Ly Son Island
Volcanic islands off Quang Ngai with crater grasslands, sea arches and green garlic fields; the small island's white sand and clear water make it one of central Vietnam's most popular island getaways.
Ly Son lies about 30 km off the coast of Quang Ngai Province in central Vietnam. The group of islands was formed by undersea volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and consists of the main island (also called Big Island or Cu Lao Re), Small Island (An Binh) and Hon Mu Cu islet; since 2025 it has been designated the Ly Son Special Zone. The main island covers about 10 km² and is dotted with several extinct volcanic cones, its black basalt coast carved by the waves into arches, caves and reef flats. Islanders spread white sand over the volcanic soil to grow garlic; Ly Son garlic, small but intensely flavored, is famous nationwide. The island was also the home of the Nguyen dynasty's Hoang Sa (Paracel) flotilla, which set sail from here in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the Khao le the linh Hoang Sa commemoration ceremony is still held every year in the third lunar month.
Sights are spread around the main island: Thoi Loi crater and Hang Pagoda in the northeast; To Vo Arch and sunset at Gieng Tien peak in the northwest; the town center, harbor and Hoang Sa Flotilla Memorial on the south coast; and Hon Mu Cu to the east. A 15–20 minute boat ride takes you to Small Island, whose white-sand beach and clear water are the best for swimming and snorkeling. Renting a motorbike or e-scooter is the best way to get around; a full loop takes about 2–3 hours.
March–August brings calm seas and is the best time to visit; September–December sees frequent typhoons and the northeast monsoon, and boats are often cancelled, so build in extra time. From Quang Ngai city it's about 40 minutes by road to Sa Ky port, then 30–45 minutes by speedboat to Ly Son; book boat tickets in advance in peak season. Allow 2–3 days. Don't miss raw garlic salad, garlic-fried seafood and seaweed.
Top sights
- Thoi Loi Crater – The highest dormant volcano on Ly Son Island. A lake fills its crater, and the flagpole at the summit overlooks the whole island and its ga…
- To Vo Gate – A natural stone arch carved out of volcanic cliffs by the waves, and the island's most iconic sunset spot.
- Be Island (An Binh) – A small island north of the main island, with white sand beaches and clear water. It is the best spot for swimming and snorkeling on Ly Son…
- Hang Pagoda – A temple carved into a volcanic rock cave at the foot of Mount Thới Lới, with a history of several centuries. In front of it is a black bas…
- Hang Cau Cave – A large sea-carved cave beneath the volcanic cliffs on the island's north coast. Local legend says fishermen once fished from its mouth, an…
- Gieng Tien Peak – A volcanic cone on the western part of the island with a clearly visible crater rim. Climbing to the top offers sunset views and a sweeping…
- Duc Pagoda – A temple on the hillside of Gieng Tien Peak, where a huge white statue of Guanyin faces the sea and overlooks the northwest coast.
- Hoang Sa Flotilla Memorial & Am Linh Temple – A memorial hall telling the history of the Nguyen dynasty's 'Hoang Sa Flotilla', with a nearby temple honouring soldiers who never returned…
- Mu Cu Islet – A small reef islet at the eastern tip of the main island, connected by a short bridge. At low tide, the reef flats, rock pools and seaweed…
- Ly Son Garlic Fields – Extensive garlic fields grown on volcanic soil covered with white sand, with green plants set against black volcanic cones and the sea. Thi…
Where to eat
- Dai Hang Seafood Restaurant – The most recommended seafood restaurant on Ly Son Island. Located near the wharf, it serves affordable home-style seafo…
- Hoang Khuyen Restaurant – A large two-story seafood restaurant on the island, famous for scallion-oil grilled abalone and emperor crab. Prices ar…
Itineraries
- Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue and Ly Son Island – Da Nang's beach and Ba Na Hills, one night in Hue, then Ly Son Island for volcanoes and a sea arch.