Each July, as Vietnam turns toward War Invalids and Martyrs Day on 27 July, Côn Đảo becomes a particularly meaningful destination for remembrance and gratitude. In a land that witnessed more than a century of imprisonment, every cemetery, prison and historical site preserves stories of patriotism, sacrifice and the Vietnamese nation’s longing for independence and freedom.
Visiting Côn Đảo in July offers not only the natural beauty of an archipelago in the East Sea, but also a chance to learn history, remember the fallen and appreciate more deeply the value of peace today.
27 July, War Invalids and Martyrs Day, and its special meaning on Côn Đảo
27 July is War Invalids and Martyrs Day, an occasion for the whole nation to remember fallen heroes and honor wounded and disabled veterans, veterans affected by service-related illness, martyrs’ families and those who rendered service to the revolution.
For Côn Đảo, this observance is especially significant because it was once home to one of the harshest prison systems in Vietnamese history.
From 1862 to 1975, French colonial authorities and later the Republic of Vietnam government used Côn Đảo to confine generations of revolutionary fighters, patriots and political prisoners.
During more than 113 years of the prison system’s existence, many died from harsh confinement, illness, forced labor and brutal torture.
Today, those traces are preserved in Côn Đảo’s specially designated national historic-site complex, reminding generations of the losses and sacrifices in the struggle for national independence.
July is therefore more than a time for memorial activities. It is a chance for each person to return to history and express gratitude to those who devoted their youth and lives to the country.
Hàng Dương Cemetery: Incense that carries memory forward
One of Côn Đảo’s most sacred places is Hàng Dương Cemetery, the resting place of many revolutionary fighters and patriots who died while held in Côn Đảo Prison.
Beneath green trees, the graves stand quietly in solemn surroundings. Some have been identified, while many remain unnamed.
Hàng Dương Cemetery is associated with notable historical figures including:
- Lê Hồng Phong: A revolutionary leader and former General Secretary of the Indochinese Communist Party, who died on Côn Đảo in 1942.
- Nguyễn An Ninh: A patriotic activist, journalist and influential thinker in the anti-colonial movement, who died on Côn Đảo in 1943.
- Võ Thị Sáu: A female Hero of the People’s Armed Forces and symbol of courage and an unyielding spirit, who died on Côn Đảo in 1952.
- Vũ Văn Hiếu: A revolutionary fighter remembered for his steadfastness during imprisonment on Côn Đảo.
Alongside well-known figures are thousands of fighters, patriots and others who died, whose lives and identities continue to be researched, sought and verified.
During July, many delegations, martyrs’ relatives, former political prisoners and visitors come to offer incense, lay flowers and pay their respects.
Candle-lighting tributes around War Invalids and Martyrs Day are particularly moving, with candles beside the graves reminding people that earlier generations’ sacrifices remain cherished.
Hàng Keo Cemetery and Côn Đảo Memorial Temple
Alongside Hàng Dương, Hàng Keo Cemetery is a place of important historical meaning.
It once served as a burial ground for prisoners who died during the Côn Đảo prison system’s existence. Although the original graves are no longer fully traceable, the area remains preserved as a place of remembrance.
Visitors can combine Hàng Keo Cemetery with a journey exploring prison history and the lives of political prisoners.
Côn Đảo Memorial Temple is another important memorial site, where residents and delegations offer incense and remember fallen heroes, revolutionary fighters and patriots who died on Côn Đảo.
Around 27 July, a memorial death-anniversary ceremony for fallen heroes, revolutionary fighters and patriots has been among the deeply meaningful tributes held at Côn Đảo Memorial Temple.
Memorial rituals carry traditional value and also support historical education, gratitude and a sense of responsibility among today’s generation.
A journey to the past through Côn Đảo’s prison sites
A July visit to Côn Đảo becomes more meaningful when travelers make time for sites in the prison complex.
Phú Hải Prison: One of the oldest prisons on Côn Đảo, preserving many traces of confinement and the struggles of generations of political prisoners.
Phú Sơn Prison: A site reflecting the expansion of the prison system, harsh confinement conditions and prisoners’ resilient resistance.
Phú Thọ Prison: Once used to confine, isolate and control prisoners, including many revolutionary fighters considered dangerous opponents.
The French and American Tiger Cages: Isolation compounds notorious for their harsh regimes, now historical evidence of repression and brutal treatment of prisoners.
Côn Đảo Museum: Displays photographs, artifacts, documents and historical stories that help visitors understand the creation and existence of the prison system and generations of prisoners’ struggles.
At these places, take time to listen to explanations, read materials and learn the stories associated with each historic site.
This is more than historical sightseeing. It offers a deeper awareness of the losses endured to attain peace and independence.
July tributes on Côn Đảo
Around War Invalids and Martyrs Day, Côn Đảo usually holds remembrance and gratitude activities organized by authorities, agencies, associations and the community.
These may include visits to Hàng Dương and Hàng Keo cemeteries, incense offerings at Côn Đảo Memorial Temple, candle-lighting tributes, memorial ceremonies for fallen heroes and visits to former political prisoners and families who rendered service to the revolution.
Depending on the year, there may also be arts programs, meetings with historical witnesses and traditional education activities for young people.
Meetings with former Côn Đảo political prisoners are especially meaningful because they allow people to hear memories from those who directly experienced imprisonment.
Each retold story makes history more tangible and relatable and reminds later generations of their responsibility to preserve peace.
Note: War Invalids and Martyrs Day falls on 27 July in the Gregorian calendar every year. However, cemetery visits, candle-lighting events, arts programs and memorial activities on Côn Đảo may take place before or on that date, depending on the year’s plans.
Visitors wishing to attend a specific program should follow official announcements from local authorities and organizers.
Things to remember when visiting around 27 July
If planning a July visit, especially near 27 July, prepare your itinerary in advance.
When visiting cemeteries and memorial places:
- Choose respectful, modest clothing appropriate to a memorial setting.
- Maintain order and avoid loud conversation.
- Do not touch artifacts, move worship objects or place offerings in unauthorized areas.
- Do not litter or burn excessive votive paper, and follow fire-safety regulations.
- Respect groups conducting incense-offering ceremonies or observing silence.
Allow a sensible balance between memorial activities, historic-site visits and rest.
Groups wishing to arrange a formal commemorative visit should contact site management beforehand for guidance and appropriate arrangements.
Fast-ferry and flight schedules to Côn Đảo can change because of operating conditions, weather or other operational factors. Check information before departure, especially if attending programs with fixed times.
Côn Đảo in July: A journey of understanding and gratitude
Côn Đảo is gradually developing as a destination with beautiful beaches, rich natural ecosystems and distinctive cultural values.
Yet amid the islands’ peaceful daily life, prison sites, cemeteries and memorial places remain as evidence inseparable from national history.
July is an occasion to look back, remember those who died and express gratitude to wounded and disabled veterans, veterans affected by service-related illness, martyrs’ families and those who served the country.
A stick of incense at Hàng Dương Cemetery, a minute’s silence at Côn Đảo Memorial Temple or a historical visit to a former prison can each become a profound experience.
Coming to Côn Đảo in July is more than a trip: it is a return to historical memory, deepening understanding of independence, freedom and peace.
People may choose different ways to remember, but reverence, gratitude and a commitment to preserving historical values give lasting meaning to a journey of tribute on Côn Đảo.