Tiếng Việt
When Phu Quoc comes to mind, most people immediately picture azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, and breathtaking purple-orange sunsets painting the horizon. Yet beyond this pristine natural beauty lies something more profound – a painful but deeply significant memory that embodies the unwavering loyalty and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people: Phu Quoc Prisoner of War Camp (or Phu Quoc Prison).
During this National Day holiday on September 2nd, as the entire nation celebrates beneath red flags adorned with golden stars, many visitors choose to set foot in what was once dubbed “hell on earth” to honor the sacrifices that forged today’s independence.
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“Hell on Earth” Within an Island Paradise
Phu Quoc Prison, also known as the Prisoner of War Camp or Coconut Tree Prison, was constructed in 1953 during French colonial rule and later expanded by the Saigon government during the resistance war against American imperialism (1954-1973). Spanning nearly 400 hectares, this facility once imprisoned over 30,000 communist prisoners – courageous individuals who remained steadfast and unyielding, willing to endure any torture to defend their ideals of freedom.
The moniker “hell on earth” was far from hyperbole. Along today’s visitor pathway, tourists can witness recreated scenes: cramped tiger cages lined with barbed wire, suffocating solitary confinement cells devoid of light, and brutal punishments that once drew worldwide condemnation. Though the space remains silent, every detail pierces the heart – from the eyes of wax figures that still seem to burn with spirit, to the cold iron shackles still bearing rust stains of time.
These serve not merely as evidence of war crimes, but as living testament to the strength of the Vietnamese spirit. Amid brutal violence, these fighters maintained their faith, nurtured camaraderie, and sustained their determination to fight until the very end.
A Journey Through Memory – From Prison Gates to Exhibition Halls
Today, Phu Quoc Prison has been reconstructed and designated as a national historical relic. Visitors can easily access it, located just 15 kilometers south of Duong Dong center on Nguyen Van Cu Street. Tours typically last 1-2 hours and admission is completely free.
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The journey usually begins at the main gate – where the national flag waves against the blue sky, opening into the silent space of memory. Venturing deeper inside, you’ll encounter:
- Tiger Cage Complex with Barbed Wire: Recreating harsh imprisonment conditions where prisoners were confined under severe sun and wind.
Visiting the “tiger cage” area at Phu Quoc Prisoner of War Camp (Credit: Internet) - Solitary Confinement Area: Dark, suffocating rooms simulating conditions where inmates could only sit or lie in spaces smaller than 2 square meters.
Scene recreated with figures at Phu Quoc Prisoner of War Camp (Credit: Internet) - Artifact Exhibition Room: Preserving over 4,000 artifacts, from prisoners’ crude daily items to valuable wartime documents and records.
Exhibition room displaying real photographs of prisoners detained at Phu Quoc Prison Camp (Credit: Internet) - Victory Memorial Area: Commemorating the indomitable spirit of thousands of fighters who perished or were permanently disabled here.
Martyrs’ Memorial at Sim Hill, Phu Quoc Prisoner of War Camp (Credit: Internet) Memorial Area – Phu Quoc Prisoner Cemetery (Credit: Internet)
Walking through each area, visitors easily perceive not only the pain but also the fierce will to live of those who were once imprisoned. The stark contrast between the peaceful seascape outside and the brutal reality recreated within makes the experience all the more haunting and profound.
Why Visit During National Day?
Vietnamese National Day is not merely a time for rest, but a moment to remember history and those who sacrificed their youth for the motherland. Visiting Phu Quoc Prison during these days allows tourists to more deeply appreciate the meaning of freedom and independence.
- For young people and parents: This offers an opportunity to revisit history not through textbooks, but through vivid evidence that ignites national pride.
- For children and students: This provides a tangible lesson about sacrifice and resilient spirit, helping them better understand the value of today’s peace.
- For international visitors: This reveals a Vietnam that encompasses not only beautiful scenery but also a history of courageous struggle worthy of admiration.
From Memory to Pride
Leaving Phu Quoc Prison, many visitors seek out nearby beaches – such as Sao Beach or Kem Beach – to sit quietly by the sea, contemplating the nation’s transformation. Amid the gentle lapping of waves, the contrast becomes even more apparent: from “hell on earth,” Phu Quoc has evolved into a paradise destination, symbolizing the eternal vitality of the Vietnamese people.
On Vietnamese National Day, as the entire country proudly raises its head beneath the country’s red flag with a golden star, memories of wartime years make this pride even more profound. The independence we now enjoy stems not only from the 1945 Declaration but was also paid for with blood, tears, and the unwavering will of thousands of fighters once imprisoned here.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Phu Quoc – Explore to Understand and Preserve for Future Generations
Visiting Phu Quoc during Vietnamese National Day means your journey won’t end with pristine beaches or vibrant coral reefs, but will be enriched by unforgettable historical memories. From Phu Quoc Prison – where national resilience is etched in stone – to the vast ocean – home to ecosystems requiring preservation – everything creates a multifaceted Phu Quoc: simultaneously sorrowful yet proud, devastatingly beautiful.
OnBird believes that every Phu Quoc experience carries dual value: exploring to understand, and preserving so future generations can still feel these emotions. This National Day, if you want your journey to be truly complete – both deeply reflective and naturally beautiful – let Phu Quoc tell you its story of past, present, and future.
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