Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Hoa Lo Museum is all that remains of the Hoa Lo Prison, which was used to capture Vietnamese and American political prisoners during the colonial period and the Vietnam War. It offers a glimpse into the prison's history through various exhibits and displays. Visitors can see original cells where Vietnamese revolutionaries were held captive by the French, artifacts showcasing the harsh conditions prisoners endured, and photographs depicting the prison's different eras.

Once a fearsome prison used to suppress voices of dissent, Hoa La Prison was built by the French during the colonial era. It was first used to house Vietnamese revolutionaries opposing French rule and was later used for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. It is sarcastically known as 'Hanoi Hilton' for its brutal living conditions. Today, most of the prison has been razed to the ground, but a small section remains that has become a museum.

A significant part of the museum is dedicated to the experiences of American POWs, with displays featuring their living conditions, personal belongings, and stories of their time in captivity. The exhibits aim to illustrate contrasting perspectives on the prison's history, as perceived by both the Vietnamese and American prisoners. While some controversy surrounds the portrayal of the treatment of American POWs in the museum, it remains a significant historical site, offering insight into Vietnam's struggle for independence and the complex narratives surrounding war and captivity.