Son La Prison

Thái Nhi at vi.wikipedia · Public domain

A colonial prison on Khau Ca hill, where thousands of political prisoners were held in the northwestern mountains.

The French built this prison in 1908 on Khau Ca hill, choosing Son La because the harsh climate and malarial forest counted as an added sentence. The cells were stone, the walls thick, the windows small; the dark block had almost no light at all. Thousands of political prisoners passed through, many of whom later led the country, and it was in here that they produced the handwritten paper 'Suoi Reo'. Bombing destroyed most of the prison; what remains is foundations, a few restored cell blocks, and the To Hieu peach tree — planted by a prisoner and still flowering on the hill each spring.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Son La Prison?

January to March

How much does it cost to visit Son La Prison?

20,000₫

How long do you need at Son La Prison?

1 - 2 hours

What are the opening hours of Son La Prison?

07:00 - 17:00

Did you know

The prison was built by the French in 1908 on Khau Ca hill.
It held thousands of Vietnamese political prisoners.
Prisoners here produced a handwritten newspaper called 'Suoi Reo'.
Most of the buildings were destroyed by bombing; only foundations and some cells remain.
The To Hieu peach tree in the grounds was planted by a prisoner and still stands.

Travel tips

Come in spring if you want to see the To Hieu peach tree in flower.
Give time to the dark block — the part that leaves the strongest impression.

Source: https://www.openstreetmap.org/search?query=Nh%C3%A0%20t%C3%B9%20S%C6%A1n%20La

Updated: 2026-08-06