Overview
Lý Sơn, also known as Cù Lao Ré, is an island district of Quảng Ngãi province. This archipelago is the remnant of an extinct volcano, whose five craters sculpt a unique landscape. Its white sand beaches bathed by turquoise waters, its impressive rock formations, and its peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authenticity and preserved nature.
Lý Sơn is an invitation to adventure, to discover a rich local culture and to immerse oneself in an exceptional natural environment.
Top Attractions
Thoi Loi Peak, Ly Son Island - Internet
Mount Thoi Loi
The highest point of the island, it offers much more than a panoramic view of the sea and the sky: a freshwater lake crowns its summit, while the lighthouse, the Hang Pagoda, and the national flag mast punctuate the ascent.
An Hai Beach
Popular for its white sand and welcoming waters, it invites swimming, relaxation, and leisure. Kayaking and snorkeling also allow exploring the nearby coral reefs.
An Binh Island
One hour by boat from Lý Sơn (80,000 VND per person), this unique island formed by a volcanic eruption 11 million years ago offers a peaceful and authentic refuge. Its coconut forest, volcanic rock formations, and charming fishing village invite discovery.
Meeting the locals
The authenticity of Lý Sơn also lies in meeting its inhabitants, warm and welcoming fishermen and farmers. Sharing a moment with them, discovering their way of life and their traditions is an enriching experience.
See & Do
The gate-shaped cliff of To Vo - Internet
Lý Sơn offers a multitude of activities for adventurous travelers.
Trekking and island exploration
Trekking routes through the volcanic landscapes, combined with boat trips to explore the surrounding islands.
First and foremost, Thoi Loi peak, the highest point of Lý Sơn, offers a breathtaking view of the island and its surroundings. Once covered with precious vegetation, it now shelters a freshwater lake vital for the population. A 20-meter mast, erected in 2013 towards the Paracel Islands, reinforces the symbolic dimension of this place, with its base, its stairs, its shaft, and its illuminated esplanade.
Gieng Tien peak, in Lý Sơn, is imbued with a fascinating spiritual history. Once faced with a shortage of fresh water, the island is said to have seen a miraculous spring emerge following a ceremony ordered by Emperor Gia Long. Human puppets are said to have been used to invoke the spirits of soldiers fallen in the Paracels, and water began to gush out, giving birth to a well considered since then as a sacred place.
Do not miss the To Vo Gate, a unique rock formation sculpted by a volcanic eruption, which stands proudly near the shore. This small arch-shaped cliff is a must-see in Lý Sơn, particularly popular with photographers at dawn and dusk.
Private beach of Be Island - Internet
And finally, leave the mainland and embark for Bé Island, a tiny confetti of land accessible in 15 minutes by canoe from Lon Island. Its name, "small island," says a lot about its size, but cannot convey its irresistible charm: a pristine white sand beach, framed by majestic cliffs, and garlic fields as far as the eye can see enchant visitors. Swimming and relaxing on the quay complete the experience.
Harvest of garlic - InternetCultural immersion
Share the daily life of the inhabitants of Lý Sơn by participating in their traditional activities: cultivation of garlic and onion, making fishing nets, crab and snail fishing, or even exploring the coral seabed.
Go Green
Mr Linh's Adventures offers tailor-made tours in the Lý Sơn region, designed for travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and sharing.
Heritage
The history of Lý Sơn is older than one might think. Archaeological remains reveal that the Cham people, from the Sa Huynh civilization, occupied the island already 2,500 to 3,000 years ago, refuting the idea of a formerly deserted island. Evidence of their presence, notably ancient objects discovered in the heart of Gieng Tien peak, testifies to their fishing and farming activities.
Beyond the crystalline waters inviting the discovery of coral reefs and white sand beaches, Lý Sơn offers a rich historical and cultural heritage. Meticulously preserved sites testify to the settlement of local populations on the island from the 17th century.
Entrance to Chua Hang, the ‘Cave Pagoda’ - Internet
In the northeast of Lý Sơn, an island famous for its landscapes and its history, is the Chua Hang Pagoda, an architectural and spiritual curiosity. Erected nearly four centuries ago in a natural cave at the foot of Mount Thoi Loi, it is a precious testimony to the island's past and a national monument.
The communal houses of An Vinh and An Hai, national monuments, testify to a rich past. The first of their kind built and remarkably preserved in Quảng Ngãi province, they embody deep historical and spiritual values for the island of Lý Sơn. The Am Linh Pagoda, located in the commune of An Vinh, honors the memory of the soldiers fallen for national sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, and is a place of prayer for peace, luck, health, and success.
Ly Son Boat Race Festival - Internet
On the festival side, the Lý Sơn boat race festival, created in 1826, commemorates the ancestors and soldiers of Hoang Sa. The boats symbolize the dragon, the lion, the turtle, and the phoenix. Prayers for peace and happiness are pronounced there. The whale worship, another local tradition, takes place twice a year.
Food & Drinks
Lý Sơn, beyond its enchanting landscapes, is also renowned for its rich and varied gastronomy. The island is full of tasty and affordable culinary specialties, among which single-clove garlic, Ta Ma fish, sea crab, and sea snail occupy a prominent place.
Lý Sơn garlic
Lý Sơn garlic, also called solitary garlic, is distinguished by its sweet aroma and its slight spiciness, a unique flavor in the world. During your stay, do not miss tasting Lý Sơn garlic salad, a local specialty prepared with chopped garlic steamed until tender, then mixed with a subtle seasoning of sugar, salt, pepper, and crunchy peanuts. A simplicity of preparation that is only matched by the richness of its flavors.
Huynh De Crab is one of the famous specialties on Ly Son Island - Internet
The royal crab impresses with its size, comparable to an adult's hand, its bright red shell, and its sharp claws. Its flesh, with a sweet and nutritious flavor difficult to describe, makes it a highly sought-after dish, although its availability is limited - Ly Son fishermen mainly catch it in the spring, when it is most abundant. Formerly, cua huỳnh đế was a royal dish, offered as a tribute to the king for the delicacy of its tender and moist flesh, the richness of its unctuous eggs, and its exceptional nutritional value, surpassing that of other crabs. It is from this tradition that it takes its name "Cua Huynh De," recalling the Vietnamese term "Hoang De" which means "king." During your stay in Lý Sơn, do not miss this royal tasting.
Ta Ma fish, whose name means "evil fish," is another coveted specialty of Lý Sơn. Its firm and flavorful flesh, with pronounced sweet notes, lends itself to many tempting preparations: grilled, in fondue, in porridge, or in soup. Its arduous fishing makes it a particularly sought-after dish on the island.
Directions
Location
The "garlic kingdom" is located in the northeast of Quang Ngai province, about thirty kilometers from the mainland.
How to get there from Hanoi
You can take a flight from Hanoi to Chu Lai airport (Quảng Nam province), then take a bus or taxi to Sa Kỳ port, from where ferries depart for Lý Sơn. The price of the plane ticket varies depending on the period and the airline. Expect around 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND for a round trip. The ferry trip lasts about 1 hour and costs about 100,000 VND.
Best season
The best time to visit Lý Sơn is from March to September, during the dry season.
Lý Sơn is an exceptional destination for travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and sharing. Mr Linh's Adventures accompanies you to live an unforgettable experience in the heart of this jewel of Vietnam.