We are now in Hanoi and live right beside Hoa Lo Prison. After avoiding it for over a month, I finally decided to go in. The entrance is only $1.American friends I hang out with were not keen to go as they'd rather not remember anymore of that war. But my curiosity got the better of me and I went in. I, then, realized that this is not just the prison for the Americans. Built in the 1890's by the French, it was the prison for the Vietnamese resisting French rule.
What is interesting is how this prison got its name. It used to be the village of ceramic producers. All the time, they fired pottery kilns thus their village was known as Hoa Lo (fired pottery kilns). These potters were of course moved by the French when they decided to build this prison to house the many Vietnamese at that time who started to demand independence.
There are displays of letters of these brave men and women, things they did while in prison and pictures of their food and health conditions.
During the war in Vietnam where the Americans got involved, American prisoners were placed here. Most of them were airforce men the most popular of whom was Senator McCain who came back to visit the place. Pictures of these American prisoners are also on display most of the good days they have including their march to the airport after they had been freed.
It is worth visiting as a memorial to the bravery of both the Vietnamese and the Americans.
Other Interesting Places to Visit in Hanoi:
West Lake
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