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Hoa Loa Prison is listed by CNN as one of five “macabre destinations” in Southeast Asia. Photo: Nhan dan (People) newspaper

The history of Hoa Loa Prison, listed by CNN as one of five “macabre destinations” in Southeast Asia, has been brought closer to the public, especially young people and foreigners, thanks to effective promotion initiatives launched recently by its management board.

IT optimised to lure visitors

“It is a surprise as the management board of Hoa Lo Prison has invested big, using Spotify to promote the relic site. So cool!”

This was written on an online forum of overseas Vietnamese students, prompting many people to learn more about the historical relic site, nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American prisoners of war held there.

Hoa Lo Prison now has an official podcast channel on music streaming service Spotify. Photo: bvhttdl.gov.vn

In late July, Hoa Lo Prison launched an official podcast channel on music streaming service Spotify after a period of careful deliberation, with the goal of bringing history closer to the public through social networks.

The prison relic site broadcast channel includes podcasts that are produced by an experienced, skillful, and creative team with a lot of passion and love for the historical site.

The radio channel aims to create excitement within the community, particularly among young people.

Free podcasts are now available on HoaLoPrisonRelic channel on Spotify, giving audience an overview of life of Vietnamese patriotic inmates and their hardship in the prison.

Apart from the digital platform, historical stories told by the experienced, skillful, and creative staff have helped to lure audience. Photo: Tien Phong

Immediately after its launch, the radio channel has received the warm response of audience, especially young people. Many comments praise the podcast; “Excellent”, “so cute”, “strong support”, “genuine”, “download please, what are you waiting for”, “very good, must have” “must download”, “I should download it for my parents" are among the comments shared and liked most.

Currently, the prison relic Facebook fan page has more than 60,000 likes and thousands of comments, with regular posts on the social network.

The board is also organising an online display featuring stories about Vietnamese patriots and revolutionary fighters, who were interned at the prison but resolved to overcome the hardship.

Nguyen Minh, a communication expert, said before Covid-19, the prison attracted crowds of foreign tourists. However, over the past two years, tourism has been suspended. Thanks to the podcasts, Hoa Lo has become one of the most popular online searches by youngsters.

Interesting historical stories

Hoa Lo was considered one of the three most savage prisons in Vietnam, along with Con Dao and Son La prisons. Photo: Xuan Cuong

Apart from the digital platform, historical stories told by the experienced, skillful, and creative staff have helped to lure audience.

Moreover, as the Covid-19 pandemic becomes more intense, people are advised to limit going out. The board said those staying home will be able to improve their historical knowledge while ensuring their safety, as well as alleviate their boredom.

Tran Vinh Tai from Ho Chi Minh said: “Thanks to the documents, I learn more about Vietnam’s history. The transformation of objects and documents showcased at the prison makes it easier for audience to access information and remember.”

“This is also a good way to learn the history,” he added.

Painter Nam Hy shared that the stories help young people be aware of the sacrifices of previous generations./.

Hoa Lo Prison Relic. Photo svhtt.hanoi.gov.vn

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