Ngoc Son Temple, Opera House Area, Hoa Lo Prison, and Hanoi Old Town, Hanoi, Vietnam

All four landmarks—Ngoc Son Temple, the Hanoi Opera House area, Hoa Lo Prison, and Hanoi Old Town—are found in the central districts of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Ngoc Son Temple: P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Hanoi Opera House: 1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Hoa Lo Prison: 1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
St. Joseph Cathedral: 40 P. Nhà Chung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Date Picture Taken: November, 2024

The day’s sightseeing started at the Hoàn Kiếm Lake.  

Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a central and iconic landmark in Hanoi, Vietnam, often considered the heart of the city. Its name, meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword,” is tied to a Vietnamese legend where Emperor Lê Lợi returned a magical sword to the Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) after driving out foreign invaders in the 15th century.

A view of Hanoi Old Town next to the lake

The red bridge (Huc bridge) connects to Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of the lake

The first gate to the Ngoc Son Temple

A view of the lake from the bridge

Entering the temple ground

Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain): Located on a small island in Hoàn Kiếm Lake, it dates back to the 18th–19th century and is dedicated to national heroes and Confucian and Taoist philosophers.

Came back to the street after seeing temple

Back side

I called an Uber motorcycle and went to the Hanoi Opera House.  The view of the street in front of the Opera House.

The Hanoi Opera House.  The Hanoi Opera House is a important landmark in the French Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam, built between 1901 and 1911 during French colonial rule. Its neoclassical architecture, inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris, features ornate columns, arched windows, and a grand auditorium adorned with red seats, crystal chandeliers, and ceiling frescoes.

Serving as a cultural hub, the opera house hosts a variety of performances, including ballets, classical concerts, and Vietnamese operas, while also standing as a symbol of Vietnam’s historical journey, including its role in the 1945 declaration of independence. It is restored in the 1990s.

After visiting the Opera House, I walked to a little park beside it.

The buildings near the Opera House were modern, in contrast to those in the Old Town, and featured many shops selling luxurious items.

View of the Opera House

Back side

My next destination was Hoa Lo Prison.  These pictures were taken while walking to the prison. 

Wedding photography

Kem Tràng Tiền is a famous Vietnamese ice cream brand that has been a beloved part of Hanoi’s culinary culture since 1958. Located on Tràng Tiền Street, near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, the shop is known for its nostalgic charm and unique flavors like coconut, green bean, and young rice.

Back side

Came back to the Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Arrived at the Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, located in central Hanoi, Vietnam, is a historic site that reflects the country’s complex past. Built by French colonists in the late 19th century, it was originally used to detain Vietnamese political prisoners during the colonial period.

During the Vietnam War, it became infamous as the “Hanoi Hilton,” where American prisoners of war, including Senator John McCain, were held. Today, the prison serves as a museum with exhibits showcasing the struggles of Vietnamese revolutionaries, the experiences of American POWs, and the harsh conditions of its inmates.

A model of the prison as it appeared in the past.

Prison Cell D in Hoa Lo Prison was one of the most oppressive sections, designed to detain prisoners in harsh and inhumane conditions. It was a cramped, dimly lit space where inmates endured severe restrictions, often shackled to the floor.

Prison Cell E in Hoa Lo Prison was another section designed for harsh confinement, often reserved for high-risk or heavily monitored prisoners.

The detention area for female prisoners in Hoa Lo Prison was a separate section where women, including political prisoners, were confined. Despite the harsh and overcrowded conditions, this area reflects the resilience and determination of the women who played crucial roles in Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

The imprisonment of U.S. soldiers.

Walked upstairs

Returned to the first floor

And left the Hoa Lo Prison

Then I walked back into the Old Town

St. Joseph Cathedral.  St. Joseph’s Cathedral, located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam and a prominent example of neo-Gothic architecture. Built in 1886 during French colonial rule, it was modeled after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 

With its striking twin bell towers, large stained-glass windows, and intricately designed interior, the cathedral serves as a spiritual and cultural landmark. It remains an active place of worship and a popular spot for both locals and tourists to experience the blend of Vietnamese and European influences.

Then I explored the Old Town further before returning to my hotel.