Alright, let’s get this out of the way Ly Son Island isn’t your typical tropical paradise. It doesn’t have five-star resorts with poolside DJs, and you probably won’t bump into influencers perfecting their duck-face selfies. Instead, you get ancient volcanoes, windswept garlic fields, temples carved into cliffs, and sunsets that make you forget how phones work. Intrigued? You should be.
Sitting off the coast of Quang Ngai Province in Central Vietnam, Ly Son is a two-island district that locals call the “Kingdom of Garlic.” That’s right if you thought garlic was just something you sauté before the good stuff, you haven’t met Ly Son. But this place is more than pungent produce it’s Vietnam unplugged, wild, and full of stories.
Geography 101: A Love Letter from Volcanoes
Ly Son was forged in fire. The island is made up of five extinct volcanic mouths, which explains its dramatic cliffs and crater lakes that seem like they were sketched by a fantasy novel illustrator on too much coffee. The island is small just around 10 square kilometers but every inch of it tells a story.
There are two parts: Big Island (Dao Lon) and Small Island (Dao Be). The Big Island is where you’ll arrive, sleep, and eat. The Small Island is where you’ll snorkel, sunbathe, and maybe scream into the wind just for fun.
Getting There: Planes, Trains, and a Whole Lotta Boats
| Step | Route | Approx. Time | Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Chu Lai Airport (Quang Nam) | 1.5 hours from HCMC | ~1,000,000 |
| 2 | Taxi/Bus to Sa Ky Port | 1.5 hours | 300,000 |
| 3 | Ferry to Ly Son Island | 35-45 minutes | 200,000–250,000 |
Book your ferry early especially on weekends or holidays because seats go fast. And if you’re prone to seasickness? Maybe skip breakfast that day.
Where to Stay: Homestays Over Hotels
Ly Son isn’t a hotel-heavy place, which is great news for anyone who prefers cozy family-run homestays and waking up to rooster alarm clocks.
Top picks:
- Ly Son Bungalow – Cute, cozy, and has garlic-themed décor because, well, branding.
- Hang Cau Homestay – Right near the cliffs and caves, with a view that’ll ruin you for office windows forever.
- Ly Son Pearl Island Hotel – If you must have A/C and fluffy towels.
Most places include meals, and trust me you want to eat what the locals cook.
What to Eat: Garlic, Seafood, and Everything In Between
The island is famous for two things: garlic and seafood. Combine the two and you get dishes that are humble but unforgettable.
Must-try dishes:
- Goi Toi (Garlic Salad) – Crunchy, spicy, and strangely addictive.
- Sea Urchin Soup – Sounds weird, tastes amazing.
- Grilled Squid with Garlic – Simple, smoky, sensational.
Wash it down with iced green tea or a cold beer while watching fishing boats bob like lazy ducks.
Places You Ca n’t-Miss (Unless You Want Regrets)
- To Vo Gate – A naturally formed rock arch that looks like something out of Game of Thrones.
- Cave Pagoda (Chua Hang) – A temple built into a cliff with views that’ll reset your soul.
- Mount Thoi Loi – Hike to the top for panoramic views and wind that could style your hair.
- Small Island (Dao Be) – Snorkeling, coral reefs, and the kind of beach you wish you grew up on.
Best Time to Visit: Goldilocks Weather, Please
| Season | Months | Vibe |
| Dry Season | June – September | Perfect beach weather |
| Windy Season | October – February | Chilly and dramatic skies |
| Rainy Season | March-May | Lush, green, and sometimes slippery |
The dry season is the crowd favorite, but the off-season gives you quieter beaches and better deals.
Island Activities That Beat Netflix
- Snorkeling and swimming – Especially around Dao Be, where the water is nature’s Instagram filter.
- Motorbike rides – Loop around the island in under an hour. Warning: You will stop every 5 minutes for photos.
- Fishing with locals – Cast a net and hear tales from the sea.
- Garlic harvesting (if in season) – Yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it smells awesome.
Culture Vibes: Festivals, Temples, and Local Legends
The island celebrates its maritime heritage with festivals like:
- The Whale Festival (Lễ Hội Cầu Ngư) – Paying respect to whales, who are seen as protectors of fishermen.
- The Hoang Sa Soldier Ceremony – Honoring ancient naval missions to the Paracel Islands.
Temples dot the island like spiritual WiFi hotspots. Visit a few. Light some incense. Feel your blood pressure drop.
Sustainable Travel Tips: Don’t Be THAT Tourist
Ly Son is fragile. So:
- Don’t litter. Bring a reusable bottle.
- Respect coral reefs. Don’t touch, don’t step.
- Support local homestays and eateries.
- Learn a few Vietnamese phrases. A simple “Cam on” (thank you) goes a long way.
Final Thoughts: Why Ly Son Island is Worth Every Garlic Breath
Ly Son doesn’t shout. It whispers. It tells its stories through the crunch of garlic under your teeth, the splash of waves against the volcanic rock, and the quiet smile of a boatman who’s seen more sunrises than you’ve had lattes.
It’s a place for slow travel, for meaningful moments, and for the kind of memories that cling to your heart like sea salt on your skin.
So pack light, breathe deep, and let Ly Son work its quiet magic on you.
FAQ
1. Is Ly Son Island safe for solo travelers?
Yes! It’s peaceful, friendly, and full of welcoming locals.
2. Can I rent a motorbike on the island?
Absolutely. Most homestays offer rentals for about 150,000–200,000 VND/day.
3. Is there internet on Ly Son Island?
There is, but it’s not super fast. Great time for a digital detox.
4. Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
During peak season yes. Otherwise, walk-ins are usually fine.
5. Are there ATMs on the island?
Only a few, and they can be unreliable. Bring enough cash just in case.
Also love off-the-radar beach towns? Don’t miss Bai Xep in Quy Nhon, another underrated coastal gem with golden sands and slow living vibes.