Hàng Dương Cemetery, Côn Đảo: history, graves and visiting hours

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Hàng Dương Cemetery is one of Côn Đảo’s most important places of remembrance. Many Vietnamese patriots and revolutionary prisoners who died on the island are laid to rest here. People visit to pay their respects, learn about the island’s history and spend time in a quiet, reflective setting.

Entrance gate of Hàng Dương Cemetery on Côn Đảo Island — Entrance to Hàng Dương Cemetery.

A cemetery shaped by the island’s history

According to local heritage information, Hàng Dương contains 1,922 graves, including 714 with identified names. Many others remain unnamed. The cemetery is arranged into sections A, B, C and D, with section B further divided into B1 and B2. Restoration and landscaping work began in 1992.

The tree-lined paths connect individual graves and communal memorials. Rather than trying to visit every section quickly, allow enough time to read the names and explanations along the way.

Graves beneath the trees in Hàng Dương Cemetery — Tree-lined grave sections at Hàng Dương.

Notable graves and memorial sections

Section A includes the graves of revolutionary leader Lê Hồng Phong and patriot Nguyễn An Ninh. The grave of Võ Thị Sáu, recognised as a Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, is in section B. Section D includes remains reinterred from Hòn Cau, Hàng Keo and other locations.

Maps and staff guidance can help you locate a particular grave. If you are visiting as a group, agree on a meeting point and keep the atmosphere quiet for other visitors.

The grave of Lê Hồng Phong at Hàng Dương Cemetery — The grave of Lê Hồng Phong in section A.

The grave of Vietnamese patriot Nguyễn An Ninh — The grave of Nguyễn An Ninh in section A.

The grave of Võ Thị Sáu in Hàng Dương Cemetery — The grave of Võ Thị Sáu in section B.

Sculptures within the cemetery

Two notable works are the Thủy Chung sculpture, previously known as Trao Áo, and the Hy Vọng (Hope) sculpture. The first recalls solidarity among prisoners; the second represents hope and perseverance. Together with the graves, they help tell the human stories behind the site’s history.

The Thủy Chung memorial sculpture at Hàng Dương — Thủy Chung, formerly known as the Trao Áo sculpture.

The Hy Vọng Hope sculpture within Hàng Dương Cemetery — The Hy Vọng (Hope) sculpture.

Opening hours

According to the cemetery management’s published schedule, visiting hours are 7:00–11:30 and 13:00–24:00, every day including public holidays and Tết. Special events may affect arrangements, so check the official website before visiting.

Visiting respectfully

Dress respectfully, speak quietly and follow the cemetery staff’s guidance. Pets are not permitted, and visitors are asked not to bring plastic bags or single-use plastic items. Burning paper offerings is prohibited.

Fresh flowers are welcome where permitted. Keep pathways clear, leave existing offerings undisturbed and ask permission before photographing other people at close range. If travelling with children or older visitors, daytime may make signs and paths easier to navigate.

You can combine a visit with other historic sites on Côn Đảo, but leave space in your itinerary for rest and reflection. The official cemetery website provides the latest rules, opening hours and contact information.

Official Hàng Dương Cemetery visitor information

Google Maps: Nghĩa trang Hàng Dương

The map shows the site’s location. Confirm the entrance and visiting hours with the site management before you go.

Open this location in Google Maps