The Commemoration Festival of Lady Hoàng Phi Yến is held annually on the 17th and 18th days of the 10th lunar month at An Son Shrine (Miếu Bà Phi Yến)—one of the most significant spiritual sites in Con Dao. The shrine honors Lady Lê Thị Răm, the concubine of Lord Nguyễn Phúc Ánh (later Emperor Gia Long), who is revered for her beauty, virtue, wisdom, and unwavering patriotism. The tragic yet noble story of her life has become a deeply rooted part of the island’s cultural memory and continues to touch the hearts of visitors from near and far.
- Festival Name: Commemoration of Lady Hoàng Phi Yến
- Date: Annually on the 17th–18th of the 10th lunar month
- Location: An Son Shrine (Miếu Bà Phi Yến), Con Dao Special Administrative Zone, Ho Chi Minh City
Historical Origins of the Festival
In 1783, after suffering defeat against the Tây Sơn forces, Nguyễn Ánh fled to Côn Sơn Island with his family and about 100 loyal households. Together with local residents, he established three villages: An Hải, An Hội, and Cỏ Ống.
During this period, Nguyễn Ánh planned to send his eldest son—Prince Hội An (also known as Prince Cải)—to France with Bishop Pigneau de Béhaine to seek military assistance. Lady Phi Yến (Lê Thị Răm) advised against this decision:
“The conflict with the Tây Sơn is a matter within our own country. My lord should not rely on foreign powers. Even if victory is gained, it will not be honorable, and greater troubles may follow.”
Her words angered Nguyễn Ánh, who suspected her of colluding with the Tây Sơn. Although he was persuaded not to execute her, he imprisoned her in a cave on a small neighboring island—now known as Hòn Bà.
When the Tây Sơn advanced toward Côn Sơn, Nguyễn Ánh fled by sea. Prince Cải, then only four years old, cried to follow his mother. In a fit of anger, Nguyễn Ánh threw the child into the sea. His body later washed ashore at Cỏ Ống beach, where villagers buried him with respect.
After being rescued and learning of her son’s death, Lady Phi Yến was devastated. The sorrow of mother and child gave rise to the well-known folk verse:
“Gió đưa cây Cải về trời,
Rau Răm ở lại chịu đời đắng cay.”
(The wind carries young Cải to the heavens,
While poor Răm remains to endure life’s bitterness.)
In October of the lunar year 1785, during the village’s traditional purification festival, the people of An Hải invited Lady Phi Yến to participate. That night, she was assaulted by an evil man; to preserve her honor, she ended her own life. The villagers mourned her deeply and built a shrine in her memory, honoring her as a woman of loyalty, integrity, and virtue.
Why is the festival held on the 17th–18th of the 10th lunar month?
According to community tradition and oral history, Lady Phi Yến passed away in the 10th lunar month of 1785, during the same period when the An Hải villagers held their annual purification festival. Because the exact date of her death was never recorded, the community adopted the long-standing custom of holding ceremonies over two days—a preparatory day and a main day.
- October 17 (lunar calendar):
Features cultural and festive activities, traditional games, flower-arranging contests, calligraphy displays, and the ceremonial procession of Prince Hội An’s spirit tablet. - October 18 (lunar calendar):
The main ceremonial day, regarded as the official memorial date of Lady Phi Yến.
This tradition has been maintained for over 200 years, reflecting the deep respect and gratitude of the Con Dao community toward a woman who symbolizes loyalty, sacrifice, and dignity.
Cultural Recognition and Heritage Value
An Son Shrine has been recognized as a provincial-level historical and cultural site.
On October 28, 2022, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision 2705/QĐ-BVHTTDL, officially listing:
“The Traditional Festival of the Commemoration of Lady Phi Yến in Con Dao District”
as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam.
This recognition affirms not only historical value but also the cultural identity and spiritual heritage of the Con Dao people.
Annual Festival Program
October 17 (lunar calendar) – Preparatory Day
Festive Activities
- 08:30–11:30: Flower arranging, fruit display, and folk games
- 18:00–22:00: Calligraphy writing and exhibition
- 19:00–22:00: Traditional music and đờn ca tài tử performances
Ceremonial Activities
- All-day worship and offerings
- 15:00–17:00: Procession of Prince Hội An’s spirit tablet
- 17:00–17:30: Early offering ceremony, sweet rice offerings, and five-fruit tray
October 18 (lunar calendar) – Main Ceremony
- 08:00–09:30: Final preparation of ritual procedures
- 10:00: Official main worship ceremony
Cultural Significance of the Festival
The Commemoration Festival of Lady Phi Yến is more than a memorial—it is a celebration of values that define the spirit of the island: Patriotism, Maternal love, Moral integrity, Sacrifice and loyalty, Cultural identity of coastal communities
Each year, thousands of residents and visitors come to Con Dao to offer incense, pray for peace, and participate in the solemn yet heartfelt atmosphere of this meaningful festival—an important part of the sacred identity of Con Dao.
