Bảo tàng Nhà tù Phú Quốc (Coconut Prison)

1. Museum history and exhibits

• History: the prison camp was originally built by French colonisers, and during the Vietnam War was extensively used to hold and interrogate Vietnamese revolutionaries and prisoners of war; more than 40,000 people passed through it.²
• What you will see:
• Reconstructed corrugated-iron barracks behind rows of barbed wire.
• The famous “tiger cages” (tiger cages), narrow metal and wire cages in which prisoners were kept under the scorching sun.
• Graphic installations with life-size mannequins recreating prisoners’ daily lives and the harsh torture methods of the time.
• An underground passage / escape tunnel in the far hangar, through which a group of prisoners escaped.¹

2. Opening hours and admission prices

• Admission price: Completely free.^1,2
• Opening hours: daily from 07:00/08:00 to 16:00-17:00.²
• Visit duration: independently exploring the entire museum grounds usually takes 20 to 45 minutes.^1,2

3. Impressions and important cautions

• A heavy atmosphere: chats often note that this place is “not for everyone”. Detailed torture reconstructions and its sombre historical atmosphere can make the visit emotionally difficult.²
• Visiting with children: the location is not recommended for sensitive visitors and small children.

4. Getting there

• By taxi or motorbike: the most convenient options are a taxi through Grab or Xanh SM, or a rented motorbike. Navigation readily finds Phu Quoc Prison History Museum or Di tích Lịch sử Nhà tù Phú Quốc.^1,2
• Public transport: VinBus route 19 terminates at InterContinental, not Sunset Town. You need separate transport for the remaining journey to Nhà tù Phú Quốc. Check current stops, fares and return taxi availability before leaving.^1,2

5. Combining your visit in the south

As exploring the museum takes no more than an hour, it makes sense to include it in a broader southern itinerary:²

1. Bãi Khem (Khem Beach) is only a 4-7-minute drive from the prison and is known for calm water and fine sand.^1,2
2. Bãi Sao (Bai Sao Beach) is a 10-15-minute drive east.²
3. Sunset Town and the Sun World cable car are an ideal continuation of the day, with a cable car ride to Hòn Thơm (Hon Thom) Island, a Kiss Bridge walk and evening shows.²
4. Chùa Hộ Quốc (Ho Quoc Pagoda) is a beautiful temple complex on a mountain beside the sea.²