🔒 From Cells to Stories: A Cool Afternoon at Hoa Lo Prison & the Police Museum

Wandering around Hanoi under the blazing sun, I was desperate for a place with air-conditioning — and a bit of historical depth. That’s how I ended up exploring two fascinating (and pleasantly cool!) spots: Hoa Lo Prison Museum and the Hanoi Police Museum. 🏛️ Stop 1: Hoa Lo Prison (a.k.a. the “Hanoi Hilton”) A sobering yet compelling visit. Originally built by the French to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries, Hoa Lo later housed American POWs, including Senator John McCain. 💡 What to Expect: Thought-provoking exhibits on colonial-era torture Insight into the resilience of Vietnamese prisoners A haunting replica of cramped prison cells 🎟️ Tickets: Approx. 30,000 VND (Trip.com sometimes lists guided tours with skip-the-line access) 🕰️ Tip: Allocate at least 1 hour here 🚨 Stop 2: Hanoi Police Museum (Free Entry!) Just a 5-minute walk away, this small but well-maintained museum gives a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s public security history. Highlights include: Vintage police uniforms & motorbikes Photos showing how the Hanoi police evolved over the decades A surprisingly cool, quiet atmosphere — ideal for taking a break from the heat If you’re looking for an indoor itinerary with minimal crowds and maximum insight, this is a surprisingly good combo. #summervacay #hanoihistory #hoaloprison #policemuseumhanoi #vietnamtravel #tripcomadventures #escapetheheat #historicalsites #solotravelvietnam