1. Where is Phu Quoc Prison?
Phu Quoc Prison is located at 350 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. It is 26 km south of the center of Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc City.
2. How is Phu Quoc prison unique?
Phu Quoc prison is also famous as Phu Quoc Prison of War or Cay Dua Prison. This is one of the special historical sites, this place used to be the largest prison in South Vietnam. And it is also a witness to the pain and resilience of many generations of Vietnamese revolutionaries.
During the Indochina War, this prison was called Cay Dua Prison. This was the place to detain prisoners of the Republic of Vietnam government, with more than 40,000 political prisoners over many periods. From 1967 to 1973, Phu Quoc prison became a place to witness the most terrible forms of torture and humiliation for prisoners. During this time, more than 4,000 people lost their lives, and tens of thousands of others had to live with lifelong disabilities.
It is worthy visiting Phu Quoc prison
In addition, Phu Quoc Prison used to have 14 camps, each holding about 3,000 prisoners, divided into 4 sub-areas. Sub-area B2 was reserved for holding officer prisoners, and all of these prison areas were closely guarded by 3 military police battalions. In addition, this prison also had a criminal prison camp to hold ordinary prisoners, located in the west of Phu Quoc Island, now in Duong Dong Ward.
Today, Phu Quoc Prison Relic Site is a restored structure, located right on the main area of the former Cay Dua Prison. It stands out with a fist-shaped monument, a symbol of the indomitable spirit and indomitable will of Phu Quoc prisoners. There is also a martyrs’ cemetery and a reconstructed prison camp. In particular, Phu Quoc Prison Relic Site was recognized as a national relic in 1995. It attracts a large number of tourists to visit and learn about the heroic history of the Vietnamese people.
3. History of Phu Quoc Prison
Phu Quoc Prison has a long history of formation. It was originally a prison built by the French called Cang Cay Dua, used to detain Vietnamese patriots. But when the US increased its intervention in the war in Vietnam, the Saigon government built Cay Dua Prison. Also known as Phu Quoc Prisoner of War Camp, Phu Quoc Communist Prisoner of War Camp. The history of Phu Quoc Prison can be divisive into 2 main stages as follows:
3.1 Phu Quoc Prison During the French Colonial Period
In 1946, the French colonialists occupied Phu Quoc to build the largest prison in Southeast Asia. The prison at that time had an area of about 40 hectares and was divided into 4 areas A, B, C, D. This place was guarded extremely strictly, surrounded by barbed wire fences, with security lights above. The guard towers and patrolling soldiers were fully equipped with guns.
In 1949, after losing the battle to the People’s Liberation Army of China. The Chinese Nationalist generals led more than 30,000 troops to flee to Vietnam, and stationed them in the south of Phu Quoc Island.
In 1953, these people returned to Taiwan, leaving behind their houses and plantations. The French took advantage of the existing barracks to establish the Coconut Tree Camp, also known as the Coconut Tree Camp, to detain nearly 14,000 prisoners. After more than 1 year in the camp, 99 prisoners died, and 200 escaped.
In July 1954, after the Geneva Agreement, France returned most of the prisoners to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
3.2 Phu Quoc Prison During the Vietnam War
In 1955, the Republic of Vietnam government built a new prison camp right at the old Coconut Tree Camp site. With an initial area of 4 hectares, it was named Cay Dua Correctional Camp, also known as Cay Dua Prison.
In 1956, many prisoners from Gia Dinh Prison, Bien Hoa Correctional Center, and many other prisons were brought to Cay Dua Prison. Later, a number of political prisoners were also brought to Cay Dua Correctional Camp for detention.
The situation at that time became unstable when about 100 prisoners escaped, some were shot dead. Therefore, political prisoners were sent to the mainland or exiled to Con Dao Prison in 1957.
In addition, the government of the Republic of Vietnam also built another prison camp of more than 400 hectares located in An Thoi Valley. It was about 2km from the old Cay Dua Prison site. This prison camp was often called Phu Quoc Prison Camp.
Since then, Phu Quoc Prison has become a detention center for prisoners of war of the Republic of Vietnam. With more than 32,000 prisoners, it is said to have applied the most brutal and barbaric tortures.
4. How to get to Phu Quoc Prison?
Phu Quoc Prison is not too far from Duong Dong center, only about 28 km to the South. Moreover, the traffic infrastructure here is extremely developed and convenient. Therefore, you can easily get here by means such as: motorbike, private car, rented tourist car or taxi.
Starting from Duong Dong town center, you follow provincial road DT 45 and DT47 about 10 km to the Southeast, then you will come to a roundabout, intersecting with provincial road DT46. From here, you turn right onto DT46 and continue moving south about 16 km to reach Phu Quoc Prison.
With this distance of about 26 km, it will take you through beautiful natural landscapes. From small coastal roads to lush green forests. Travel time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the speed of travel. You can find the location of Phu Quoc prison here.
5. Opening hours and entrance fees to Phu Quoc prison
5.1 Opening hours:
- Morning: from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.
- Afternoon: from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
5.2 Entrance fees:
- Entrance fees: Free.
- Hiring a tour guide: From 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND. Depending on the size of the group and the duration of the program.
6. Sightseeings in Phu Quoc prison
When you come to this relic site, you will pass through prefabricated houses. Including: dining room, kitchen, and military police guard house. However, the reconstruction area is the place that attracts the most attention. When brutal torture methods are recreated, such as: tiger cages, nailing, iron grills, stingray whips, etc. These painful images provide a clear view of the pain that prisoners had to endure.
6.1 Gate of the 8th Military Police Battalion
The gate of the 8th Military Police Battalion is made of iron pillars and solid bricks, forming 2 square pillars on both sides. The relic is restored exactly like the original.
6.2 Torture reconstruction area:
This area recreates the brutal torture methods that took place. From barbed wire tiger cages, pinning, nailing to iron grills and stingray whips. The artifacts and models here clearly show the tortures that prisoners had to endure, providing a realistic and haunting look at the past.
6.3 Prisoner cemetery
The prisoner cemetery has an area of about 20,000m2, about 1km from the prison camp – sub-area B2. The cemetery is designed in a circle, above is a monument in the shape of a fist, representing the indomitable, heroic, and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people.
6.4 Kien Van Church
Located within the relic site, Kien Van Church is a symbol of the strong faith of prisoners of war. This work is a combination of loyalty and strong faith, like a light in the darkness of “hell on earth”. Currently, Kien Van Church is a ruin with only cement columns remaining, covering an area of over 4000m2.
6.5 Relic exhibition house
The exhibition house is divided into 2 rooms. Room 1 contains artifacts and the history of the formation and existence of the prison camp. Room 2 has 100 documentary photos about the enemy’s torture methods as well as the ways our people fought during the war.
6.6 Sub-area B2
Sub-area B2 is currently being restored with an area of over 17,000m2, including items. Such as: Watchtower (watchtower), fence, prison gate of B2 section, barbed-wire tiger cage, kitchen, dining room, prisoner detention and torture areas, etc.
In particular, you will see mannequins simulating the daily life of prisoners and prison guards in this section. It will help you better understand the difficult and tragic life of patriotic soldiers. These vivid statues create a realistic and emotional experience for visitors.
6.7 Gate of Military Police Battalion 7
The gate of Battalion 7 is about 4.1m high and 0.85m wide, the 2 gate pillars are 5.9m apart. Next to the gate pillar, counting from the left side, is a summary board about Military Police Battalion 7.
6.8 Gate and Prison Command House
Currently, they restored both gate and prison command house with reinforced concrete, corrugated iron roof, and wooden windows. The main gate is made of strategic iron bars and barbed wire.
7. Some experiences not to be missed when visiting Phu Quoc prison
7.1 Witnessing the reenactment of torture in section B2
This is a place where the brutal torture scenes of the prison are realistically recreated. Telling wartime stories with real mannequins of prisoners and soldiers. It will make you feel most clearly about the brutal reality of the struggle for independence of the Vietnamese army and people in the past.
7.2 Visiting solitary confinement and torture rooms at the prison
The solitary confinement room of the prison in Phu Quoc is the most haunted place for many revolutionary soldiers. Because it was here that the colonial empire used the most cruel forms of torture on Vietnamese soldiers.
7.3 Learning about the types of torture by the American empire in Phu Quoc prison
Some of the tortures in Phu Quoc prison that former prisoners have recounted include:
- Tiger cages with barbed wire: With tiger cages made of barbed wire, different sizes. There are types for prisoners to lie on the ground, types for prisoners to lie on barbed wire, types that can only sit hunched over, etc. Prisoners are forced to be shirtless and exposed to the sun and rain for many days.
- Nailing: To torture the will of prisoners, soldiers will nail 3-inch or 7-inch nails to body parts such as: hands, knees, neck, etc.
- Teeth chiseled and broken with hammers.
- Oil pan: Prisoners will be put in sacks, then put into a pan of boiling oil.
There are many other brutal torture methods at Phu Quoc prison that have been recreated in an extremely realistic way.
8. Enjoying Phu Quoc cuisine when visiting Phu Quoc prison
When traveling to this famous historical site, you will not only witness with your own eyes the hardships and sacrifices that Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers had to endure. But you also have the opportunity to enjoy the specialties of this beautiful land. The special dishes here include: Herring salad, Bun Ken, Grilled sea urchin, Ham Ninh Crab, Phu Quoc Abalone, Phu Quoc specialty Melaleuca mushroom soup,…
9. Accommodation when traveling to Phu Quoc prison
When visiting Phu Quoc prison, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
- SOL by Meliá Phu Quoc. Address: DT 975, Duong To, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang.
- Paralia Hotel Phu Quoc. Address: D107-115 Sun Premier Village Khem Beach Resort, Khem Beach, Kien Giang.
- La Nube Residence. Address: To 3 Ap, Cua Lap, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang.
- Camia Resort & Spa. Address: Dao, To 3 Ong Lang, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang.
- Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa. Address: To 1 Hamlet 4, Cua Can, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang.
- Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc. Address: Bai Dai, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang.
- Vinholidays Fiesta Phu Quoc. Address: Bai Dai area, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang province.
- Coral Phu Quoc Hotel. Address: Group 5, Sonasea Villas & Resort area, Bai Truong, Duong Bao hamlet, Duong To commune, Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang province.
10. Some other famous tourist attractions near Phu Quoc prison
10.1 Hon Buom, Hon Gam Ghi and Hon May Rut
This cluster of three islands is an unmissable choice.
- Hon Buom welcomes visitors with clear blue water that allows you to see schools of fish swimming below. The long stretches of fine sand are ideal for sunbathing or picnicking.
- Anhd Hon Gam Ghi is famous for its diverse coral ecosystem, a paradise for those who love snorkeling. Just put on diving goggles, and you will enter a colorful world.
- Hon May Rut brings a strange feeling of relaxation. The rows of coconut trees rustling in the wind, the sound of waves lapping and the quiet space make this place a “paradise” for every tourist after a long busy day.
10.2 Ho Quoc Pagoda – A Peaceful Place in the Middle of the Sea and Sky
Not only is it the largest pagoda in Phu Quoc, Ho Quoc Pagoda is also a place where spiritual beauty and majestic nature intersect. The path leading to the pagoda is airy, with green trees on both sides, bringing a sense of serenity from the moment you set foot there.
From the pagoda yard, you can look out to the vast ocean, where the blue of the sky and water blend together. Every corner of the pagoda grounds exudes serenity, helping the soul become light. This is not only a place to pray, but also an ideal stop to see Phu Quoc from a completely different perspective.
10.3 Suoi Tranh Tourist Area
Suoi Tranh is an indispensable destination when exploring Phu Quoc. The small stream originates from the high mountains, winding through large and small rocks, creating a vivid natural picture. In the rainy season, the stream water rises higher, the murmuring sound blends with the sound of forest birds like a gentle lullaby.
Next to the stream, the green lawns are the perfect place to camp, enjoy some snacks. Or simply lie down and listen to the sound of flowing water. The space here always retains its wild, cool beauty, helping you “heal” your soul in the most natural way.
11. Some important notes when visiting Phu Quoc prison
Phu Quoc island prison is a special attraction. Therefore, every visitor coming here also needs to pay attention to avoid damaging the artifacts here:
- Phu Quoc prison historical site is a very solemn and dignified place. Therefore, you need to wear polite clothes, avoid wearing offensive clothes.
- Do not touch or handle the exhibits.
- Bring food and drinks because the prison was on a large scale.
- Do not litter to avoid affecting the hygiene of the relic site.
- In the Phu Quoc prison area, there is a gift shop and a snack shop. If you want to buy something as a gift or buy food, you can come here.
Contact Origin Vietnam – professional tour operator to discover history on your Phu Quoc Island tour. Dive into the captivating stories of Phu Quoc Prison, a site rich in history and unforgettable experiences. Explore authentic images and uncover the past on your journey through this must-visit destination.
