Vietnam is renowned not only for its people, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, but also for its heroic history. Phu Quoc Prison stands as a powerful testament to the immense sacrifices made by revolutionary soldiers in the pursuit of independence, justice, and national unity.
Phu Quoc Prison attracts thousands of visitors each year, including many former soldiers of the Vietnam War. Although the war has long ended, this site continues to draw strong interest from both domestic and international travelers. This guide provides essential information to help you better understand Phu Quoc Coconut Prison before your visit.
1. Overview of Phu Quoc Prison
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours
- Entrance fee: Free
Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Phu Quoc Prison Camp or Phu Quoc Coconut Tree Prison, is located in the southern part of the island at 350 Nguyen Van Cu Street.
Historically, during the First Indochina War, it was referred to as Phu Quoc Coconut Tree Prison. Later, under the Republic of Vietnam, it became the largest prison in the south, detaining up to 32,000 prisoners.
In 1995, the site was officially recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture and Information as a Special National Relic, highlighting its significant historical and cultural value.
2. Phu Quoc Prison’s History
2.1. Phu Quoc Prison during French colonial rule
Phu Quoc Prison was established in 1946, when French forces occupied Phu Quoc Island. At that time, the prison covered approximately 40 hectares and was divided into four main sections: A, B, C, and D—making it one of the largest prisons in Southeast Asia.
The facility was heavily fortified, surrounded by multiple layers of barbed wire, guard towers, and floodlights, with armed guards ensuring strict surveillance. By April 1954, the prison held around 14,000 inmates, most of whom were male. During this period, at least 99 Vietnamese soldiers lost their lives due to harsh conditions and brutal treatment.
2.2 Phu Quoc’s Coconut Tree Prison during the Vietnam War
In 1955, after being handed over to the government of the Republic of Vietnam, the prison complex was expanded with an additional 4-hectare facility. It was then officially renamed Phu Quoc Coconut Tree Prison, with separate areas designated for men, women, and elderly detainees.
During this period, prisoners—especially revolutionary soldiers—were subjected to extremely harsh and inhumane treatment, including methods such as tiger cages, nail hammering, and electric shocks.
Throughout the Vietnam War, the prison became a symbol of suffering and resilience, where thousands of prisoners died and many more were left permanently injured.
3. Highlights When Visiting Phu Quoc Prison
3.1. Witness the brutal torture reenactments in Zone B2
Zone B2 of Phu Quoc Prison covers an area of over 17,000 square meters of Phu Quoc Vietnam and is currently being reconstructed. This section is particularly noteworthy as it vividly reenacts some of the most brutal torture scenes, including barbed-wire cages, hammer and chisel torture, and long nails driven into prisoners’ bodies.
Upon entering Zone B2, visitors can feel the suffering endured by the prisoners. The atmosphere evokes deep emotions, gratitude, and sorrow for those who sacrificed their lives for national independence.
3.2 Visiting the Phu Quoc Prisoned Martyrs Memorial
After witnessing the painful history, don’t forget to visit the memorial to pay your respects to over 500 soldiers who perished here due to horrific torture methods.
Built in 2013, the memorial spans 12,420 square meters and features unique architecture. Designed with two waves rising 5 meters high, the central structure is a hollow pyramid approximately 2 meters deep, symbolizing “The People Who Emerged from That Place,” representing the resilient and indomitable spirit of our nation.
3.3. Understanding the Torture Methods of the American Empire
The solitary confinement rooms at Phu Quoc Prison are some of the most haunting locations for many revolutionary fighters. Here, colonial authorities employed over 40 cruel torture methods on the prisoners, which have been reconstructed in a strikingly realistic manner.
- Barbed Wire Cages: Prisoners were confined in cages measuring just 2 meters long and 0.5 meters wide, surrounded by barbed wire, rendering them immobile. They were forced to lie on the ground, stripped of their clothes, and starved for days. This is considered one of the most barbaric forms of torture at the prison.
- Nail Insertion: To break the will of the prisoners, nails ranging from 3 to 8 centimeters long were driven into various parts of their bodies, including the arms, knees, ankles, shoulders, and head.
- Tooth Extraction: Prisoners were tied in a kneeling position on the ground. Guards would place an iron rod against a tooth and strike the other end with a hammer, causing the tooth to shatter.
- Stingray Whipping: Prisoners were stripped and tied to a wall. Guards used dried stingray tails to lash their bodies, tearing flesh and drawing blood. This method exemplifies the brutal and inhumane practices of the colonial authorities against revolutionary fighters.
In addition, Phu Quoc Prison has reconstructed many other horrific torture methods, such as submerging heads in water barrels, boiling prisoners alive, burning mouths and genitalia, and burying individuals alive, phu quoc countryside pepper farm.
4. Historical relics at Phu Quoc Prison
Today, Phu Quoc Prison preserves several important historical relics that offer visitors a deeper understanding of the site’s past and the sacrifices made during wartime.
Prisoner graveyard
The prisoner graveyard covers approximately 2,000 m² and is located about 1 km from the B2 section of the prison. Designed in a circular layout, it features a central monument shaped like a raised fist, symbolizing the resilience and heroic spirit of Vietnamese prisoners.
Kien Van Church
Once spanning around 4,000 m², Kien Van Church was an important structure within the prison complex. Today, only concrete ruins remain, serving as a silent reminder of the site’s historical past.
Exhibition house of relics
The exhibition area consists of two main rooms:
- One room displays the history and development of the prison, along with preserved artifacts.
- The other showcases over 100 photographs and documents, illustrating the harsh conditions and treatment endured by Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers.
B2 Section
The B2 section is one of the most impactful areas for visitors. It features reconstructed models demonstrating over 40 different torture methods that were once used in the prison. These exhibits provide a powerful and sobering insight into wartime realities.
Monument to martyrs at Doi Sim
This monument stands approximately 5 meters tall, depicting a figure emerging between two waves. It symbolizes the strength, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of the martyrs associated with Phu Quoc Prison.
5. How to get to Phu Quoc Prison?
Phu Quoc Prison (also known as Phu Quoc Coconut Tree Prison) is located about 29 km south of Duong Dong Town. Visitors can reach the site by motorbike, car, or taxi, with renting a motorbike or private car being the most flexible and convenient option.
To get there from Duong Dong:
- Start on Cach Mang Thang 8 Street
- Turn left onto DT45 Road and continue straight
- At the T-junction near Dien May Phu Quoc, turn left onto DT47 Road
- At Ham Ninh roundabout, turn left onto DT46 Road
- Continue for about 16 km to reach Phu Quoc Prison
6. Important Notes for Visiting Phu Quoc Prison
Phu Quoc Prison is a solemn and respectful historical site; therefore, visitors should keep the following important points in mind:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear respectful clothing and avoid anything inappropriate. Maintain a calm demeanor to show respect for the historical site, minimizing disturbances to others.
- Do Not Touch Exhibits: Avoid touching or damaging any artifacts or items displayed at the prison.
- Food and Drink: You may bring snacks and beverages, but be sure to dispose of trash properly to maintain the site’s cleanliness.
- Outdoor Visits: For outdoor tours, apply sunscreen, wear a jacket, and bring sunglasses. If visiting during the rainy season, consider bringing an umbrella or raincoat for convenience.
- Not Suitable for Children: This site may not be appropriate for children due to the violent images and themes of torture present.
- Guided Tours: Visitors can opt for guided tours that provide detailed descriptions and narratives about the prison’s history for a more informative experience.
- Photography Rules: Be mindful of areas where photography is allowed and not allowed within the prison.
- Duration of Visit: About 1 to 2 hours exploring and learning about Phu Quoc Prison. Day Trip Planning: With 1–2 hours at the prison, travelers often combine this visit with a stop at a Phu Quoc waterfall or Ho Quoc Pagoda nearby, making it a full southern island day trip without backtracking.
FAQ
Q: Where is Phu Quoc Prison located?
A: Phu Quoc Prison is located at 350 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Thoi Ward, approximately 28 kilometers south of Duong Dong town center. The site spans over 40 hectares and is divided into four zones: A, B, C, and D, each with distinct historical exhibits.
Q: Is there an entrance fee for Phu Quoc Prison?
A: No — admission to Phu Quoc Prison is completely free for both domestic and international visitors. The site is operated as a historical museum recognized as a Special National Historical Site by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture and Information since 1995.
Q: What are the opening hours of Phu Quoc Prison?
A: Phu Quoc Prison opens daily from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM in the afternoon. The site is closed during the lunch break between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, so plan your visit in either time slot accordingly.
Q: How long does a Phu Quoc Prison tour take?
A: A typical visit takes 1 to 2 hours, allowing time to explore the four main zones, the Phu Quoc Prisoned Martyrs Memorial, the torture-method exhibition area, and the outdoor reconstructions in Zone B2. Guided tours with detailed historical narratives are available on request.
Q: How do I get to Phu Quoc Prison from Duong Dong?
A: You can travel by motorbike (follow Tran Hung Dao Street south, then turn left onto Nguyen Van Cu Street, ~25 km), by taxi (150,000–200,000 VND with Vinasun or Mai Linh), or by Bus Route 10 (15,000 VND, limited schedule). Duration is approximately 30–40 minutes.
Q: Is Phu Quoc Prison suitable for children?
A: Phu Quoc Prison is generally not recommended for young children due to the graphic depictions of torture methods and intense historical themes. Older teens (14+) studying history may benefit from the visit when accompanied by adults who can provide context.
Q: What should I wear when visiting Phu Quoc Prison?
A: Wear respectful clothing — avoid revealing or casual beachwear, as this is a solemn historical site honoring war martyrs. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella or raincoat in the rainy season for the outdoor sections of the museum.
Currently, Phu Quoc Prison stands as one of the intriguing destinations where visitors can delve into the painful yet heroic national history while appreciating the unique architecture of the prison. Corona Resort & Casino hopes you will have an unforgettable experience here, honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for national liberation.
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Contact Corona Resort & Casino Phu Quoc:
- Location: Bai Dai Area, Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province, Vietnam
- Phone: +84 297 222 8888
- Email: mkt.management@casinocorona.vn
- Website: https://casinocorona.vn/en/