1. General Introduction to the Shrine of the Five Ladies (Mieu Nam Co)
1.1. Where is the Shrine of the Five Ladies (Mieu Nam Co) located?
The Shrine of the Five Ladies (Mieu Nam Co) is located on Con Son Island, Con Dao Special Zone, about 10 km south of the island center. Situated near the coastal road and the Dat Do beach area, the shrine is a sacred stopover on the journey from Con Son to the smaller islands. From the center, visitors can easily travel by motorbike or taxi in about 20–30 minutes. For the local people, The Shrine of the Five Ladies (Mieu Nam Co) plays an important role in spiritual life, serving as a place to send prayers for safe voyages and island journeys.
Shrine of the Five Maidens (Mieu Nam Co) is located on Con Son Island, Con Dao. (Source: Collected)
1.2. History of the Formation of the Shrine of the Five Maidens (Mieu Nam Co)
The Shrine of the Five Maidens (Mieu Nam Co) was established by local people in the 1970s, originating from a small shrine based on folk legends. Over time, especially since the 1990s, the shrine has been renovated and expanded with a more spacious worship area, including a main hall, a ritual courtyard, and an incense offering area. It is not only a place of remembrance but also closely associated with the indigenous beliefs of Con Dao, reflecting the islanders' faith in the protection of deities, especially in the context of fishermen's lives closely tied to the sea and harsh nature.
1.3. Legend and Meaning of the Name "Five Maidens" (Nam Co)
According to folk legend, the Shrine of the Five Maidens (Mieu Nam Co) is associated with the story of five young women in ancient times who met misfortune at sea or suffered sudden calamities, after which their spirits manifested to protect the villagers from natural disasters and epidemics. The name "Five Maidens" (Nam Co) carries a profound humanistic meaning, expressing remembrance and gratitude for silent sacrifices. Over time, this belief has become a spiritual anchor for the people of Con Dao, where they pray for peace, prosperity, and protection for their families, especially during major festivals in the tenth lunar month, attracting a large number of locals and pilgrims.
2. Guide to Traveling to the Shrine of the Five Maidens (Mieu Nam Co)
From the center of Ho Chi Minh City (TP.HCM), visitors can take a direct flight with VASCO from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Con Son Airport, with a flight time of about 1 hour. The round-trip ticket cost ranges from 2–3 million VND. From the airport, renting a motorbike or taking a taxi to travel about 12 km through the center of Con Son to the Shrine of the Five Maidens (Mieu Nam Co) is quite convenient, taking about 20–30 minutes.
Alternatively, visitors can choose to take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City (TP.HCM) to Vung Tau, then continue by high-speed ferry to Con Dao. The total travel time is about 5 hours, suitable for independent travelers or combined tours of Vung Tau - Con Dao.
Upon arrival at the Shrine of the Five Maidens (Mieu Nam Co), visitors can park their vehicles for free in the shrine's courtyard or at nearby households, which is quite safe even on crowded weekends. As the shrine's space is not too large, it is recommended to visit in order from the entrance to the main altar, then to the side altars and the offering area.
Nam Co Temple is located near the center, convenient for tourists to travel on the island. (Source: Collected)
3. Ideal time to visit Nam Co Temple
The time chosen by many people to visit Nam Co Temple is on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, when locals and tourists come to pray for peace according to traditional beliefs. Especially, the major festival from the 16th–18th of the 10th lunar month annually is when the temple is most crowded, associated with the Ngu Hanh Temple festival and local cultural thanksgiving rituals.
During the day, early morning from about 6 AM to 9 AM offers a serene, less crowded atmosphere, very suitable for worship and contemplation. The cool afternoon from 3 PM to 5 PM is also a convenient time if traveling from Con Son center. When visiting on crowded days, tourists should prepare offerings in advance to avoid congestion, park their vehicles in designated areas, and avoid standing for long periods close to the roadside along the coast.
The dry season has beautiful weather for tourists to explore Con Dao and visit Mieu Nam Co. (Source: Collection)
4. Architecture and highlights at Mieu Nam Co
4.1. Exterior architecture of the temple
The exterior space of Mieu Nam Co is highlighted by a traditional red-yellow painted Tam Quan gate, making an impression right from the entrance. The curved tiled roof in the Southern architectural style is gentle yet solemn, blending with the characteristic blue sky and sea of the coastal region. Although not large in scale, the temple maintains a close and warm setting, frequently welcoming locals and tourists for worship, creating a space that is both sacred and familiar.
The space outside Mieu Nam Co Con Dao. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Main worship space
Upon entering the main worship area, visitors will see the altar dedicated to the five legendary maidens, simply yet solemnly arranged, deeply reflecting folk beliefs. This worship space is where many devoutly offer incense, praying for peace and tranquility for their families. The simplicity in its arrangement helps the mind settle, suitable for visitors' spiritual experience and contemplation when visiting the temple.
4.3. Ancillary worship areas
Around the main worship area are smaller altars for the local earth god and deities associated with local beliefs. The offering area is neatly arranged, easily accessible with items like fresh flowers, fruits, candles, and incense. This space is suitable for visitors of all ages, from young to old, maintaining the necessary solemnity without feeling overwhelming.
4.4. The space around the temple
Green trees are planted around the Mieu Nam Co, providing shade and a pleasant feeling even in the harsh coastal sun. Stone benches are available for visitors to rest, admire the scenery, or reflect on their recent prayers. Outside the temple area, there are also some points of sale for offerings, incense, and flowers to serve the needs of visitors, creating a friendly and accessible space while retaining its inherent sacredness.
5. Spiritual experience at the Mieu Nam Co
5.1. Offering incense for peace and prosperity
The most common experience when visiting the Mieu Nam Co is offering incense for peace and good fortune. Many people stop by the temple before long journeys to pray for smooth travels, while business people often pray for success and smooth trade. For fishermen or those working in professions closely tied to the sea and high risks, offering incense at the temple signifies a prayer for protection and peace.
5.2. Offerings at the Mieu Nam Co
Offerings at the temple are usually simple, including fresh flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense, reflecting sincerity rather than formality. Some may bring small offering trays with betel leaves and areca nuts or votive paper money according to folk customs. When arranging offerings and lighting incense, visitors should do so neatly, in designated areas, avoiding excessive displays to maintain the solemnity and cleanliness of the worship space.
Offerings at Nam Co Temple are simple but devout. (Source: Collection)
5.3. Rituals to note when visiting
During the visit, tourists should maintain a respectful attitude by walking softly, speaking quietly, and not crowding, especially on crowded days. Photography should only be done in designated areas, avoiding places with prohibition signs. Additionally, avoid lighting too many incense sticks at once to limit thick smoke, ensuring both safety and the sanctity of the space.
6. Experience and notes when visiting Nam Co Temple
When visiting Nam Co Temple, tourists should choose discreet, polite attire such as shirts with sleeves and long pants, avoiding overly short or offensive clothing to suit the spiritual space. As the temple area is often crowded, especially on holidays and weekends, pay attention to safeguarding personal belongings and adhering to traffic safety, standing in the designated pedestrian areas, and not stopping for too long on the main road. Throughout the visit, maintain civilized behavior, do not litter, do not place offerings indiscriminately, limit loud talking and laughing, and avoid touching offerings to ensure the necessary solemnity and respect.
7. Attractions and dining near Nam Co Temple
After visiting Nam Co Temple in Con Dao, tourists can return to the center of Con Son town for dining and rest. Local eateries, Con Dao market, or areas near the pier and airport are suitable choices for enjoying fresh seafood, having a light meal, or buying local specialties. Arranging the itinerary to return to the center helps make the trip organized, unhurried, and ensures reasonable travel time.
If concluding the trip in Con Dao and returning to the mainland, tourists can combine the trip with a separate itinerary to Vung Tau. After returning to Vung Tau by high-speed ferry, you can continue to visit notable attractions such as the Christ the King statue, the lighthouse, and Bai Sau where Tam Thang Tower is becoming a hot check-in spot with its unique architecture.
Tam Thang Tower in Bai Sau is a new emerging check-in spot attracting tourists. (Source: Collected)
Mieu Nam Co Shrine is not only a familiar spiritual stop for the people of Con Dao, but also a place for tourists to find tranquility and balance during their island journey. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, each incense stick offered carries wishes for peace, luck, and gratitude for local spiritual values. Visiting Mieu Nam Co, the trip to Con Dao thus becomes more profound, not just exploring beautiful scenery but also a journey to touch spiritual depth.
