Turn your device in landscape mode.
Book tickets

curent lang en

Log in
Book VinWonders tickets
Select a destination

Select a date
Adults
*Above 140cm
*Height from 140cm
Children
*от 80 см до 140 см
*Height from 100cm-140cm *Height from 80cm-140cm
Elders
*From 60 years old
*From 60 years old
Con Dao Museum

Con Dao Museum: Reveal stories of strength and survival

28/11/2024 626 views

Con Dao Museum offers visitors an insightful journey into the rich history and cultural heritage of Con Dao Island. It preserves artifacts, documents, and exhibits that reflect Con Dao’s natural and human history, honoring the resilience of its people and past events.

Con Dao Museum

Con Dao Museum is where tourists can understand more about the history of Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1. Overview of Con Dao Museum

1.1. Location, opening hours, and entrance fees

  • Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Con Dao Island, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province
  • Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Entrance Fees: 50,000 VND/person 

Admission to the Con Dao Museum is included in the ticket for the Historic Revolutionary Relic System of Con Dao Prison. This ticket also grants access to four other sites: Island Lord Palace, Phu Hai Prison, American Tiger Cages, and French Tiger Cages.

For a deeper understanding of the historical stories, make sure to check the schedule for guided tours! They are available at 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. A complete tour typically lasts around two hours, covering all five historical sites.

1.2. History and scale

Con Dao Museum was initiated on December 6, 2009, and completed on October 10, 2010, as part of the celebrations for the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi. Officially opening in 2013, the museum houses nearly 2,000 documents and artifacts, providing a comprehensive overview of Con Dao Island’s history, from prehistoric times to its current development, with a particular emphasis on the history of the Con Dao Prison during the war.

The museum is located on a 2-hectare site, with a total building area of 3,570 square meters. It includes exhibition halls, collection storage, a conservation lab for artifacts, a conference hall, office spaces, and other supporting facilities. The indoor exhibition area covers 1,700 square meters, featuring a ceremonial hall and thematic display sections.

Visit Con Dao Museum

Con Dao Museum is a must-visit on Con Dao Island (Source: Collected)

2. Highlights of Con Dao Museum tour

The Con Dao Museum tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and culture through its diverse collection of exhibits. Visitors can explore significant aspects of Con Dao’s past with displays that highlight its unique heritage and historical events.

2.1. Indoor exhibition space

The indoor exhibition space of the Con Dao Museum is divided into several sections that provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Con Dao’s rich history and cultural significance. The museum features a ceremonial hall and four main themes:

  • Theme 1: Con Dao – Nature and People
  • Theme 2: Con Dao – The Hell on Earth
  • Theme 3: Con Dao – The Battlefield and School
  • Theme 4: Con Dao Today

These thematic displays offer visitors a vivid and emotional experience of Con Dao Island’s history, from its natural beauty and human stories to its dark past during the French and American colonial periods.

The ceremonial hall is one of the standout features, showcasing a 6-meter-tall stainless-steel sculpture that symbolizes the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese communist people. This sculpture represents the desire for freedom and peace, with an outstretched arm breaking chains, accompanied by the image of a peace dove.

In Con Dao Museum, tourists can find a miniature version of Con Dao National Park with nearly 2,000 artifacts and exhibits of Con Dao’s nature, history, and culture from prehistoric and early historical times to its current development. Alongside, visitors can uncover the harrowing legacy of the infamous Con Dao Prison, known as the “Hell on Earth.” The museum showcases portraits of patriotic scholars and vivid depictions of prisoners who endured harsh captivity and brutal oppression.

Each theme at the Con Dao Museum offers a powerful depiction of 113 years of history in Con Dao, contrasting the brutal crimes of the colonial and imperial regimes with the steadfast, unbreakable spirit of the revolutionary fighters and patriotic Vietnamese people.

indoor exhibition space

The indoor exhibition space of Con Dao Museum (Source: Collected)

2.2. Outdoor exhibition space

The outdoor exhibition area is an open space without a roof, making it susceptible to weather conditions. It mainly displays large historical artifacts of both natural and social significance. 

The area is complemented by grass, flower beds, and trees, which help expand the exhibition space while enhancing the overall landscape around the museum. This space also offers visitors a place to relax and view collections of archaeological items from Con Dao, such as the excavation site of the Hon Cau Ancient Village and the jar burial site. 

2.3. Other attractions on the tour

Besides the Con Dao Museum, there are many other captivating destinations to explore in Con Dao. These attractions, deeply embedded in Con Dao Island’s history, allow visitors better to understand the island’s painful yet heroic past. 

  • Island Chief Palace: Once the residence of Con Dao’s governor during French colonial rule, this historical building offers a glimpse into colonial administration and contrasts with the suffering of local prisoners.
  • Phu Hai Prison: A notorious site in the Con Dao Prison system, where political prisoners were held during the French and American eras, Phu Hai Prison stands as a symbol of the resilience of those who fought for Vietnamese independence.
  • French Tiger Cage: These iron cells were designed to break prisoners’ spirits, offering a chilling look at the cruelty of the French colonial regime.
  • American Tiger Cage: Used during the Vietnam War to imprison political prisoners, the American Tiger Cage reflects the harsh tactics of American forces and the enduring determination of those who resisted.
Con Dao museum tours

Tourists can get a more comprehensive understanding of Con Dao Island’s history by taking Con Dao museum tours (Source: Collected)

Explore now: Con Dao map: Best spots & experiences you can’t miss

Best-selling products

3. Additional things to know about Con Dao Museum

3.1. How to get there?

Con Dao Museum is easily accessible. From Ben Dam Port in Con Dao, follow the coastal road along Ben Dam, continue straight to Nguyen Duc Thuan Street, and reach the roundabout. Take the second exit onto Nguyen Hue Street and drive straight. The museum will be on your left. The journey is just over 12 kilometers and takes about 20 minutes by car.

The route is simple, and if you do not have a personal vehicle, you can call a taxi at a reasonable cost. There are several taxi services on the island, including Mai Linh Taxi, Con Son Taxi, and Sai Gon Con Dao Taxi. Visitors can call the service hotline to book a ride and check current rates.

 

3.2. Extra notes

When visiting the Con Dao Museum, it is essential to keep in mind some guidelines to ensure a respectful experience:

  • As a place of remembrance, the museum encourages a peaceful atmosphere. Keep noise to a minimum to show respect for others.
  • Photography is restricted in certain areas, so pay attention to signage and avoid taking photos where it is not permitted.
  • This is a solemn space, so please wear appropriate attire and avoid clothing that is too revealing.
  • Do not touch or move any artifacts or displays, as many items are delicate and hold historical significance.
  • To keep the museum clean, refrain from bringing in food or drinks and ensure proper disposal of any waste.
  • Reading about the museum and Con Dao Island’s history before visiting can help you gain a deeper appreciation for the exhibits and their stories.
The gallery of Con Dao Museum

Visitors should follow photography rules when visiting Con Dao Prison Museum (Source: Collected)

A visit to the Con Dao Museum leaves a lasting impression, deepening one’s understanding of Con Dao’s past and the enduring strength of those who lived through its trials. The museum’s exhibits not only honor the struggles and sacrifices of past generations but also celebrate the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. 

Beyond Con Dao, Vietnam travel offers an abundance of beautiful destinations. From Phu Quoc and Nha Trang to Ha Long and Hoi An, each comes with its unique charm and offers something special for everyone visiting. In any of these places, do not miss out on VinWonders amusement complexes. VinWonders provides exciting activities for families and thrill-seekers alike, from thrilling rides to interactive exhibits and shows. 

VinWonders Phu Quoc

VinWonders offers exciting theme park experiences with rides, shows, and attractions for all ages

When it comes to relaxation, hotels and resorts of Vinpearl offer upscale accommodations and top-notch service. It provides the perfect base for travelers looking to unwind in comfort and enjoy Vietnam’s stunning landscapes.

Vinpearl Phu Quoc

Vinpearl provides luxury accommodations in beautiful locations, ideal for a relaxing stay

 

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

 

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

Best-selling products

Share news via:
  • Copy to clipboard
https://vinwonders.com/en/wonderpedia/news/con-dao-museum/

Related Posts

Posts for you

Can Gio Mangrove Forest: The green lungs of Ho Chi Minh City

09/02/2025 2.264 views

Map of Ho Chi Minh City’s districts & travel tips

18/04/2025 2.194 views

15 Ho Chi Minh City shopping malls to visit for all-day fun

25/01/2025 2.099 views

Saigon Square: Your go-to shopping spot in Ho Chi Minh City

25/01/2025 2.012 views

Search

Featured offers

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

Tìm vé

Search history

Most popular

News & Experiences

Thanh An Island: A perfect place for a day trip from Saigon

Thanh An Island: A perfect place for a day trip from Saigon

Escape the bustling streets of Saigon and discover the tranquil charm of Thanh An Island – a hidden gem just a short ride away from the city. Nestled within Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, this peaceful island offers a refreshing change of pace with its unspoiled landscapes, fresh seafood, and friendly locals.

 03/12/2025
Xoi xeo Hanoi: A favorite food for breakfast of the local

Xoi xeo Hanoi: A favorite food for breakfast of the local

Xoi xeo Hanoi is a delicious combination of sticky rice with mung bean paste, fried shallots, and sometimes additional toppings like shredded chicken or pork floss. Trying a dish of xoi xeo as breakfast should be a must in your Hanoi travels to experience the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine while immersing yourself in the local food culture.

 03/12/2025