Con Dao Prison
Southeast Vietnam Region
Côn Đảo Prison, located on Côn Sơn Island in southern Vietnam, is a historic prison complex originally built by French colonists in 1861 to detain political prisoners and those deemed dangerous to colonial rule. Over time, it held many prominent Vietnamese revolutionaries and political leaders who opposed French and later American involvement. The prison is infamous for its "tiger cages," small, cramped solitary confinement cells designed to torture detainees through harsh conditions such as exposure to sun and rain. The prison was used continuously through the French colonial period, the South Vietnamese government era, and the Vietnam War, finally closing after 1975. Today, it is a museum and a special historical relic of national importance, attracting visitors interested in Vietnam's colonial history and its fight for independence. The prison complex covers a significant area and includes 120 cells in the French-built tiger cages, notable for their iron grids and brutal treatment of prisoners. The site also includes Hàng Dương Cemetery nearby, where many prisoners who died during the prison's operation are buried. The prison's dark history and preserved structures serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and sacrifices of Vietnamese political prisoners.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during the dry season for better weather and easier access. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance due to the site's popularity. Guided tours provide valuable historical context. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Prepare for a somber experience respecting the site's historical significance.
Interesting facts
- •The prison's "tiger cages" were exposed to the world in 1970 when U.S. Congressional representatives visited and documented the harsh conditions, leading to international protests.
- •The prison held many notable Vietnamese revolutionaries, including Huỳnh Thúc Kháng, Phan Châu Trinh, and Võ Thị Sáu, who was executed nearby in 1952.
- •The "sunbathe" cells in the tiger cages had no roofs and were used to torture prisoners by forcing them to endure extreme weather conditions.
- •A political prisoner uprising in the prison occurred at midnight on April 30, 1975, which helped end the prison's operation.
History
Côn Đảo Prison was established in 1861 by French colonial authorities to incarcerate political prisoners and those considered threats to colonial rule.
In 1940, the notorious French "tiger cages" were constructed to isolate and torture prisoners.
After the French departure, the South Vietnamese government continued to use the prison during the Vietnam War, expanding the tiger cages with American-built facilities in 1971.
The prison was the site of a political prisoner uprising on April 30, 1975, marking the end of its operation after 113 years.
Since then, it has been preserved as a national historical relic and museum.
Place Guide
French-era Tiger Cages1940
Constructed in 1940, these 120 solitary confinement cells were designed with iron grids and divided into two regions. Sixty cells had no ceilings, known as "sunbathe" cells, used to expose prisoners to harsh weather as a form of torture.
American-era Tiger Cages1971
Built in 1971 and also known as Camp 7 or Phú Bình Camp, this expansion included 384 solitary cells made of concrete without beds, forcing prisoners to lie on damp cement floors. It was kept secret for a long time to avoid international condemnation.
Hàng Dương Cemetery
Located near the prison, this cemetery is the burial site for many prisoners who died between 1941 and 1975, serving as a somber memorial to those who suffered and perished within the prison system.
Contact
Phone: 0254 3830 134
