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Can Tho Prison

Can Tho Prison: A witness to Vietnam’s indomitable spirit

26/07/2025 204 views

Can Tho charms tourists with its picturesque landscapes and the sincere hospitality of its people. Notably, Can Tho Prison is one of the city’s most remarkable historical sites, shedding light on a heroic era.

1. Overview of Can Tho Prison

1.1. Location

Can Tho Prison, also known as Can Tho Grand Detention Center, is located at No. 8, Ngo Gia Tu Street, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho (formerly Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District). As an isolated facility, this prison was surrounded by high walls with guard towers, positioned near the former Governor’s Palace and opposite the Administrative Court. On June 28, 1996, it was officially recognized as a national historical site.

Can Tho Prison

Can Tho Prison (Source: Collected)

1.2. History

Can Tho Prison, originally known as Prison Provinciale, was built by the French between 1876 and 1886 to enforce colonial control over the Mekong Delta. Covering more than 3,700 square meters, it became a notorious site for imprisoning and torturing Vietnamese revolutionaries and patriots from Can Tho and neighboring provinces. Following the 1954 Geneva Accords, the Saigon regime renamed it Phong Dinh Reeducation Center, yet the brutal conditions persisted. During the Second Indochina War, the prison was expanded with overcrowded collective cells and solitary confinement rooms, becoming a stark symbol of political repression.

2. Architecture of Can Tho Grand Prison

Can Tho Prison impresses with its solemn front. Thick, high walls reaching up to 5 meters enclose the grounds, reinforced with barbed wire and shards of glass. Watchtowers rise from each corner, casting a constant gaze over the entire compound. Inside, long rows of collective cells stretch alongside solitary confinement rooms, all facing a central courtyard where prisoners were occasionally allowed outside. The addition of a pagoda and a chapel reflected colonial attempts to project religious tolerance, although the gesture was largely symbolic. In the early 1960s, two buildings were added at the back of the yard. Their open ground floors were briefly used for vocational training, creating a faint illusion of reform.

Architecture of Can Tho Grand Prison

Tall watchtowers were built to monitor prisoners (Source: Collected)

Check out: Museums in Vietnam: 16 places for history, military, art and culture

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3. Top things to do at the Historic Prison of Can Tho

3.1. Discover powerful stories of wartime resilience

Within the harsh confines of Can Tho Prison, the story of Le Thi Thanh and Le Kim Tien is a moving symbol of sacrifice and compassion. Tien was arrested while pregnant and subjected to brutal torture. Despite her weakening body, she fought to protect her unborn child. Fellow inmates, including Thanh, did all they could to keep Tien alive, even catching lizards for her nourishment. Before passing away shortly after childbirth, Tien entrusted her newborn to Thanh. Honoring that promise, Thanh named the child Viet Tien and raised him with unwavering love, devoting her life to him despite never having a family of her own.

3.2. See historical artifacts up close

At Can Tho Prison, tourists will discover a powerful collection of artifacts, photos, and documents that reveal the stories of the political prisoners once held here. The exhibition includes torture devices as well as detailed reconstructions of the brutal methods used against Vietnamese revolutionaries. These displays provide an insight into the suffering they endured and the oppressive tactics of the colonial regime.

The exhibition also features artifacts crafted by political prisoners during their time in confinement. These include an embroidered pillowcase and a handmade oil stove belonging to Phan Thanh Si, items Le Kim Tien prepared for her child’s birth while in prison, a wool sweater knitted by fellow inmates for Nguyen Thi Hue, and an ao ba ba shirt worn by Vo Thi Von. One of the most powerful displays is the painting On the Way to the Execution Ground by To Du. It vividly captures the calm spirit of Le Van Nhung and Ngo Huu Hanh, as they walked to their execution site on June 4, 1941.

Prison Museum of Can Tho

The Prison Museum of Can Tho echoes Vietnam’s revolutionary spirit (Source: Collected)

Discover: Vietnam’s war museums: A guide to the top 10 war museums in Vietnam

4. Tips for a trip to Can Tho Prison

4.1. Getting there

Tourists traveling from downtown Can Tho can easily reach Can Tho Prison by motorbike, taxi, or bus. From the city center, head along Mau Than Street toward Vo Van Kiet Street. Turn left onto Nguyen Viet Hong Street, then right onto Phan Van Tri Street. Continue by turning left onto Hoa Binh Boulevard, then proceed along Nguyen Trai Street. Finally, turn left onto Ngo Gia Tu Street. The prison will be on your left.

For those traveling by bus, Route CT-01 (Ba Lang – O Mon) is a convenient option. Tourists can get off at Hoa Binh Boulevard, then walk approximately 500 meters to reach Can Tho Prison.

4.2. Opening hours & entrance fees

Can Tho Prison opens from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 2 PM to 5 PM on weekdays. Admission is free.

4.3. Nearby attractions

In addition to Can Tho Prison, tourists can enrich their journey with these nearby landmarks. 

  • Ong Pagoda (350 meters away) enchants tourists with its striking Chinese architecture, vibrant colors, and fragrant incense-filled halls.
  • Ninh Kieu Wharf (550 meters away) captures the essence of the Mekong Delta. Known for its scenic riverside views, lively boat traffic, and bustling night markets, this site is a perfect place to soak in the local rhythm.
  • Military Zone 9 Museum (550 meters away) showcases powerful artifacts and heroic stories in wartime, offering insight into the region’s history and the resilience of its people.
  • Song Hau Park (2.2 kilometers away) provides a peaceful riverside retreat with lush greenery, open walkways, and fresh air. Ideal for leisurely strolls, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Can Tho greets tourists with a charming beauty

Can Tho greets tourists with a charming beauty (Source: Collected)

Explore: Mekong Delta: An ultimate guide for every traveler

The Mekong Delta captivates with its quiet, enduring beauty. For those visiting this land, a visit to Can Tho Prison is not to be missed. Here, powerful stories of Vietnam’s courageous past are brought vividly to life.

In addition to Can Tho, Vietnam is home to many other captivating destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hoi An. To make the most of your journey, be sure to secure a ticket to the entertainment complexes of VinWonders. At VinWonders, you can dive into a world of excitement with exhilarating games, spectacular shows, and immersive activities. After a day of fun, relax in style at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where luxury and comfort create a perfect retreat for an unforgettable getaway.

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