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Côn Đảo, the island is not only famous for its turquoise beaches, crystal-clear waters, and pristine natural landscapes, but also one of Vietnam's most significant historical destinations. This place bears witness to great military achievements and years of relentless struggle for independence and freedom. Additionally, Côn Đảo harbors numerous historical sites, including Phu Hai Prison is a must-see spot when you visit the island.
Côn Đảo is not only a tourist paradise with dreamlike beaches but also a historical landmark associated with tragic stories. Over 100 years ago, during the French colonial period, Côn Đảo became a place of imprisonment for revolutionary soldiers, a “hell on earth” in the eyes of many. The prisons in Côn Đảo, including Phu Hai Prison Camp, bear witness to the silent sacrifice of thousands of revolutionary fighters. These were people who fought tirelessly to bring freedom to their nation.
Upon arriving at Côn Đảo, the beautiful island off the coast of Southern Vietnam, few could imagine that it was once a notorious prison, a place marked by so much suffering and loss. The peaceful and pristine scenery of the island today stands in stark contrast to its painful past. From 1862 to 1975, the Côn Đảo prison system held approximately 200,000 revolutionary soldiers and patriots, of whom nearly 20,000 sacrificed their lives and remain buried here forever. Standing on this land, we cannot help but be moved by the great sacrifice of those who gave their lives to win independence and freedom for the country.
Hell on Earth – Prison Côn Đảo
Prison System Côn Đảo: It consists of a series of notorious prisons: Phu Hai Prison, Phu Son Prison, Phu Tho Prison, Phu Tuong Prison, the isolated Chuong Cop (Tiger Cage) area, the Chuong Bo (Cow Cage) area, Phu An Prison, Phu Phong Prison, and Phu Hung Prison. These are places that bear witness to the tragic days of patriotic people during the war against colonialism and imperialism. The prison had a total of 127 cells, 44 dungeons, and 504 isolation cells, all designed under extremely harsh conditions.
The cells here are often cramped, lacking light and ventilation. Prisoners endure scorching heat in the summer and bone-chilling cold in the winter, forcing them to constantly battle physical and mental pain. In such a confined space, they face unimaginable suffering that no one can fathom.
Hell on Earth is the name many people use to refer to the Côn Đảo prison, as it is not only notorious for its extremely harsh living conditions but also for the brutal forms of torture that the French colonialists and American imperialists inflicted upon the revolutionary fighters. Côn Đảo has become a testament to the war crimes that humanity cannot forget. The barbaric forms of torture here, such as locking prisoners in narrow cages, denying them adequate food and water, or beating them mercilessly, have been recorded in the painful pages of the nation's history.
Nowadays, Con Dao prison It is no longer a place of imprisonment for revolutionary prisoners, but has become a major historical revolutionary site, preserving indelible memories. Every step visitors take here allows them to feel the pain, sacrifice, and resilience of the patriots, thereby increasing their appreciation and commitment to preserving peace. The images of revolutionary soldiers enduring in prison are not only the pain of the past but also a reminder of patriotism and the responsibility of each generation to protect the independence and freedom of the nation.
📌 Tourist information:
⏰ Opening hours:
- Morning: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
🎫 Ticket price:
- 40,000 VND per guest
- Free admission for children under 14, persons with disabilities, former prisoners, and relatives of former prisoners.
📍 Notes when visiting:
- When visiting, tourists should dress modestly and respectfully and maintain a respectful attitude.
- Avoid touching the exhibits or any items related to the historical site.
- Refrain from noise and horseplay; maintain a solemn atmosphere to honor the sacrifices and losses of previous generations.
Prison Côn Đảo is not only a historical relic but also a place where we can express our gratitude to the generations who sacrificed so that we could have today.
Phu Hai Prison Côn Đảo – A symbol of national spirit
Phu Hai Prison, built during the French colonial period, was once a place where patriotic fighters were imprisoned and endured the brutality of the colonial regime. These prisons are not only part of a painful past but also historical witnesses to the Vietnamese people. The cramped cells and brutal torture are all evidence of the resilience of the revolutionary fighters.
At Phu Hai Prison Camp, visitors will tour ancient prison buildings, explore historical artifacts, and hear moving stories about soldiers who endured brutal torture but remained steadfast in their belief in the revolutionary cause. The rusted walls and iron doors of Phu Hai Prison stand as vivid witnesses to those difficult days, yet they also symbolize unyielding resilience.
Phu Hai Prison Camp is not only a historical site but also a place that reminds today's generation of the great sacrifices made by previous generations. With every step you take on this ground, you will feel the sacred and mysterious, while gaining a deeper understanding of the hardships that the revolutionary soldiers endured to win independence for the Motherland.
Phu Hai Prison – An Unforgettable Pain
The Phu Hai Prison Site, built in 1862, is the oldest and largest prison in Côn Đảo. It once held many famous patriots such as Phan Chau Trinh and Ton Duc Thang. Upon stepping through the gate of Phu Hai Prison, one can almost feel the harshness, as if still hearing the groans of chains and the steadfast vows of the prisoners. The cramped cells, each holding dozens of prisoners, had such stifling air that many people became exhausted and debilitated. One of the most terrifying relics of Phu Hai prison is the rice milling cellar, where prisoners were forced to perform hard labor under the brutal supervision of prison guards. Many were savagely beaten, even tortured to death, for trivial reasons.
The best time to visit Phu Hai Prison
Côn Đảo, located in a tropical monsoon climate zone, has two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season, lasting from November to April, is the ideal time to plan a visit to Phu Hai Prison Camp. During this season, the weather in Côn Đảo is quite pleasant, with little rain and temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C, making it perfect for outdoor excursions.
During the dry season, rainfall is scarce, making travel easier, especially when visiting historical sites such as Phu Hai Prison Camp. You can comfortably walk around, take photos, and explore every corner of the prison without worrying about bad weather. Additionally, during the dry season, the sky is clear and the air is cool, giving you a comfortable and pleasant feeling when visiting the famous landmarks of Côn Đảo.
However, if you want a quiet trip and avoid the crowds, you can plan your trip between May and September. Although this is the rainy season, there are fewer tourists than during the peak season, so you will have the opportunity to visit famous landmarks without having to endure the crowds. Even with the rain, Côn Đảo retains its majestic and mysterious beauty, and you will easily find private spaces to enjoy the scenery or learn about the island's history.
With each season, Côn Đảo offers a different beauty and atmosphere, so depending on your purpose and personal preferences, you can choose the most suitable time to explore Phu Hai Prison Camp and other tourist attractions on the island.
Sightseeing and exploration activities Côn Đảo
In addition to Phu Hai Prison Camp, Côn Đảo also boasts a series of other unique historical and natural sites that visitors should not miss. One of the must-see attractions is Hang Duong Cemetery – the resting place of thousands of revolutionary soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence. Surrounded by a quiet and sacred space, this cemetery is an ideal place to commemorate those who devoted their lives to the cause of national liberation.
In addition, the Côn Đảo Museum displays many valuable historical artifacts, helping visitors better understand the struggle of revolutionary soldiers and life in Côn Đảo prisons. You will see precious relics and documents and hear moving stories about the indomitable spirit of heroes.
In addition to historical sites, Côn Đảo is also notable for its stunning beaches such as An Hai Beach and Dam Trau Beach. These are pristine beaches with white sand and clear blue water, ideal for relaxing, swimming, and admiring the natural beauty of the island. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as diving, fishing, or kayaking, then these beaches are the perfect destination.
Côn Đảo attracts visitors not only with its natural beauty but also with its historical exploration activities, offering you diverse and meaningful experiences. Don't forget to capture the wonderful moments of your trip to create lasting memories.
Discover the cuisine of Côn Đảo
Côn Đảo is not only famous for its magnificent scenery and historical sites, but also a culinary paradise with signature seafood dishes. One of the must-try dishes when visiting Côn Đảo is crab noodle soup. This dish is rich in the flavors of the sea, with a sweet broth made from fresh crab, combined with soft and smooth noodles, leaving any visitor longing for more after tasting it.
In addition to crab noodle soup, Côn Đảo also offers a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood dishes such as grilled mackerel, stir-fried squid, steamed lobster, or coconut-stir-fried conch, all prepared using fresh ingredients and showcasing the distinctive flavors of the coastal region. Each dish at Côn Đảo is a perfect combination of the flavors of the sea and the skillful cooking techniques of local chefs.
If you love snacks, don't miss cu do candy – a specialty of Côn Đảo. Cu do candy is made from malt, peanuts, and fresh coconut, offering a sweet, rich flavor that is perfect as a gift for friends and family.
With such a rich and diverse culinary culture, visitors to Côn Đảo not only get to enjoy delicious food but also have the opportunity to learn about the local people's culinary culture.
Means of transport
Côn Đảo, despite its natural beauty and rich history, is quite difficult to access due to its remote location. However, with the development of transportation services, traveling to Côn Đảo has become easier than ever. One of the most popular and convenient means of transportation is the Phú Quốc Express high-speed train.
Phú Quốc Express offers high-quality high-speed ferry services, helping you save travel time and enjoy a comfortable journey. From Trần Đề (Sóc Trăng) port, you can travel to Ben Dam (Côn Đảo) port in just about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Phú Quốc Express high-speed boats not only save time but also provide a comfortable journey with amenities such as air conditioning, spacious seats, and passenger support services.
Types of tickets, prices Tran De – Con Dao route of Phú Quốc Express
- VIP Tickets: 590,000 VND (From Monday to Thursday), 590,000 VND (From Friday to Sunday, Holidays)
- Eco Tickets: 390,000 VND (From Monday to Thursday), 450,000 VND (From Friday to Sunday, Holidays)
- Children's tickets: 312,000 VND (From Monday to Thursday), 360,000 VND (From Friday to Sunday, Holidays)
- Senior tickets: 312,000 VND (From Monday to Thursday), 360,000 VND (From Friday to Sunday, Holidays)
- Disabled person ticket: 292,500 VND (From Monday to Thursday), 337,500 VND (From Friday to Sunday, Holidays)
With the service Phu Quoc Express high speed boat, Not only will you save travel time, but you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful sea journey and admire the picturesque seascapes. Book your ticket today and begin your journey to discover the beauty of Côn Đảo and Phu Hai Prison Camp, to experience the sacred and majestic historical values of this land.
If you are planning to conquer Phu Hai Prison, Don't hesitate to choose the Phú Quốc Express high-speed train to experience the wonders mentioned above for yourself. Book your ticket today and get ready for a memorable trip to Côn Đảo – the sacred, beautiful land of the Motherland!
Côn Đảo is not only a wonderful tourist destination with pristine beaches, but also a priceless historical treasure, with Phu Hai Prison Camp being one of its important witnesses. Take the time to explore and learn about the historical stories and silent sacrifices that the revolutionary soldiers made for the country's independence. This trip will not only deepen your understanding of history but also provide meaningful experiences.
Photo source: Collected
