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One of the foremost historical sites in Hanoi today is Hỏa Lò Prison. It holds many traces of our country's resistance against colonial rule. Let's delve into this place!
1. Overview of Hỏa Lò Prison
Constructed in the late 19th century by the French colonizers, Hỏa Lò Prison was used to incarcerate those who fought against colonial oppression. It was considered the 'premier' prison in the Indochina region at that time.
With four distinct sections performing various administrative functions, each area is surrounded by solid walls, devoid of any light or air, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Today, Hỏa Lò Prison has become an incredibly enticing tourist spot that almost everyone visiting Hanoi cannot overlook. Here, you will witness what remains, further cherishing the value of independence and freedom today.
2. Address and Directions to Hỏa Lò Prison
2.1. Where is Hỏa Lò Prison Located?
The whereabouts of Hỏa Lò Prison is perhaps one of the most searched questions! Its location is right in the heart of Hoàn Kiếm District, making it extremely convenient for tourists to visit this tourist attraction!
Address: 1 Hỏa Lò Street, Trần Hưng Đạo Ward, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi City.
2.2. Directions to Hỏa Lò Prison
Firstly, you need to get to Hanoi by plane, coach, train, etc., depending on your preference and current location!
For guests coming from the South, it's advisable to choose a flight to Noi Bai Airport. Flying not only provides a comfortable travel experience but also saves you a lot of time!
If you're from provinces near Hanoi in the North, you can take a coach or bus to get here. Transportation to the capital is relatively cheap and diverse, so it's very convenient to choose.
Additionally, tourists can also use motorcycles as a means to reach Hanoi. Many young people opt for motorcycles for their flexibility and freedom in travel.
After arriving in Hanoi, tourists will travel to Hỏa Lò Prison using one of the following means:
3. Opening Hours of Hỏa Lò Prison
Hỏa Lò Prison is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the week. Additionally, you can also visit on holidays as it remains open throughout. The admission fee for Hỏa Lò Prison is 30,000 VND per person. However, certain groups listed below will receive a 50% discount or free entry:
Please ensure to bring identification documents for swift ticket purchasing!
4. Unmissable Historical Sites at Hỏa Lò Prison
In the past, this prison was notorious for its brutal methods, instilling fear in many. With its vast area, accommodating nearly 500 prisoners, the prison was equipped with various devices for control.
The prison was constructed with thick, sturdy walls to prevent escape attempts. Additionally, these walls were fortified with barbed wires and electrified fences to deter any thoughts of escape.
Some of the must-see relics at Hỏa Lò Prison include:
4.1. Giant Guillotine Machine
This brutal guillotine machine has caused harm to countless innocent people. Many innocent individuals have fallen victim to the blade of this giant machine. It is displayed in a corner of the prison.
The machine consists of two sturdy wooden columns, with a sharp blade atop. Beneath it, there is a wooden block to hold the victim's head. It's evident that this was one of the most brutal forms of execution at that time, which still instills fear in many to this day.
4.2. Dark Dungeon Area
The dark dungeon area is also one of the must-visit spots that no one should miss when visiting Hỏa Lò Prison. As the name suggests, prisoners held here were deprived of sunlight, subjected to damp and filthy conditions!
Moreover, they also had to endure brutal beatings or torture in various forms. People who spend too much time in darkness can suffer from numerous physical and mental illnesses!
4.3. Visit the Banyan Tree in Hỏa Lò Prison Yard
Right outside the premises of this famous prison, visitors will witness a relatively large banyan tree. It is even more special as it is planted and cared for by the prisoners held within.
Furthermore, it provides shade for them to rest, and the roots and leaves of this tree are used by soldiers to make medicine for treating wounds and illnesses!
5. Explore Activities Inside Hỏa Lò Prison
5.1. Daytime Tour
Upon entry, you can choose to explore independently and read the stories displayed on the walls of each historical site or rent an audio guide to receive narration about each area within. The audio guide acts like a tourist guide.
The information recorded in the audio guide is extremely fascinating and informative, ensuring you won't feel bored! The narration is clear, fluent, so tourists won't encounter any hindrance in listening to the stories.
During the daytime tour, visitors will journey from the brightest confinement points to the darkest. Exploring this tour will somewhat help visitors understand the hardships that revolutionaries endured to safeguard the nation's independence.
Furthermore, visitors will see statues depicting prisoners and many statues portraying the brutal actions of the colonial forces against them. These will be the most authentic images of what revolutionary prisoners had to endure!
5.2. Night Tour
The nighttime tour of Hỏa Lò Prison is highly regarded by many as fascinating due to the authentic narration provided by guides, enabling visitors to feel the suffering of the soldiers who were imprisoned in the past.
Also, please note that there are strict regulations to adhere to during the night tour! At the end of the nighttime prison tour, you will enjoy light refreshments and receive images captured by this attraction.
6. Tips for Visiting the Prison
When visiting the prison, you should follow some rules to have the most comprehensive experience:
We've just provided tourists with intriguing information about Hỏa Lò Prison. We hope that you will gain more knowledge and appreciate the noble sacrifices of the revolutionaries that contributed to the nation's independence as it stands today!
Posted by: Hung Lam Le
Keywords: Exploring Hỏa Lò Prison – A Historically Fascinating Site
