Con Son Prison Photo Gallery by Matthew Herschmann at pbase.com

Con Son Prison

Con Son Island was set up as a penal colony during the French colonial period and held communist prisoners during the Vietnam war, when it was run by South Vietnam and U.S. forces. Some of the buildings have been maintained as a museum containing lifelike models.

Prison building	Torture	Brutality	Prison
Building	Emaciated	Humiliation	Tiger cage
Stomach problem	Tiger cages	Tiger cages	Shackled
Building	Bored	Prison kitchen	Death row
Bad conditions	Feeling unwell	Prison	Despondent

comment

Michael Proffitt		06-Aug-2012 01:27
I was on Con Son Island during 1969. It was a gorgeous island, with a very quaint town. My outfit had a small outpost just off the beach, overlooking the South China Sea. The cages were as others here have described- underground, damp, dark. You would walk over the top of the cages. Although you supposed to, we managed to drop a few scraps of food thru the grates. The prisoners were so very thin, emaciated. I will never forget that.

Dave Humphrey		06-Mar-2012 18:44
I was able to spend two separate days on Con Son island in 66 and 67. I recall what a beautiful island it was and the water beautiful. Do any of you remember the partial sunken sampan in the middle of the bay? We had tons of fun jumping from it and swinging from the ropes. I do remember that there were a lot of political prisoners on the island - who basically roamed free. They had dissented or some minor thing and were shipped there for years. I was not aware of communist prisoners being taken there - I assumed most were shot and killed at capture. Anyhow, a beautiful island not spoiled by big hotels. Sad but true.

Kim Nguyen		11-May-2010 10:07
I went to Con Son island (Côn Ðảo) the third time, (5/2010) within three years. This is the most beautifull warm place I have ever seen from USA. Of cause the Caribean can not compare with. The clear warm water with many miles long of white sandy undeveloped beaches just for me to enjoy. It is so quiet and peacefull. I had been travel to SE Asia, specially many tourist famous places in Vietnam before, and in 2008 trip from USA - Saigon city, I decided take a trip to this unknown island. Then from this first trip I fell in love with the views, nature of the island. It is so beauty with many post cards pictures I could ever take. There many activities on the island such as: swim in the clear water ocean, sunbath every day, hiking to top of the highest mountain, snorkeling, fishing, see sea turtles laying eggs, visit the local village, the prison museums, big cemetary, ot other small islands surrounding. There are two daily flights from SGN, Tan Son Nhat airport to Con Dao. Airfare cost less than 40 usd for one way. And it take just around 40 minutes on the air. The 3 hotel resorts (3* rate is the highest there) water front's room rate is so cheap now to stay (50% of Caribean). But seem in the next very close time, the rate will definitely going up by more tourist coming now. There is a 5* hotel (Six Senses Resort) is up half way, but may need few more years to finish. The weather allways warmer around 75-85 F. Nice weather from Dec-May, then start getting more hot and rain. October is the month has the most rain and windy. Travel from USA to this island best by UA. Travellers may stay in SGN for one night before take the flight next day to this island. Soon you get there you will not want to leave. You may need at least 4 days stay to know this island well.

Robert C. Abbott jr.		16-Feb-2010 05:35
I was stationed on Con Son from April 1969 to April 1970 at the Coast Guard Base.The beaches are gorgeous, but tons of snakes, mostly poisonous. I will never forget this place. I had many adventures here, should have died a few times, but obviously survived. Saw many of the prisoners escorted off the C-130 planes that brought them here. Such rage! Went to the village of Con Son many times, but never felt comfortable. Our station was safe. Never had to use our M-16's. The road to the village of Con Son from the Coast Guard Station was a very exciting ride along the edges of the mountains (one lane) with shear drop off from cliff edges that would land you into the jagged rocks and ocean from hundreds of feet high if not careful driving. There is a lagoon at the southern end of the island that is about three feet deep and huge, huge, huge with perfect white sand throughout. One of the most beautiful places on earth. Just had to watch out for the sea ercheons. I'd love to go back just to see it again, but probably won't happen. The pictures I took while I was there will have to do.

guest		28-Jun-2007 17:40
Who are Ngo Dinh Diem, Ngo Dinh Nhu, Tran Thi Le Xuan, Duong Van Minh, Nguyen Van Thieu, Nguyen Cao Ky... then?

chuck		22-Jun-2007 18:53
The Prison history of Con Son is not the only attraction of Con Dau. It is by far the most beautiful place in Vietnam. I was stationed thewre in 1967 with the US Coast guard and went back last year to visit. The best beaches in all of Vietnam. Not very many people even know about the place but u can get local air service from saigon. Hotel are sooo reasonable. Not many tho and few restaurants.

Matthew Herschmann		22-Jun-2007 12:10
Con Son Prison can only be visited on a guided tour. The local guides speak only basic English.

haviet		19-Jun-2007 20:53
Thank you for these precious pictures. May i ask one thing.. On your trip to Con Dao did you find out any tourguide which is able to speak english fluently? I am Vietnamese, my b/f is foreigner and we have plan to go to ConDao. Should someone explain my b/f about prisons and their history so on.. ? Do you think it is possible?

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