{"id":58218,"date":"2025-08-23T18:29:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-23T11:29:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/?p=58218"},"modified":"2025-08-23T18:29:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T11:29:34","slug":"phu-quoc-a-new-perspective-discovering-historical-traces-at-phu-quoc-pow-camp-relic-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/phu-quoc-a-new-perspective-discovering-historical-traces-at-phu-quoc-pow-camp-relic-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Phu Quoc: A New Perspective \u2013 Discovering Historical Traces at Phu Quoc POW Camp Relic"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Phu Quoc comes to mind, most people immediately picture azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, and breathtaking purple-orange sunsets painting the horizon. Yet beyond this pristine natural beauty lies something more profound \u2013 a painful but deeply significant memory that embodies the unwavering loyalty and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people: Phu Quoc\u00a0 Prisoner of War Camp (or Phu Quoc Prison).<\/span><\/p>\n

During this National Day holiday on September 2nd, as the entire nation celebrates beneath red flags adorned with golden stars, many visitors choose to set foot in what was once dubbed “hell on earth” to honor the sacrifices that forged today’s independence.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>“Hell on Earth” Within an Island Paradise<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Phu Quoc Prison, also known as the Prisoner of War Camp or Coconut Tree Prison, was constructed in 1953 during French colonial rule and later expanded by the Saigon government during the resistance war against American imperialism (1954-1973). Spanning nearly 400 hectares, this facility once imprisoned over 30,000 communist prisoners \u2013 courageous individuals who remained steadfast and unyielding, willing to endure any torture to defend their ideals of freedom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Panoramic

Phu Quoc Prisoner of War Camp in 1973 \u2013 where thousands of Prisoners of War (POWs) were detained during the war. (credit: Internet)<\/p><\/div>\n

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The moniker “hell on earth” was far from hyperbole. Along today’s visitor pathway, tourists can witness recreated scenes: cramped tiger cages lined with barbed wire, suffocating solitary confinement cells devoid of light, and brutal punishments that once drew worldwide condemnation. Though the space remains silent, every detail pierces the heart \u2013 from the eyes of wax figures that still seem to burn with spirit, to the cold iron shackles still bearing rust stains of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Model

Barbed-wire \u201ctiger cages\u201d \u2013 a brutal symbol of Phu Quoc\u2019s \u201chell on earth.\u201d (Credit: Internet)<\/p><\/div>\n

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These serve not merely as evidence of war crimes, but as living testament to the strength of the Vietnamese spirit. Amid brutal violence, these fighters maintained their faith, nurtured camaraderie, and sustained their determination to fight until the very end.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Prisoners

Lion dance in captivity \u2013 a spirit of resilience and unyielding faith. (Credit: Internet)<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/span>A Journey Through Memory \u2013 From Prison Gates to Exhibition Halls<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Today, Phu Quoc Prison has been reconstructed and designated as a national historical relic. Visitors can easily access it, located just 15 kilometers south of Duong Dong center on Nguyen Van Cu Street. Tours typically last 1-2 hours and admission is completely free.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Entrance

Entrance to Phu Quoc Prison Relic \u2013 Gate of Subdivision B2 (Credit: Internet)<\/p><\/div>\n

| Reference: Phu Quoc Island Private Car Rental Service<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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The journey usually begins at the main gate<\/strong> \u2013 where the national flag waves against the blue sky, opening into the silent space of memory. Venturing deeper inside, you’ll encounter:<\/span><\/p>\n