The prison was actually larger than it is currently. There were several buildings that were later demolished, and nowadays the only existing structure is the gatehouse, which functions as a museum. There's a large sign at the front, that says "Maison Centrale".
From what I read, it seems that there's propaganda embedded in the exhibits. There are photographs that show how comfortable the lives of the prisoners were, with scenes of American soldiers playing games and socialising. But apparently things are more grim, at least according to the survivors. I suppose one expects that: people tend to portray things in a more appealing light, especially when it is about oneself.
There is a memorial at the back, which I found a little hard to relate. Partly because I cannot help but have this feeling that it's sort of a form of indoctrination. Somehow given that Vietnam is a Communist country, that's not at all surprising.
I've heard the same nickname in Bangkok, "Bangkok Hilton" for the infamous Bangkwang Prison.
ReplyDeleteZhu,
DeleteIt must be a nickname attributed to Western prisoners. I wonder what non-Western prisoners would call Western prisons, if we push the analogy further.