With its pristine beauty, charming landscape and stunning beaches , Ly Son island is one of the best islands in Vietnam. Many tourists don't know much about this land. However, Ly Son island is always the top destination for locals in the summer and couples take wedding photos. 

Ly Son island overview

Ly Son island is located in Quang Ngai province with an area of 10km2, about 30 km from mainland. There are more than 20000 people living in this island. This island has many remnants of volcanic activity with the tortured weave of the cliffs and the black rocks. 

Ly Son island, Quang Ngai

According to experts, Ly Son island used to be a volcano with 5 calderas 25-30 million years ago. When the volcanoes stopped, bringings a dramatic and stunning landscape. You can experience a long trek, admire the majestic beauty and explore interesting activities on this island.

The girl walks along a beach in Ly Son

Ly Son has 3 islands includes Lon island ( Cu Lao Re) ,Be island (An Binh island) and Mu Cu islet. Lon island is in the Ly Son island's center. Be island is a well-known place with a beautiful beach and Mu Cu islet is situated on the eastern side of Lon island and no one live here.

An Binh island

Best time to visit Ly Son island

In general, Ly Son's weather is warm and cool during the year and sometimes it is heavy rain and storms. Ly Son island has 2 main seasons: Dry season from March to August and Rainy season from September to February. 

If you want to explore these outdoor activities such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling.. you should visit Ly Son island from June to September. The best time to visit Ly Son island is from December to February next year. The weather is mild, warm and pleasant. 

Pose for a photo next to the volcanic relic

Besides, you can see the local people harvest garlic. On the 18th, 19th, and 20th of March of the lunar calendar each year, Ly Son island held a ceremony day to commemorate the Hoang Sa soldiers.

What to do in Ly Son island? 

Lon Island 

The first place you step to Ly Son island is Sa Ky Port, Lon island. The island has several restaurants and accommodations. Besides, you can rent a motorbike and book a taxi easily. Most tourists usually book a room here and explore other places by motorbike. 

Sa Ky Port

Be island 

Be island is an area of 1km2 with about 100 households living. Walking around this place, you can see the ancient black rock layers caused by volcanic eruptions. From Lon island, it takes about 15 minutes by canoe with the price of 50.000 VND/person/ticket.

Taking a photo with sunset at Be island

Be island is quiet, peaceful and one of places to escape the hustle and bustling in the city. The trip to Be island, tourists will admire the picturesque scenery of stunning beaches, white sand, cool water and typical coconut. You can overnight Be island. Remember to bring sleeping bags or tents. 

Mu Cu Islet 

Mu Cu islet is an uninhabited island, in  the eastern side of Lon island. The islet has a pristine beauty and fresh atmosphere. Standing from the lighthouse on Mu Cu islet, visitors can see the sunrise of the island.

The lighthouse on Mu Cu islet

To Vo Gate

To Vo gate remnants of volcanic activity of millions of years ago due to its lava encountered the sea and hardened , creating a unique arch 2,5m high with spectacular shape. 

Duc Pagoda

Duc pagoda is one of the places to visit Ly Son island. To conquer Duc Pagoda, you must climb more than 100 stairs. The pagoda is situated on Gieng Tien mountain and has a 27m tall Guanyin statue toward the ocean. 

Thoi Loi Mountain

Thoi Loi mountain is a giant with 149m in height, located in the east of Ly Son island. Standing from the mountain, you will be surprised with the garlic fields. 

Cau Cave

It is about 15 minutes from Ly Son island to Cau Cave. Along two sides of the way, you can see green garlic fields. The cave is a beautiful destination to snap photos of the sunset. Besides, coming to Cau cave, tourists can swim and snorkeling to see corals. 

Cave pagoda

Cavae pagoda was constructed under King Le Kinh Tong from 1588 to 1691. The pagoda is located in the foot of Thoi Loi mountain, standing on the seashore. Surrounding by lush green trees and rocks, Cave pagoda bring a pristine and peaceful beauty. 

The pagoda has a large yard with a lotus and a statue of Guanyin facing the sea. There are a large number of tourists visiting to pray for health and fortune . Cave pagoda is recognized as a national heritage site. 

How to get to Ly Son island? 

If you want to go to Ly Son island, you have to take a ferry or speedboat from Sa Ky port. Buying a speedboat ticket with the ticket price from 180.000VND/person/one trip and 360.000 VND/person/round-trip. 

It takes about 45 minutes to reach Ly Son island. Don't forget to take motion sickness medication if you are a seasick person. From Hanoi, Saigon, you book a flight to Chu Lai. From Chu lai airport, you transfer to Sa Ky Port with about 50 km. 

Visitors can book a taxi/private car to transfer to Sa Ky port from Chu Lai airport. Sa Ky Port is about 165 km from Danang city and 120 km from Hoian ancient town. You can't book local buses to direct route Danang/Hoian to Sa Ky port due to there is no buses operating. 

So, you should book a private car/taxi transfer from Danang/Hoian hotel to Sa Ky port. The estimated time is about 2,5 hours to approach Sa Ky Port. 

Accommodation at Ly Son island

Ly Son Pearl Island Hotel & Resort

• Hotline: 0255 3879 888
• Price: 40 - 100$/night

Muong Thanh Holiday Ly Son Hotel

• Hotline: 0255 3867 333
• Price: 35 - 100$/night

Quang Vinh – Ly Son Island Guest House

• Hotline: 0867 525 286
• Price: 10 – 20 USD/ per night

Quynh Anh Guest House

• Hotline: 8 – 20 USD/ per night
• Price: 0399 353 868

Ly Son Bungalow Hostel

• Hotline: 0981 749 535
• Price: 3 – 10 USD/ per night

Ly Son island is a stunning and charming island that you should come to visit when traveling to Vietnam. The island remain the pristine beauty and historical value. Remember to spending two night to explore the Ly Son island. 

See more: Cu Lao Cham island, Hoian: Travel Guide