A place where historical vestiges are engraved in the heart of Hanoi Hoa Lo Prison relic, Hanoi or in French, is called Maison Centrale As a clear testament to a period of the history of hardship and hardship, Hoa Lo prison in Hanoi also symbolizes the indomitable and resilient spirit of patriotic Vietnamese children. Besides Con Dao prison, Phu Quoc prison, and Hoa Lo prison are likened to “hell on earth" during the war and hardship period. After more than 120 years since its construction, today, this place has become a place of historical significance, educating about the revolutionary tradition for today and future generations. Besides Con Dao prison, Phu Quoc prison, and Hanoi Hoa Lo prison are likened to “hell on earth" during the war and hardship period. About Hoa Lo Prison relic, Hanoi Where is Hoa Lo Prison? Hoa Lo Prison, also known as Hanoi Prison, was formerly known as Maison Centrale in French, which means Central Prison, while its Vietnamese name is Hanoi Prison. The prison is located on the land bordered by four streets Hoa Lo, Hai Ba Trung, Quan Su, and Tho Nhuom in Hanoi. Today, it is in No. 1, Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Opening time to visit Hoa Lo prison Opening time: From 8:00 am – 5:00 pm all days, including holidays and New Year’s, so you can choose and arrange a suitable day to come. Ticket price to visit Hoa Lo Prison Fare Notes 1. Adult (15 years old and above) 30,000 VND/person 2. Students, students (with student and student cards). Severely disabled people Elderly people (Vietnamese citizens aged 60 years or older). People under the social policy 15,000 VND/person Get 50% off the ticket price 3. Children under 15 years old Disabled (especially severe) People with meritorious services to the revolution Members of associations: Veterans, Resistance Liaison Committee, Prisons Liaison Committee throughout the country – Free In particular, Hoa Lo Prison cooperated with a travel company to organize a tour “Sacred night – Shining Vietnamese spirit" with the listed price of 199,000 VND/ticket/person. The architecture of Hoa Lo prison At the end of the 19th century, to strengthen the suppression of our people’s struggle movements, the French colonialists added a police system and prisons, including the Hoa Lo prison (built in 1896). The prison was built by the French with highly demanded materials, shipped from France. Hoa Lo Prison has the largest and most solid scale in Indochina with a total initial area of 12,908m2, including the following system of work items: 1 house was used for guarding 1 house was used as a hospital 1 house was used as an alms hospital 2 houses were used to imprison the accused (not yet convicted) 1 house used to make workshops for carpentry, iron, sewing, leather 5 houses used to hold convicted prisoners 4 cell camps to hold death row inmates, dangerous prisoners, and prisoners who violate prison rules.
After the liberation of the capital on October 10, 1954, Hoa Lo Prison was under the management of the Vietnamese Government and used to hold American pilot prisoners of war until 1973. American prisoners of war often satirically called this prison by the name “Hanoi Hilton Hotel". Today, Hoa Lo Prison has become a historical relic that proves a whole period of hardship, a symbol of the resilient will and indomitable spirit of the patriotic Vietnamese people. For the class of people who grew up in peace, Hoa Lo is a place to educate patriotic traditions, love history, and understand and admire their ancestors. Today, Hoa Lo is just over 2,400 square meters, kept and preserved to serve tourists or those who want to learn and see first-hand what the colonial prison was like. Surrounding the prison is a solid wall built of stone 4m high, 0.5m thick, on which pieces of bottles and high voltage wires are attached to prevent prisoners from escaping. At the foot of the inner wall is a 3m wide sidewalk used for guards to patrol around the prison area. The four corners have four watchtowers, capable of observing the entire inside of the patrol road and around the outside of the prison. The “scary" scenes inside Hoa Lo prison Guillotine During its operation, Hoa Lo prison imprisoned and tortured many soldiers and revolutionaries, they used torture devices, very cruel. Among them is the “guillotine machine", a torture tool that turned Hoa Lo prison into a “hell on earth", and entered the top 10 scariest prisons in the world and the top 5 scariest destinations in the East. South Asia. The guillotine is the most talked-about horror in Hoa Lo, designed with two 4m high iron rods, with the blade held at the top by a latch, and the bottom is designed with a narrow shelf for death row inmates to enter. In January 1930, the guillotine was brought to Yen Bai to execute 13 Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers led by Nguyen Thai Hoc during the Yen Bai uprising. During the years from 1986 to 1954, this barbaric weapon was transferred from one prison to another in Tonkin. The “scary" scenes inside Hoa Lo prison Dungeon – “Hell of Hell” The dungeon is considered to be the scariest place in a prison, where prisoners are subjected to fiery slaps, horrible beatings, shackles, shackles, accommodation, and hygiene, all in a confined space. dark. Design separate detention spaces that make it impossible for prisoners to sleep, covered with dark space, those who have been locked here for a while have edema, scabies, and lack of nutrients due to lack of hygiene and sunshine. For female prisoners, the French colonialists had extremely brutal torture methods such as: electrocuting with electric cameras or using a cane to humiliate political prisoners. Not only were tortured by barbaric tricks but prisoners were also forced to do heavy labor such as repairing houses, laboring the places of wardens, pounding rice, or doing labor on battlefields.
The prisoners sentenced to death and awaiting execution are confined in a separate area, located deep inside the prison complex, and have to go through three iron gates. It can be said that Hoa Lo prison is a historical relic marking many sufferings as well as the sacrifices of heroes. If you have the opportunity to come to Hanoi, you should take the time to visit this place to feel more clearly. In addition, when visiting Hoa Lo prison, you can also visit Quan Su Pagoda and Hoan Kiem Lake. Notes when visiting Hoa Lo Prison: When visiting absolutely do not bring explosives, carry-on luggage must be sent to the right place. Absolutely do not smoke and move artifacts in the relic area. Vehicles must be parked in the right place. Only placing incense and flowers is allowed at the memorial site. No littering.