Where should I go on Ly Son Island during my 3-day trip?

Bao Ngan (23 years old, from Quang Nam), currently working freelance, recently took a 3-day trip to Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai. This island is dubbed the Maldives of Vietnam because of its crystal-clear waters and the relatively low number of tourist services available.

Must-see places in Ly Son

Ly Son is an island district belonging to Quang Ngai province, located about 30 km from the mainland. With its pristine scenery and affordable travel costs, Ly Son has consistently been a popular destination for tourists in recent years.

Bao Ngan's 3-day, 2-night trip cost only 1.5 million VND per person because she and her friend traveled by motorbike from Da Nang to Quang Ngai. After arriving in the center of Quang Ngai, they needed to buy ferry tickets from Sa Ky port to Ly Son island. The journey from the port to the island takes about 45 minutes. Tourists should remember to take motion sickness medication because the rough seas can be quite tiring.

"Because I'm afraid of water, I didn't dare go snorkeling to see the coral reefs during my recent trip to Ly Son. But you should try this experience because I found it quite interesting. Or you can also go swimming at the island, and remember to wear a life jacket before going into the water to ensure safety," Bao Ngan said.

The places Bảo Ngân visited on this trip were: Câu Cave, Thới Lới Peak, Lý Sơn Flagpole, Mù Cu Island, and Bé Island.

According to her, tourists should visit Be Island, even though its area is less than 1 square kilometer and therefore quite small. In addition, you can explore every corner of the island to capture truly memorable photos. The water on the main island is already very blue, but the water on Be Island is even bluer, and the sand is whiter.

Thoi Loi Peak:As one of the five dormant volcanoes on the island district, this place features a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. The mountain is approximately 170 meters above sea level, and its summit boasts a large basin and a freshwater lake that supplies water to the island district. A 20-meter-high national flag pole stands here, making it a favorite destination for many tourists visiting Ly Son.

Hang Cau: COn one side are sheer cliffs, and on the other, a beach with fine white sand. Under the influence of wind and sea waves, the cliffs take on unique shapes, while near the shore are colorful coral reefs. At Hang Cau, suggested activities include snorkeling and kayaking.

Mu Cu Island:During your stay in Ly Son, you should wake up early to visit the best sunrise viewing spot on the archipelago. Mu Cu Island is located about 3 km east of the center of the main island. Because it is uninhabited, the scenery is still very pristine and the air is fresh.

Small Island:Also known as An Binh Island, the island is small in area but its scenery and sea are just as beautiful as the main island. The main island is about 3 nautical miles from the smaller island; it takes more than 30 minutes by wooden boat, but only about 10 minutes by speedboat. Reaching the smaller island is like stepping into a new paradise with its blue sea and golden sunshine. It's also ideal for watching the sunset. According to Bao Ngan, it's best to visit the smaller island for a day trip because there aren't many entertainment options. The only interesting place to check in is Bai Ngang beach with its colorful fishing boats.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for visitors coming here.

In Ly Son, the main specialties are seafood, but other dishes include garlic salad, seaweed salad, crab noodle soup, conch, and sticky rice cakes wrapped in thorny leaves. You can visit the dried goods stalls on the island to buy garlic and dried seafood as souvenirs, but be sure to ask for the price beforehand to avoid being overcharged. Also, it's better to visit the local market instead of the tourist market for food; it's tastier and cheaper, and you'll learn more about the local culture and people. The weather on the island is very hot and sunny, so you should apply plenty of sunscreen and sunblock.

"Freshwater on the island is still salty and very scarce. I washed my hair constantly, but even after drying it, it was still greasy. The lesson learned is to buy bottled filtered water for washing and other daily use," Bảo Ngân said.

If possible, tourists should visit Ly Son on a weekday to fully enjoy the island's beauty instead of during holidays to avoid crowds. Additionally, because Ly Son is located in an area prone to typhoons, you should check the weather forecast beforehand and plan your travel time carefully to avoid missing your ferry or being stranded on the island due to storms.

“The moment you reach your destination and gaze upon all the beautiful scenery unfolding before your eyes, you'll realize that all your efforts were incredibly worthwhile. Travel to discover just how beautiful your country is,” Bao Ngan shared.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao - Photo: Provided by the interviewee