Con Dao Prison, often referred to as “hell on earth,” is one of Vietnam’s most infamous historical sites. Known for its brutal history during both the French colonial era and the Vietnam War, it has since been transformed into a museum where you can learn about the sacrifices made during Vietnam’s fight for independence.
History of the Con Dao Prison
French Colonial Times
Con Dao Prison was established in 1861 by the French colonial government, making it one of the oldest prisons in Vietnam. The island’s remote location, over 100 miles from the mainland, was chosen to prevent escape. During its early years, the prison population hovered around 1,000 people, primarily political prisoners and revolutionaries exiled for resisting French rule.
Conditions were harsh from the outset, but they worsened significantly following the 1940 Cochinchina uprising. By 1941 and 1942, almost every cell was overcrowded, with severe torture and malnutrition killing approximately 20 prisoners daily. Prisoners were subjected to backbreaking labor, starvation, and appalling punishments, turning Con Dao into a living nightmare.
Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, the prison came under the control of the U.S.-backed South Vietnamese government. This period saw the construction of the infamous “tiger cages,” small, cramped cells designed to break prisoners physically and mentally. Guards would stand above these cells, poking at prisoners with sticks or sprinkling quicklime mixed with water, causing burns and blindness.
These horrific conditions came to international attention in 1970 when a U.S. Congressional delegation exposed the tiger cages, sparking global outrage. Photographs published in Life magazine highlighted the brutality, showcasing malnourished prisoners with sores and bruises.
By the time the prison closed in 1975, nearly 10,000 individuals had been incarcerated there. Despite its grim history, the site has become a symbol of resilience and sacrifice in Vietnam’s fight for independence.
Con Dao Prison System
Con Dao Prison is not a single facility but a vast system of camps scattered across Con Son Island. These camps were designed to isolate prisoners, ensuring harsh conditions that earned the site its infamous reputation as “hell on earth.” Over time, the prison system grew to include 17 distinct areas, each with its own purpose and grim history.
French Tiger Cages
The French colonial regime constructed the tiger cages in 1940, intending to keep them hidden from public view. This “prison within a prison” consisted of 40 cells divided into two sections, each measuring only 1.45m x 2.5m. Up to 12 prisoners were crammed into each cell, forced to live on damp cement floors with no bedding. Guards tortured inmates by pouring quicklime and water from above, causing severe burns and blindness. These cells remained unknown to the outside world until 1970 when photographs exposed their horrors.
Phu Hai Camp
Established in 1862, Phu Hai Camp was the largest and oldest facility in the system. Its seemingly humane features, such as gardens and dining areas, masked the brutal forced labor and torture within. Spanning over 12,000 square meters, it included 20 cells, an infirmary, a chapel, and even a rice milling area. The camp became infamous for its role as the starting point of Con Dao’s darkest history.
US Tiger Cages – Phu Binh Camp
Constructed during the Vietnam War, Phu Binh Camp, also called the American Tiger Cages, contained 384 solitary cells. These cells lacked beds, forcing prisoners to lie on cold cement floors, further exacerbating their suffering. It was here, on May 1, 1975, that political prisoners staged a successful rebellion, marking the end of the prison’s operations.
Cow Shed
Originally built in 1876 for livestock, the Cow Shed was later converted into a prison for women. Its most notorious feature was a manure pit used as a torture chamber. Prisoners were submerged in waste and subjected to beatings, often leading to severe infections. This area also housed isolation cells, making it one of the most feared sections of the prison.
Phu Tho Camp
Known as the “Chicken Cage,” Phu Tho Camp was used to detain newly arrived prisoners during the French colonial era. The facility included isolation cells that earned their nickname due to their small, confined spaces. Prisoners faced relentless heat and exposure, often leading to death.
Phu Tuong Camp
This camp, built in 1941, housed eight collective cells and included a kitchen, a clinic, and a garden. Behind the garden lay another system of tiger cages, where prisoners were subjected to brutal torture and left exposed to the elements until death.
Phu An Camp
This facility included 20 cells and was notorious for its stifling heat due to its concrete roof. It primarily detained political prisoners awaiting sentencing, adding another layer of oppression to Con Dao’s grim history.
Hang Duong Cemetery
Adjacent to the prison, Hang Duong Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many who perished within the prison system. Although many graves are unmarked, the site is significant for its connection to Vietnam’s independence struggle. The cemetery remains a place of reflection and homage for many visitors.
Con Dao Governor’s Palace
This large complex, spanning over 18,000 square meters, served as the residence for 53 governors during the prison’s operation. Today, it has been repurposed into a museum, showcasing relics and documents that narrate the harrowing history of Con Dao Prison.
Visiting the Con Dao Prison
Con Dao Prison is located on Con Son Island, the largest in the Con Dao Archipelago, and has been preserved as a museum to educate visitors about its harrowing history. Visiting the site allows you to witness the grim conditions prisoners endured and provides insight into the resilience of those who fought for Vietnam’s independence. The exhibits include life-sized mannequins that depict the prisoners’ living conditions, tools used for torture, and artifacts from the prison era.
The most infamous site in the prison is the “tiger cages,” where the cramped cells and brutal treatment come to life through vivid recreations. Walking through the prison complex is a somber experience, and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during Vietnam’s struggle for freedom. The site has been recognized as a special historical relic of national importance by the Vietnamese government.
Practical Information
- Ticket Price: VND 50,000 per person (2024 price)
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00
- Getting There: The prison is situated in the main town on Con Son Island. If you’re staying in the town, it’s a short walk. For accommodations outside of town, taxis are readily available.
