English
French
Spanish
ItalianCon Dao Prison
Unravel the spooky history of Con Dao Prison on your south of Vietnam tour. Select Asia King Travel as your trustworthy Vietnam travel agency to unravel culture, history, and nature. Book your one of a kind Vietnam travel experience now with Asia King Travel!
Discover Con Dao Prison
Con Dao Prison, or "Hell on Earth," was founded by the French colonial regime in 1862 after the French invasion of southern Vietnam. Its primary function was to imprison and quell Vietnamese revolutionaries and anyone who dared oppose French control. Thousands of prisoners went through brutal treatment, hard labor, and unsanitary living conditions over the decades. The prison complex included infamous "tiger cages," small stone cells beneath the cover of iron bars under which prisoners were kept outside and abused.
After the French, the prison was also operated by the US-backed South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War. Many revolutionaries and patriots were incarcerated here. Today, Con Dao Prison is a historical site to honor the will, perseverance, and sacrifices of those who fought for independence.
History of Con Dao Prison
Read more: South Vietnam tours
Con Dao Prison is located on Con Son Island, the largest island in the Con Dao Islands, off the southern coast of Vietnam. The island belongs to Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, which is now part of the Ho Chi Minh City region for administrative purposes. Despite its ghastly history, the island is now a peaceful haven with unspoiled beaches, thick forests, and crystal clear blue waters.
The best time to include Con Dao Prison in your South Vietnam tour is from March to September. The weather during this period is tranquil, warm, and dry, making it ideal for exploring the historical sites and the natural beauty of the island. The sea is also quieter, which is ideal if you are planning to go to the island by boat.
October to February, the island gets windier weather with a bit of rain. You can still visit the prison, but the boat rides may be more difficult. Some travelers prefer this season because the island is less crowded and more peaceful.
Best time to visit Con Dao Prison
It is simple to travel to Con Dao Prison with Vietnam travel tips but does require some planning since the island is off the mainland. The simplest way to travel is by air, where there are direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho to Con Dao Airport. The plane ride is only around 45 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City, and when you get there, it's only a 15-minute trip to the downtown area where the prison is located.
If you prefer to go slow, there is a ferry from Soc Trang or Vung Tau that you can use. It takes 3 to 4 hours by boat depending on whether you leave from Soc Trang or Vung Tau and, although longer, gives you the chance to view the open sea as well as get used to a new type of transportation.
Most famous among the sections of Con Dao Prison are the tiger cages. The small, roofless stone cells were constructed to expose the prisoners to extreme weather and limit their activities. Tourists get to walk through the cages and have a haunting view of the brutal truth about the prisoners. Inside the cells, life-sized mannequins replicate scenes of suffering, allowing you to understand the brutality that was once exercised.
There are Vietnam travel guides, which are recommended highly as they feature in-depth stories about prisoners, resistance leaders, and the methods of survival in such inhumane circumstances.
Tiger cages in Con Dao Prison
Adjacent to the prison is the Hang Duong Cemetery, which is a sacred place where tens of thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries are buried. Among them is Vo Thi Sau, a national teenage heroine who was erected into an icon of bravery after being executed at a mere 19 years old. It's a poignant visit, walking through rows of graves and memorials to men and women who died for freedom.
A majority of tourists and citizens go there in the evening and light incense, dropping flower and fruit offerings, making it spiritually and emotionally charged. Paying respects is not the entire purpose of this, it is also to connect with the country's history and its heritage.
Hang Duong Cemetery in Con Dao
After the gravity of the prison's dark history, however, most tourists like to balance their visit with the island's untouched beauty. The island has pristine beaches such as Dam Trau Beach, renowned for its golden shore and calm water, and An Hai Beach, close to town and perfect for a quiet swim.
Nature lovers can also tour Con Dao National Park, whose trails through dense rain forest offer chances to glimpse such exotic animals as the black giant squirrel or the local Con Dao gecko. Between May and September, you might even get a view of the sea turtles nesting on the beaches, a once in a lifetime and very rare sight.
Natural beauty of Con Dao Island
Con Dao Prison is not only a historical landmark but also a reflection of Vietnam's resilience and indomitable spirit. A visit here allows tourists to touch the country's heritage while seeing the natural wonders of Con Dao Island. Book your trip now with Asia King Travel and discover Vietnam's secret treasures, from its historic spots to its breathtaking landscapes.
Read more: Southern Vietnam Tour 10 days: Highlights Exploration
