Con Dao Prison is an unmissable destination for those exploring Con Dao and seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s heroic past.
Echoes of an Indomitable Past
Con Dao is an island district of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province. In 1861, the French colonists took control of Con Dao and established Con Dao Prison. Due to its isolated location, surrounded by the sea with no means of escape, prisoners had little to no contact with the outside world. This notorious prison system was one of the most feared during wartime. From 1862 to 1975, it held tens of thousands of revolutionaries and patriotic Vietnamese. Since the 1990s, Con Dao Prison has been preserved and restored as a historical site.
“Hell on Earth”
The Con Dao prison system includes Phu Hai, Phu Son, Phu Tho, Phu Tuong, Phu An, Phu Phong, Phu Hung camps, the infamous “Tiger Cages,” and the “Cow Shed” area. In total, there were 127 prison cells, 44 solitary confinement rooms, and 504 isolated chambers. Prisoners were crammed into small, dark spaces, suffering from unbearable heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night. They had to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves in the same confined area, often with just enough space to sit.
The prison was labeled “hell on earth” due to its brutal torture methods. Prison guards used iron-tipped sticks to jab prisoners from above, poured dirty water over them, and threw quicklime powder onto their bodies. Many detainees were left to endure the scorching sun or pouring rain, while others were beaten mercilessly. Prisoners deemed “dangerous” were shackled 24/7. They were also forced into hard labor, such as diving for coral to burn into lime, mining stone, cutting wood, and cleaning ships.
Many high-ranking revolutionaries were once imprisoned here, including Ton Duc Thang, Le Hong Phong, Pham Hung, Le Duan, Ngo Gia Tu, and Nguyen Van Linh, along with thousands of other resilient patriots.
A Painful Yet Proud Chapter in History
Con Dao Prison stands as evidence of the war crimes committed by the French and American forces. It serves as a reminder of the suffering yet unwavering spirit of Vietnamese revolutionaries. Today, this site has become a major historical landmark, allowing future generations to appreciate the value of peace and deepen their love for the nation.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours:
- Morning: 07:30 – 11:30
- Afternoon: 13:30 – 16:30
- Entrance Fees:
- 40,000 VND per visitor
- Free for children under 14, individuals with severe disabilities, former prisoners, and their families
- Guidelines for Visitors:
- Dress modestly and respectfully.
- Avoid touching exhibits and artifacts.
- Maintain a solemn and quiet atmosphere; avoid loud noises and playful behavior.
Con Dao Prison is more than just a historical site—it is a place where the resilience and sacrifice of past generations are honored, reminding us of the invaluable price of independence and freedom.