Tours/Hanoi/Hoa Lo Prison and Little Paris Tour in Hanoi (French Quarter)
Viator · group up to 15 pax

Hoa Lo Prison and Little Paris Tour in Hanoi (French Quarter)

5.0(24)Hanoi1 hour
VIATOR5.0(3)TRIPADVISOR5.0(21)

Description

Step back in time as you explore the historic French Quarter of Hanoi, where colonial charm meets the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people. Wander through iconic landmarks like the Government Guesthouse, the grand Hanoi Opera House, and the haunting Hoa Lo Prison, each telling a powerful story - from French colonization to the fierce struggle for independence. Stroll through what many call a "mini Paris" in the heart of Hanoi, where elegant European architecture lines the streets. Dive deeper into French influence in Vietnam through stunning examples of Indochinese architecture, a rare fusion of East and West found only in Southeast Asia. But the journey doesn't stop there, our tour also takes you through the gripping history of Vietnam’s resistance against the United States, famously known as the Vietnam War. From colonial shadows to modern-day triumphs, we can’t wait to share with you the incredible stories that shaped Vietnam’s identity.

Tour Options

Hoa Lo Prison and Little Paris Tour in Hanoi (French Quarter)
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

15 min

Discover Vietnam’s long history and the deep cultural and historical roots of Hanoi as the imperial and national capital of Vietnam. Understand why a large statue of King Ly Thai To stands at the heart of the city and its significance.

10 min

Hanoi’s history during French colonial rule and the Vietnamese resistance against the French.

10 min

Hanoi’s history during French colonial rule and the Vietnamese resistance against the French.

10 min

Explore the French cultural and architectural influence on Hanoi, which still marks the city today.

Pass by

Admire the architecture of French colonial villas and old-style collective housing in Hanoi.

15 min

Marvel at one of the most beautiful examples of Indochine architecture in Hanoi, and spot the blend of Vietnamese and French influences in its design.

Admission not included10 min

Marvel at one of the most beautiful examples of Indochine architecture in Hanoi, and spot the blend of Vietnamese and French influences in its design.

15 min

Understand the cultural and architectural marks left by the French on Hanoi, along with the growth of various religions in Vietnam.

Admission included60 min

Hilton Hanoi. Learn about the Vietnamese people's resistance against French colonialism, and the clever policies used by the Vietnamese government when dealing with captured American pilots during the war.

Highlights

Bottled water
Entrance ticket
Guide
Coffee and/or Tea

What's included

Included
Bottled water
Entrance ticket
Guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Not included
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

5.0
24 reviews
5
24
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(24)

P
paulinehP5084PR
May 9, 2026
Hanoi History walking tour - amazing!

We had a good time and learned so much!! I would definitely recommend doing a walking tour with a local, we got many recommendations for the upcoming days and learned so much about vietnams history and society :)

S
Sandra_W
March 6, 2026
The historical value of...

The historical value of the tour was very high. Shaun is a very knowledgeable and kind person, he ensured we were comfortable and engaged with the topics. We would highly recommend him as a tour guide.

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review JA Vietnam! Your kind words and feedback mean the world to us and help others discover the unique experiences we offer. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and that our tour met your expectations. We strive to provide memorable experiences for all our guests, and your support inspires us to keep doing what we love. If you have any more thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to share. We hope to welcome you back to JA Vietnam in the future! Warm regards, JA Vietnam WhatsApp number: Julia +84911224566

K
KandyKam
February 25, 2026
Best guide ever for best tour ever

Julia was an amazing guide teaching us many new facts about Vietnams history. Throughout the tour, she was also really patient with our questions we asked. She was so friendly and nice even going 1 hour over time just to teach us more. She also recommended us a lot of restaurants to go to. She was the most amazing guide ever!

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review JA Vietnam! Your kind words and feedback mean the world to us and help others discover the unique experiences we offer. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and that our tour met your expectations. We strive to provide memorable experiences for all our guests, and your support inspires us to keep doing what we love. If you have any more thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to share. We hope to welcome you back to JA Vietnam in the future! Warm regards, JA Vietnam WhatsApp number: Julia +84911224566

9
915miak
February 23, 2026
Great tour and guide

Shaun was a really great guide, giving us all the information and cultural background easy to understand in excellent English. The tour was well thoughthrough composed of the essential highlights. Thank you very much Shaun for this helpful introduction into history and culture of Hanoi. Yara

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review JA Vietnam! Your kind words and feedback mean the world to us and help others discover the unique experiences we offer. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and that our tour met your expectations. We strive to provide memorable experiences for all our guests, and your support inspires us to keep doing what we love. If you have any more thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to share. We hope to welcome you back to JA Vietnam in the future! Warm regards, JA Vietnam WhatsApp number: Julia +84911224566

P
P6001XHcyrilm
February 3, 2026
Amazing trip !

We had a really good tour with Julia, we visited must seen spot with great details of the history, culture and habits of Viet Nam. But also some others hidden spot like an old appartment build during french colonization. Julia was really kind and has an onsane knowledge. We also had great conversation about some differents subjects.

Operator response

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review JA Vietnam! Your kind words and feedback mean the world to us and help others discover the unique experiences we offer. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and that our tour met your expectations. We strive to provide memorable experiences for all our guests, and your support inspires us to keep doing what we love. If you have any more thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to share. We hope to welcome you back to JA Vietnam in the future! Warm regards, JA Vietnam WhatsApp number: Julia +84911224566

A
Ambassador145277
January 7, 2026
Best Walking Tour I had in Vietnam

I went to the tour with Lisa, and it turned out to be the best walking tour I had in Vietnam. Lisa is very friendly and knowledgable. Talking with Lisa is more like conversation between friends, not tour guide vs. tourists, which made the tour more fun and enjoyable. We visited some hidden places, and got great recommendation of local restaurant. Definitely recommended Lisa and this tour.

F
fayesI473VX
January 4, 2026
Fabulous walking tour of French Quarter

Had a great walking tour with Julia this morning. I learned so much about the history and culture of Vietnam. Highly recommend recommend it to everyone who wants to enjoy their tour . Can hardly wait to try her restaurant recommendations .

1
173elenid
January 4, 2026
Hoa Lo prison and Little Paris

Julia showed us a number of interesting places and took the time to explain details covering various historical events, architecture and Vietnamese culture. She is warm and makes you feel comfortable throughout the tour. Julia has a positive energy and you can see that she loves what she does which enabled me to truly enjoy the tour. Highly recommend this for tourists in Hanoi!

W
wilw491
January 3, 2026
Julia is probably one of the best tour guide

Julia is very professional, knowledgeable and outgoing. She provided all the information we need to understand Vietnam in general and Hanoi in specific. Her English is excellent and the pace of the tour is just perfect. The best tour in Vietnam so far.

G
GLENCC
December 20, 2025
Fabulous tour in Hanoi

We spent a very enjoyable 4 hours walking around the French district. We learnt so much about the buildings but also about life in Hanoi. The last place we visited was the Hanoi Hilton - the prison. Very harrowing but a must to see. We would recommend this tour to anyone. Thank you.

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