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Five mountains - Five anchors of the sky and sea
Ly Son Island welcomes visitors with the majestic sight of five mountains rising high amidst the vast sea. These are the remnants of volcanic eruptions from millions of years ago, contributing to the island's unique geological formation. Among them, Thoi Loi – the highest mountain on the island – is a must-see destination. From the summit of Thoi Loi, one can gaze out at the boundless sea and sky, joined by a deep blue horizon. And when viewed up close, lush green garlic and onion fields intertwine with vibrant red tiled roofs, creating a breathtakingly beautiful rural landscape.
Ly Son Island is not only a scenic spot but also famous throughout the country as the "kingdom of garlic." Ly Son garlic has a distinctive aroma, small but firm cloves, and is grown on unique coral sand soil, along with a salty climate from the sea. The garlic here is considered a signature product, closely associated with the island's name. Along the way, tourists can encounter endless fields of garlic, carefully cultivated and cared for by the hardworking, kind, and hospitable locals.
Morning on the fishing boats returning home.
The people of Ly Son mainly live by fishing and growing garlic. Their lives are hard, but they always wear optimistic smiles, bright eyes, and warm friendliness. It is this simplicity and sincerity that makes many who leave remember them fondly, and even strangers visiting for the first time feel like familiar faces.
Ms. Pham Thi Huong, Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Ly Son District, shared: “Tourism is a key economic sector, accounting for 50% of the total production value of the district's economic sectors. Currently, the entire district has 135 accommodation establishments and hotels with more than 1,000 rooms, capable of accommodating up to 4,000 tourists per day. In addition to 6 businesses operating high-speed boats from the mainland to the islands, the district has also deployed 16 canoes to serve tourists from the main island to visit the smaller islands, significantly shortening the distance between the mainland and the islands.”
Magnificent traces left by the land and its people.
Located just about 30 km from the mainland, Ly Son Island is now more accessible than ever thanks to the daily high-speed ferry service from Sa Ky Port (Quang Ngai Province). Round-trip tickets cost around 400,000 VND, and the journey takes only about 35 minutes. Tourists should remember to bring identification documents such as their Citizen Identification Card or driver's license to purchase tickets. Once on the island, accommodation, electric vehicles, and speedboats are readily available and convenient. In the morning, visit Ly Son fishing port to experience the bustling atmosphere as fishing boats return. This is also a good opportunity to buy fresh or dried seafood as souvenirs.
On July 13, 2007, the Ly Son island tourism route was officially recognized and opened by the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee. Since then, it has become an ideal destination for tens of thousands of domestic and international tourists. But more than just a tourist destination, Ly Son is also a place where people can find a part of their soul – where the scenery, history, and people are intertwined in every breath.
A calm sea day on Ly Son Island
Garlic fields in Ly Son
Beyond its stunning natural beauty, Ly Son Island also preserves many precious cultural and historical relics. The island boasts over 30 interwoven geological and cultural heritage sites, from fascinating basalt cliffs and Hang Pagoda nestled deep within the mountain, to the To Vo Gate with its naturally curved rock arches resembling a watercolor painting, and the Gieng Tien volcanic crater and the surreal beauty of Hang Cau cliff. All of these seem to tell the story of Mother Nature's millions of years of history, touching the hearts of visitors with their vivid and captivating imagery.
In particular, Ly Son Island is closely associated with the Hoang Sa and Bac Hai Fleet – a special force of the Nguyen Dynasty that, under the king's orders, planted markers and erected monuments to affirm Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago. Today, the Hoang Sa Fleet exhibition house on the island is a place that preserves valuable documents and serves as a significant site for educating about patriotic traditions, reminding future generations of their responsibility to safeguard the sacred sovereignty of the islands and seas.
The flagpole symbolizing sovereignty on Ly Son Island.
Children of An Hai coastal village
Ly Son Island is especially attractive during the summer months from April to August – when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island. The beaches here are emerald green, the sky is clear, and the golden sun shines brightly, making everyone want to immerse themselves in the cool water to forget all their worries. Besides the main island (Cu Lao Re), visitors can also take a canoe to the smaller island (An Binh) to enjoy the crystal-clear beach, white sand, and a truly slow-paced experience.
On the summit of Thoi Loi, as the moon rises and the sea murmurs gently below, we feel as if we are touching the boundary between reality and dreams. And in that moment, we understand why those who have set foot on Ly Son Island are filled with a promise to return not just once, but many times, to continue to love, to continue to explore, and to continue to listen to the peaceful rhythm in the heart of this vast ocean.
Visiting Ly Son during the moonlit season, especially on full moon nights, allows you to enjoy a romantic scene that words cannot adequately describe. Sitting on the summit of Thoi Loi mountain, under the shimmering moonlight casting a silvery glow on the sea, with the night breeze carrying the scent of the countryside through your hair, one easily forgets fatigue, leaving only a sense of tranquility and gratitude for living and experiencing such beautiful moments.
People in An Hai commune are planting rice.
Fishermen go clamming at dawn.
