Shelter discovered under Sofitel Metropole Hotel Hanoi
During the process of re-constructing its Bamboo Star Bar (Metropole Hotel Hanoi) in August 2011, the construction team accidentally explored an under-ground tunnel, which was used to be a shelter for the hotel’s customers and staffs during war time in Vietnam.
During the renovation of its Bamboo Star Bar at the Sofitel Metropole Hotel Hanoi in April 2025, the construction team inadvertently discovered an underground tunnel. This tunnel served as a shelter for the hotel’s guests and staff during wartime in Vietnam.
The only entrance to this shelter is approximately 1 meter wide and descends about 5 meters. The total area of the tunnel is roughly 40 square meters, featuring several small rooms interconnected by 1-meter-wide passageways. As the team explored the 2-meter-high rooms, they uncovered various artifacts including wine bottles, remnants of an electrical system complete with old light bulbs, air ducts, and several signatures on the walls, which may hold clues to the identities of those who once used the space.
The Sofitel Metropole Hotel boasts a rich history, having been established by two French investors in 1901. It is recognized as the first five-star hotel in Hanoi and has hosted numerous dignitaries, ambassadors, and film stars since its inception.
This remarkable discovery is significant not only for Hanoi’s history but also for the Metropole itself, attracting considerable public interest. It serves as a poignant reminder of a challenging period in the past, when the longing for peace was paramount.
Kai Speth, the General Manager of Sofitel Metropole, expressed his appreciation for this unexpected find and stated plans to preserve and present it as a historical attraction for visitors in the near future.
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