---
title: Hoa Lo Prison and Little Paris Tour in Hanoi (French Quarter)
lang: en
type: tour
city: Hanoi
country: Vietnam
price: 35
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 5
reviews: 33
duration_minutes: 180
languages: [en]
free_cancellation: "true"
rank_in_category: 9 of 27 (Walking Tours & Old Quarter)
schedule_checked: 2026-10-21
data_updated: 2026-10-21
canonical: https://guidekin.com/vietnam/hanoi/tours/hoa-lo-prison-and-little-paris-tour-in-hanoi-french-quarter/
---

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

In our comparison: #9 of 27 in Walking Tours & Old Quarter, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

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.

## Before you book

- Hotel pickup: no car needed
- Entry ticket included: skip the ticket desk
- Min. 2 to book: not for solo travellers
- Starts 09:00, 09:30, 13:30: 3 departures a day
- Wheelchair accessible: operator-marked
- Strollers OK: infants accepted

**Pickup:** Hotel pickup included

## Key facts

- Price: from €35 per person for the Small group option option; other options up to €42
- Duration: 3h
- Rating: 5.0/5 from 33 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Operator: JA Vietnam
- Minimum booking: 2 travellers at this price
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: English
- Tickets: Admission included
- Start times: 09:00, 09:30, 13:30
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-10-21

## Reviews

5.0 from 33 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 33 of 33.

- 5 stars: 33 (100%)
- 4 stars: 0 (0%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)

## Tour options

Prices are the operator's current list price for two travellers (whole euros); options sold only to bigger parties say so; pick the option on the booking page.

| Option | Price | Guide languages | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small group option | €35 / person (for 2+ people) | English | With this option, you will join a small group (or occasionally a private tour) Pickup included |
| Private option | €42 / person (for 2+ people) | English | With this option, you will take part in a private tour (no other guests will join) Pickup included |

## What's included

- Bottled water
- Entrance ticket
- Guide
- Coffee and/or Tea

## Not included

- Gratuities

## Itinerary

1. **Statue of King Le Thai To** (15m) - 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.
2. **Hanoi’s history during French colonial rule and the Vietnamese resistance aga...** (10m) - Hanoi’s history during French colonial rule and the Vietnamese resistance against the French.
3. **Hanoia Metropole** (10m) - Hanoi’s history during French colonial rule and the Vietnamese resistance against the French.
4. **Explore the French cultural and architectural influence on Hanoi, which still...** (10m) - Explore the French cultural and architectural influence on Hanoi, which still marks the city today.
5. **Hanoi Opera House** (pass by, no stop) - Admire the architecture of French colonial villas and old-style collective housing in Hanoi.
6. **Marvel at one of the most beautiful examples of Indochine architecture in Han...** (15m) - 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.
7. **Vietnam National Museum of History** (10m) - 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.
8. **St. Joseph's Cathedral** (15m) - Understand the cultural and architectural marks left by the French on Hanoi, along with the growth of various religions in Vietnam.
9. **Hilton Hanoi** (1h; admission included) - 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.

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 09:00, 09:30, 13:30
- Schedule last checked: 2026-10-21
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

## Meeting point

Please meet us at the Ly Thai To Statue in Ly Thai To garden

## Good to know

- 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

## Compared with other Walking Tours & Old Quarter

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #9 of 27** | €35 | 3h | 5.0 (33) | shared |
| [Hanoi Heritage Premium Daily Tour](/vietnam/hanoi/tours/hanoi-heritage-premium-daily-tour/?format=md) | €46 | 8h | 4.98 (1695) | shared |
| [Hanoi City Highlights Walking Tour – Landmarks & History](/vietnam/hanoi/tours/hanoi-city-highlights-walking-tour-landmarks-history/?format=md) | €25 | 4h 30m | 4.97 (697) | shared |
| [Hanoi City Tour : Hanoi Highlights and Hidden Gems](/vietnam/hanoi/tours/hanoi-city-tour-hanoi-highlights-and-hidden-gems/?format=md) | €44 | 4h 30m | 4.99 (149) | shared |

Ranked #9 of 27 in Walking Tours & Old Quarter by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €5 to €1622, median €36; typical length 3h. 11 of 27 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/vietnam/hanoi/hanoi-walking-tours/?format=md

## More in Hanoi

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