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The secret cellar in the 5-star Hanoi hotel

The bunker under the Hanoi Metropole Hotel helped ensure the safety of VIP guests from the mid-1960s to 1972.

Guests staying at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will be free to visit and learn the history of the unique bomb shelter. Three years ago, while building a new building, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi discovered this special area. In the photo is the entrance to the basement after it has been remodeled for visitors to visit.



Three years ago, while building a new building, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi discovered this special area. In the photo is the entrance to the basement after it has been remodeled for visitors to visit.

Tours to discover and learn about the history of the bunker, as well as the important stages of this legendary hotel during the fierce period of the war, currently have 2 trips per day at 5pm and 6pm daily, only for tenants at Metropole, researchers…


Tours to discover and learn about the history of the bunker, as well as the important stages of this legendary hotel during the fierce period of the war, currently has 2 trips per day at 5pm and 6pm daily, only for tenants at Metropole, researchers…

The inside of the basement is quite spacious, with built walls and solid doors.


The inside of the basement is quite spacious, with built walls and solid doors.

The basement is about 40 m2 wide, including 6 rooms with 2 entrances, one below the swimming pool and directly to the center of the hotel.


The basement is about 40 m2 wide, including 6 rooms with 2 entrances, one below the swimming pool and directly to the center of the hotel.

Inside, there are essential items such as electricity, water, storage, and earthmoving tools in case the doors of the basement are sealed. Since being found until now, the objects inside the basement have been preserved almost intact.


Inside, there are essential items such as electricity, water, storage, and earthmoving tools in case the doors of the basement are sealed. Since being found until now, the objects inside the basement have been preserved almost intact.

When it was first discovered, the cellar was flooded with mud and water. It took the hotel staff 6 months to drain the muddy water. Many places in the basement still have traces of moss.


When it was first discovered, the cellar was flooded with mud and water. It took the hotel staff 6 months to drain the muddy water. Many places in the basement still have traces of moss.

The base of an antique lamp is what remains after many years.


The base of an antique lamp is what remains after many years.

The sign shows that the cellar can hold 40 people.


The sign shows that the cellar can hold 40 people.

Autographs of an Australian diplomat, Bob Devereaux. He carved his name on the basement wall in 1975. When he returned to visit later, he said this was the most emotional moment.


Autographs of an Australian diplomat, Bob Devereaux. He carved his name on the basement wall in 1975. When he returned to visit later, he said this was the most emotional moment.

The second door leads to the main lobby of the hotel. This path has been blocked.


The second door leads to the main lobby of the hotel. This path has been blocked.

From 1960-1972, this was the shelter of guests and staff in the hotel during the bombing raids of the US imperialists. Some famous figures such as American actress Jane Fonda, American singer Joan Baez have also sheltered here.


From 1960-1972, this was the shelter of guests and staff in the hotel during the bombing raids of the US imperialists. Some famous figures such as American actress Jane Fonda, American singer Joan Baez have also sheltered here.

The lamp is still intact, despite having spent 40 years lying underground.



The lamp is still intact, despite having spent 40 years lying underground.

The basement is one of the precious heritages, historical proof of the brutal war in the past.



The basement is one of the precious heritages, historical proof of the brutal war in the past.
Follow (Zing)/Photo: Internet

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