Phu Quoc Prison

Nhà tù Phú Quốc

The former prison where tens of thousands of prisoners of war were held by South Vietnamese and US forces during the Vietnam War. Barbed wire, 'tiger cages' and wax figures recreate scenes of torture, making it Phu Quoc's most sobering history lesson.

Phu Quoc Prison is located beside Provincial Road DT975 near An Thoi town in the south of the island. It was established by French colonial authorities in 1949–1950. During the Vietnam War (1967–1973), the South Vietnamese government and US forces expanded it into the largest prisoner-of-war camp in South Vietnam. At its peak it held about 40,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong prisoners, and more than 4,000 people died there. In 1995 it was designated a national historical site and opened as a museum. The camp is surrounded by barbed wire fences and watchtowers. Visitors can see reconstructed prisoner barracks, the outdoor 'tiger cages' (narrow cages made of barbed wire, where prisoners could only crouch in the sun), and wax figures depicting torture scenes such as tooth extraction, nailing and waterboarding. The depictions are graphic, so children and sensitive visitors should take care. There are also displays on the Viet Cong prisoners' tunnel escape, and an exhibition room with relics, photographs and interrogation records from the period, with explanations in Vietnamese and English. Admission is free. Opening hours are about 8:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–5:00 p.m. Allow 45–60 minutes. It is usually included in southern itineraries, about a 10-minute ride from Sao Beach, and you can visit An Thoi Port or the cable car station afterward. Getting there: a Grab from Duong Dong takes about 35 minutes, and southern day tours often include it. Tips: this is a solemn memorial site, so please keep quiet and don't play or take selfies near the torture figures. The outdoor exhibition area has no shade.

Phu Quoc Prison

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