During the busy year-end season, many travelers head to Con Dao, a place deeply associated with Vietnam’s cultural and historical heritage. Among the most visited sites, the Shrine of Vo Thi Sau at Hang Duong Cemetery stands out as a spiritual symbol of the island.
Con Dao is not only known for its pristine beaches and relaxing natural landscape—it is also a living reminder of the nation’s past. According to the Ba Ria–Vung Tau Department of Tourism, Con Dao welcomed more than 280,000 visitors in 2018, a 17% increase compared to the previous year. In the first six months of 2019 alone, the island received over 200,000 visitors, averaging more than 3,000 tourists per day.
A Land Rich in History and Memory
Mentioning Con Dao often brings to mind the infamous prison system once operated by the French and Americans, including Phu Hai, Phu Son, Phu Tuong, and Phu Binh prisons, the French–American tiger cages, the cow shed area, and the Governor’s Residence. These sites witnessed the suffering and resilience of thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries.
Among the sacred places on the island, Hang Duong Cemetery is one of the most meaningful. This is where many national heroes rest, including Nguyen An Ninh, former Party General Secretary Le Hong Phong, martyr Cao Van Ngoc, and especially female hero Vo Thi Sau. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors come here to pay tribute and honor their sacrifice.
The Spiritual Significance of the Shrine of Vo Thi Sau
The Shrine of Vo Thi Sau has long become an iconic spiritual destination in Con Dao. It is believed to bring protection and blessings to those who sincerely pray. The year-end months and the beginning of the new year are the peak times for spiritual tourism on the island, as many visitors come to fulfill their vows or express gratitude for what they have achieved.
Unlike many other spiritual sites, rituals for Vo Thi Sau carry unique customs.
- Visitors present offerings at the shrine during the day.
- The main ceremony is usually performed at night.
- The Hour of the Rat (around 11 PM – 1 AM) is considered the most sacred moment, when the shrine is most crowded and prayers are believed to be especially effective.
Offerings typically include white flowers, fruits, candles, and incense. Many visitors also bring symbolic items to pay respect to other martyrs at Hang Duong Cemetery, such as the national flag or green soldier scarves.
A Perfect Blend of Spirituality and Nature
Besides spiritual rituals, Con Dao offers numerous natural wonders and attractions:
- Beautiful beaches: Bai Nhat, Bai Dam Trau
- Scenic viewpoints: Shark Cape, Love Peak
- Island adventures: Bay Canh Island, Tai Island
- Eco-activities: snorkeling, diving, sea turtle nesting tours, forest trekking, and fishing in the East Sea
Recognized as one of the “nine most mysterious islands in the world,” Con Dao provides travelers with both sacred experiences and breathtaking nature, making it an ideal destination for a meaningful getaway.
In recent years, spiritual tourism has become a major highlight of Con Dao’s tourism scene. Once known as the “Hell on Earth,” Con Dao has transformed into a peaceful, sacred island where people from all over Vietnam come to pray, reflect, and remember.
Today, a wide variety of spiritual tours are available—especially 3–4 day packages combining sightseeing, relaxation, and rituals at the Shrine of Vo Thi Sau—making Con Dao one of the most unique and meaningful travel destinations in the country.
