January
24.1°C ~ 75°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Con Dao Prison Historical Sites
A set of former French and American prison camps, including Phu Hai and the tiger cages, now preserved as a national memorial.
- Location
- Con Dao
- Time needed
- From 2 hours
- Entry fee
- 50,000 VND
- Best months
- Nov – Apr
Overview
Con Dao was used as a prison island by the French and later by the South Vietnamese and Americans. Thousands of political prisoners were held here, and many died. Today the main camps are preserved as a memorial and museum.
Visitors walk through cell blocks, see the tiger cages and learn about prisoners’ lives. The site is quiet and serious and is one of the most important historical places in Vietnam.
Highlights
- Visit Phu Hai Prison and its cell blocks
- See the French and American tiger cages
- Walk through the Governor’s Palace and old buildings
- Learn the stories of prisoners through exhibits and guides
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 7:30 – 11:30 and 13:30 – 17:00 Closed for a lunch break |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | About 50,000 VND for a ticket covering several sites |
| Time needed | 2 – 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning |
| Good for | History lovers, adults, older teenagers |
| Accessibility | Flat sites but some uneven ground; steps in some camps |
| Facilities | Toilets, small shops, guides on request |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Con Dao by month.
February
24°C ~ 75°F
1 day of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
25.2°C ~ 77°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
26.8°C ~ 80°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.6°C ~ 82°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
27.2°C ~ 81°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
26.8°C ~ 80°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
26.8°C ~ 80°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.6°C ~ 80°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
October
26.3°C ~ 79°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
26°C ~ 79°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
24.9°C ~ 77°F
11 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Con Dao centre
The sites are in and around Con Son town, mostly within walking distance of each other. Most hotels are 5 to 15 minutes away by foot or by motorbike taxi.
- Con Dao Prison Historical Sites
Tips before you go
- Buy the ticket at the Con Dao Museum first
- Start early to avoid the midday heat and the lunch closure
- Hire a guide for context
- Dress respectfully; it is a memorial site
Location
Con Son town, Con Dao
More attractions in Con Dao
FAQs
Where do I buy tickets?
At the Con Dao Museum. Tickets are not sold at each individual site.
How long should I allow?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to see the main camps and exhibits.
Is it suitable for children?
It is suitable for older children. Several displays show the harsh treatment of prisoners.