McCain’s Prison, Now a Luxury Hotel, Shows His Legacy in Vietnam

Former prisoner of war became a strong advocate for Vietnam
Vietnamese who once dodged U.S. bombs mourn McCain’s death

Arizona Senator John McCain was a maverick from his long career in politics to his tough fight with brain cancer. (Source: Bloomberg)

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By John Boudreau and Nguyen Dieu Tu Uyen

August 27, 2018 at 10:20 AM UTC

Updated on

August 27, 2018 at 11:15 PM UTC

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The site of the “Hanoi Hilton,” the notorious prison where John McCain endured years of brutal treatment as a prisoner of war, now houses a high-end hotel and office complex where Vietnamese sip cappuccinos and shop for U.S.-branded golf equipment.

McCain, who died on Saturday after battling brain cancer, ended up in Hoa Lo Prison after he was shot down on a bombing run during the Vietnam War 51 years ago. Its transformation over the years is one sign of the late senator’s legacy in the Southeast Asian nation.