Côn Đảo Penal Colony, an Essay of Photos

…a quick bit of history.

The Poulo Condore penal colony, located on Côn Đảo Island in Vietnam, was established by French colonial authorities in the late 19th century. Initially used to detain political prisoners, it expanded during the Vietnam / American War, becoming infamous for its harsh conditions, including the notorious "Tiger Cages" among other types of torture. After the war, it continued to hold political prisoners but eventually declined in use.

Today, Côn Đảo Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historical sites, including parts of the former prison complex preserved as a museum and memorial. Côn Đảo is a small island a couple hours by ferry from Vũng Tàu or you can fly there on a propeller plane from Hồ Chí Minh city.

Much of the infrastructure is still there, with beautiful home stays and cabins near the beach. There are some of the most beautiful sandy beaches here in Vietnam. You can rent a motorbike and drive around the island in about an hour.

Tourists come to the island for it’s preserved natural beauty and to enjoy the simple pleasures of rustic living for a few days. Spacious remote villas offer privacy which attract the local celebrity. Today, you may be neighbors with Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt, where rumor has it, when they were together, their family spent some time on the island.

…quite a change since the old penal colony days.

A view of the bay as a ship approaches the island.

The first settlement someone sees as a ship arrives at the island. This is a view of the city (as the post card calls it, but village would be more appropriate).

Turning back to the ship as a prisoner would walk toward a new home on the island. The Island must constantly be resupplied from the mainland.

A walk down the street of Prisoner housing.

Here is the village for the children.

Distribution of potable water to the Europeans.

Descaling turtles to make some soup.

A group photo in the garden.

Here are some prisoners working making wicker furniture.

Prisoners need to work to earn money to pay for basic necessities. Here we find a group waiting for their paychecks.

Prisoners sell bananas and coconuts.

A theater troupe comes to the island for the celebration of the lunar new year.

The house of the Colony Director.