Con Dao Prison
A harrowing glimpse into "Hell on Earth".
π₯ Best of Vietnam
4.6 β (1.6K)
Introduction
Con Dao Prison (NhΓ tΓΉ CΓ΄n ΔαΊ£o) is a large complex of former prisons located on Con Dao island in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. Originally established by French colonists and later used by the South Vietnamese and American forces, it was used for over a century to imprison and torture political dissidents and revolutionaries. The site stands today as a national monument and a somber testament to the brutality of war and the resilience of those incarcerated within its walls.
β
Phu Hai Prison
This is one of the oldest and largest camps in the complex, where you can see rows of dark communal cells and learn about the brutal daily life of the prisoners. The exhibits include unsettling life-sized mannequins that reenact scenes of torture and confinement, providing a stark visual of the prison's conditions.
β
French Tiger Cages
Built in 1940, this infamous section was hidden from public view. Visitors walk along a grated walkway above the roofless cells, looking down into the cramped, inhumane pits where prisoners were shackled and exposed to the elements. This area was famously exposed in 1970, causing an international outcry.
β
American Tiger Cages
A newer section also known as Phu Binh Camp (Trẑi Phú Bình), these cages are slightly larger but were used for similarly brutal purposes. This area features concrete "sunbathing rooms" where prisoners were forced to lie under the hot sun for hours.
β
The Cow Shed
Despite its name, this was one of the most feared torture chambers. Prisoners were kept in dark, narrow cells submerged in cow manure and lime, causing their skin to burn and decay. It's a particularly disturbing part of the complex that highlights the extreme cruelty inflicted.
Getting there
From most hotels in Con Son Town to the Con Dao Museum (starting point):
β
πΊ Electric Buggy: 5-10 mins | Approx. 20,000 VND per person ~ $0.80 USD
β
π΅ Β Motorbike: 5 mins
β
π² Bicycle: 10-15 mins
β
πΆ Walking: 5-20 mins (most hotels are within 1.5 km)
β
β οΈ Renting a motorbike is the most flexible option for exploring the island and its historical sites. Electric buggies are a good group option. The roads are generally quiet, but always drive with caution.
Hours & Admission
π Opening hours:
- Monday - Sunday: 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Notes: The complex remains open during the lunch break, but some individual buildings might be locked. It's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
β
π« Ticket prices:
- Adults (Foreign & Local): 50,000 VND ~ $1.95 USD
- Notes: A single ticket grants access to the main prison sites, including Phu Hai Prison, Phu Son Prison, the "Tiger Cages," and the Con Dao Museum. Tickets are purchased at the main ticket office at the Con Dao Museum or at the entrance of Phu Hai Prison. The fee contributes directly to the preservation of this national historic site. Entry to Hang Duong Cemetery is free.
β
πΆ Best time to visit
- The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April for more comfortable walking conditions. To avoid the intense midday sun and crowds, plan your visit for early morning (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3:00 PM).
β
β Recommended duration
- Plan for at least half a day (3-4 hours) to cover the main prison sites without feeling rushed. This allows time to travel between the different locations.
Tips from locals
Local tips
β
ποΈ Your single 50,000 VND ticket covers multiple key historical sites, not just one. Purchase it at your first stop (usually the Con Dao Museum or Phu Hai Prison) and keep it with you to show at the entrance of the other locations like the Tiger Cages.
β
π§βπ« The signage can be limited in English detail. To truly grasp the harrowing history and personal stories of the prisoners, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. They can provide context and narratives that bring the somber history to life.
β
π§ Be prepared for a psychologically intense experience. The displays of torture are graphic and the atmosphere is heavy. Many visitors find the prison complex deeply moving and disturbing, so it's important to be in the right mindset.
β
π‘ The prison sites close promptly for a long lunch break from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Plan your visit for the morning or afternoon session to avoid arriving at a locked gate. A good strategy is to visit one or two sites in the morning, have lunch, and then visit the remaining sites in the afternoon.
β
Be aware
β
β οΈ The content within the prison is extremely graphic and may not be suitable for young children or sensitive visitors. The life-sized mannequins depicting scenes of torture are realistic and can be very upsetting.
β
π The strict midday closure can catch visitors by surprise. If you haven't finished a site by 11:30 AM, you will be asked to leave and can return after 1:30 PM. Plan your time accordingly to avoid being rushed or having your visit cut short.
FAQs
How much is the entrance fee for Con Dao Prison?
A combination ticket costs 50,000 VND (~$2 USD) per adult and grants access to several sites within the historical relic complex.
β
What are the opening hours?
The sites are open daily from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. They close for a two-hour lunch break.
β
Are the "tiger cages" part of the main prison ticket?
Yes, the French Tiger Cages and American Tiger Cages are included in the 50,000 VND combination ticket.
β
Is Con Dao Prison suitable for children?
It is not recommended for young children due to the graphic and disturbing nature of the exhibits depicting torture and suffering.
β
How long does it take to visit Con Dao Prison?
You should allocate at least 3 to 4 hours to visit the main sites, including travel time between them.
β
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, photography is generally permitted, but visitors are expected to be respectful due to the somber nature of the site.
β
Do I need a guide to visit?
While not mandatory, a guide is highly recommended to understand the deep history and stories that are not fully conveyed by the on-site signage.
β
What is the dress code?
A respectful dress code is enforced. You must cover your shoulders and knees to enter the prison sites and other memorial areas on the island.
β
Where do I buy the ticket for the prison complex?
You can purchase the combination ticket at the ticket counter of the first main site you visit, which is typically the Con Dao Museum or Phu Hai Prison.
β
How do I get between the different prison sites?
The sites are somewhat spread out. The best way to get between them is by renting a motorbike or hiring an electric buggy. Some sites are walkable from the town center, but not all of them.
Last updated:
