The Cau Shrine is located in the Co Ong area, along the road leading to the famous Dam Trau Beach. This spiritual landmark is closely tied to the tragic and emotional tale of maternal love between Lady Phi Yen and her son, Prince Hoi An (commonly known as Prince Cai) — the only child of Lady Hoàng Phi Yến and Lord Nguyễn Ánh. Their story is still remembered today through the well-known folk verse:
“The wind carries young Cai to heaven,
Leaving Rau Ram behind to endure sorrow and pain.”
The shrine was built by the local people to honor the filial devotion of Prince Cai. Despite his young age, he was remembered as a deeply loving and dutiful son. His touching story earned the respect and compassion of the Co Ong villagers, who have faithfully maintained the shrines of both Lady Phi Yen and Prince Cai for generations.
Today, the Cau Shrine is a sacred stop for visitors to Con Dao — a place to offer prayers and listen to moving stories about the profound bond between mother and child in Vietnamese folklore.
The Memorial Day of Prince Cai
The 22nd day of the 10th lunar month marks the annual death anniversary of Prince Hoi An — the only son of Lady Hoàng Phi Yến and Lord Nguyễn Ánh.
According to legend from more than 200 years ago, when Nguyễn Ánh attempted to send Prince Cai to France as a hostage in exchange for military support, Lady Phi Yen strongly opposed the plan. She urged him not to depend on foreign powers. Suspecting her of colluding with the Tây Sơn rebels, Nguyễn Ánh imprisoned her on a deserted island.
When the royal boat set sail without her, young Prince Cai cried inconsolably and begged to be reunited with his mother. In a fit of rage, Nguyễn Ánh cast the innocent child into the sea. His body later drifted ashore at Co Ong Village, where the villagers buried him with love and reverence, eventually building the shrine known today as Cau Shrine or Thiếu Gia Shrine.
In addition to the annual memorial day, Con Dao residents also worship Lady Phi Yen on the full-moon days of the first, seventh, and tenth lunar months (Thượng Nguyên – Trung Nguyên – Hạ Nguyên). On the 19th day of each lunar month, offerings are also made in honor of Prince Cai.
