Hanoi Hoa Lo Prison and War museums Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With its unique location at the crossroads of East and West and abundant natural resources, Vietnam has long been a focal point of conflicts between major world powers. The country has witnessed numerous wars, most notably the Vietnam War, which involved the United States and significantly impacted 20th-century global history and the post-World War II world order.
Join this journey to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s war history and the resilience of its people. Highlights:
- Vietnam National Museum of History: Explore Vietnam’s history during the French colonial period, the Vietnam War (Resistance War against the U.S).
- Hoa Lo Prison: A dark prison used by the French to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries, later holding American pilots during the Vietnam War, famously nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton Hotel" by U.S prisoners.
- B-52 Victory Museum (Optional): Witness the wreckage of a B-52 bomber US with missiles used to shoot down B-52s, fighter jet... of the Vietnamese military.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Vietnam National Museum of History
- Vietnam National Museum of History – Explore Vietnam’s history during the French colonial period, the Vietnam War (Resistance War against the U.S.), and conflicts with the Khmer Rouge and China.
Hoa Lo Prison
- Hoa Lo Prison – A dark prison used by the French to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries, later holding American pilots during the Vietnam War, famously nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton Hotel" by U.S. prisoners.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Admission fee
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
Options
Hanoi Hoa Lo Prison and War museums Tour
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Van was very informative...
Jeff C,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Van was very informative and I learned a lot of Vietnamese history. The Hoa Lo prison was fascinating, but sobering. So much suffering.
Excellent. I recommend the tour
Edward T,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Complete tour. The guide is full of knowledge and happy to answer questions. You are never rushed.
Excellent day
terrybB1832FJ,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Julia is very knowledgeable and gave us a very good explanation highly recommended her
Exceptional Guide
Christopher G,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Julia is an exceptional guide and she provided an engaging, educational, and entertaining tour. The museum displays were enhanced by Julia's knowledgeable narrative as she passionately and proudly explained her countries recent history. There were plenty of pauses in the narrative to give the guests an opportunity to view the exhibitions at their own pace. Julia welcomed questions and input from the guests, which enabled a free flow of experiences, perspectives and ideas. Highly recommended.
Museum of the revolution
C1467ZGleighc,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Van was an excellent guide and we learnt a lot about the history of Vietnam. Van was very helpful
Great for History Lovers
mtr7722,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nam was very knowledgeable about the three stops and added helpful context to many of the exhibits. Even though the prison was the most crowded, the history museum stop was the most informative. I would not have enjoyed the experience without Nam as many exhibits were not in English. Even if they were, it was poorly translated. I probably would have skipped the b52 exhibit as it was very chaotic with several busses and tour groups. Probably just bad timing. Regardless, all that is there are fragments of a b52, a mobile radar, a few artillery wagons, and a dilapidated mig fighter.
A riveting tour
Malcolm M,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An excellent tour with an awesome guide. Learnt so much about the war, prison and Hanoi area. Highly recommended
Interesting and awesome tour
malm779,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time in Hanoi and am very grateful to have Julia as our guide. She had a wealth of knowledge not only about the war museum and prison but of Hanoi itself. The tours were fun and interesting and Julia answered any questions we had. If you want an experienced and knowledgeable guide while you are in Hanoi, I highly recommend JA Vietnam.
History
Stephanie H,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Van was a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable in Vietnams history. It helped me to understand the country and its people. They truly are a resilient nation and have survived so much. We also visited a very nice hidden away coffee shop in an old French villa.
Great! Van is a guide...
Guillaume P,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great! Van is an experienced guide , passionate about history and she shared a lot of relevant information with us. I recommend this activity
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Operated by JA Vietnam