The Legend of Trac and Tai Islands – A Tale of Brotherly Love and Heartbreak in Con Dao

Just off the coast of Con Dao town, stretching from Shark Cape (Mũi Cá Mập) into the East Sea, lies a cluster of four small, closely grouped islands: Big Trac Island, Small Trac Island, Big Tai Island, and Small Tai Island. Locals call them the Fraternal Islands, inspired by a haunting tale of two twin brothers whose lives became part of island lore.

The Story of Twin Brothers: Dang Phong Tai and Dang Trac Van

During the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, a man named Dang Phong Tai was exiled to Con Dao. There, he was welcomed by the chief of An Hai village, who later gave him his daughter, the beautiful and modest Dao Minh Nguyet, in marriage. Her graceful demeanor earned her the nickname "Fairy of An Hoi" from the villagers.

Not long after, Phong Tai’s identical twin, Dang Trac Van, was also exiled to the island. Phong Tai and Minh Nguyet invited him to stay with them. The two brothers were so alike in appearance that one day, Minh Nguyet, mistaking Trac Van for her husband, lovingly cared for him and kissed him. Stunned, Trac Van remained silent but asked for her forgiveness. She was shocked and begged him to keep the mistake secret.

The incident, however, repeated once more when Phong Tai was away. Again, Minh Nguyet mistook Trac Van for her husband and showed him affection. Trac Van, tormented by the situation and loyal to his brother, decided to leave the home and isolate himself. He built a small raft and sailed to a nearby island, vowing never to allow such confusion to repeat itself.

The Birth of Trac and Tai Islands

Upon returning and learning of what had transpired, Dang Phong Tai set off to find his brother. Sadly, the twins were never reunited. Each died alone on separate islands, and the two islands came to be named Hon Trac (Trac Island) and Hon Tai (Tai Island), in memory of the ill-fated brothers. Together, they are still remembered as the Islands of Brotherhood.

Local Folklore Verse

Over the years, the islanders have passed down a melancholy verse about the tale of the twin brothers and Dao Minh Nguyet:

“Who crosses Trac Island and Tai Island,
Please help me send some poems.
Late at night when the wind is cold and the stars are dim,
The moon is far away, yet the shadow is still waiting for the clouds.
When Chua Mountain runs out of trees,
And Con Lon is out of stone, I no longer love you.”

Conclusion

The legend of Trac and Tai Islands is more than just a romantic tragedy — it’s a powerful reminder of loyalty, sacrifice, and moral conviction. For visitors to Con Dao, these islands offer not only scenic beauty but also a deep connection to Vietnam’s spiritual and emotional heritage. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or a place to reflect, the Fraternal Islands remain an unforgettable stop on your journey through Con Dao.

We hope this story about Trac and Tai Islands adds a meaningful touch to your travel plans and inspires you to explore the rich legends and natural beauty of Con Dao. For a truly unforgettable journey, contact World Mate Travel, your trusted Vietnam travel agency!

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