Explore Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery

Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery are unique historical relics located in Con Dao.

With its pristine beauty, Con Dao is hailed as one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam. More importantly, this destination is also intertwined with a tragic yet heroic chapter of Vietnamese history. When visiting Con Dao, don't miss the opportunity to learn about the special national historical relic, Con Dao Prison, and to pay respects to the fallen heroes at Hang Duong Cemetery.

Con Dao is a unique destination where stunning natural landscapes harmoniously blend with poignant historical sites.

1. Learn About Con Dao Prison

1.1 Where is Con Dao Prison?

Con Dao Prison is a notorious prison system used by the French and American colonial regimes in Vietnam. Located on Con Son Island in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, it was once a living hell where thousands of Vietnamese revolutionary fighters were imprisoned.

Address : Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Con Dao District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province
Opening Hours : 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Ticket Price : 40,000 VND per ticket

1.2 History of Con Dao Prison

The prison stands as an important witness, closely linked to two prolonged national resistance wars in Vietnam.

French Colonial Period: Con Dao Prison was built by the French in 1862 to detain dangerous political prisoners.
American Period : During the Vietnam War, the United States took over and expanded the prison system.
After 1975 : Con Dao Prison was recognized as a special national historical relic and became a destination to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for the national liberation struggle.
In 2012 : The Prime Minister decided to designate Con Dao Prison as a Special National Historical Relic.

1.3 What Does Con Dao Prison Feature?

Today, Con Dao Prison recreates the harsh conditions of the “living hell” where the French held our patriotic revolutionary fighters. It features dark prison cell blocks, brutal torture instruments, tiger cages, and a rice mill basement where prisoners were forced into grueling labor.

Through these artifacts, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the indomitable and resilient spirit of the revolutionary fighters of the past.

Con Dao Prison vividly re-enacts the heroic history and the deep sorrow of the patriotic fighters.

2. Discover Hang Duong Cemetery in Con Dao

2.1 Where is Hang Duong Cemetery?

Located alongside the Special National Historical Site — Con Dao Prison, Hang Duong Cemetery is the resting place of thousands of revolutionary fighters who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation.

Address: Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Con Dao District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
Ticket Price : Free

2.2 History of Hang Duong Cemetery

During the resistance period, it is estimated that about 20,000 fighters lost their lives in Con Dao. Initially, their remains were hastily interred by the French in the Chuong Bo area, and later at Hang Keo Cemetery. From 1934 onward, the French colonialists began burying the revolutionary fighters who perished at Hang Duong Martyrs Cemetery.

The current Hang Duong Cemetery was officially commenced on December 19, 1992. It now serves as the final resting place for the remains of heroic martyrs, revolutionary fighters, and patriots who died in Con Dao, with their bodies transferred from the Chuong Bo and Hang Keo cemeteries to rest together with their comrades.

2.3What Does Hang Duong Cemetery Offer?

Hang Duong Martyrs Cemetery covers an area of over 190.00 m², divided into four zones (A, B, C, D) with nearly 2,000 graves. It is also the final resting place of Nguyễn An Ninh, as well as the tombs of patriot Nguyễn An Ninh, General Secretary Lê Hồng Phong, and heroine Võ Thị Sáu, among others. Visiting Hang Duong Cemetery is a way to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by previous generations. The number of visitors coming to pay their respects increases as evening falls. Additionally, many memorial ceremonies are held annually.

3. Travel Guide

3.1 Getting to Con Dao

From Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can reach Con Dao by high-speed ferry or by airplane. From other provinces, travelers can fly to Ho Chi Minh City and then take a ferry to Con Dao, or fly directly to Con Dao if there is a direct flight to Con Dao Airport.

Saigon – Con Dao High-Speed Ferry: The journey by high-speed ferry from Saigon to Con Dao takes about 4 hours. Currently, there are 3 trips per week, departing at 7:00 AM from Saigon – Hiep Phuoc Port to Con Dao, and returning to Ho Chi Minh City at 1:00 PM from Ben Dam Port. Ferry tickets are quite affordable, starting from 800,000 VND per one-way trip.
Flights to Con Dao: This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Con Dao. Currently, many airlines operate flights to Con Dao, with a flight duration of only about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Con Dao.

3.2 Getting Around in Con Dao

After landing at Con Dao Airport, which is 14 km from Con Dao town, or after completing your ferry ride at Ben Dam Port, you'll have plenty of transportation options on the island. The most common choices are motorbikes, taxis, and more.

Motorbike : Renting a motorbike is the most popular way to get around Con Dao. Rental prices are quite affordable, ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day. With a motorbike, you can freely explore every corner of the island.
Taxi : If you prefer not to drive, you can choose a taxi service for more convenient transportation. However, taxi fares are higher compared to renting a motorbike.
Canoe: To travel between beaches, lagoons, and small islands, you can rent a canoe or join a day tour.

4. Notes for Visiting Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery

Clothing : Wear modest, neat clothing with subdued colors. Additionally, be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and dust.
Proper Behavior : Maintain silence to show respect for the deceased. Be mindful of general cleanliness, avoid touching artifacts, and do not take photos indiscriminately.
Learn About History: Visiting Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery is an opportunity to learn about history and the sacrifices made by previous generations. For a more complete visit, consider booking a guided tour at the site to listen to detailed explanations.

See also: A list of must-visit tourist attractions in Con Dao

If you wish to visit Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery, book your flight to Con Dao now. To save on transportation costs, don’t forget about Vietjet’s 0 VND flight promotion available daily from 12:00 to 14:00. See details [HERE].

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