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Just few minutes away from Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel, Hoa Lo Prison, also known as “Hanoi Hilton” and “Maison Centrale”, is a historical site in the French Quarter of Hanoi. Loosely translated as “hell’s hole”, it was originally built by French colonist in 1896 to house and torture revolutionary Vietnam rebels. Under the name “Maison Centrale”, Hoa Lo became one of the largest and the most brutal prison complexes in Indochina. Later, Hoa Lo was used to keep US prisoners of war (POW), who referred to it as the “Hanoi Hilton“. During the 1990s, most of the prison was demolished, but a part has been kept and transformed into a museum, as one of top Hanoi attractions.

Perfume Pagoda is a striking complex of Buddhist temples and pagodas built into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain. Being known as a sacred religious site in the outskirt of Hanoi Capital, Perfume Pagoda attracts large numbers of pilgrimages from all over Vietnam, especially during its festival in the first three months of Lunar New Year.

Dong Xuan Market is one of the oldest and biggest markets in the old quarter of Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital. It is a symbol, a traditional feature and a pride of all Hanoians. For those who want to explore cultural values and discover local daily life, Dong Xuan Market is a must-visit destination when you are in Hanoi. Built in 1889 as French administration then renovated several times, Dong Xuan Market has been covered market selling everything from souvenirs, clothes, household goods to foodstuffs.