Thong Dang Prison & Park is one of the interesting attractions in Hoi An Old Town, Vietnam. During the French colonial period and the latest wars, it’s the largest prison in the town. Thousands of Vietnamese people who fighted for independence, peace and reunification, are kept and turtured here. Now, it has become a historical site. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell everything that you need to know about Thong Dang Prison & Park.
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• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Thong Dang Prison & Park
– Location/address: 127 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Minh An ward, Hoi An, Vietnam
– Name meaning:
– Other name(s):
– Opening hours: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
– Year of construction: 1947
– Ticket price: free
– Reason(s) to visit: a place which has historical significance
– Best time to visit: anytime
– Time to spend: 15-30 mins
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.con/thong-dang-prison-hoi-an
– Recognition(s): world heritage site (1999)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: not available
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Fact:
Thong Dang Prison Park on Map
History of Thong Dang Prison & Park
Thong Dang Prison was constructed in 1947 by French people in a piece of land near the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An which has an area of 5,000 m2. It’s named after the land owner. Before World War II, they constructed a prison which now lies in the Hoi An Central Park, under the name ‘Faifo Prison’.
From 1947 to 1954, some thousands of Vietnamese people were detained and tortured at Thong Dang Prison. It had one of the largest numbers of prisoners in the area during the period.
While the Dien Bien Phu battle (the final flight between French colonists and Viet Minh communist revolutionaries) was going on, local forces of patriots and soldiers attacked Thong Dang Prison in Hoi An. At midnight on 30th April 1954, there were 1,200 prisoners released.
In the Vietnam War, the USA army and South Vietnam government reused Thong Dang Prison and then enlarged it (Hoi An was in South Vietnam in this conflict). There were plenty of Vietnamese people jailed here until the Fall of Saigon and Vietnam unification in 1975 (up to 4,000 people in the highest time). Prisoners mainly came from different parts of Quang Nam province. In June 1960, this prison was closed and a new prison was constructed in Xom Moi (‘new village’) to replace its role. That’s exactly the Hoi An Prison on Ly Thuong Kiet Street today.
Nowadays, no remains of Thong Dang Prison survive due to conflicts and abandonment. A small monument was constructed to commemorate those who died here and provide a brief introduction about the site.
When go to Thong Dang Prison & Park, visitors also see ‘Five Elements Temple’ under a giant banyan tree. This small temple is to worship five goddesses: Kim Duc Thanh Phi (Goddess of Metal (element)), Moc Duc Thanh Phi (Goddess of Wood (element)), Thuy Duc Thanh Phi (Goddess of Water (element)), Hoa Duc Thanh Phi (Goddess of Fire (element)) and Tho Duc Thanh Phi (Goddess of Earth (element)). Around the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage area, there are some other temples to worship these deities too.
In 2024, Thong Dang Park was inaugurated and opened to visitors.
Tips to Visit Thong Dang Park Prison
– In the dry season, from February to the end of August, visitors should bring sun cream, sun glasses, hat/cap/umbrella, and bottles of water.
– In the rainy season, from September to January, visitors should bring rain poncho/jacket or umbrella, sandals or waterproof shoes. Check the weather forecast before leaving the hotel and going to the town.
– It’s better to visit Hoi An Ancient Town with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo).
How to Get to Thong Dang Prison & Park
Thong Dang Prison & Park is at 127 Phan Chu Trinh street, Cam Pho ward, Hoi An, Vietnam. It lies within the Hoi An Ancient Town world heritage site area.
From Hoi An, visitors can go to the Thong Dang Prison & Park by walking, bicycle, motorcycle, taxi/car, electric bus, shuttle bus of the hotel/resort, cyclo, bus/minivan. Because this building is in the Hoi An world heritage zone, getting there by foot or bicycle is absolutely possible. Furthermore, the pedestrian zone in the evening (5:30 pm onwards), so it’s still needed to have a short walk if don’t cycle or walk. The nearest place to drop off or park is in the west end of Phan Chu Trinh street (near the Hoi An Evangelical Church). From here, follow Phan Chu Trinh Street and after a short walk, the prison & park is on the right side. The parking fee is 5,000-10,000 VND/bike/time.
From Da Nang, the distance to the Thong Dang Prison & Park in Hoi An is some 30 kilometers, to the south. Visitors often choose a car or ride the motorbike by themselves. The nearest place to drop off or park is in the west end of Phan Chu Trinh street (near the Hoi An Evangelical Church). From here, follow Phan Chu Trinh Street and after a short walk, the prison & park is on the right side. The parking fee is 5,000-10,000 VND/bike/time. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo/line) to book a private roundtrip transfer by car.
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes transfers to Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Itinerary to Visit Hoi An Old Town for First Timer
First of all, to enter and visit the Hoi An Old Town (the part inscribed by Unesco), visitors need to buy an entry ticket. Its price is 120,000 VND per adult and children above 15 years old and free of charge for smaller kids. Entry to 5 attractions is also included for free. See more information & details
If possible, first time visitors should go with a local guide, to know better about history and culture. Contact us by +84968009827 (call/whatsapp) to book a private English-speaking guide.
We suggest this itinerary for first timers:
Total distance: 1,65 kilometers
– Starting point: the Japanese style gate (the west end of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street). A model of the Red Seal Ship (Japanese merchant’s ship) and a ticket office are in a close distance.
– Walk along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee Cam Pho Communal House (ticket required), Japanese Culture Gallery (ticket required), Phung Hung Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required), Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel (in the alleyway, ticket required).
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An. This place definitely is a must see attraction.
– Walk along Tran Phu Street, the most beautiful road in Hoi An, until Hoi An Central Market. On this road, visitors will have the chance to sightsee so many historical attractions. From the bridge to the market, there are Cantonese Assembly Hall (ticket required), Museum of Sa Huynh Culture (ticket required), Duc An Old House (ticket required), Kazik Park (free), Quan Thang Old House (ticket required), Museum of Trade Ceramics (ticket required), Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (ticket required), Fujian Assembly Hall (ticket required), Quan Cong Temple (ticket required), Quan Am Pagoda (ticket required), Hoi An Central Market (free to enter), a couple of rooftop coffee shops, Instagrammable spots, shophouses selling lanterns, food, souvenirs and fashion items.
– Walk southwards and along Tieu La Street (east side of Hoi An Central Market). On this road, there are many vendors and stalls selling a diversity of local products, giving a good chance to know about local life and photograph.
– Walk westwards and along Bach Dang Street (the riverside street). On this road, visitors will see Hoi An Traditional Performance House (ticket required if want to watch shows) and Museum of Folklore (ticket required).
– Turn into Le Loi Street and then turn left, walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. On this road, visitors will see Tan Ky Old House (one of the best heritage houses, ticket required) and Diep Dong Nguyen Old House (not yet opened to visitors, see from outside).
– The ending point: the crossroad near the north end of An Hoi Bridge or the west end of Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. In the evening, from here, visitors can walk cross the bridge and then turn right to see the entrance of the Hoi An Night Market, the biggest night market in Hoi An.
For more information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hoi-an-self-guided-walking-tour
Guided Tours to Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam
From Hoi An
– Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour – 2 Hour Express Tour with Local
– Hoi An Half Day Walking Tour: Heritage Sites, Crafts & Show
– Hoi An Early Morning Walking Tour with Local Pho & Coffee
– Hoi An Afternoon Walking Tour + Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise
– Hoi An Night Tour from Hoi An: Lantern Boat, Markets & Food
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Sightseeing & Cooking Class
– Hoi An Late Afternoon Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings
– Hoi An Walking Tour with Thanh Ha Pottery Village by Boat
– Hoi An Instagram Tour: Best Photo Spots & Rooftop Café
– Hoi An Old Town Food Tour with Night Boat Ride
– Hoi An Old Town Private Walking Tour with Local Expert (4 hours duration from departure time)
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
From Da Nang
– Hoi An Half Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Night Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Highlights Tour
– Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha & Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang
– Hoi An Day Tour from Da Nang with Chinese Speaking Guide
– My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Golden Bridge/Ba Na Hills Tour & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Da Nang Cruise Port
– Marble Mountain & Hoi An Tour from Chan May Cruise Port
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours in Hoi An and Da Nang. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Places to Visit near Thong Dang Park
– Bridges: Japanese Covered Bridge (Pagoda Bridge), Moonlight Bridge, An Hoi Bridge (Bridge of Lights), Cam Nam Bridge, Cam Kim Metal Bridge
– Museums: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Museum of Sa Folklore, Museum of Trade Ceramics, Museum of Traditional Medicine, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, Japanese Culture Gallery, Black Sesame Soup Demonstration
– Chinese assembly halls: Cantonese Assembly Hall, Fujian Assembly Hall, Trung Hoa Assembly Hall, Hainan Assembly Hall, Teochew Assembly Hall
– Heritage houses: Tan Ky Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Duc An Old House, Quan Thang Ancient House, Diep Dong Nguyen House, Thai Phien Ancient House
– Temples & pagodas: Quan Cong Temple (Ong Pagoda), Ba Mu Temple, Phap Bao Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, Hoi An Confucius Temple, Cao Dai Temple of Hoi An, Hoi An Ancestral Temple, Cam Pho Confucius Temple, Minh Huong Confucius Temple, Vien Giac Pagoda, Hy Hoa Temple
– Family chapels: Tran Family Chapel, Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel
– Communal houses: Cam Pho Communal House, Hoi An Communal House, Minh Huong Communal House, Tu Le Communal House, Xuan Lam Communal House, Son Phong Communal House
– Markets: Hoi An Central Market, Hoi An Cloth/Fabric Market, Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Night Market), Cam Pho Market
– Theatres: Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House, Hoi An Lune Center for Performing Arts (now where Teh Dar Show takes place), Hoi An Memories Land Theme Park (now where Hoi An Memories Show takes place)
– Famous streets: Tran Phu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street/Wharf, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa Street, Phan Boi Chau Street (Hoi An French Quarter), Hoi An Lantern Streets
– Other points of interest: Red Seal Ship Model, Hoi An Evanlegical Church, Thong Dang Prison & Park, Kazik Park (Memory Statue of Kazimierz Kwiatkowski), Hoai River (Hoi An River), Song Hoai Square, An Hoi Sculpture Park, Hoi An Catholic Church, Hoi An Prison, Hoi An Central Park, Ba Le Well, Hoi An Book Street, Hoi An Lantern Park, An Hoi Island, Cam Nam Island, Thu Bon River, Da Ken Tree
Photos, Videos about Thong Dang Park
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Thong Dang Park in Hoi An:
