Con Dao Prison is a must-visit for history lovers. As one of Vietnam’s 23 special national relics, its infamous “Tiger Cages” leave a lasting emotional impact on every visitor.
Located on Con Son Island in Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province, this historical site is renowned for its chilling Con Dao Prison tiger cages and the insightful Con Dao Museum. A visit to Con Dao Prison combines history, reflection, and the island’s stunning natural beauty, making it a must-see for international visitors exploring Vietnam. In this guide, we’ll uncover the prison’s haunting legacy, key sites to visit, and practical tips to plan your trip, ensuring an enriching experience.
1. Understanding Con Dao Prison: A Historical Overview
- Location: Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Con Dao Island, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Con Dao Prison, established in 1862 by French colonialists, was a remote detention center designed to isolate political prisoners. Situated 180 km from mainland Vietnam, its isolated location on Con Son Island made escape nearly impossible. Over its 113-year history (1862–1975), the prison confined approximately 20,000 prisoners, including Vietnamese revolutionaries, communists, and dissidents, many of whom endured torture and death.
The French built the first camps, such as Phu Hai and Phu Tuong, introducing the notorious Con Dao Prison tiger cages in 1940. These small, concrete cells (1.45m x 2.5m) held up to 12 prisoners shackled to the floor, with overhead iron bars allowing guards to inflict torture using sticks, lime powder, or exposure to harsh weather. After 1954, the South Vietnamese government, supported by the U.S., expanded the prison, adding the American tiger cages at Phu Binh Camp in 1971.
In 1970, U.S. Congressional aide Tom Harkin exposed the Con Dao Prison tiger cages through Life magazine, revealing shocking images of emaciated prisoners. This revelation sparked global outrage, cementing the prison’s reputation as a symbol of brutality. After Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, the prison closed, and in 2012, it was designated a Special National Relic, preserving its 17 sites as a testament to resilience. Today, Con Dao Prison and the Con Dao Museum draw visitors eager to learn about Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
Con Dao Prison, also known as Con Son Prison (Source: Collected)
2. What to Explore at Con Dao Prison
A visit to Con Dao Prison is a journey through history, with several sites offering a vivid look at its past. Here’s how to make the most of your experience.
2.1. Step Inside the Con Dao Prison Tiger Cages
The Con Dao Prison tiger cages are the heart of the prison’s dark history, located at Phu Tuong Camp (French tiger cages) and Phu Binh Camp (American tiger cages). The French cages, built in 1940, include 120 solitary cells across two zones, each with overhead bars for surveillance and torture. Prisoners faced lime powder burns, beatings, and “sunbathing rooms” exposed to rain or scorching sun. The American cages, constructed in 1971, feature 384 cells across eight zones, with similar inhumane conditions.
Walking through the Con Dao Prison tiger cages, you’ll encounter mannequins depicting prisoners’ suffering – shackled, cramped, and frail. The narrow, damp cells and eerie silence create a powerful atmosphere. English signs provide historical context, but a guide can share stories of resistance, such as secret petitions smuggled out by prisoners. These cages are a stark reminder of cruelty and courage.
The “Tiger Cages” at Con Dao Prison are the most emotionally impactful part of the visit for many travelers
Why visit? The Con Dao Prison tiger cages offer a visceral connection to Vietnam’s history, highlighting the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.
2.2. Explore the Con Dao Museum
The Con Dao Museum, located at 10 Nguyen Hue Street, Con Dao District, Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province, is the perfect starting point for your visit. Opened in 2013 after construction began in 2009, the museum spans 2 hectares and houses nearly 2,000 artifacts, including photos, documents, and dioramas. Its four themes: Con Dao – Nature and People, Con Dao – Hell on Earth, Con Dao – Schools & Battlefields, and Con Dao Today, chronicle the island’s history from prehistoric times to its modern revival.
Exhibits detail torture methods like the “cow dung cistern” (a waste-filled pit) and highlight prisoners like Ton Duc Thang (Vietnam’s second President) and Vo Thi Sau, a teenage martyr executed in 1952. English translations make the Con Dao Museum accessible to international visitors. Admission is included with the prison ticket (40,000 VND), and guided tours (150,000–300,000 VND) offer deeper insights.
Visit Con Dao Museum to gain deeper insights into the island’s rich and powerful history
Why visit? The Con Dao Museum provides critical context, enhancing your understanding of Con Dao Prison’s significance.
2.3. Visit the Prison Camps
The Con Dao Prison complex comprises 11 camps, each with unique stories. Key sites include:
- Phu Hai Camp (Le Van Viet Street): Built in 1862, this is the oldest and largest camp, with 20 cells, a chapel, and a “special cell” for leaders like Pham Hung. Mannequins show prisoners shackled in rows.
- Phu Tuong Camp (Nguyen Van Cu Street): Home to the French Con Dao Prison tiger cages, it features hidden cells and torture rooms disguised behind a garden.
- Phu Binh Camp (Nguyen Van Cu Street): Known for the American tiger cages, this 1971 camp was liberated in 1975 after a prisoner uprising.
- Phu Phong Camp (Nguyen Van Cu Street): A women’s prison (1962–1973) housing 494 female prisoners at liberation, some of whom protested through extreme acts.
- Phu Son Camp (near Phu Hai): Built in 1916, it mirrors Phu Hai’s design, with large cell blocks and a grim torture history.
The Tiger Cages is the most famous site in Con Dao Island Prison (Source: Collected)
Phu Son Camp (near Phu Hai), built in 1916
Camps are open 7:00 AM–11:30 AM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, with a single ticket (20,000–40,000 VND) covering all sites. Wear sturdy shoes for walking between camps, and bring water for the tropical heat.
Why visit? Each camp offers a distinct perspective on Con Dao Prison’s history, from architecture to resistance stories.
2.4. Pay Respects at Hang Duong Cemetery
A short ride from Con Dao Prison, Hang Duong Cemetery honors 1,994 prisoners, including Vo Thi Sau, whose grave draws pilgrims. Many graves are unmarked, reflecting countless sacrifices. At night, incense lights create a serene atmosphere. The cemetery is free and accessible by motorbike from Con Son town.
3. Planning Your Visit to Con Dao Prison
Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth visit to Con Dao Prison and the Con Dao Museum.
3.1. Getting to Con Dao Prison
Con Dao Prison is on Con Son Island, accessible by air or sea:
By air: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) or Can Tho Airport to Con Dao Airport in 50–60 minutes. Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways offer daily flights. Book early for November–April. Taxis from the airport to Con Son town cost 100,000–150,000 VND.
By ferry: High-speed ferries from Vung Tau (Con Dao Express 36) take 3.5–4 hours (660,000–880,000 VND), or from Soc Trang (Tran De Port) take 2.5–3 hours (610,000–690,000 VND). Ferries dock at Ben Dam Port, a 15-minute taxi ride to town. Check schedules at phuquocexpressboat.com, as weather may disrupt service.
In Con Son town, rent a motorbike (100,000–150,000 VND/day) to reach Con Dao Prison. From Con Dao Market, go straight, turn left onto Tran Phu Street, right at the intersection, left onto Nguyen Hue Street, and follow Nguyen Chi Thanh Street to the prison, about 6–7 minutes away.
There are several transportation options to help you reach Con Dao Prison (source: Collected)
If you’re concerned about transportation or the complexity of your visit, don’t hesitate to contact Lux Travel DMC – a trusted destination management company in Vietnam. We create inspiring journeys tailored to your preferences while promoting responsible travel.
3.2. Admission Fees and Hours
- Admission: 20,000–40,000 VND covers all prison camps and the Con Dao Museum. Buy tickets at the museum (10 Nguyen Hue Street) or via the Con Dao National Relic Preservation Center’s website.
- Guided tours: 150,000–300,000 VND for a 2–3-hour tour, bookable at the museum or local agencies.
- Hours: 7:00 AM–11:30 AM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM daily. Start early to avoid heat and ensure timely exit.
Cash (Vietnamese Dong) is preferred, as card payments are rare. Confirm prices at the Con Dao Museum to avoid overcharges.
3.3. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Con Dao is from December to April, during the dry season when the weather is cool and rain-free, ideal for exploring historical sites like Con Dao Prison.
Alternatively, you can also travel to Con Dao between March and September. Although there may be light rain, the sea remains calm and winds are gentle around the eastern and northeastern parts of the island, making it a great time for island excursions.
3.4. Tips for International Visitors
- Dress respectfully: Con Dao Prison is a sacred site. Wear modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) to honor the fallen.
- Language: English signs are available at Con Dao Prison and the Con Dao Museum. A guide enhances understanding. Learn basic Vietnamese phrases like “xin chào” (hello) or “cảm ơn” (thank you) to connect with locals.
- Safety: Watch your step on uneven paths, especially in the Con Dao Prison tiger cages. Secure valuables in busy areas.
- Combine visits: Pair your visit with Con Dao National Park for hiking and turtle-watching, or relax at Dam Trau Beach. The 914 Jetty and Ma Thien Lanh Bridge are nearby historical sites.
- Accommodation: Choose budget guesthouses (300,000–500,000 VND/night) or luxury resorts like Six Senses Con Dao (10,000,000+ VND/night). Book early for November–April.
Explore Con Dao Prison with a spirit of respect (source: Collected)
4. Why You Should Visit Con Dao Prison
Con Dao Prison is not merely a historical relic but also a testament to human endurance and Vietnam’s struggle for independence. The “tiger cages” and Con Dao Museum help visitors gain a deeper understanding of history and a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made. Unlike crowded tourist destinations, Con Dao Prison offers a sense of tranquility, blending perfectly with the natural beauty of the island.
For international travelers, visiting Con Dao Prison is a chance to engage with Vietnam’s past while enjoying Con Dao’s beaches and wildlife. The preserved camps, detailed exhibits at the Con Dao Museum, and serene Hang Duong Cemetery create a balanced experience of education and emotion.
Con Dao Prison is a must-visit destination for anyone eager to delve deeper into history! So why wait? Contact Lux Travel DMC now for expert advice on this unforgettable journey back in time.
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