Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Cay Dua Prison Camp, is located in An Thoi ward, south of Phu Quoc island, Kien Giang province. It was once the largest prison camp in Southern Vietnam, built in 1949 by the French colonialists and later expanded under the US-Ngo regime. During its operation, the prison held over 32,000 prisoners, mainly revolutionary soldiers and patriots.
Here, prisoners had to endure many brutal forms of torture such as crucifixion into the body, burning of flesh, and solitary confinement in "tiger cages" made of barbed wire. These acts were intended to suppress the spirit and body of those detained. Between 1967 and 1973, more than 4,000 people died and tens of thousands were left with lifelong injuries and disabilities here.
Nowadays, Phu Quoc Prison is recognized as a national historical relic and is open for tourists to visit. Upon visiting, visitors can witness models recreating scenes of torture, the harsh lives of prisoners, as well as learn about the resilient fighting spirit of the revolutionary soldiers. This is an unmissable destination for those who want to understand more deeply about the history of struggle and sacrifice of the Vietnamese nation.
