The Plastic Prisoners At The Hanoi Hilton

The Hanoi Hilton was the nickname given by the American prisoners held at the Hỏa Lò Prison during the Vietnam War. There's a whole other history for the Vietnamese, the period of French colonialism, when the prison held their fellow countrymen.

To illustrate the Vietnamese prison experience, the museum has an impressive collection of inmate mannequins in all sorts of desperate poses. A little dramatic lighting and careful framing produces emotional results.

Visiting The Hanoi Hilton

The Hanoi Hilton, officially known as Hỏa Lò Prison, is now a museum, at least through the buildings of the complex that still exist. Most of the prison was torn down in the 1990s to make way for a big apartment complex. Such is progress.

The infamous entrance. The prison name is left over from the French.

Lobby oven, a wistful look back on rural roots. The prison's prize exhibit, John McCain's flight suit and parachute.

US military prisoners' personal effects.

Despite that only a small percentage of the complex is still intact, there's plenty of prison experience to be had. A cell corridor and a diorama of Vietnamese prisoners held during the French colonial era.

A memorial is out back.