These prison landmarks are believed to be must-visit attractions in Vietnam.
1. Sơn La Prison
Built by the French in 1908, Sơn La Prison housed future Vietnamese revolutionary leaders such as Lê Duẩn, Trường Chinh, Văn Tiến Dũng, Xuân Thuỷ, Trần Huy Liệu, Trần Quốc Hoàn, Hoàng Tùng, Tô Hiệu...

Located on Khau Cả Hill, Ward 9, Tô Hiệu District, Sơn La City, this historical site welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually for exploration and research. Here, tourists can grasp the harsh conditions and unwavering spirit of the past soldiers.
2. Hỏa Lò Prison
Hỏa Lò, also known as the Fire Stove, stands as a historical testament, constructed in 1896, at the heart of Hanoi, the capital under colonial rule at that time. Numerous generations of Vietnamese people endured captivity within the walls of Hỏa Lò prison, including patriotic figures like Phan Bội Châu, Lương Văn Can, Dương Bá Trạc, and later comrades such as Nguyễn Văn Cừ, Trường Chinh, Lê Duẩn, Nguyễn Văn Linh, Đỗ Mười…
Today, the Hỏa Lò historical site preserves its integrity, housing valuable artifacts and documents, notably the mobile guillotine used by the French colonialists. Open on all days except Mondays, the Hỏa Lò site remains a captivating destination for both local and international tourists visiting the capital.
3. Vinh Detention Center
Established in 1804 within the ancient city of Nghệ An, Vinh Detention Center played a crucial role during the French colonial period, detaining those who dared to oppose both the feudal dynasty and Western influence through movements such as Văn Thân, Cần Vương, led by Trần Tấn, Đặng Như Mai, Phan Đình Phùng, Nguyễn Xuân Ổn – Lê Doãn Nhã, the Duy Tân movement, the anti-tax movement in Trung Kỳ, and the Đông Du movement.
A multitude of torture instruments employed by the French colonizers against patriotic and revolutionary soldiers are preserved within the Vinh Detention Center.
4. Thừa Phủ Detention House

Constructed in the years 1930-1931, Buon Ma Thuot prison stands as the place of confinement for patriotic soldiers such as Vo Chi Cong, Phan Dang Luu, Ho Tung Mau, Nguyen Chi Thanh, and To Huu. Today, Buon Ma Thuot prison is located at 18 Tan Thuat Street, Tu An Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City.
Through various renovations, Buon Ma Thuot prison now opens its doors to visitors, showcasing exhibits and images that partially recreate the intense and heroic years of the revolutionary soldiers in this place.

7. Con Dao Prison
Con Dao Prison refers to a system of prisons in Con Dao built by the French colonialists in 1862. This place is likened to a hell on earth with brutal and inhumane torture methods, among which the tiger cages epitomize the cruelty of the imprisonment regime.
Con Dao Prison is currently listed as the 23rd special national monument. It serves not only as a destination for local and international tourists but also as a place to reminisce about the memories of many Vietnamese veterans.
8. Phu Quoc Prison
Located in the Coconut Grove hamlet, An Thoi commune, in the southernmost part of Phu Quoc Island, Kieng Giang province, the Phu Quoc prison is a central prison for war prisoners in the Southern region before liberation. The historical site of Phu Quoc prison is not expansive today, situated on the main area of the old labor camp. It features a two-story exhibition building and an outdoor display area showcasing original artifacts, almost preserving their original positions.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide | According to VnExpress
MytourOctober 14, 2013