Con Dao Prison

Con Dao Prison is a historic prison complex on Con Son Island in Con Dao District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Built in 1862 during the French colonial period, it comprises several detention sites including Phu Hai Prison and the Tiger Cages. Designated a Special National Relic in 2012, it preserves cells, isolation blocks and exhibits documenting its use as a detention facility. Located near Con Son town centre, it is a central heritage attraction within the Con Dao Islands.

Visitors can explore a preserved prison complex with stone cell blocks, collective cells, isolation cells known as Tiger Cages, corridors, gates and exhibition areas with mannequins and artifacts. The site is located in Con Son town, surrounded by streets and close to the Con Dao Museum. Areas include Phu Hai Camp, Phu Son Camp and Phu Tuong Camp with narrow doorways, barred cells and open yards. Guided tours explain the layout, structures and historical use of the facilities.

Constructed in 1862 by the French colonial administration, Con Dao Prison was developed as a major detention complex on Con Son Island. It was expanded over decades to include multiple camps such as Phu Hai, Phu Son and Phu Tuong, including the Tiger Cages built in 1940. The complex was used as a prison through the French colonial period and later periods. It was recognized as a National Historic Relic in 1979 and as a Special National Relic in 2012.

The prison complex is preserved as a memorial and heritage site commemorating those detained there. It serves as an educational site for visitors to learn about the island's history and is an important cultural and historical landmark of Con Dao, often visited together with Hang Duong Cemetery and the Con Dao Museum.