Amidst the luxurious tourist destinations and resorts on the pearl island of Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc Prison stands out with a completely different hue. This place once held tens of thousands of revolutionary soldiers during the struggle for national salvation, famously known as the "hell on earth in the middle of the sea." Visiting Phu Quoc Prison, tourists not only learn about history but also deeply feel the value of peace and freedom.

In the following article, let’s explore the heroic history, transportation guide, and essential tips when visiting Phu Quoc Prison for the most meaningful and complete journey.

Located in South Phu Quoc, the national historical site of Phu Quoc Prison is an unmissable historical destination for both domestic and international tourists.

1. History of Phu Quoc Prison - National Historical Site

Phu Quoc Prison was originally named Coconut Tree Detention Camp, built by French colonists in 1953 to detain revolutionary soldiers. Later, the Saigon government and the Americans expanded it, turning it into the largest communist prisoner camp in the South. The total area of the prison reached over 400 hectares and once held nearly 40,000 prisoners at its peak.

Not only famous for its massive scale, Phu Quoc Prison also haunts people with its brutal torture methods, especially the "tiger cages." Nevertheless, our revolutionary soldiers remained unyielding, leaving behind resilient examples of courage and the desire for freedom.

After the war, Phu Quoc Prison was preserved and recognized as a National Historical Site in 1995.

See more: 10+ new, free, and super interesting tourist spots in Phu Quoc

2. How to get to Phu Quoc Prison

2.1 Getting to Phu Quoc

From the mainland, travelers can easily reach Phu Quoc by air or by sea, depending on their departure location and budget.

• By plane: This is the fastest and most convenient option. Currently, there are many direct flights to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) from major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, and Hai Phong, with flight times of only 1–2 hours. Look for 0 VND flight tickets from 12:00–14:00 daily to maximize savings on travel costs.
• By high-speed ferry: If departing from Rach Gia or Ha Tien (Kien Giang), you can take a high-speed ferry to Phu Quoc Island, with a travel time of about 2–2.5 hours. This option is suitable for travelers who want to combine transportation with a sea-view experience.

2.2 Getting to Phu Quoc Prison

Phu Quoc Prison is located in An Thoi town, in the southern part of the island, about 25 km from Duong Dong town and approximately 15 km from Phu Quoc International Airport.

From the center of Duong Dong or the airport, tourists can choose from the following popular transportation options:

• Rent a motorbike: Suitable for independent travelers who enjoy exploring. The rental price ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 VND/day, depending on the type of bike. The road to the prison is flat and easy to travel, and you can stop at many beautiful spots along the way such as Sao Beach, Ho Quoc Pagoda, or Ong Doi Cape.
• Taxi or private car rental: More convenient and comfortable if traveling in a group or family. The one-way taxi fare from Duong Dong to Phu Quoc Prison is about 250,000 - 300,000 VND.
• Join a South Island tour: Many travel companies offer full-day tours to the South Island area, including sites like Phu Quoc Prison, Sao Beach, Ho Quoc Zen Monastery, etc. This option is suitable for groups of tourists visiting Phu Quoc for the first time, wanting a guide and saving time on planning.

3. Guide to visiting Phu Quoc Prison

3.1 Attractions at Phu Quoc Prison

The Phu Quoc Prison historical site can be seen as a miniature museum about the brutality of war and the indomitable spirit of revolutionary soldiers. Many items have been restored, realistically recreated, and carefully preserved, recounting a glorious historical period.

Many areas inside the prison have been realistically recreated, allowing visitors to deeply feel the courageous years of our nation.

Below are the notable attractions at Phu Quoc Prison, helping visitors understand more about the historical value of this place:

• Tiger cage area: This is a special highlight and also the area that evokes the most emotions at Phu Quoc Prison. The "tiger cages" are small iron cages set up in the open air, where political prisoners were held under harsh conditions. The model recreated here with wax figures shows the brutality of the detention regime, where prisoners were exposed to the sun, suffered from hunger and thirst, and were tortured. Standing before these iron cages, visitors cannot help but be moved by the resilience of the soldiers who overcame this "hell on earth."
• Prison camp area: The prison blocks have been preserved almost intact, recreating the cramped and deprived living conditions of the prisoners. Visitors can step into the cells that once held hundreds of people in terrible conditions. The peeling walls, barbed wire, and remaining artifacts such as leg shackles and iron chains provide a realistic feeling of the difficult years.
• Exhibit hall: This area preserves valuable historical documents, images, and artifacts, recounting the story of Phu Quoc Prison through various periods. From black-and-white photos capturing torture scenes to prisoners' belongings such as bowls and torn clothes, the exhibit helps visitors visualize life in prison.
• Monument and memorial area: Located in the center of the historical site, the memorial monument is a place for visitors to pause and spend a moment of silence to pay tribute to the fallen heroes who sacrificed at Phu Quoc Prison. This area is designed solemnly, with rows of green trees and a spacious atmosphere, creating a respectful and reverent feeling towards the spirits of the ancestors.

3.2 Ticket prices for Phu Quoc Prison and opening hours

As a national historical site, Phu Quoc Prison becomes a valuable destination in the journey to explore the pearl island. Here, visitors will immerse themselves in the heroic atmosphere of a time when the whole country fought against oppression, deeply feeling the value of peace and freedom. Let’s check the ticket prices and opening hours for convenience in planning your visit to this historical landmark:

• Ticket price: Completely free for all visitors, regardless of age or nationality.
• Visiting hours: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM daily, including holidays and weekends.

4. Notes when visiting Phu Quoc Prison

Phu Quoc Prison is a destination with profound historical and spiritual significance, so when visiting, tourists should note some things below for a more complete and meaningful trip:

• Maintain a solemn attitude, respect the historical site: When visiting, tourists should keep quiet, avoid loud talking, taking inappropriate photos, or joking in the display area. Walking softly and speaking quietly is also a way to express respect and gratitude to the revolutionary soldiers who sacrificed here.
• Appropriate attire: It is advisable to choose polite, neat clothing in subdued colors. Avoid wearing overly short or inappropriate clothing, especially if you intend to light incense or participate in memorial activities within the premises.
• Follow the guidelines of the site management: The prison area has many restored items and valuable artifacts; visitors should not touch the models or displays without permission. Please follow the designated paths and listen to the guide to understand more about each area.
• Ideal time: In the morning or early afternoon when the weather is still cool. Visitors should spend 1-2 hours to have time to reflect and learn.

Amidst the peaceful scenery of the pearl island, Phu Quoc Prison quietly recounts the tragic stories of a heroic struggle. The journey to visit here not only helps tourists understand more about history but also cherish the independence and freedom of today. If you have the chance to visit Phu Quoc, do not forget to stop by this sacred destination to listen to the echoes of the past resonating with the rhythm of the waves.

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