Overlooking the lotus-filled An Hai Lake and perched on the slope of Nui Mot Mountain, Van Son Pagoda (also known as Nui Mot Pagoda) stands out with its bright red roof against the backdrop of blue sky, ancient forest, and the shimmering East Sea. From afar, the temple resembles a watercolor painting, and when the afternoon light fades, the sound of rustling leaves blends with the soft chime of the temple bell—carrying a message of peace from a land once known as the “hell on earth.”
A Temple Built by Prisoners – A Silent Chapter of History
The history of Van Son Pagoda is tied to one of the most difficult periods on the island. In the 1960s, during the harshest years of the Con Dao Prison system, inmates were forced into Sunday “community labor.”
In April 1965, hundreds of political prisoners from Camp 2 (Phu Hai Prison) were ordered to climb Nui Mot Mountain and build the pagoda. They hauled sand, cement, and stone from the foot of the mountain to its peak—constructing the island’s only temple with their own hands and extraordinary endurance.
After 1975, the pagoda became a spiritual refuge for Con Dao residents and was later recognized as a provincial cultural and historical monument by Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province.
Restoration and Revival of a Spiritual Landmark
With support from the Public Security Newspaper, the Thien Tam Foundation, and contributions from Buddhist followers nationwide, a major restoration project was launched. Nearly VND 100 billion was invested to rebuild and expand the pagoda.
By December 2011, Van Son Pagoda was officially completed with a total area of 19,434 m², including a ceremonial gate, bell tower, Buddha statue, shrines of Earth Deity and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, patriarch hall, guest hall, and a synchronized system of paths, lighting, and water supply.
The restoration not only revived a historic religious site but also strengthened the cultural link between the Con Dao Prison heritage complex and Nui Mot Pagoda—turning the area into a significant cultural and spiritual attraction.
A Harmonious Blend of Faith, Nature, and Heritage
Van Son Pagoda is admired not only for its commanding location but also for its architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding mountains, forests, and ocean. From the pagoda terrace, visitors can overlook the peaceful An Hai Lake, the quaint An Hai Village, and a vast stretch of sea and sky.
As the only Buddhist temple on the island, Van Son Pagoda is a serene place where locals and travelers come to pray for peace, reflect, and find inner calm. It also stands as a tribute to the resilience of the prisoners who labored to build it—a symbol of enduring faith, strength, and the indomitable spirit of Con Dao.
