Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a prisoner during Vietnam’s tumultuous history? With the introduction of an immersive night tour, visitors can now delve deep into the experiences of those confined within the legendary Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi. This historical monument, recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, holds many tales within its walls, intricately woven into the fabric of Vietnam’s fate since its construction.
A Journey Through Time
Hoa Lo Prison, originally known as “Maison Centrale,” was built during the French Colonial Era. This formidable institution housed Vietnamese revolutionaries and political dissidents, becoming a crucible through which many leaders of the resistance movement would pass. The name “Hoa Lo” translates to “stove,” “fire kiln,” or “fiery furnace,” derived from the village that specialized in making various types of casserole dishes and portable earthen stoves. The French repurposed this village to construct the prison and court we see today. Now transformed into a museum, Hoa Lo Prison’s mission is to preserve the history of this historic site.
The Sacred Night Tour
Launched in July 2020, the “Sacred Night – Glorious Vietnamese Spirit” tour takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting at 7 PM and lasting 90 minutes. Both the museum and night tour focus on showcasing the experiences of the Vietnamese revolutionaries incarcerated during the French Colonial Era.
Upon arrival, each visitor is provided with a pair of headphones, immersing them in their own personal journey. The tour begins with a general briefing on the prison’s history, followed by a model reconstruction of the prison’s former glory. From here, the true experience begins, as visitors are enveloped in a carefully crafted landscape of lights and sounds. The dim lighting and ambient sounds create an oppressive atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the harsh conditions and suffering endured by the prisoners who eventually became Vietnamese national heroes. It’s an opportunity to marvel at their resilience and unwavering spirit.
Uncovering the Truth
Visitors are guided to the cell block for male prisoners, a stark room with bare concrete walls and a bucket latrine in the corner. Here, prisoners were shackled in rows on long slab tables. With only 15 minutes a day allocated for movement and hygiene, this room became the entire world for the revolutionaries, bound at the ankle and surrounded by their fellow comrades. The room now houses life-sized replicas of these prisoners, illuminated by the only bright lights that can be found. Through their ceramic faces, the ravages of starvation and torture are hauntingly evident.
Another testament to the prisoners’ indomitable will lies in a series of daring escapes. The most famous escape, which holds a special place in the tour, occurred in 1951 when 17 death-row prisoners cut through the prison bars, using tunnels to reach the sewer system. Emerging from the sewers, they encountered a patrol of soldiers, and only 5 survived to join the resistance. Visitors on the night tour can explore these tunnels and even witness a replica of inmate Vo Duc Chinh cutting through the bars.
A Glimpse into Solitary Confinement
The tour also includes a visit to the solitary confinement cells where the most troublesome prisoners were held. In the female cell block, visitors can learn about the life of martyr Nguyen Thi Quang Thai, the first wife of General Vo Nguyen Giap, who remained imprisoned until her death.
Celebration of Resilience
As visitors emerge from the darkness, they find themselves in the prison courtyard. Here, they are treated to a musical performance composed by Do Nhuan, a renowned musician and artist, in honor of the prisoners of Hoa Lo. The tour also features a preserved French guillotine, once used for executions, and a tropical almond tree (Bang) from which prisoners gathered almonds, made medicine, and crafted flutes and chopsticks. The final stop of the tour is a memorial space dedicated to the prisoners who sacrificed their lives for Vietnam. Visitors can offer incense and take a moment for silent contemplation.
A Refreshing End to the Journey
After the tour, visitors are invited to enjoy a cup of tea, a pastry, and a jello made from Bang leaves, refreshing both their bodies and emotions.
Now, more than ever, you can witness the unbroken spirit of Vietnam at Hoa Lo Prison. Book your tickets for the “Sacred Night – Glorious Vietnamese Spirit” tour and step back in time to experience the stories of resilience, strength, and sacrifice that echo through the walls of this historic site.
