Coconut Tree Prison
Coconut Tree Prison
Coconut Tree Prison
Coconut Tree Prison
A national historical monument telling the story of the tragic pages of the Vietnam War.
Phu Quoc
History Museum
Educational Walk
Coconut Tree Prison is a memorial site that allows visitors to connect with Vietnam's harsh history. Today, the former POW camp has been turned into an open-air museum where recreated barracks, memorials, and documentary exhibits convey the memory of the prisoners' courage and suffering.
- Visit duration
2–3 hours
- Average budget
from $5 (transport)
- Admission
Free
- Opening hours
08:30–11:30, 13:30–17:00
- On-site language
Vietnamese, English
What to know
History
History
The prison was built by French colonial forces in 1949–1950 and later significantly expanded with US support during the Vietnam War. At its peak in 1972, the complex held up to 36,000 prisoners. The site witnessed brutal conditions: the Red Cross documented over 40 types of torture, including the infamous "tiger cages" and the Cat So prison cell.
What to see
What to see
The museum is divided into thematic zones. Section B2 most vividly illustrates daily life and torture methods using realistic wax figures. Visitors can walk the grounds, see restored barracks with barbed wire and watchtowers. A martyrs' memorial is located in front of the entrance, and the former prison cemetery is 1.5 km away from the main complex. This place requires emotional preparation, but it is an essential spot for understanding the region's history.
The dry season offers the most comfortable weather for exploring open-air sites.
On-site
- How to get there
Scooter rental or taxi
- Location
350 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Thoi
- Transport
Taxi from center: 50,000–200,000 VND
- Connectivity
4G, Wi-Fi in hotels
- With kids
Recommended 12+ years