About Ly Son Island
Ly Son Island is a volcanic island district in Quang Ngai Province, about 30 km off the central Vietnam coast in the East Sea. Formed by five extinct volcanoes, it consists of Big Island (Dao Lon), Small Island (An Binh/Dao Be) and Mu Cu Islet. Notable for dramatic basalt cliffs, crater peaks, clear beaches, extensive garlic and onion fields, and historic pagodas and memorials related to the Hoang Sa Flotilla.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a compact volcanic island with black basalt coastlines, crater mountains such as Thoi Loi, sandy beaches with clear water, and vast garlic fields. Areas to explore include natural rock arches like To Vo Gate, sea caves and pagodas built into cliffs such as Hang Pagoda and Duc Pagoda, fishing villages, lighthouses and viewpoints. Activities center on sightseeing, photography, swimming, snorkeling, hiking to peaks, cycling and boat trips to nearby islets.
Key highlights
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Volcanic landscape with five extinct craters including Thoi Loi Mountain
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To Vo Gate - natural basalt arch by the sea
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Hang Pagoda (Chua Hang) built inside a sea cave
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Clear beaches and snorkeling waters around Dao Be (An Binh Islet)
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Extensive garlic and spring onion fields unique to the island's volcanic soil
History of Ly Son Island
Ly Son was formed by volcanic eruptions 25-30 million years ago and preserves traces of the Sa Huynh culture. During the Nguyen Dynasty, the island was a recruitment base for the Hoang Sa Flotilla that patrolled and exploited the East Sea islands. Remains of ancient volcanic craters, archaeological sites and the Hoang Sa Bac Hai Memorial reflect this history.
Culture & Context
The island is known as the Kingdom of Garlic due to cultivation of Ly Son garlic and onions on volcanic soil. It hosts Buddhist pagodas such as Hang Pagoda and Duc Pagoda, communal temples, and annual ceremonies honoring ancestors of the Hoang Sa Flotilla. Fishing traditions and garlic farming shape local community life.
Route
| By air |
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