1. Ly Son Island - Famous "Kingdom of Garlic"
Ly Son Island - the blue sea paradise of Quang Ngai (Photo source: Collected)
Located about 27km from the coast of Quang Ngai, Ly Son island district consists of three main islands: Big Island (Cu Lao Re), Small Island (An Binh) and Mu Cu Island. With an area of over 10km², this place was formed from ancient volcanic eruptions, creating a unique basalt terrain system and inactive craters - now becoming clear blue lakes in the middle of pristine nature.
Not only famous for its pristine beaches, long stretches of fine white sand and majestic cliffs bearing the marks of time, Ly Son tourism is also an opportunity for visitors to learn about a land with a strong historical and cultural imprint of the sea and islands. This is where many sacred relics are preserved such as Hang Pagoda, Am Linh Tu or Hoang Sa Team Exhibition House managing Bac Hai - vivid evidence of Vietnam's sovereignty over the sea and islands over the centuries.
Coming to Ly Son, tourists are not only attracted by the majestic natural beauty, but also by the simple life of the local people - people who are attached to the sea, and the typical profession of growing garlic and onions. Their gentle and friendly personality is the factor that makes each trip more memorable than ever.
2. The best time to travel to Ly Son
Determining the right time to travel to Ly Son will greatly affect your experience on this island. With the weather characteristics of Ly Son divided into two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season, each season brings its own unique features to the journey to explore the island.
Dry season (March to August): The best time to explore Ly Son Island
This is the period chosen by many people when planning to go to Ly Son Island. The weather is sunny, little rain, the waves are calm, the water is clear and you can see the bottom - very convenient for activities such as swimming, taking a boat to Be Island, diving to see coral or taking photos to check-in.
June and July are the months when the sea is calmest, creating ideal conditions for those who want to explore the entire Ly Son archipelago. The natural scenery is also more brilliant with green garlic fields, jet-black sedimentary rocks and red sunsets at the end of the day.
Rainy season (September to February next year): Limit travel, need to monitor the weather
During this season, the weather on the island is often rainy and the sea is rough, which can easily affect travel by speedboat. Especially from October onwards, there may be strong winds, storms or boats are prohibited from going to the island to ensure safety.
However, if you want to avoid crowds, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and are not afraid of sudden rains, September or early October – when the rain is not heavy and the sea is not rough – can still be a reasonable choice. Remember to check the weather forecast for Ly Son carefully before departure to ensure your schedule is not interrupted.
Going to Ly Son during the festival season: Experience unique culture
In addition to choosing by season, you can also arrange your trip during the Hoang Sa soldiers' memorial ceremony - usually held in the third lunar month every year. This is a typical traditional festival, reenacting the ceremony to pay tribute to the Hoang Sa soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of the islands. If you love learning about culture and history, do not miss this special occasion when planning a trip to Ly Son.
3. Move to Quang Ngai
Unique experience in the garlic kingdom of Ly Son (Photo source: Collected)
- Plane: This is the fastest way. You can book a flight to Chu Lai airport (Quang Nam), then take a taxi or shuttle bus to Sa Ky port (Quang Ngai), about 50km from the airport. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways all have flights to Chu Lai from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Train: If you have more time and want to see the scenery along the way, you can choose the train. Quang Ngai Station is located right in the city center, from here you can easily catch a taxi or motorbike taxi to Sa Ky port (about 20km).
- Bus: This is the most cost-effective means of transport. There are many high-quality bus companies running the Hanoi - Quang Ngai or Saigon - Quang Ngai route. After arriving at Quang Ngai bus station, you continue to Sa Ky port.
Moving from Sa Ky port to Ly Son island
From Sa Ky port, you will take a speedboat to Ly Son island. Travel time is about 35 - 60 minutes depending on the type of boat and weather conditions.
- Buy boat tickets: Sa Ky - Ly Son high-speed boat tickets are usually sold directly at the ticket counter at the port or you can book tickets online through agents or the boat company's website to avoid sold-out tickets, especially during peak season. Ticket prices range from 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND/trip depending on the boat company and seat type. You should bring your identification (ID card/CCCD/Passport) to buy tickets and check in.
- Train schedule: Trains usually depart in the morning and early afternoon. Train schedules may change depending on weather conditions, so you should check the information before your departure date.
Moving on Ly Son Island
- Motorbike: This is the most popular and convenient way to explore the Big Island. You can rent a motorbike at hotels, motels or rental shops on the island for about 120,000 - 150,000 VND/day (excluding gas).
- Tram/Taxi: If you are traveling in a large group or do not want to drive yourself, you can rent a tram or taxi. However, the cost will be higher.
- Boat/Canoe to Small Island: To travel from Big Island to Small Island (An Binh), you will take a boat or canoe of the locals. Travel time is about 15 minutes. Round-trip ticket price is about 80,000 - 100,000 VND/person.
3. Discover the outstanding sights when traveling to Ly Son
Although it is just a small island in the middle of the ocean, Ly Son possesses countless attractive places that attract tourists. Below are the outstanding destinations that you should definitely not miss when traveling to Ly Son - a place known as the "island paradise" of the Central region:
On Big Island (Cu Lao Re)
- To Vo Gate
To Vo Gate - Ly Son's famous natural masterpiece (Photo source: Collected)
An indispensable symbol in the journey to explore Ly Son is To Vo Gate - a natural stone arch formed from lava, about 2.5m high and located close to the sea. The best time to come here is at dawn or dusk, when the light through the stone arch creates a magical, poetic scene. This is also an ideal check-in spot for young people.
- Cave Temple (Thien Khong Thach Tu)
Located on the side of Thoi Loi Mountain, this pagoda is nestled inside a volcanic cave, facing the vast ocean. Not only is it a sacred pilgrimage site, Hang Pagoda also has a unique landscape value, attracting many tourists who love serenity and exploring indigenous culture.
- Thoi Loi Peak
As the highest point on the island, Thoi Loi peak offers a stunning panoramic view of Ly Son – from the green garlic fields to the vast ocean and sky. On the top of the mountain, there is also a natural freshwater lake and the national flagpole, which evokes national pride in every visitor.
- Hang Cau
Located at the foot of Thoi Loi Mountain, Cau Cave conquers visitors with its pristine beauty: towering cliffs, white foaming waves and rocks with unique shapes eroded by time. This is an ideal destination for those who are passionate about photography and love wild nature.
- Garlic field
Ly Son is also known as the “garlic kingdom” because this place grows a special type of garlic, which is fragrant and rich in nutrients. The rows of green garlic spread out on the coral sand soil have created a simple but equally attractive picture of the countryside. Visiting the garlic fields will help you understand more about the life and farming of the islanders.
- Am Linh Temple and Hoang Sa Soldiers' Tomb
These are sacred places that preserve the memories of the Hoang Sa soldiers of the past. Visitors can come here to burn incense and learn about the history of Vietnam’s sovereignty over the islands – an important part of traveling to Ly Son.
- Duc Pagoda (Dinh Liem Tu) and the Statue of Quan Am
Duc Pagoda is located on the slopes of Gieng Tien Mountain, an ancient volcanic crater. From here, visitors can admire the 27m high statue of Quan Am facing the sea – a symbol of compassion and protection from the ocean. The path up to the pagoda with stone steps winding through wild vegetation is also a memorable experience.
At Be Island (An Binh)
Ly Son Island impresses with its clear blue beauty (Photo source: Collected)
- Small Island Beach
Be Island – also known as An Binh – is a green gem in the middle of the ocean, famous for its fine white sand, turquoise water and vibrant coral reefs. Here, you can dive to see coral, take virtual photos or simply relax in the peaceful sea and sky.
Snorkeling: This is an activity not to be missed when coming to Be Island. You can rent a basket boat or join a diving tour to admire the brilliant beauty of the coral world under the ocean.
Traveling to Ly Son is not only a journey to discover the pristine beauty of the ocean, but also an opportunity for you to experience the unique indigenous culture and the friendly hospitality of the islanders. If you are looking for a place to "escape from the city" and enjoy peaceful moments, Ly Son is definitely a destination not to be missed. Plan your trip to Ly Son today to experience the unique beauty of the island known as "Vietnam's Jeju"!
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/du-lich-dao-ly-son-quang-ngai-v17634.aspx
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