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Besides beach bathing, diving to admire coral reefs, or watching sea turtles, historical and cultural landmarks also leave a lasting impression when touring Con Dao. Join Mytour to visit 5 famous historical landmarks of Con Dao, deeply connected to the history of this island, and embark on a journey to explore this sacred island.
Con Dao - an enticing destination for this summer. Image source: Internet
Dinh Chua Island – Where Con Dao's history is preserved
Constructed from 1862 to 1876, during the 113-year rule of the French colonialists and the US Empire, Dinh Chua Island was the residence of 53 lords of Con Dao, as well as the ruling brain center of this land.
Lord's island mansion. Image source: Internet
From the Lord's island mansion, important 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 mansion lived a luxurious, affluent life.
With a total area of 18,600m2, including many structures, Dinh Chua Island 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 area. Image source: Internet
From 2000 to the present, the local government of Con Dao has collected 266 artifacts, 542 photographic documents, and thousands of records of the Con Dao political prison, which are exhibited in this memorial area.
If you want to learn about the glorious history of the beautiful island district, visit the Lord's island mansion as well as the Con Dao Museum and the Phu Hai Prison, and the landmarks of Con Dao to experience those 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 Lord's Island Mansion area, Cong Quan House boasts a distinctive atmosphere untouched by the harsh rulers. Built in the late 19th century, covering an area of 150m2, Cong Quan House features classical French architecture, modestly nestled under the cool shade of green bang trees. The French colonialists and later the US Empire used this place to host official guests visiting Con Dao.
Scenic view by the coastline 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, admiring the beauty of this island and witnessing the suffering of Vietnamese prisoners prompted him to complete the opera Brunechilda and send a letter to the Lord's island with the famous message: 'Where beauty is honored, ugliness retreats, there is no need for rulership.'
Ma Thiên Lanh Bridge – Witness to painful history
Built in 1930 to serve the colonial exploitation program, Ma Thiên Lanh Bridge is a testimony to the tragic history of Con Dao. To complete this project, over 300 prisoners perished due to beatings and coercion by the colonialists. The name Ma Thiên Lanh is given to two unfinished bridges built with the blood and bones of hundreds of people. Today, Ma Thiên Lanh is just a relic, but the heartbreaking story remains with time.
Ma Thiên Lanh Bridge Site. Image source: Internet
Address: 3km west of the island center, near the entrance gate of Con Dao National Park.
914 Historic Bridge – Sacred symbol of Con Dao
Being a distinctive symbol of Con Dao, and the most significant historical site in Con Dao, the 914 Railway Bridge was constructed in 1873, spanning 107m from the Island Lord's Palace to Con Son Bay. Locals of Con Dao explain that the number 914 or 915 in the bridge's name represents the individuals who lost their lives during the construction of this bridge.
Historical 914 Railway Bridge. Source: Internet
View of the Railway Bridge from above. Source: Internet
To build this railway bridge, prisoners had to transport stones from Mount Chua to the bay. If they didn't perish under the weight of the stones, they faced the brutality of prison guards. Those painful memories are still preserved on each stone of this railway bridge until today.
Also from the 914 Railway Bridge, the patriotic soldiers, political prisoners in Con Dao, gained access to progressive documents, newspapers, directives, and resolutions from the Central Communist Party. That communication lifeline was more precious than ever, providing encouragement and morale support to the revolutionary soldiers at that time.
Moreover, at this 914 Railway Bridge, witnessed the historic moment of the red flag with the yellow star and the magnificent image of Uncle Ho flying over Con Dao, marking the end of nearly a century of 'Hell on Earth' on this island. Today, the 914 Railway Bridge is an unmissable destination and serves as the landing point for Con Dao fishing boats after days of swaying on the sea.
Hang Duong Cemetery, an epic saga of sacrifice
When visiting Con Dao, you must pay your respects at Hang Duong Cemetery, as a token of profound gratitude to those who sacrificed for future generations to live in happiness. Throughout 113 years under the rule of the French colonialists and the American empire, over 20,000 people perished from brutal torture in the 'Hell on Earth' of Con Dao, finding their final rest at Hang Duong Cemetery. It wasn't until 1992 that the largest cemetery in Con Dao was constructed and renovated, with nearly 2000 graves divided into 4 zones 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, the heroine Vo Thi Sau, and others.
Entrance to Hang Duong Cemetery. Source: Internet
Tomb of the female heroine Vo Thi Sau. Source: Internet
The serene and tranquil Hang Duong Cemetery. Source: Internet
What's unique about Hang Duong Cemetery is that visitors only come to pay respects at night. Around midnight, when the small lights on each grave sparkle alongside the melodious sounds of music at the cemetery, lines of people come to light incense and pay homage to the national heroes' graves. It is believed that at the intersection of the spiritual and physical realms, they can connect with the deceased, so every night, locals and tourists flock to Hang Duong Cemetery increasingly.
Hang Duong Cemetery at night. 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
Things to Note When Visiting Sacred Sites in Con Dao
- Due to their special cultural and historical significance, when visiting the 5 landmarks, ensure you dress appropriately and maintain a respectful demeanor.
- Most cultural tourist destinations in Con Dao are free to enter, but there are still some places that charge admission fees such as the Con Dao Museum, Con Dao Palace, and Con Dao Prison... The ticket prices are not too expensive, ranging from 10,000 VND to 20,000 VND only.
- Since these relics date back to the 19th century and are regularly renovated, to make sure you don't arrive during repairs, ask the locals before visiting.
- Con Dao is a sacred, peaceful, and astonishingly quiet land. If you feel afraid to go alone, it's advisable to go with a group or visit during the daytime.
Visiting the historical sites in Con Dao is hoped to be an exciting experience during your 2-day-1-night trip to Con Dao. If you want to book cheap flights or hotel rooms as well as Con Dao tours, you can call the hotline 1900 636 167 for free consultation.
