Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”, is a former French prison located in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was built in 1896 to house Vietnamese political prisoners and later used by the North Vietnamese government to hold American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Today, the prison has been converted into a museum that showcases the history of the prison and its prisoners. Here are 10 things to do in Hoa Lo Prison for those who want to learn more about this unique historical site.
1. Take a Tour: The best way to explore Hoa Lo Prison is to take a guided tour. The tour will take you through the various sections of the prison, including the cells, interrogation rooms, and prison yard. You will also learn about the history of the prison and the prisoners who were held there, including the American prisoners of war.
2. Visit the Exhibits: The museum has several exhibits that showcase the history of the prison and its prisoners. Visitors can learn about the history of the prison, the conditions of the prisoners, and the stories of the American POWs.
3. View the Artifacts: The museum also houses a collection of artifacts from the prison, including photographs, personal items, and documents. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the lives of the prisoners and the conditions of the prison.
4. Read the Memorial Wall: The museum has a memorial wall dedicated to the American POWs who were held at Hoa Lo Prison. Visitors can read the names of the prisoners and learn about their stories.
5. Explore the Prison Yard: The prison yard is a large open area that was used for outdoor activities by the prisoners. Visitors can explore the area and imagine what it was like for the prisoners who spent time there.
6. Visit the Torture Room: The museum also has a torture room that was used to interrogate and punish prisoners. Visitors can learn about the harsh methods used by the prison guards and the effects they had on the prisoners.
7. See the Cells: The museum has several cells that were used to house the prisoners. Visitors can explore the cells and learn about the cramped and uncomfortable conditions the prisoners were subjected to.
8. Visit the Memorial Garden: The museum also has a memorial garden dedicated to the American POWs who were held at Hoa Lo Prison. Visitors can pay their respects to the prisoners and learn about their stories.
9. Take a Photo: Visitors can take photos of the prison and its exhibits to remember their visit.
10. Buy Souvenirs: The museum has a gift shop where visitors can buy souvenirs to remember their visit.
Hoa Lo Prison is an important part of Vietnam’s history and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the prison and its prisoners. By taking a guided tour, visiting the exhibits, viewing the artifacts, exploring the prison yard, visiting the torture room, seeing the cells, visiting the memorial garden, taking photos, and buying souvenirs, visitors can gain a better understanding of the history of Hoa Lo Prison and its prisoners.