Con Dao history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the Con Dao archipelago begins long before it was officially plotted on modern maps. Initially, these islands were known to Malay navigators as Pulau Kundur, which translates to "Island of Wax Gourds." One of the first Europeans to mention these lands was the famous Venetian traveler Marco Polo, who described the group of islands in 1294 during his return voyage from China.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the territory was predetermined by its unique strategic position in the South China Sea. The most important factors influencing the fate of Con Dao were:

• Geography: The archipelago is located at the intersection of busy maritime trade routes connecting Europe, India, and the Far East.
• Navigational Safety: Convenient bays served as reliable shelters for sailing vessels during typhoons and storms.
• Resources: The availability of fresh water sources and food made the islands an important point for replenishing supplies during long expeditions.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period, the economic life of the islands was inextricably linked to the sea. In the early 18th century, the British East India Company attempted to establish a trading post and build a fort here, recognizing the location's high potential. Later, in the second half of the 19th century, with the arrival of the French administration, permanent infrastructure began to form on the main island, including the construction of lighthouses to ensure navigation safety, which finally cemented the archipelago's status as a vital maritime hub.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1294: The famous traveler Marco Polo visits the islands, taking shelter here from a storm on his way from China.
• 1702: The British East India Company establishes the first European settlement and builds a fort on the island.
• 1861: France officially establishes colonial control over the Con Dao archipelago.
• 1862: Start of the construction of a large prison complex, which defined the fate of the islands for the next century.
• 1954: Following the Geneva Accords, the administration of the archipelago passes to the government of South Vietnam.
• 1975: The prison system is permanently liquidated, and the islands transition to peaceful development.
• 1977: The archipelago receives the status of an administrative district within Hau Giang province.
• 1984: A nature reserve is created to protect unique forests and marine ecosystems.
• 1991: The Con Dao district is transferred to the administrative jurisdiction of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.
• 1993: The nature reserve receives the official status of a National Park.
• 2011: Airport reconstruction is completed, opening new opportunities for tourist flow.
• 2012: The historical and architectural complex of the prison is recognized as a special national monument.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of Con Dao has journeyed from an isolated outpost to a jewel of ecological tourism. Economic and urban changes here have always been closely linked to the sea and the archipelago's unique nature.

• Construction of Navigational Infrastructure (Late 19th Century)
  The erection of a lighthouse system (including the oldest lighthouse on Bay Canh Island) and the first permanent wharves integrated the archipelago into international maritime routes. This ensured shipping safety and secured the strategic importance of the islands.
• Establishment of the National Park (1993)
  The creation of a protected natural area was a crucial urban planning decision. It limited industrial construction and reoriented the region's economy towards biodiversity conservation, laying the foundation for future eco-tourism.
• Modernization of Co Ong Airport (2011)
  The reconstruction of the runway and terminal allowed for regular air connections with the mainland. This event became a catalyst for economic growth, ensuring an influx of tourists and investment into the hospitality sector.
• Musealization of Historical Heritage (2012)
  Granting the prison complex the status of a special national monument turned former detention sites into an important cultural and historical object. Restoration and the opening of museums contributed to the development of educational tourism and the preservation of historical memory.
• Launch of High-Speed Maritime Transport (2017–2019)
  The opening of routes for modern high-speed vessels from Vung Tau and Soc Trang radically improved logistics. Stable connections with the mainland reduced the cost of delivering goods, which favorably impacted the standard of living for the local population and the development of small businesses.
• Transition to a "Green" Growth Strategy (Modern Stage)
  Approval of a master development plan aimed at creating a high-class tourism zone. The modern stage is characterized by strict control over building heights, the development of renewable energy sources, and the implementation of water treatment systems to protect the environment.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban structure of Con Dao (specifically the main town of Con Son) differs from typical Vietnamese cities. Ancient temple architecture or chaotic medieval developments are practically absent here. The island's appearance was formed by its specific past: a strict linear street layout, administrative villas, and penitentiary institutions defined the architectural landscape for a century ahead.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

• French Colonial Style (Late 19th – First Half of 20th Century)
  The dominant style of the historic center. Buildings of this era represent an adaptation of European classicism to the tropical climate. They are characterized by thick walls to keep the interior cool, wide verandas, arched windows with wooden shutters, and high ceilings. The signature of the style is the ochre-yellow color of the facades and red tiled roofs.
  Iconic objects: The Island Governor's Residence (Dinh Chúa Đảo), the Customs House (now a café), Bay Canh Lighthouse.
• Utilitarian Functionalism and Prison Architecture (1862–1975)
  A specific layer of development occupying a significant territory of the town. These are austere structures made of stone and concrete, completely devoid of decor. Architecture here is subordinate solely to the function of isolation and control: massive stone walls, watchtowers, and iron bars.
  Iconic objects: Phu Hai Prison (formerly Catinat) with stone galleries, the "Tiger Cages" complex (concrete structures from the 1940s–1970s).
• Modernism and Eco-Architecture (Since the 1990s)
  The modern stage of development is characterized by the emergence of tourism infrastructure. New projects often use principles of "green" architecture, integrating buildings into the natural landscape using wood, stone, and bamboo. Parallel to this, private development typical of modern Vietnam ("tube houses") is developing in residential quarters.
  Iconic objects: Six Senses Resort (an example of eco-luxury), the Con Dao Museum building, the monumental memorial at Hang Duong Cemetery.

Urban Planning Features

The center of the archipelago developed along the bay's coastline. The historic Ton Duc Thang promenade, with its alley of century-old trees (Malabar almond), connects former administrative villas and wharves, creating a recognizable and cohesive architectural ensemble. Thanks to its status as a national monument, high-rise construction is restricted in the city center, allowing the atmosphere of a colonial seaside town to be preserved.

Historical Figures of Con Dao

The history of the archipelago is inextricably linked with the fates of many people: from emperors and world-famous composers to revolutionaries whose resilience turned the island prison into a symbol of courage.

• Vo Thi Sau
  National Heroine, Partisan
  The most famous figure associated with the island. The young resistance member was executed here by the French in 1952 at the age of 19. Today, she is revered as a local patron spirit; her grave at Hang Duong Cemetery is a major pilgrimage site where tourists and locals bring flowers and white lilies at midnight.
• Ton Duc Thang
  Politician, Second President of Vietnam
  Spent 15 years in imprisonment on the island (from 1930 to 1945). He was one of the organizers of the prison "school," where prisoners were taught literacy and political science. He subsequently became Ho Chi Minh's successor as the country's president. The city's main promenade is named after him.
• Camille Saint-Saëns
  French Composer
  The famous author of "The Carnival of the Animals" spent a month on Con Dao in 1895. He rented Madame Gordony's villa, enjoying the silence and tropical nature. It was here, far from the bustle of Paris, that he completed work on the opera "Frédégonde" (finishing Ernest Guiraud's drafts). This is a rare example of the island being used as a resort during the colonial era.
• Nguyen Anh (Emperor Gia Long)
  Founder of the Nguyen Dynasty
  In 1783, fleeing the Tay Son rebellion, the future emperor took refuge on this archipelago with his family and fleet. According to legends, it was here that he decided to send his son to France for help. Many local place names and legends are connected to his stay, including the story of his wife, Lady Phi Yen, whose temple (An Son Mieu) is an important landmark.
• Le Hong Phong
  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Indochina
  An outstanding political figure of the 1930s. He was arrested by colonial authorities and exiled to the island, where he died in 1942 due to harsh detention conditions and torture. Many streets and schools throughout Vietnam bear his name, and a separate memorial is dedicated to him on the island.
• Nguyen An Ninh
  Writer, Journalist, Philosopher
  A charismatic intellectual of the early 20th century who advocated for civil rights and freedom of the press. He commanded immense authority even among prison guards. He died in imprisonment on Con Dao in 1943. His grave is located next to Vo Thi Sau's grave and is also an object of reverence.
• Phan Chau Trinh
  Reformer, National Liberation Movement Figure
  One of the most famous Vietnamese patriots of the early 20th century. He was exiled to the island in 1908. Unlike many others, thanks to his high status as a man of letters, he had relative freedom of movement around the island and engaged in educational activities until he was released under pressure from the French public.