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| The bomb shelter built in the hotel during the fierce war years |
In the heart of Hanoi, where French colonial elegance meets timeless Vietnamese heritage, stands a hotel that has witnessed more than a century of change. The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, an icon since 1901, is now offering guests a rare and poignant opportunity — a tour of its wartime bomb shelter, a hidden chamber beneath the glamour.
Commemorating 50 Years of Reunification
This special tour has been curated to mark the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification (April 30, 1975–2025), a date that resonates deeply with the Vietnamese people. More than just a hotel experience, this journey is a reflection on resilience, remembrance, and the human stories etched into Hanoi’s past.
A Glimpse of the Glamorous and the Grave
Guests will wander through curated displays featuring antique artifacts and archival photographs. Among the treasures are portraits of famed visitors — from the legendary Charlie Chaplin to international heads of state and royalty — alongside preserved items such as a 100-year-old room key that once opened doors to a bygone era.
The Bomb Shelter Beneath the Garden
The undeniable highlight of the tour lies below — the bomb shelter built within the hotel’s lush garden grounds. Constructed during the intense wartime years, this air raid bunker was a sanctuary during Hanoi’s most harrowing nights. Sealed off after the war and nearly forgotten, the shelter was only rediscovered in 2011 during hotel renovations. Its thick concrete walls, iron doors, and vaulted ceilings remain as a silent testament to the courage and fear that once filled its chambers.
A Soundtrack of Survival
Adding to the depth of the experience, visitors will listen to “Where Are You Now, My Son”, a haunting composition by American folk singer Joan Baez. The piece, recorded during an actual air raid in Hanoi in December 1972, interweaves music with real-time sounds of war — sirens, voices, and the deep rumble of distant bombs.
Preserving Memory Through Hospitality
Today, the Metropole Hanoi is not only a luxury destination but also a living museum. The bomb shelter tour allows travelers to connect with history in a deeply personal and tangible way — a story beneath the surface, literally and metaphorically.
To learn more or book your tour, visit:
https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com
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