The “Heritage and Peace” itinerary features a series of meaningful activities, including: offering incense at Hàng Dương Cemetery and at the graves of Heroine Võ Thị Sáu and other fallen soldiers; holding a “Peace Prayer Ceremony” at Pier 914; and the “Fabric of Youth” initiative, which gifts Áo Dài to female students and teachers at Võ Thị Sáu High School.
The program is organized under the direction of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, in coordination with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Preservation Support Fund, the Vietnam Áo Dài Cultural Association, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, the Côn Đảo Museum, and Sen House Vietnam.
Côn Đảo: A heritage of memory and national spirit
To visit Côn Đảo is to step onto a sacred island woven into the very fabric of national history. Beyond the serene beauty of its coastal landscapes, the island offers a space for reflection and profound gratitude for the country’s heroic past. Shaded by ancient terminalia trees, the moss-covered stone walls of the prison system, the echo of temple bells in the sea breeze, and the solemn atmosphere of the memorials blend together to create a “living museum” of Vietnamese memory.
The Côn Đảo prison complex stands as a poignant testament to years of suffering met with unyielding resilience. Landmarks such as Phu Hai Camp, Phu Tuong Camp, the “Tiger Cages”, the solitary confinement cells, and the rice mill are not merely tourist sites; they are spaces that compel visitors to pause and listen to history. Every iron gate, dark corridor, and stone wall seems to hold the traces of endurance, as well as an ironclad faith in independence.
Against this backdrop, the “Heritage and Peace” journey serves as a return to national memory while introducing a fresh approach to connecting historical heritage with Vietnamese cultural symbols.
The lotus: A symbol of purity and resilience
A centerpiece of the program is the opening of the exhibition “Lotus in Stone” at the Côn Đảo Museum. The event commemorates the 136th anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh’s birth and pays tribute to female political prisoners -those who sacrificed their youth for national liberation.
The exhibition also serves to educate the younger generation on patriotism and the courage to overcome adversity. It bridges the past and present, showcasing the continuity of ideals and the blend of fierce resilience and feminine grace in modern Vietnamese women through the activities of the “Women’s Heritage Club”.
A unique highlight of the exhibition is the display of 25 portraits of female political prisoners crafted from lotus leaves. These artworks add a profound human layer to the gallery, portraying these women as lotus blossoms - pure, delicate, yet enduring and proud. Even in the harshest prisons, facing brutality, they maintained their serene smiles and steadfast resolve. Like lotuses rising from the mud, their spirits remained untainted and unconquerable.
The Áo Dài: Ambassador of Vietnamese culture
Alongside the lotus, the Vietnamese Áo Dài features prominently throughout the program. During the Peace Prayer Ceremony, all participants will wear the traditional tunic, creating a dignified and emotional cultural atmosphere. If the lotus symbolizes the pure soul and resilience of the nation, the Áo Dài embodies the beauty, identity, and aesthetic depth of Vietnamese culture.
To see Côn Đảo only as a “pearl island” of blue water and white sands is not enough. Its true beauty lies in the rebirth of history. Once known as “Hell on Earth”, Côn Đảo has transformed into a peaceful sanctuary for contemplation and a reminder of the precious value of peace.
The island’s heritage is further enriched by spiritual traditions and the gentle lifestyle of its inhabitants. Destinations like Núi Một Pagoda, local shrines and churches create a multi-layered identity: simultaneously sacred and quotidien, steeped in history yet bursting with new life.
According to Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Áo Dài Heritage Club and Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Áo Dài Cultural Association, choosing Côn Đảo as the destination for this journey carries deep significance.
“This is a journey back to our roots to express gratitude to previous generations while carrying forward the national spirit through the language of culture,” Ms. Tâm shared. “Through this program, we hope to send a message: preserving heritage is not just about protecting the past; it is about making heritage live in the present and become an inspiration for the future”.
NGOC BICH
Vietnam Destination Review - Special Issue No. 1 (May 2026)
