1. Where is Buon Ma Thuot Prison?
Buon Ma Thuot Prison is located at 18, Tan Thuat Street, Tu An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. It is about 500 m southeast of the city center and about 355 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. How is Buon Ma Thuot prison unique?
Buon Ma Thuot prison, also known as Pénitencier de Ban Me Thuot in French. This is one of the largest prisons of the French colonialists in Indochina. This place used to detain many revolutionary soldiers, especially the leaders of the Nghe Tinh Soviet movement in the period of 1930 – 1931.
In addition, the French name Pénitencier de Buon Ma Thuot has a special meaning. The word Pénitencier refers to a type of prison for prisoners. Who are sentenced to heavy sentences and have to serve long prison terms. And are often exiled to remote, isolated areas. Moreover, this is also a place to detain revolutionary soldiers. Who are dangerous elements, playing an important role in Vietnam’s resistance movements.
Therefore, this is one of the most important historical relics of Vietnam during the resistance war against French colonialism. It is not only a special national historical relic, but also an important ‘red address’ to educate the tradition of patriotism. And the fighting spirit of the Vietnamese people at one time.
With a heroic history, Buon Ma Thuot prison has become an important historical heritage. It marks the sacrifices and indomitable spirit of previous generations. Recognized as a special national relic since 2019, the prison now attracts tourists to visit and learn about the arduous period of struggle to regain peace for the Vietnamese people.
3. History of Buon Ma Thuot prison
Buon Ma Thuot prison historical relic, built in 1930 – 1931, is located in Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak. This is one of the largest prisons of French colonialism in Indochina.
The main purpose of building the prison was to detain revolutionary soldiers, communist party members. And patriots who were severely sentenced in the struggle against colonialism, eroding their fighting spirit.
The prison was located on a land area of nearly 2 hectares, near the embassy and the military barracks. It was built with the requirement of creating conditions for long-term detention. Along with the difficult terrain and harsh climate, escape was almost impossible.
The history of Buon Ma Thuot prison is special in that the prisoners themselves had to build their own detention place. This was a unique method applied by the French colonialists here. The prison area was located on a large campus, making it easy to transport construction materials.
This is where French colonist detained many famous revolutionary soldiers. Such as Ho Tung Mau, Phan Dang Luu, To Huu, Nguyen Chi Thanh, … During the time of detention, despite the harshness, the revolutionary soldiers still maintained their fighting spirit. They turned this place into a “school of communism”. Where Marxist-Leninist theories and strategies for national liberation were taught. Moreover, the prisoners here united, trained each other in communist qualities, preparing for the next generation of revolutionaries. Those who would continue the fight against colonial rule.
After being released, many revolutionaries in Buon Ma Thuot prison continued to participate in revolutionary movements. They hold key positions in the Party, State and Army of Vietnam. And the historical relic of Buon Ma Thuot prison has become a symbol of the indomitable will and loyalty to the ideal of independence and freedom of the Vietnamese people.
4. How to get to Buon Ma Thuot prison?
Buon Ma Thuot prison is located right in the city center. Moreover, the roads and traffic infrastructure here are quite good. Therefore, you can easily get here by motorbike, private car or taxi.
- Personal vehicle: Traveling by personal vehicle is a popular choice when you want to be proactive about time, and easily stop to visit surrounding places. You just need to follow the instructions from the city center, go through the main roads to reach Buon Ma Thuot prison relic.
- Taxi: Taxi is a convenient choice when you do not want to drive yourself. With local drivers, they will take you quickly to the destination without worrying about the route. However, you should note that taxi fares may vary depending on rush hour.
Starting from Buon Ma Thuot Intersection, you just need to move along Le Duan Street. Continue straight to Pham Hong Thai Intersection, then turn left onto Pham Hong Thai Street. Then, you go about 100m more to reach Buon Ma Thuot Prison Relic.
5. Opening hours and entrance fees to Buon Ma Thuot Prison
5.1 Opening hours:
- From: 07:30 – 17:00 daily.
5.2 Entrance fee:
- Ticket price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/person/turn.
6. Exploring the architecture of Buon Ma Thuot Prison
Buon Ma Thuot Prison was built in 1930, a work bearing the historical imprint of the French colonial period and the Vietnam War. Located on a square plot of land of 2 hectares with each side up to 200m long. The architecture of Buon Ma Thuot prison was initially built with rather primitive materials. Such as wood, bamboo and soil mixed with straw.
The walls of the prison areas were made of soil, plastered with thin cement, and the roof was thatched with leaves. However, as the number of prisoners increased, the fragility of the structure was criticized by the Central Region Resident-General Sa-ten. He objected to the use of inappropriate materials for a prison, especially a prison that required solidity like Buon Ma Thuot.
Therefore, at the end of 1931, the place was rebuilt with more durable materials. The walls were replaced with bricks and the roof was covered with tiles, creating a solid, sturdy prison that was difficult to escape.
6.1 Design of the prison layout and structure
The architecture of Buon Ma Thuot prison was designed according to the typical motif of French colonialism, with the aim of closely monitoring prisoners. The prison is surrounded by 4 walls 4m high, 40cm thick, with a barbed wire mesh system on top.
The corners of the prison are installed with watchtowers, with guards on duty 24/7 to observe and control the entire campus. From these watchtowers, the guards can easily monitor all activities in the area. From the detention areas to the areas surrounding the prison.
In addition, one of the typical features of the architecture of Buon Ma Thuot prison is the very reasonable division of space. To make monitoring of prisoners more effective. The prison is divisive into 6 prison areas, from Prison 1 to Prison 6, with each area having its own functions and characteristics.
6.1.1 Prison 1 and Prison 2
Located in the South, it is where political prisoners are detained, those who are considered dangerous and have the intention to oppose the colonial government. In particular, Prison House 2, before the cell block was completed, was used as a solitary confinement cell.
6.1.2 Prison House 3 and Prison House 4
Located to the north of the prison, it was for prisoners considered extremely dangerous. These two cells were connected by a torture chamber, where prisoners would be subjected to brutal torture. The cells here were designed with long wooden beds and rows of shackles hanging from the prisoners’ feet. At the same time, guards could monitor their every move through small windows on the wall.
6.1.3 Prison House 5 and Prison House 6
Located to the east, it was for prisoners forced to do hard, arduous work outside the prison grounds. These areas were designed similarly to Prison House 1 and Prison House 2. But were intended to detain prisoners who were forced to do hard labor.
6.2 Other areas in Buon Ma Thuot prison
In addition to the prison areas, Buon Ma Thuot prison also has a number of items serving management and governance. The kitchen is located behind Prison House 5 and Prison House 6. Which provides food for prisoners, with the capacity to serve up to 300 people at the same time.
The workshop where prisoners have to do work such as producing labor tools, chains, shackles, etc. is also part of this system. Along with that is the prison warden’s house, where torture and exploitation of new prisoners take place, or the office of the management staff.
In particular, the cell area is where prisoners that the French colonialists consider “particularly dangerous” are detained. The cell block has 21 rooms, each room is only 1m wide and 2.5m long, a narrow and dark space. The soldiers detained here all live in extremely harsh conditions.
6.3 Restoration and preservation process
Through different stages, people have been restored and repaired Buon Ma Thuot prison many times to preserve its historical mark.
After being taken over by the Republic of Vietnam government in 1954, some changes were made. Including: dividing the prison into two areas, with one area serving as a military supply warehouse and the other as a rehabilitation center.
They opened the West gate to serve the needs of management and supervision. The original cell block was the guards’ club, later converted into a prisoner detention area with improvements in the door structure and shackle system.
Today, Buon Ma Thuot prison has become a heroic historical relic, a place to preserve and reflect the painful periods of the Vietnamese people. To help future generations understand the time when our ancestors fought steadfastly for the independence and freedom of the country.
7. Some activities and experiences when visiting Buon Ma Thuot prison
When coming to Buon Ma Thuot prison, you will not only explore historical relics but also experience emotional moments. To help you better understand the country’s past. Origin Vietnam would like to suggest some experiences that you should not miss when visiting this place:
- Explore the prison cells and torture areas: When visiting Buon Ma Thuot prison, you will witness with your own eyes the narrow, dark prison cells and torture areas that show the cruelty of the colonial regime.
- See historical artifacts: Precious historical artifacts such as chains, wooden shackles or prisoners’ labor tools will help you better understand the miserable life at the prison. These artifacts are all living evidence of the painful past.
- Visit the area displaying documents and images: The exhibition area contains photos and documents about the history of Buon Ma Thuot prison. From the early days of construction to the resistance and renovation process later.
- Listen to historical stories from tour guides: Tour guides will explain about Buon Ma Thuot prison, recounting touching stories about the indomitable struggle and the will of the soldiers. These stories will help you better understand the historical value of the prison.
- Take souvenir photos: Don’t forget to record memorable moments during the tour with souvenir photos. The image of Buon Ma Thuot prison will be the clearest proof of the bravery of our ancestors. It is also an unforgettable memory for you and visitors when coming here.
8. Specialties when visiting Buon Ma Thuot prison
8.1 Waterfall goby fish braised with galangal
Goby fish are commonly famouw in the plains. However, people often catch the goby fish in the Central Highlands’ waterfalls. Waterfall goby fish braised with galangal is a familiar dish of people in Buon Ma Thuot. People braised the Goby fish with salt, chili, onion, lemongrass, pepper and especially galangal. The goby fish meat is soft and fatty, mixed with the spicy taste of chili, the aroma of galangal, lemongrass and pepper. People often enjoy this dish with white rice.
8.2 Grilled chicken from Ban Don
When coming to Buon Ma Thuot, you cannot miss visiting Ban Don and enjoying the famous chicken here. Moreover, people raised Ban Don chicken in the garden, so the chicken meat is moderately tough. They cleaned chicken first, then marinated with spices. Such as: salt, chili, lemongrass and especially marinated with delicious wild honey.
After they grilled it, the chicken will have a bright yellow color and a fragrant smell coming from the pure white meat. In particular, grilled chicken served with herbs, bamboo rice and dipped in green chili salt. Or lemongrass chili salt will enhance the delicious flavor of this Ban Don chicken dish.
8.3 Grilled Pork Rice Paper
Grilled Pork Rice Paper is a favorite breakfast dish of Buon Ma Thuot people. Grilled Pork Rice Paper is a combination of rice paper with pork and vegetables, cucumbers and pineapples. Then, dip the rolled rice paper in fish sauce. This dish is delicious thanks to the well-marinated meat, just right taste and the salty and sweet fish sauce.
8.4 Sour Catfish Soup
Sour Catfish Soup or Catfish Hotpot. This is a specialty fish dish of the majestic Serepork River. That you can hardly miss when traveling to Buon Ma Thuot. They stewed hotpot broth with fish, tomatoes, crushed lemongrass, pickled bamboo shoots, etc.
The delicious and sweet hotpot broth has a little sour taste from tomatoes and pickled bamboo shoots. The fish meat is fragrant and firm. People often enjoy hotpot with hotpot vegetables and fresh vermicelli. Moreover, this is a delicious dish and has a very good cooling effect on sunny days. In addition, they also use catfish to braise in a clay pot, cook catfish soup.
8.5 Forest vegetable soup
Ede people’s leaf soup is also famous as leaf hotpot. They made this dish from 10 different types of forest leaves. When eaten, it has a bitter and spicy taste that is very unique. You can find this dish in specialty restaurants in Buon Ma Thuot.
9. Accommodation when visiting Buon Ma Thuot prison
When visiting Buon Ma Thuot prison, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
- K’pan House homestay. Address: 56/2/8 Nguyen Thi Dinh, Cu E Bur, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak.
- Lee’s house Buon Ma Thuot. Address: Cu E Bur, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak.
- SOJO Hotel Dak Lak. Address: No. 15 Hung Vuong, Tu An, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak.
- Bazan Xanh Hotel. Address: No. 5 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Tan Loi, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak.
- Hai Ba Trung Hotel & Spa. Address: No. 9 Hai Ba Trung Street, Thang Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province.
- Muong Thanh Luxury Buon Ma Thuot Hotel. Address: 81 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Tan An, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak.
- Dakruco Hotels. Address: 30 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Tan Lap, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak.
- Com Homestay. Address: Dang Tat, Ea Tu, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak.
10. Some other famous attractions near Buon Ma Thuot Prison
After exploring Buon Ma Thuot Prison, don’t rush to leave. But you take the time to visit the attractive tourist attractions around. Buon Ma Thuot City also has wonderful landscapes, giving you many interesting experiences.
Here are some outstanding places that we would like to introduce to you when coming to Buon Ma Thuot:
- Buon Ma Thuot World Coffee Museum: About 3km from the prison on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street. This is a place to display coffee items, providing the experience of enjoying coffee with a strong Central Highlands flavor.
- Buon Ma Thuot Victory Monument: Located at km 5 of National Highway 27, Tan Hoa Ward, 2km from Buon Ma Thuot Prison. The monument commemorating the liberation battle is a popular tourist destination.
- Buon Ma Thuot Central Market: 2km from the prison, the market stands out with colorful stalls selling specialties and handicrafts of the Central Highlands.
- Dak Lak Museum: Located only 2km from the prison, the museum is a place to preserve the unique historical and cultural values of the ethnic groups in the region.
- Bao Dai Palace: Only 2km from the prison, this was once the place where King Bao Dai worked, rested and hunted during his time in Buon Ma Thuot.
11. Some important notes when visiting Buon Ma Thuot prison
To have a meaningful visit to Buon Ma Thuot, you need to understand the following important information:
- Opening hours: The prison operates from 07:30 – 17:00 every day, you should come early to avoid crowds and have more time to experience it fully. And you should avoid weekends.
- Dress: You should dress modestly, politely and comfortably, avoid wearing short, revealing clothes or having offensive images.
- Rules for visiting: You need to keep quiet, not touch the artifacts, limit the use of flash when taking photos, and strictly follow the regulations.
- Protect the environment and landscape: Be aware of preserving the landscape and environment of the prison area. Do not litter.
- Respect the space: The prison is a place to preserve heroic history, so visitors need to respect and cherish the spiritual value of the relic.
When exploring Buon Ma Thuot prison, you not only bring with you extensive knowledge about a part of the glorious history of the Vietnamese people. But also deeply feel the indomitable spirit, patriotism and heroic spirit of the revolutionary soldiers. Join Origin Vietnam – a reputable tour operator. We will accompany you on the customize tour Vietnam to explore this famous place with unforgettable memories.
