astonishing 1,6 tons. In the past, Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi was a place where the French colonialists used brutal methods against prisoners. Stepping through the heavy ironwood door meant enduring cruel punishment, being shackled, and subjected to beatings in solitary confinement rooms.
The prison guards were experienced and ruthless, with a brutal system in place that made escaping nearly impossible. The guards were notorious for their cruelty, and the harsh conditions of detention created an environment where once you entered, there was little chance of leaving.
Prisoners were issued two sets of clothing: one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved, both stamped with “MC”, the abbreviation for Maison Centrale. During the winter months, they were also given an additional blanket made in Nam Dinh, offering little comfort in the freezing cold.
Prison D
Prison D is one of the largest detention areas in Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi, located just beyond the entrance door. The roof is tiled, but there is no ceiling, and the walls are solid, coated in tar, creating a chilling, oppressive atmosphere.
Originally designed to hold a maximum of 40 prisoners, there were times when nearly 100 people were crammed into this suffocating space. The sweltering heat made the conditions unbearable, and during summer, weaker prisoners were placed near the entrance for some relief. In the freezing winter months, without warm clothing, the prisoners huddled together for warmth, spooning to survive the cold.
Inside the cells, prisoners were shackled by their feet to two rows of hardwood planks. At the center of the room was an open-air latrine, and at times, the authorities refused to allow cleaning, leading to unbearable levels of filth. In 1917, the number of prisoners exceeded the prison’s capacity, and nearly half of them were forced to sleep on the cold wooden floor.
“Cachot” area
Behind Prison D lies the path to the dreaded Cachot, the place where prisoners who violated the prison rules or defied authority were sent for severe punishment. The cells in the Cachot were dark, suffocating, and cramped, lacking proper ventilation. Prisoners were shackled by their feet day and night, subjected to beatings, forced to eat tasteless food, or left to starve. They were left to relieve themselves in the same place they slept, and during the cold winter months, the guards would pour cold water on them to intensify their suffering.
The cement floor was designed with a reverse slope, forcing the prisoners to sleep with their heads lower than their feet, causing blood to rush to their heads. Many prisoners who endured this punishment were left physically damaged, unable to see clearly, walking with difficulty, and suffering from severe skin infections and swollen bodies when they were finally released.
The death row section – The guillotine at Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi
In the southwestern corner of Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi, the French colonialists built the Death Row section to hold prisoners sentenced to death. The conditions here were no different from those in the Cachot, with the door only opening twice a day to deliver food to the prisoners.
According to the regulations, death row inmates were meant to be held here for 10 months before being reconsidered for a reduced sentence to life imprisonment. However, many were executed just 2 to 3 days after being confined to this grim section.
The most brutal atrocity committed by the French colonists was the use of the guillotine for executions. This device, now displayed at the Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi historical site, was considered by the French to be a more “humane” method of execution compared to the medieval forms of capital punishment.
The harsh diet of prisoners at Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi
According to the prison regulations, the meals provided to the prisoners were supposed to meet certain standards. However, the guards, in collusion with the contractors, deliberately cut corners and served the prisoners with substandard food. The meals consisted of stale rice, moldy grains, dried fish mixed with rotten fish, low-quality meat, and old vegetables.
This nutritionally deficient and unhygienic diet led to numerous health problems, with prisoners suffering from diseases like dysentery and malaria. In just one year, from 1920 to 1921, 87 prisoners lost their lives due to these conditions.
American pilots in Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi
During the time of the American bombing raids over North Vietnam, despite the nation’s severe struggles, the Vietnamese government treated the captured American pilots with a sense of humanity, ensuring the best possible conditions in Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi. Each pilot was provided with necessary supplies, and their wounds were treated, with daily medical care offered to all.
While incarcerated, the pilots were allowed to engage in cultural activities: playing sports, listening to news broadcasts, and watching movies. They were even able to celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, and prepare their own meals. On January 27, 1973, after the Paris Agreement was signed, Vietnam released all the American pilots who had been captured.
Indian almond tree area at Hoa Lo prison
According to the accounts of former political prisoners at Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi, the origin of the Indian almond tree dates back to before 1930, when the prisoners, sentenced to hard labor, were tasked with cleaning near the court building. They collected wild Indian almond saplings from the grassy areas and planted them in the prison yard. Over time, the Indian almond tree grew and became deeply rooted in the hearts of many generations of political prisoners.
Whenever they were allowed outside, the prisoners would gather around the Indian almond tree, enjoying the fresh air while discussing ways to resist the colonial prison system. During this period, the guards prohibited the use of bowls and chopsticks, fearing that the prisoners might use them as weapons. As a result, the prisoners crafted their own bowls from dried coconut shells and used Indian almond branches as chopsticks.
Helpful tips for visiting the Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi historical site
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, here are some important tips and guidelines:
- If you’re looking to save on transportation costs, taking the bus is your best option. You can catch bus routes 32, 02, 38, and 41, all of which have stops conveniently located near Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi, making it easy for you to get there.
- Only bring necessary and lightweight items with you. Avoid carrying anything flammable into the prison. Before entering, it’s recommended to leave any bulky luggage in the designated area.
- While touring the historical site, be respectful by refraining from smoking, speaking loudly, or moving any of the exhibits. Maintain proper decorum and politeness throughout your visit.
- If you wish to light incense or lay flowers, please do so only in the designated memorial area.
- Although weekends can be crowded, there is no need to worry about booking tickets in advance as you can easily purchase them at the entrance. If you would like to hire a guide, it’s best to schedule in advance.
- If you are visiting in a large group or with the intention of research or study, it’s advisable to contact the management team beforehand for assistance in preparation.
Here is the “Hoa Lo Prison Hanoi: Address, Ticket Prices, and Visiting Tips”. Wishing you a delightful trip to Vietnam! If you’re visiting Vietnam and the capital, Hanoi, you can book a room at San Hotel at the best prices here!
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