Cemetery Hang Duong is the largest cemetery in Con Dao. This is the burial place of tens of thousands of revolutionary soldiers and patriots across generations who were imprisoned, spanning from 1862 to 1975. Among them is the grave of the female hero and martyr Vo Thi Sau. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this sacred land, you cannot miss visiting Cô Sáu's tomb to show your respect and gratitude to the revolutionary soldier, and at the same time to feel the special atmosphere at the solemn and ancient resting place of this female national hero.
Martyr Võ Thị Sáu's grave is the most visited spot for making offerings at Hàng Dương Cemetery. People pass down the belief that Ms. Sáu's grave is very sacred, and that she always helps those who are kind-hearted and sincere. Therefore, every year, visiting Ms. Sáu welcomes a very large number of tourists who come to burn incense, pray for peace, and fulfill their vows. In this article Phu Quoc Express will explore with you everything you need to know when visiting Cô Sáu's shrine, from the location, how to get there, and the appropriate time, to the taboos to avoid.
A Brief Overview of Female Hero Võ Thị Sáu and Her Grave at Hàng Dương
Ms. Võ Thị Sáu was born in 1933. As a teenager, she became involved in revolutionary activities and repeatedly struck fear into the hearts of French troops. In April 1951, the French colonial authorities brought Ms. Võ Thị Sáu before a military tribunal. At the conclusion of the trial, Ms. Sau was sentenced to death while still a minor. Faced with strong public opposition, particularly from progressive French citizens, the French colonial authorities did not dare to carry out her execution in Saigon but instead secretly transported her to Côn Đảo.
The fateful train carrying Ms. Võ Thị Sáu and 40 political prisoners departed for Côn Đảo on the morning of January 21, 1952. On January 23, 1952, the French colonialists took Sister Sáu to the execution ground to be shot, but she stood tall and proud, showing no fear in the face of the enemy’s guns. At the execution ground, before being shot, Ms. Vo Thi Sau requested that her eyes not be covered and shouted a slogan affirming her belief in national independence. She was martyred at the age of 19.
After her sacrifice, the grave of martyr Vo Thi Sau is located at Hang Duong Cemetery – the resting place of more than 2,000 heroic martyrs, divided into multiple sections (sections A, B, C, D). Inside the cemetery, it is not difficult for you to find Ms. Sau's grave because it is a grand tomb that stands out compared to the other graves. Passing through dozens of other martyr graves, you will see Ms. Sau's grave located to the left of the main entrance, in section B of the cemetery.
Ms. Sáu’s grave is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Côn Đảo, drawing large crowds of visitors. Amid the billowing incense smoke, a reverent stream of people offers pure white flowers in memory of the nation’s steadfast and indomitable heroine. Among the crowd are not only tourists from all over but also residents of Côn Đảo—especially fishermen, who often visit Sister Sáu’s grave before and after their voyages out to sea.
Location and How to Get to Ms. Sau's Tomb
Address: Hang Duong Cemetery, Nguyen An Ninh Street, Special Zone Côn Đảo, Ho Chi Minh City (Côn Đảo became a special zone directly under Ho Chi Minh City as of July 1, 2025, pursuant to the Resolution on the Reorganization of Administrative Units, and is no longer part of Bà Rịa Province – Vũng Tàu as it was previously).
From the mainland to Côn Đảo
The most cost-effective and fulfilling way to take the Côn Đảo bus to visit Cô Sáu’s grave is to buy high speed boat tickets to Con Dao. There are currently 2 main means of transportation:
- High speed train: Departing from Vũng Tàu or Trần Đề, the travel time is approximately 2.5–4 hours, depending on the departure point. This is a popular choice among tourists because it’s both economical and offers scenic ocean views.
- Plane: There are direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Côn Đảo; the flight time is about 1–2 hours, and the cost is higher than that of the high-speed train.
From the town center to Hang Duong Cemetery
After reaching Côn Đảo, continue on to Hang Duong cemetery to visit the graves of the martyrs and Ms. Sau. The cemetery is about 1 - 2 km from the town center, and you can get there by taxi, electric car, or rented motorbike on the island, taking just a few minutes.
When should you visit Co Sau's grave?
The most suitable time to visit the tomb of Miss Sau Con Dao is:
Beginning of the year: The period from January to March of the lunar calendar is an ideal time to visit, as the 23rd day of the first lunar month marks the main anniversary of her death. Consequently, this is also when Côn Đảo attracts a large number of visitors who come to pay their respects at the grave of Ms. Võ Thị Sáu.
July: Many people choose the Ghost Month to visit the grave of Sister Sáu Côn Đảo and perform rituals Vu lan filial piety, erase the sin of ingratitude.
October to December of the lunar calendarThis is a suitable time to go make offerings and give thanks to Co Sau after a year of her blessings and protection.
However, visitors can visit Cô Sáu at any time because Hàng Dương Cemetery is open year-round. People usually go visit Ms. Sau's grave from 10pm to 11:55pm at night because people believe that this is a sacred time, if you are sincere, all your wishes will come true. Similar to going to the temple, many people choose the beginning of the new year to visit her to pray for peace. As long as you are sincere and have your heart towards the sacred place, you will be protected and blessed.
Procedure for visiting the grave of Co Sau
Daytime ceremony at Hang Duong Cemetery
Morning or late afternoon is a suitable time to visit Co Sau's grave during the day to avoid the hot weather. You should go to the main memorial first to offer incense in memory of all the heroic martyrs, and then move to Area B to visit Co Sau's grave. If you still have time, go through areas A, C, and D to commemorate other revolutionary soldiers resting here.
Night ceremony at Co Sau's grave
In the evening, especially after 9 PM, is the time when the most people visit Cô Sáu's grave due to the belief that this is a sacred time. You should arrive early to prepare your offerings, keep order, patiently wait in line for your turn, and avoid pushing and shoving when it is crowded. Before entering Cô Sáu's grave to pay your respects, you should stop by the memorial once to show your reverence for the other heroic martyrs.
Preparing Offerings for Co Sau's Grave Visit
A set of offerings to Co Sau includes: basic offerings, fruits, and can offer additional savory dishes if desired.
Co Sau Offering Kit Set
- 1 conical hat or 1 bucket hat
- 1 ao dai or ao ba ba
- 1 stack of mixed gold and silver paper money
- 1 bottle of mineral water
- 1 bundle of incense
- 1 pair of candles
- 1 set of jewelry, mirror and comb
- Shoes, high heels
- Soapberry
Fruit Tray Offered to Co Sau
- 01 bunch of white flowers (Ms. Sau loves white flowers — tuberroses, white chrysanthemums, or white roses — so absolutely do not forget this offering.)
- 01 fruit tray or basket (must have lekima or chicken egg)
- 01 Oan Tai Loc tray (can be brought home to worship for luck)
For the ceremony at the memorial, you must prepare: national flag, scarf, floppy hat, army uniform, tea bag, cigarette pack.
Many people also prepare savory offerings or real food offerings such as sticky rice and chicken platters, roast pork, etc.
Attire for Visiting a Grave
Hang Duong Cemetery is a spiritual tourism destination, so please choose modest and polite clothing, prioritizing elegant colors such as white, black, and gray. Avoid wearing clothes that are too short or revealing to maintain the sanctity of the place of worship.
Taboos to Avoid When Visiting Co Sau's Grave
To ensure the pilgrimage to Cô Sáu's shrine is solemn and complete, you should keep the following taboos in mind:
- No profanity, swearing, loud laughter, or teasing in the tomb and cemetery area.
- Do not take offensive photos or pose disrespectfully in sacred areas.
- Do not push or shove when it is crowded, especially in the evenings on holidays and Tet.
- Do not touch graves, artifacts, or displayed offerings without permission.
- Do not arbitrarily burn votive paper in violation of regulations, affecting the landscape and environment of the cemetery.
- Do not litter indiscriminately, keep the general hygiene.
- You should walk softly and maintain a respectful attitude because this is the resting place of thousands of revolutionary soldiers.
Frequently Asked Questions When Visiting Co Sau's Grave
What is Co Sau's death anniversary?
The main death anniversary of Ms. Sau is on the 23rd day of the first lunar month every year—this is also the time when the most people come to visit Ms. Sau's grave.
What is the best time to visit Ms. Sau's grave?
According to folk belief, the time frame from 10:00 PM to 11:55 PM is considered the most sacred, suitable for sincere prayer. During the day, you can still visit graves normally as the cemetery is open year-round.
What should I prepare when visiting Co Sau's shrine?
You should prepare a set of offerings (conical hat, ao dai / ao ba ba, votive paper, incense and lamps), white flowers, and a tray of fruit including canistel. You can buy ready-made offerings at shops near Hang Duong Cemetery or prepare them from home.
Why is Co Sau's grave considered sacred?
People believe that because she sacrificed her life at a very young age for patriotic ideals, her spirit is very sacred, and she always protects and blesses those who sincerely strive to be good.
Tomb of Martyr Vo Thi Sau seems to have become a typical spiritual symbol in Con Dao. The beliefs of the local people and tourists from far away are extremely strong, when they have difficulties, they all come to ask for her blessing. Or when they have good luck, they all bring offerings to thank her.
Every home has a picture of her for worship; even the drivers I hired to take me on a Côn Đảo tour had her picture stuck on their cars. If you enjoy exploring famous spiritual sites or want to visit Cô Sáu’s grave to pray for peace and good fortune, hurry and book your high-speed train ticket to Con Dao tourism to experience!
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