Turn the pages of the heroic history of the war in Vietnam. There is no shortage of fierce battles, and campaigns that make the whole world fall in admiration. But perhaps no one will forget the so-called “Hell on Earth”. The place where the horror of our forefathers was recalled by the mighty forces of that time. The article I want to share is about Phu Quoc Prison.
1. Introduction to Phu Quoc Prison
1.1. Introduction
Phu Quoc Prison, also known as the coconut tree prison in An Thoi town, Phu Quoc. Built in 1953 by the French, after years of empowerment. It was officially ruled under the U.S.-Wei. From 1967 to 1973, just over 5 years, this place became tragic. With more than 4000 dead, and hundreds disabled.
It is divided into 14 different areas, each of which can hold about 3000 prisoners. In particular, area B2 is a private place for officers of high rank, or prisoners sentenced to more than 10 years. Around each area, 4 guards are always on duty 24/24. The entire prison complex is also covered with 10 layers of barbed wire
With the above numbers, we show how fierce the war is. Phu Quoc Prison is a place to recreate images of the brutal torture of American-Wei soldiers. This place will make you shudder when you witness the horrific crimes with your own eyes. And also a source of pride, pride in the resilience and indomitability of our forefathers
1.2. Where is Phu Quoc Prison?
- Address: 350 Nguyen Van Cu, An Thoi, Phu Quoc
- Time: 7:00 – 15:00
The prison in Phu Quoc is located about 30km south of Duong Dong town center. You can get here by various means. In particular, you can refer to the article on where to rent motorbikes in Phu Quoc. Then choose to rent a car for easy convenience combined with visiting other places.
1.2. How much does the entrance ticket cost
Revealing to you that this attraction is completely free. But there is one service that you should use additionally that is the explanation service, the price is 100,000 – 200,000. This service is not mandatory, you can visit freely, and each sightseeing destination is annotated on the board. So why use the explanation service?
Even if you learn a lot of materials, the tour guide here will give you a lot of other useful information. It will sweep you along the entire history of Phu Quoc prison so that you can feel how resilient the predecessors are.
2. What is the prison in Phu Quoc?
The prison in Phu Quoc is an equally famous national historical site next to Con Dao prison. This place seems to recreate through models scenes of people being tortured fiercely and brutally. The most prominent are subdivision B2 and the prison escape tunnel.
2.1. Subdivision B2
Subdivision B2 of Phu Quoc Prison is where Vietnamese revolutionary prisoners are held. This place recreates the entire Phu Quoc prison in the past. With more than 40 different types of torture, and depicted in great detail.
Coming here to visit amid this peaceful life, I couldn’t help but be shocked and trembling. Although they are restored models, they still bring me the pain and terror of the soldiers who came before. And truly to be amazed by the indomitability and resilience of his father.
Referring to the images of barbarism and pounding, it is indispensable for barbed wire tiger cages. Prisoners must lie on sandy ground, stand or sit on the ground, must stoop, and they are allowed to wear only short pants and expose themselves to the sun or dew throughout the day and night.
In addition to the barbed wire tiger cage, there is also a Catso tiger cage invented by the US–Wei to suppress the spirit of prisoners. The Catso tiger cage was designed with 4 iron sides and kept prisoners inside. The day is scorching, the night is cold. All eating, drinking, urinating, or defecating activities must be included.
2.2. Prison escape tunnel
In the face of harsh repression by the U.S.-Wei military, Phu Quoc POWs still resiliently escaped. To dig the tunnel they used rudimentary items from spoons, shifts, coffee…
Just like that, the prisoners dug for 5 months and had an escape outside. This escape was highly appreciated internationally in the harsh situation at that time at Phu Quoc prison.
3. Final verdicts
Experiencing the history of time, when visiting Phu Quoc prison in times of peace. This place is a testament to the resilience and indomitability of Vietnamese people in the face of powerful forces. This is a historical relic that you cannot miss when traveling to Phu Quoc.