2 September is the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It commemorates President Hồ Chí Minh’s reading of the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square in Hanoi on 2 September 1945, proclaiming the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This momentous milestone in national history opened an era of independence and affirmed the Vietnamese people’s right to freedom and self-determination.
For Côn Đảo, National Day also holds special meaning. This place, where generations of revolutionary fighters and patriots were imprisoned, witnessed important changes during the August Revolution of 1945. Today, its preserved historic sites allow successive generations to learn about the past, remember those who died and appreciate the country’s peace.
2 September 1945: The birth of an independent Vietnam
Following the victory of the August Revolution of 1945, President Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence on behalf of the Provisional Government before a large gathering at historic Ba Đình Square on 2 September 1945.
The Declaration affirmed the Vietnamese nation’s right to independence and freedom and proclaimed the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The event marked a major turning point in Vietnam’s history, ending the monarchy and opening a new period in the struggle to build and defend independence.
Since then, 2 September has been National Day, commemorated annually throughout the country.
Beyond its political and historical significance, National Day is also a time to remember generations who struggled and sacrificed for national independence and to reflect on achievements in building and developing the country.
Côn Đảo during the August Revolution of 1945
Côn Đảo’s history is deeply connected with Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle.
In 1862, French colonial authorities began establishing the Côn Đảo prison system, turning it into a place of confinement for generations of patriots, revolutionary fighters and political prisoners.
Throughout their imprisonment, political prisoners sustained various forms of resistance, organized study and built revolutionary organizations within the prisons themselves.
As the August Revolution unfolded across the country in 1945, important changes also took place on Côn Đảo.
After Japan surrendered to the Allies, the authorities controlling the island’s prisons weakened. The prisoners’ revolutionary organizations seized the opportunity, united their forces and struggled to take control.
In late August 1945, the Côn Đảo National Union Council was established, composed mainly of political prisoners. Effective administration of the island gradually shifted to the revolutionary forces.
This was a distinctive milestone in Côn Đảo’s history, demonstrating the solidarity and determination for self-liberation of those who had been imprisoned.
September 1945: Ships bringing Côn Đảo political prisoners back to the mainland
After the victory of the August Revolution, the revolutionary authorities in southern Vietnam mobilized vessels to sail to Côn Đảo and bring political prisoners back to the mainland.
In September 1945, the ship Phú Quốc and many smaller boats were mobilized for this task.
On 17 September 1945, a rally on Côn Đảo marked the revolutionary government’s takeover of the island. It held great significance for prisoners who had endured many years of confinement.
Vessels then continued carrying large numbers of political prisoners to the mainland. Those returning included many revolutionary cadres, notably Tôn Đức Thắng, Phạm Hùng and comrades who had organized struggles inside the prisons.
The September 1945 voyages became a special part of Côn Đảo’s historical memory, marking the moment when many prisoners could return to continue revolutionary work after years of exile.
However, the seizure of power on Côn Đảo in 1945 must be distinguished from the Liberation of Côn Đảo on 1 May 1975.
After the upheavals of 1945, the Côn Đảo prison system continued to be used during later periods of war. Only on 1 May 1975 did the political prisoners’ uprising bring the island’s prison regime to an end.
The milestones of 1945 and 1975 represent different phases in Côn Đảo’s struggle for independence and freedom.
Visiting Côn Đảo on National Day: A journey through national history
Today, Côn Đảo is a distinctive destination for travelers wishing to combine relaxation, nature exploration and historical learning.
During the 2 September holiday, a visit can begin at sites connected with the revolutionary struggle and the lives of generations of prisoners.
Côn Đảo Museum
Côn Đảo Museum is a suitable place to begin exploring the islands’ past.
Here, visitors can view photographs, artifacts and documents about Côn Đảo’s history, the establishment of the prison system, the activities of revolutionary organizations and important events in prisoners’ struggles.
Studying the museum’s materials before touring the prisons can provide a more systematic understanding of the island’s historic locations.
The Côn Đảo Prison system
The Côn Đảo Prison historic-site complex is one of Vietnam’s important groups of historical monuments.
Places such as Phú Hải, Phú Sơn and Phú Thọ prisons, the French Tiger Cages and the American Tiger Cages preserve evidence of confinement, forced labor and prisoners’ struggles.
At the historic sites, visitors can hear explanations of life in prison, methods of repression and the resilience of those confined there.
These places also have educational value, particularly for schoolchildren, students and groups interested in history.
Hàng Dương Cemetery
Hàng Dương Cemetery is the resting place of many revolutionary fighters and patriots who died while imprisoned on Côn Đảo.
It is associated with prominent historical figures such as Lê Hồng Phong, Nguyễn An Ninh, Võ Thị Sáu and many other fighters.
Alongside identified graves, many remain unnamed, a reminder of historical losses.
During National Day, visitors can offer incense, remember the dead and learn about people who contributed to the struggle for national independence.
Côn Đảo Memorial Temple and Hàng Keo Cemetery
Côn Đảo Memorial Temple commemorates fallen heroes, revolutionary fighters and patriots who died on the islands.
Hàng Keo Cemetery is also an important historic site, once used to bury prisoners who died during the existence of the prison system.
Visiting these places deepens understanding of Côn Đảo’s history while expressing gratitude to earlier generations.
2 September National Day and commemorations on Côn Đảo
Each year, National Day is an occasion for many localities across Vietnam to organize cultural activities, public information programs, traditional education and historical commemorations.
On Côn Đảo, depending on the year’s plans, agencies and organizations may arrange incense offerings, historic-site visits, activities honoring traditions and cultural programs appropriate to National Day.
For groups interested in history, visiting Côn Đảo Museum and the prison system can be a meaningful holiday activity.
However, visitors should not assume that Côn Đảo holds a fixed festival, performance or public event every 2 September.
The time, location and participation arrangements for specific activities must be confirmed through official local announcements for each year.
What should you prepare for a National Day trip to Côn Đảo?
National Day generally comes with public-holiday leave, so travelers should arrange transport and accommodation in advance.
Fast-ferry and flight schedules and attraction opening times may change according to actual conditions.
In particular, September is still within Côn Đảo’s rainy season. Showers, strong winds or rough seas can affect some outdoor activities and sea transport.
Check weather forecasts and transport operating information close to departure.
When traveling with family, older adults or young children, choose a manageable itinerary balancing historic-site visits, rest and nature exploration.
At cemeteries, temples and memorial areas, wear respectful clothing, keep order, avoid disturbing worshippers and follow management instructions.
A meaningful trip does not require visiting many places. Taking time to read documents, listen to guides and discuss historical stories can create more memorable experiences.
Côn Đảo today: Preserving memory and cherishing peace
Once associated with a harsh prison system, Côn Đảo has become a renowned Vietnamese destination for history, culture and ecotourism.
Beaches, forests and natural scenery give the islands a peaceful appearance. Alongside this development, historic sites remain preserved as an inseparable part of Côn Đảo.
National Day on 2 September invites everyone to look back at the nation’s path to independence, remember generations who devoted themselves and sacrificed, and appreciate today’s peaceful life.
On Côn Đảo, that spirit is present in every prison site, in the graves at Hàng Dương Cemetery and in the story of political prisoners’ struggle during the August Revolution of 1945.
A National Day visit to Côn Đảo is more than an exploration of the sea and islands. It is also an opportunity to revisit historical milestones and understand the value of independence and freedom, and the responsibility to preserve peace for future generations.