Ha Tien Prison, one of the famous historical relics in Kien Giang, is not only a destination that attracts tourists because of its ancient beauty but also a place that preserves important marks in the history of this land. Built during the colonial period, the prison has witnessed heroic stories about the resilient struggle of patriots. Exploring Ha Tien Prison, visitors will not only hear about emotional historical stories, but also understand more about the cultural values and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. Let’s join Ha Tien Vegas to learn and experience interesting things at Ha Tien Prison!
Ha Tien Prison – National Historical Site
- Address: Mac Cong Du street, Binh San ward, Ha Tien city, Kien Giang province
Ha Tien Prison is located at the end of Mac Cong Du Street, Binh San Ward, Ha Tien City. The prison is located on a flat rectangular area of land, with an area of about 1,000 square meters. The prison was built in 1897 by French colonialists. At first, the prison was called Ha Tien Prison, then changed its name to Ha Tien Prison.
During its existence, the prison detained thousands of Vietnamese patriots. Here, revolutionary soldiers had to endure brutal torture by the French colonialists. However, they still stubbornly fought and sacrificed heroically to protect the Fatherland.
On September 5, 1989, Ha Tien prison was recognized as a National Historical Site. This place has become an educational address for patriotic traditions for generations of youth.
The prison is an important historical evidence, marking the crimes of the French colonialists and the indomitable patriotism of the Vietnamese people. Along with Ha Tien Mui Nai, Pirate Island, Tam Bao Pagoda… Ha Tien prison becomes an attractive tourist destination.
Directions to the prison
Ha Tien Prison is about 1.3km from Ha Tien city center, very convenient for travel. Visitors can choose to take a taxi, motorbike taxi or travel by personal vehicle:
- Method 1: Go by taxi or motorbike taxi
This is the most convenient and fastest way to move. You just need to go to the bus station or Ha Tien city center, take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the prison. Taxi prices are about 40,000 – 100,000 VND/way, motorbike taxis are about 30,000 VND – 50,000 VND/way.
- Method 2: Go by motorbike or personal car
If you travel by motorbike or personal car, you can follow Mac Thien Tich Street to the South. Go about 1km, you will see Ha Tien prison on the left.
What is there to visit at Ha Tien Prison Historical Relic?
After learning about the location, characteristics and directions to Ha Tien prison, let’s explore with Ha Tien Vegas the interesting things this place has to offer.
Explore special architectural works
This structure was built in 1897, initially there was only a low fence made of trees. Then, the prison was rebuilt more solidly in 1940 – 1942 to prevent prisoners from escaping.
Ha Tien Prison is built in a rectangular style, surrounded by a stone wall 4m high, 0.5m thick, with four watchtowers at the four corners. Inside the prison there are three cell blocks and a kitchen block. The prison blocks are built of brick and stone, brick floors, and tiled roofs.
The main gate of Ha Tien prison is solidly built, with only one entrance, the gate is heavy and sturdy iron. The main gate is where people strictly control people entering and leaving the prison, preventing prisoners from escaping.
The prison row of Ha Tien prison is built in a rectangular style, with an area of about 10m2/room. The cells are solidly built, have thick iron bars, and the lighting and air are very cramped. This is a place where prisoners are kept in harsh conditions, with the purpose of torturing and terrorizing the prisoners.
Witness the crimes of the French colonialists
Tourists visiting Ha Tien prison will witness the crimes of the French colonialists through stories and historical relics. Since its construction, this has been a place to detain political prisoners and common criminals, where torture such as excrement, shaving, and electric shock have caused unimaginable pain. These scenes are an undeniable part of the dark past, giving visitors insight into the heartbreaking effects of French colonialism at Ha Tien prison.
Settle in with historical stories
The stories at Ha Tien prison are special historical pages, containing the political consciousness and perseverance of the prisoners. During the period of May 1930, when the prison received many political prisoners, the Ha Tien Communist Party cell was born. Under the leadership of five comrades, they quickly organized prisoners to fight, demand rights and improve living conditions. This movement not only opposes repression but also recruits party members and spreads solidarity among the masses.
The perseverance of the struggle movement did not decrease during difficult times with the French colonialists. When Japan overthrew France, prison warden Nguyen Van Loi freed nearly 500 prisoners, including hundreds of political prisoners. These people, as revolutionary seeds, made an important contribution to the emergence of Party cells, creating important milestones in Vietnam’s revolutionary history.
Arousing pride and gratitude for revolutionary soldiers
Visiting Ha Tien prison, visitors will witness the crimes of the French colonialists. This place also arouses pride and gratitude to the revolutionary soldiers who stubbornly fought and sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the nation.
Stories about the lives and indomitable fighting spirit of revolutionary soldiers at Ha Tien prison have left each visitor with deep emotion and admiration. These people overcame all hardships and torture to maintain their faith and revolutionary will, making an important contribution to the victory of the national liberation struggle.
Visiting Ha Tien prison is a way to educate about patriotic traditions and deep gratitude to those who have sacrificed for the Fatherland. This is also an opportunity for each of us to study, practice, and follow in the revolutionary traditions of our ancestors, building an increasingly rich, beautiful, and civilized country.
Notes when visiting Ha Tien prison
To make the visit to Ha Tien prison complete and meaningful, visitors need to note the following things:
- Opening hours: Ha Tien Prison is open for tours every day of the week, including holidays.
- Attire: Visitors should choose neat, polite and discreet clothing when visiting.
- Pay attention to the rules at the site: Always respect the space and the guide. For safety and protection of the site, comply with all signs and instructions from staff.
- Schedule a tour in advance: If you are traveling in a large group, schedule a tour in advance with the monument management board for guidance and to arrange a suitable schedule.
Ha Tien Prison is not only an important historical site, but also a living museum, recreating the heartbreaking stories and political fighting spirit of patriotic soldiers. Faced with the brutality of the French colonialists, this prison today is a symbol of perseverance and pride in the hearts of the people, giving visitors an insight into an important part of Vietnamese history.
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