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Aside from beach activities, snorkeling, or turtle watching, historical and cultural sites also contribute to the fame of Con Dao tours. Join Mytour to visit 5 famous historical sites of Con Dao that are closely linked to the island's history and embark on a journey to discover this sacred island.
Con Dao – A captivating destination for this summer. Image Source: Internet
Con Dao Island's Presidential Palace – Preserving the history of Con Dao
Constructed between 1862 and 1876, during the 113 years of French colonial and American imperial rule, Chua Dao Palace served as the residence of 53 feudal lords of Con Dao, as well as the ruling headquarters of this land.
Residence of the Island Lord. Image Source: Internet
From the Island Lord's Palace, crucial orders and plots to suppress the islanders and revolutionary soldiers at that time were issued. In contrast to the harsh lives of our people, the owners of this Palace lived in luxury and opulence.
With a total area of 18,600m2, including numerous structures, the Con Dao Island Lord's Palace today holds significant historical value for the people of Con Dao in particular and the Vietnamese people in general.
A corner of the prison in the Mansion compound. Image Source: Internet
From 2000 until now, the local authorities of Con Dao have collected 266 artifacts, 542 photographic documents, and thousands of records from the Con Dao political prison, which are displayed at this heritage site.
If you want to learn about the glorious history of this beautiful island district, visit the Island Lord's Mansion, as well as the Con Dao Museum and the Phu Hai Prison, and the landmarks of Con Dao to feel the indelible traces.
Address: Ton Duc Thang Street, Con Dao, Ba Ria - Vung Tau
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: 20,000 VND
Cong Quan House – The only remaining French architecture in Con Dao
Located in the Mansion area, Cong Quan House bears a distinctiveness amidst the space of ruthless rulers. Built since the late 19th century, with an area of 150m2, Cong Quan House features classic French architecture, modestly nestled under the cool shade of green banyan trees. The French colonialists and later the American imperialists used this place to host official guests visiting Con Dao.
Picturesque scenery by the seaside of Cong Quan House. Image Source: Internet
This place also exhibits the artifacts of the talented French composer. Source: Internet
Cong Quan House is also where the great French composer Camille Saint Saens stayed for a month. During his reception as an esteemed guest in Con Dao, while admiring the beauty of this island and witnessing the suffering of Vietnamese prisoners, he was inspired to complete his opera Brunechilda and sent a letter to the Island Lord with the famous message: “Where beauty is honored, ugliness retreats, and there is no need for rule.”
Ma Thiên Lanh Bridge – Witness to a painful history
Built in 1930 to serve the colonial exploitation program, Ma Thien Lanh Bridge is a testament to the tragic history of Con Dao. More than 300 prisoners lost their lives due to beatings and coercion by the colonialists to complete this project. The name Ma Thien Lanh is given to the two unfinished bridges built with the blood and bones of hundreds of people. Today, Ma Thien Lanh is only a relic, but the heart-wrenching story remains with time.
Ma Thien Lanh Bridge Heritage Site. Image Source: Internet
Address: 3km northwest of the island center, near the entrance gate of Con Dao National Park.
914 Historic Ferry – Sacred symbol of Con Dao
As a distinctive symbol of Con Dao, the most important landmark of Con Dao, Ferry 914 Bridge was built in 1873, stretching 107m from the Island Lord's Mansion to Con Son Bay. Locals explain that the number 914 or 915 in the bridge's name represents the number of people who lost their lives to build this bridge.
Historic Ferry 914 Bridge. Image Source: Internet
Ferry Bridge from above. Image Source: Internet
To construct this ferry bridge, prisoners had to transport rocks from Nui Chua to the bay. If they didn't die from being crushed by rocks, they died from the prison guards' beatings. Those painful memories are still preserved in every stone of this ferry bridge to this day.
From Ferry 914 Bridge, patriotic soldiers imprisoned in Con Dao gained access to progressive documents, books, and directives from the Communist Party Central Committee. That communication thread was more precious than ever, serving as motivation and encouragement for revolutionary soldiers at that time.
And it was also at Ferry 914 Bridge that witnessed the moment of the red flag with the yellow star, and the image of Uncle Ho flying high over Con Dao, marking the end of nearly a century of 'Hell on Earth' on this island. Today, Ferry 914 Bridge is an unmissable destination and the docking point for Con Dao fishing boats after days of swaying on the sea.
Hang Duong Cemetery, an epic of heroism
When visiting Con Dao, you must pay respects at Hang Duong Cemetery, like a sincere heart towards those who fell for future generations to live happily. During the 113 years of French colonial and American imperial rule, over 20,000 people died from brutal torture in the 'Hell on Earth' of Con Dao, finding peace at Hang Duong Cemetery. By 1992, this largest cemetery in Con Dao was built and renovated, with nearly 2,000 graves divided into 4 sections A, B, C, D but only 793 graves were identified. Hang Duong Cemetery is also the resting place of famous patriots such as: Le Hong Phong, Nguyen An Ninh, heroine Vo Thi Sau…
Gate of Hang Duong Cemetery. Image Source: Internet
Grave of the heroine Vo Thi Sau. Image Source: Internet
Hang Duong Cemetery serene and tranquil. Image Source: Internet
What's special about Hang Duong Cemetery is that visitors only come to pay respects at night. Around midnight, when the small lights of each grave sparkle along with the melodious sound of music at the cemetery, people come to light incense and pay respects to the national heroes' graves. It is believed that at the crossover between the realm of the living and the deceased, they can connect with the departed, so every night, local people and tourists flock to Hang Duong Cemetery more and more.
Hang Duong Cemetery at night. Image Source: Internet
Address: Nguyen An Ninh Street, Con Dao, Ba Ria - Vung Tau
Opening hours: All day
You can find more details: Famous tourist destinations in Con Dao
Guidelines when visiting sacred sites in Con Dao
- With their special cultural and historical significance, when visiting the 5 scenic spots, you must ensure proper attire, speak softly, and maintain the utmost respectfulness.
- Most cultural tourist destinations in Con Dao are free to enter, but there are still a few places that require an entrance fee such as Con Dao Museum, Island Lord's Mansion, Con Dao Prison... Ticket prices are quite affordable, ranging from 10,000VND to 20,000VND only.
- Since these relics date back to the 19th century and are regularly maintained, to ensure you don't arrive when the site is under repair, it's advisable to ask the locals before visiting.
- Con Dao is a remarkably sacred, peaceful, and tranquil land. If you feel uncomfortable going alone, it's best to join a group or visit these historical sites during the daytime.
Visiting the historical sites of Con Dao is hoped to be an exciting experience in your 2 days 1 night Con Dao travel. If you want to book cheap flights, hotels, or Con Dao tours, you can call the hotline 1900 636 167 for free consultation.
