Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
Welcome to the heart of Hanoi, where history echoes through the halls of Hoa Lo Prison, affectionately known as the “Hanoi Hilton.”
This guide promises to unravel the intriguing tales behind the formidable walls and share some witty insights to make your visit memorable.
The Not-So-Friendly Hilton
Prepare for a visit at the “Hanoi Hilton” that won’t earn you any loyalty points.
Despite its nickname, this historical site has a past that’s far from luxurious.
Discover the gripping stories of prisoners who experienced this less-than-five-star accommodation during the Vietnam War.
French Colonial Chains: Hoa Lo’s Earlier Years
From Maison Centrale to Hoa Lo
Step into the time machine and travel back to the late 19th century when Hoa Lo Prison was known as Maison Centrale.
Initially built by the French colonialists, it served as a facility to incarcerate political prisoners, particularly those opposing French rule.
The very bricks and bars whisper tales of the struggle for independence.
Cruel Comforts of French Captivity
While exploring the French-era section of Hoa Lo, witness the stark contrast between the harsh living conditions imposed on Vietnamese revolutionaries and the comfort enjoyed by the French colonizers.
Uncover the tactics used to suppress dissent and the resilience of those who dared to challenge the status quo.
The Shadow of Colonial Oppression
Delve into the stories of the Vietnamese nationalists imprisoned during the French colonial period.
The echoes of their protests and calls for independence can still be felt in the corridors.
Gain insight into the seeds of resistance within these walls, setting the stage for Vietnam’s struggle for freedom.
The Women of Hoa Lo
Discover the untold stories of the female prisoners who occupied a section of Hoa Lo.
Their resilience in the face of adversity is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Gain a newfound appreciation for the strength of these women who faced the challenges of imprisonment.
American Odyssey: The Hanoi Hilton Takes Center Stage
The Transformation of Hoa Lo
Fast forward to the 1960s, and witness the transformation of Hoa Lo into the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War.
Here, you can learn about the changes to accommodate a new kind of prisoner.
Life Behind Bars: The American Experience
Walk in the shoes of American POWs who spent years within these walls.
Discover the daily routines, coping mechanisms, and the camaraderie that developed among the prisoners.
Gain a deeper understanding of their challenges and the resilience that defined their time in captivity.
The Myth of the “Hanoi Hilton”
Separate fact from fiction as you unravel the myths surrounding the treatment of American prisoners.
While the sarcastic nickname suggests a certain level of comfort, delve into the nuanced reality of life within the “Hilton.”
The truth may surprise you, adding layers to the complex narrative of war and captivity.
Return to Hanoi: The Bittersweet Homecoming
Learn about the emotional journeys of American POWs who returned to Hoa Lo years after their release.
Walk the same corridors with them as they revisit the scenes of their captivity, offering a unique perspective on reconciliation and the enduring human spirit.
Whether under French rule or during the American conflict, Hoa Lo Prison has witnessed tumultuous chapters in Vietnam’s history.
Explore the dualities of oppression and resistance as this place transformed from a symbol of colonial dominance to a stark reminder of the costs of war.
Beyond the Bars: A Walk of Reflection
Wrap up your visit with a stroll through the somber courtyard, where remnants of the prison’s history linger.
Take a moment to reflect on the past, appreciate the journey of Vietnam, and perhaps leave with a deeper understanding of the human spirit’s capacity for endurance and hope.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) |
| Location | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Historical Period | French Colonial Era to Vietnam War |
| Significance | A symbol of the Vietnamese struggle for independence and, later, a place of captivity for American POWs during the Vietnam War |
| Exhibits | She thoughtfully curated displays portraying the harsh realities of prison life, focusing on both the French and American periods. |
| Notable Inmates | Includes individuals such as John McCain, Bud Day, and others who played pivotal roles in history |
| Preservation | Ongoing efforts to preserve the site as a historical landmark and educational resource |
| Visitor Information | Open daily 8:00-17:00; Entrance fee is 30,000 VND. |
If you've read John McCain's biography, you know there's more to the story.
So, if you're here for an in-depth exploration of the American perspective on the Vietnam War, you might be in for a surprise.
It's more like a walk-through history with a French twist and a sprinkle of Hilton hospitality – don't expect the whole POW experience.
Notable Inmates
Delve into the stories of the individuals held captive within Hoa Lo Prison.
From political dissidents during the French occupation to American pilots during the Vietnam War, the prison’s walls echo the voices of those who fought for their beliefs.
| Name | Nationality | Military Branch | Years in Captivity | Noteworthy Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everett Alvarez Jr. | Mexican American | U.S. Navy | Over eight years | 2nd longest-held U.S. POW |
| John L. Borling | American | USAF | 6+1⁄2 years | Retired major general |
| Charles G. Boyd | American | USAF | Almost seven years | Retired general; only Vietnam-era POW to reach four-star rank |
| George Thomas Coker | American | U.S. Navy | – | – |
| Robert R. Craner | American | USAF | – | Fighter pilot |
| Bud Day | American | USAF | – | Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross recipient, political activist |
| Jeremiah Denton | American | U.S. Navy | – | Senator (R-AL) |
| Lee Ellis | American | USAF | – | Fighter pilot, motivational speaker, and author |
| Norman C. Gaddis | American | USAF | Almost seven years | Retired Brigadier General |
| Guy Gruters | American | USAF | – | Fighter pilot, motivational speaker, and author |
| Lawrence N. Guarino | American | U.S. Air Force | – | Officer, a veteran of three wars, and author |
| Carlyle “Smitty” Harris | American | U.S. Air Force | Almost eight years | Credited for establishing the “tap code.” |
| Doug Hegdahl | American | USN | – | An inmate who played a fool to memorize prisoner information |
| Sam Johnson | American | USAF | – | Fighter pilot, Representative (R-TX) |
| Joe Kernan | American | U.S. Navy | – | Former governor of Indiana |
| Joseph Kittinger | American | USAF | – | Record-breaking parachutist |
| William P. Lawrence | American | U.S. Navy | – | Chief of Naval Personnel and Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy |
| Hayden Lockhart | American | USAF | – | The First Air Force pilot captured in North Vietnam, the third American captured |
| John McCain | American | U.S. Navy | 5.5 years | Senator (R-AZ), 2008 Republican presidential nominee |
| Robinson Risner | American | USAF | 1965 to 1973 | Fighter pilot, senior ranking POW |
| Howard Rutledge | American | U.S. Navy | Part of 7+1⁄2 years | Co-author of “In the Presence of Mine Enemies” |
| Lance Sijan | American | USAF | – | Medal of Honor recipient |
| Jerry A. Singleton | American | USAF | – | Helicopter pilot, Lieutenant Colonel, Silver Star recipient |
| James Stockdale | American | U.S. Navy | – | Medal of Honor recipient, 1992 vice presidential candidate |
| Floyd James Thompson | American | U.S. Army Special Forces | Almost nine years | Longest-held U.S. POW |
Why is Hoa Lo Prison called Hanoi Hilton?
The term “Hanoi Hilton” is a sarcastic nickname given by American POWs during the Vietnam War, suggesting a more pleasant experience than the harsh reality of their captivity.
What happened to prisoners at Hanoi Hilton?
Prisoners at Hanoi Hilton, or Hoa Lo Prison, endured various forms of mistreatment, including torture, malnutrition, and inhumane living conditions during the Vietnam War.
How much does it cost to go to Hoa Lo Prison?
Admission fees for Hoa Lo Prison are 30,000 VND per person.
What famous prisons were in Hanoi?
Apart from Hoa Lo Prison, other notable prisons in Hanoi include the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” (Hoa Lo) and the “Hanoi Citadel,” both with significant historical importance.
Who was imprisoned at the Hanoi Hilton?
The Hanoi Hilton housed various prisoners during the Vietnam War, including notable figures like John McCain, Bud Day, and other American POWs.
Check the table above of Notable Inmates for the complete list.
What nickname did the POWs give to the prison at Hoa Lo?
American POWs famously nicknamed Hoa Lo Prison “Hanoi Hilton” as a sarcastic and ironic reference to the well-known Hilton hotels.
Is there a guillotine in Hoa Lo?
While Hoa Lo Prison had a guillotine during the French colonial period, it was not used during the Vietnam War era.
You can still see the guillotine on the display.
Did anyone escape from Hanoi Hilton?
Several attempts were made, but only a few prisoners successfully escaped from Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War.
Notably, USAF Captain George McKnight was shot down over North Vietnam on November 6, 1965.
He successfully escaped with George Thomas Coker from “Dirty Bird” on October 12, 1967, in Hanoi, North Vietnam.
However, their escape only took them approximately 15 miles down the river before they were recaptured the next day. McKnight was eventually released in 1973.
How many people died at Hanoi Hilton?
As many as 114 American POWs tragically lost their lives in captivity during the Vietnam War, with a significant number enduring the harsh conditions and mistreatment within the confines of the Hanoi Hilton.
Address:
- 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Contact:
Opening Hours:
- Daily :8:00–17:00
Entrance Fee:
- 30,000 VND
- Book a tour here
