Located in Phu Quoc’s Coconut Tree Prison (Nhà lao Cây Dừa), this former French and American-era prison is a sobering reminder of Vietnam’s wartime struggles. Used to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries and POWs, it’s now a museum preserving the brutal history.
Address: 350 Nguyễn Văn Cừ, An Thới, Phú Quốc (near Dương Đông town).
Distance: ~5km from Dương Đông (~15 mins by motorbike/taxi).
Open: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (daily).
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (free for children under 6).
Built by French colonists (1949–1950) to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries.
Later used by South Vietnam & US forces (1967–1973) to hold North Vietnamese POWs during the Vietnam War.
Notorious for extreme torture methods (tiger cages, barbed wire strappado, etc.).
Over 40,000 prisoners were held here; thousands died from torture and disease.
Reconstructed Prison Cells & Torture Exhibits
Tiger Cages – Small, barbed-wire enclosures where prisoners were confined.
Mannequin Displays – Depicting brutal interrogation scenes.
Original Artifacts – Prison uniforms, shackles, and photographs.
Guillotine & Execution Grounds
A chilling display of execution methods used by French colonists.
Memorial Area
Honors the thousands who suffered and died here.
Documentary & Audio Tour (Available in English & Vietnamese)
Survivor testimonies and historical footage.
✔ Wear respectful clothing (avoid shorts/sleeveless tops).
✔ Bring water & sunscreen – Limited shade in outdoor areas.
✔ Guided tours available (recommended for deeper historical insight).
✔ Not suitable for young kids – Some exhibits are graphic.
✔ Combine with nearby attractions (Dinh Cậu Temple, Phu Quoc Night Market).
Phu Quoc Prison is a powerful but heavy experience, offering crucial insight into Vietnam’s wartime suffering. While not a “fun” attraction, it’s an important stop for history buffs and those seeking to understand Vietnam’s past.
Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Coconut Tree Prison, is a historical site that served as a brutal detention camp during the Vietnam War. Today, it’s a museum preserving the memory of Vietnamese prisoners who suffered under French and American regimes.
Address: 350 Nguyễn Văn Cừ, An Thới, Phú Quốc (Southern part of the island, near An Thới Port).
From Duong Dong (main town):
Taxi/Motorbike: ~25km (~40-50 mins).
Bus: Local buses run from Duong Dong to An Thới (ask for “Nhà Tù Phú Quốc”).
From Hon Thom Cable Car Station: ~10 mins by taxi.
💡 Tip: Combine your visit with An Thới Port or Hon Thom Island (Sun World) since they’re nearby.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Daily).
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD).
Guided Tours: Available (English/Vietnamese) for deeper insight.
Reconstructed Prison Cells & Torture Exhibits
Life-sized mannequins depict brutal torture methods (tiger cages, barbed wire confinement).
Original artifacts (chains, uniforms, photos).
Barbed Wire “Tiger Cages”
Small, open-air pits where prisoners were confined under harsh conditions.
Memorial Area & Documentary Films
Emotional tributes to the victims.
Short films (Vietnamese with English subtitles) explaining the prison’s history.
Mass Graves & Execution Sites
A somber reminder of the thousands who died here.
✔ Dress respectfully (avoid shorts/tank tops).
✔ Bring water & hat (limited shade in outdoor areas).
✔ Photography allowed, but be mindful—this is a memorial site.
✔ Not suitable for young kids (graphic depictions of torture).
✔ Plan for 1-2 hours to explore fully.
Built by French colonists (1949–1954) to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries.
Later used by South Vietnam & U.S. forces (1960s–1973) to hold communist prisoners.
Over 40,000 prisoners were held, with 4,000+ deaths from torture, disease, and starvation.
An Thới Port (ferry to nearby islands).
Hon Thom (Sun World Phu Quoc) – Cable car & waterpark.
Dinh Cậu Temple – Scenic coastal shrine.
Phu Quoc Prison is a humbling, educational experience—not a “fun” attraction, but an important one for understanding Vietnam’s wartime struggles. If you’re interested in history and war memorials, this is a must-visit.
Phu Quoc Prison (Nhà Tù Phú Quốc), also known as the “Coconut Tree Prison,” is a sobering historical site that sheds light on Vietnam’s wartime struggles. Built by French colonists and later used by American forces during the Vietnam War, it was one of the most brutal prison camps where thousands of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians were detained and tortured.
Here’s what to expect when visiting:
Address: 350 Nguyễn Văn Cừ, An Thới, Phú Quốc
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (daily)
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (free for children under 6)
Barbed wire fences, guard towers, and cramped cells recreate the harsh conditions.
Life-sized prisoner statues depict scenes of torture and suffering.
Historical photos, documents, and artifacts from the war.
Survivor testimonies (some with English translations).
“Tiger cages” (small, barbed-wire enclosures where prisoners were kept).
Mannequins showing torture methods (waterboarding, electric shocks, etc.).
A short film (Vietnamese with English subtitles) explains the prison’s history.
A monument honoring the victims with incense offerings.
✔ Dress respectfully (avoid shorts/sleeveless tops).
✔ Guided tours available (ask for English-speaking guides).
✔ Emotionally heavy – Not recommended for young kids.
✔ Photography allowed, but be respectful.
✔ Combine with nearby sites like Coi Nguon Museum or Dinh Cậu Temple.
Phu Quoc Prison is a powerful, educational experience that highlights Vietnam’s resilience. While it’s not a “fun” attraction, it’s essential for understanding the country’s history.
A haunting but essential historical site, Phu Quoc Prison (also called Coconut Tree Prison) was a brutal French and American-run POW camp during the Indochina and Vietnam Wars. Today, it serves as a museum and memorial to the atrocities endured by Vietnamese soldiers and civilians.
Address: 350 Nguyễn Văn Cừ, An Thới, Phú Quốc (southern part of the island).
From Duong Dong Town: ~30km (~45 mins by motorbike/taxi).
Entrance Fee: ~50,000 VND (includes audio guide in multiple languages).
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (daily).
💡 Tip: Combine with a visit to Hon Thom Cable Car (15 mins away) or An Thoi Port for island hopping.
The prison is divided into two sections:
Original Prison Remains (outdoor area)
Barbed wire fences, watchtowers, and recreated tiger cages (used for torture).
Statues depicting torture methods (starvation, beatings, confinement).
Museum Exhibits (indoor section)
Photographs, artifacts, and survivor testimonies (graphic but educational).
Reconstructed prison cells with life-sized mannequins.
Documentary screenings (Vietnamese with English subtitles).
⚠️ Warning: Some displays are extremely graphic (torture devices, execution scenes). Not recommended for young children or sensitive visitors.
Free audio guide (English, French, Vietnamese) – Helps explain the exhibits.
Local guides (available for tips) can provide deeper historical context.
1–1.5 hours is enough to see everything.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (fewer crowds).
✔ Dress respectfully – This is a solemn memorial site.
✔ Photography allowed, but avoid posing disrespectfully.
✔ Bring water & hat – The outdoor area has little shade.
✔ Emotionally heavy – Be prepared for disturbing imagery.
Built by French colonists (1949–1954) to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries.
Later used by South Vietnam & US forces (1960s–1970s) to imprison Viet Cong soldiers.
Over 40,000 prisoners, with 4,000+ deaths from torture, disease, and starvation.
Phu Quoc Prison is a powerful, sobering experience—not a “fun” attraction, but an important reminder of Vietnam’s wartime suffering. Ideal for history buffs and those wanting to understand Vietnam’s resilience.
Phu Quoc Prison (Nhà Tù Phú Quốc) is a historical war site that served as a brutal prison during the Vietnam War. Visiting requires respectful preparation to fully grasp its significance. Here’s the best time and tips for your visit:
Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM):
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds.
Avoids midday heat (no shade in the prison grounds).
Weekdays (Mon–Thu): Less crowded than weekends.
Avoid Vietnamese holidays (e.g., Reunification Day, Tet) – Extremely busy.
❌ Rainy Season (May–Oct):
Can be muddy and uncomfortable.
Some outdoor exhibits may be less accessible.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (daily).
Entrance Fee: ~40,000 VND (free for children under 6).
Guided Tours: Available (English/Vietnamese) for deeper insight.
Outdoor Replicas – Tiger cages, barbed wire, and prisoner models.
Exhibition Hall – Photos, artifacts, and survivor testimonies.
Torture Demonstrations (Mannequin Scenes) – Graphic but historically important.
⚠️ Emotionally Heavy – Not recommended for young kids or sensitive visitors.
From Duong Dong Town: ~5km (~15 mins by taxi/motorbike).
Nearby Landmarks: Close to Dinh Cậu Temple & Long Beach.
✔ Dress modestly – Shoulders & knees covered (respectful site).
✔ Bring water & hat – Limited shade.
✔ Read beforehand – Understand its role in the war (e.g., “Prisoner of War” accounts).
✔ Stay quiet & reflective – Avoid loud conversations.
Coi Nguon Museum (Local history)
Dinh Cậu Temple (Spiritual site by the sea)