Hanoi War Sites Experience: Insight to Vietnam's History through Hoa Lo Prison & Military Museum
5.0
8 Ratings
Ba Đình
Immerse yourself in Vietnam's history with the Hanoi War Sites Experience. Visit Hoa Lo Prison and the Vietnam Military History Museum to gain insight into the Vietnam War and its impact. Small group tours with English-speaking guides available.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Vietnam Military History Museum - Our initial stop is the Vietnam Military History Museum, inaugurated in 1956. It stands as the earliest museum in Vietnam dedicated to the military, highlighting the role of the Communist Party and the People’s Army of Vietnam. The museum boasts a vast collection of military relics, including tanks, firearms, and remnants of aircraft.\nIt serves to educate Vietnamese citizens about their rich heritage of patriotism and provides visitors with a glimpse into Vietnam’s arduous journey through protracted conflicts with French, American, and Chinese forces.\n- Hoa Lo Prison - Next on our Hanoi War Sites Walking tour is the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton.” This prison was notorious for housing Vietnamese revolutionaries and those who opposed the French colonial regime. During the Vietnam War, it also held American POWs.\nConstructed by the French colonialists in 1896 as the primary detention center for Central and Tonkin regions, it was originally situated on over 12,000 square meters, though only about 2,000 square meters remain today. In the 1980s, most of the complex was demolished, but the gatehouse was preserved as a museum to memorialize the wartime experiences.\nThe exhibits at Hoa Lo Prison are predominantly focused on the era of French colonialism, including a chamber that houses the original guillotine, a macabre device with a sharp blade that descends along a wooden frame.\nThis site is a poignant inclusion in the Hanoi War Sites Walking Tour, offering visitors an intimate look at the Vietnamese struggle during wartime and the resilience that led to their triumph over French and American adversaries.
What's Included
  • Ticket Fee
  • Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This venture offers an optimal way to explore and understand Hanoi while steering clear of the intense summer heat!

Regardless of your age, the Vietnam War - a pivotal conflict in contemporary history - is likely known to you. This picturesque journey offers a glimpse into the era of the Vietnam Battles and their aftermath. We’ll be visiting two significant sites: the Hoa Lo Prison and the Vietnam Military History Museum.

For those passionate about history, the Hanoi War Sites Experience is a must-experience addition to your travel itinerary. Get to know history through narratives instead of textbooks! By the end of this journey, you’ll acquire a profound understanding of historical roots, through the lenses of the young, progressive Vietnamese.

Please Note:
The cost covers tickets and the services of English-speaking guides.
This tour is designed for a small group, with a maximum limit of 6 attendees, providing ample opportunity for queries.
While the Vietnam Military History Museum remains closed on Mondays and Fridays, the Hoa Lo Prison is open throughout the week.

Location
Vietnam Military History Museum
Điện Biên Phủ
I will be waiting for you at the meeting point, Vietnam Military History Museum, at 28A Điện Biên Phủ. And please be on time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(8 Ratings)
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Esther_f
Dec 8, 2023
Great storytelling - It was a pleasure to be guided through the museums by Kien, our tour guide who had such a great storytelling skill. His profound knowledge and enthusiasm for history not only kept us engaged but also left a lasting impact, transforming our perception of Vietnam. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Allancw8517vj
May 10, 2023
Excellent Tour - The tour was very informative. Quang was very knowledgeable and took time to answer questions asked by the group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B9959loerics
Apr 20, 2023
Great tour - Diep was a very friendly and knowledgeable host. It was a great way to see the museum and prison. Very much recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tim
Feb 1, 2023
Take the time, it’s well worth it! - Great tour, knowledgeable guide and a must see for all American visitors. A whole new perspective on the Vietnam War. There are always two sides to every story!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabinar153
Feb 23, 2020
Don‘t miss that tour - Steve is an incredible friendly, knowledgeable and passionate guide. He explained us Vietnam‘s history in an understandable way and took all his time to answer our questions. We can only strongly recommend him. Steve is the best combination of a very modern guide with the knowledge of a history book.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wbanks3
Jan 7, 2020
Great War tour - Steve was a very knowledgeable host with excellent English. We highly recommend. Nice way to start our Vietnam trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fauzaocha
Dec 31, 2019
One Trip With Local Hanoi - Rosie and Kiko are realt nice and good. We went to Cathedral and the Priso. A must try! They are also very full of knowledge about history. Fun to hang out with
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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