Vietnam’s hidden charm project is our effort in sharing with foreigners beautiful but not well-known spots around Vietnam. We hope you have more choices on your route because we know how amazing we feel when exploring a new land, having a new experience. When reminding of middle-land of Vietnam, I think Hội An, Huế, Đà Nẵng or Nha Trang is your top of mind. There are a lot of blogs/ articles… have said about them, I don’t need to say more.
Now I want to introduce to you different experiences at less-popular places but for sure it is totally amazing. I am saying about Ly Son island. The Ly Son island in the prehistoric period, was an active volcano. This is a reason why the geological of the island is definitely extraordinary and magnificent, but surprisingly in the middle of the volcano of there is a green beautiful peaceful valley.
Ly Son includes 2 islands, locals call them Main and Little island. Main Island is where most locals live and is also known as Garlic Island, therefore don’t be surprised if you see garlic everywhere. Main Island is also famous for a lot of popular spots, such as: “Cave Pagoda”, “Cau Cave”, “To Vo Gate”… To Vo Gate is an ideal sunset point. You should rent a bike to take a tour of all spots and don’t forget the road to Thoi Loi Mount – you will be surprised when capturing the very peaceful scene at the top of Thoi Loi Mount, it is the green valley with a quiet lake in the center, some cows leisurely graze, the coniferous forest behind – it is also the good choice for seeing sun falling.
Cave Pagoda, Ly Son Island
On the way to Thoi Loi Peak, please look down
Magnificient sunset at To Vo Gate
It takes 30 mins by boat to reach Little Island. As its English name, this island is small, you can go around the island by walk and as its Vietnamese name – An Bình, this island is so peaceful and have less impact on modern life. You can find the crystal water, white sand surrounded by spectacular cliffs formed by lava. Less traveler here, and the beach seem to be your private beach, feel free to swim, relax and explore the coral. Almost people choose to skip Little Island, all popular spots at Main Island are enough.
But for me, Little Island is the trip’s highlight. I felt that I was returning to hundred years ago, live a very basic life without intervention from technology. Almost all materials are originated from nature: wood, stone, clay… There is just 1 motorbike on an island, with no noise from any machine. This is an unforgettable feeling!
crystal water, white sand, surrounded by spectacular cliffs at Little Island
I thought I returned to hundred years ago Love quiet island
How to come, what to do… 2 days in Ly Son will be the perfect itinerary. The first day is for all spots at Main island, To Vo Gate or Thoi Loi Mount should be visited at sunset time. half of the second day is for exploring Little Island and spend the rest time at Thoi Loi Mount or To Vo gate, crab some beers at night, by the beach sounds awesome.
All spots here
There is no very gorgeous resort or restaurant bar/ pub by the beach. Tourism is rising recently and just have some basis hostel/ hotel, mainly serve for domestic tourists. For eating, you can find Son Thuy restaurant, on the road to Cave Pagoda, a low-scale restaurant with a stunning view, or Hoang Khuyen restaurant, located at the center.
5 – star view from the small restaurant
Buy a ticket speed ferry to Ly Son island at Sa Ky Port. You should arrive by 7 am on weekdays or by 6 am on weekends or holidays. It takes 1 – 2 hours by speed boat. Sa Ky port is around 15km far from Quang Ngai City center. How to come to Quang Ngai from HCM or Hanoi? By train, stop at Quang Ngai Station or by flight to Danang and take a bus from Danang to Quang Ngai (around 3-hour-length). Ask local people for information about small boats to Little Island. I am not sure the local people can communicate in English. But I think everything will be a fine and fun experience. Be note that you may get seasick, use the medicine before or stand outside, at boat railing for more fresh air, which may help avoid vomiting. The only thing I dissatisfy with the trip is the rubbish. Rubbish is everywhere people can go. Ly Son is not a place for relaxing. You have to spend much energy exploring the charm. But surely the stunning beauty of this island will make you feel grateful to nature.
