A Guide to Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai

Dear island hoppers, what comes to your mind when you hear “tropical island"? Are they endless dunes occupied with coconut tree lines? If so, let Ly Son island in Quang Ngai bring you a new definition of that word. With barren soil and amazing karst terrains, this so-called “Garlic Kingdom" is a must-visit for any adventurous souls.

What Our Guide Will Cover Overview of Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Transportation to Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Attractions in Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Specialties in Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Accommodation in Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai

Overview of Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai

• Ly Son is an island district in Quang Ngai, a province in Central Vietnam;
• Ly Son is the vestige of a volcano formed about 25-30 million years ago. This former volcano keeps the source of groundwater that supplies all citizens in Ly Son;
• The distance between Ly Son and the mainland of Quang Ngai is 15 nautical miles so people usually travel by high-speed boat to reach the island;
• Best time to visit Ly Son:
  • For beach lovers and those planning for island hopping in Vietnam, May to September is the most favorable time to immerse in the crystal-clear water of Ly Son;
  • In case you are curious about the nickname “Garlic Kingdom", come to this wonder from September to December, you will awe at the endless fields of garlic here.

Transportation to Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai

Transferring to Quang Ngai City - the capital of Quang Ngai Province

Plane

Since there is no airport in Quang Ngai, you should take a direct flight to Da Nang International Airport. Once arriving in Da Nang, you will have to switch to a taxi or a bus to reach Quang Ngai City.

Bus	Taxi
VND 100,000 - VND 170,000 3 - 4 hours Sleeper buses are more costly than normal ones; Carefully check the destination when buying tickets since some buses may stop in other communes of Quang Ngai Province.	VND 1,700,000 - VND 2,200,000 2 hours and 30 minutes Read 3 Tips to Avoid Taxi Scams; Some taxi brands (Mai Linh, Airport, etc.) have coordinators standing at the airport’s arrival hall to help you; If you book a car via Grab or Be apps, remember that these cars are not allowed to park at the arrival hall for more than 5 minutes.

Bus

For those having a tight budget, this is the most ideal way to travel a long distance. However, don't be surprised if you feel dizzy or tired when you reach Quang Ngai since the trip could take you a whole day.

Price: VND 250,000 - VND 600,000 (from Saigon and Hanoi)

Duration: 14 hours - 17 hours

Tips:

• For your convenience, you should book tickets online beforehand;
• Reliable companies are Hoang Long and Phuong Trang;
• Middle and front seats are more comfortable than those at the back.

Train

Not as pricey as a plane but comfier than a bus, the train offers you a sightseeing tour at a reasonable price. From the train window, you will have a panoramic view of striking mountains as well as the clear blue sea of Central Vietnam.

Price: VND 400,000 - VND 1,200,000

Duration: 13 - 16 hours

Tips:

• Tickets can be booked on Vietnam's Railway website or 12go.asia;
• If you want to have a deep sleep on the road, choose the bunk bed instead of normal seats.

Read this article for more tips on Taking the Train in Vietnam.

Moving to Ly Son Island

The only way to move from Quang Ngai's mainland to Ly Son island is by high-speed boat. First travel from Quang Ngai City to Sa Ky Port in Binh Son Commune, then you will buy tickets at the port and get ready to go onboard.

Price: VND 130,000 - VND 180,000

Duration: 45 - 60 minutes

Recommended brands: Chinh Nghia Express, An Vinh Express, Super Bien Dong
Attractions in Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai

Unlike other coastal areas with exciting seaside bars and resorts, Ly Son welcomes you with its stunning nature and mesmerizing garlic fields. As the main island of Ly Son is divided into West Village and East Village, let's look at must-visit attractions in each area:

West Village

To Vo Gate

This stunning lava arch is a destination you cannot miss when visiting Ly Son island. Standing here, you can either observe the busy life of a nearby fishing village or admire the sunset and snap some aesthetic photos.

Google Maps location

To Vo Gate is also known as Heaven's Gate

Duc Pagoda

To visit Duc Pagoda, you must pass more than 100 stairs along Gieng Tieng Mountain ridge. When entering this place, you will feel a sense of holiness and purity right from your first step. For those stressed out with the fast-paced life, the tranquility here will surely help you calm your mind and find your inner peace.

Google Maps location

You need to go 100 steps to reach Duc Pagoda

East Village

Hang Pagoda

Before reaching Hang Pagoda, you have to climb along the edge of the sea and when you see a vertical cliff about 20-meter high, carved with 4 Chinese characters, you know the pagoda is just a few steps away. Once coming inside, you should burn incense, make a wish, and offer it to the altar. Also, remember to talk softly since Vietnamese people always try to minimize the sound in worshipping places.

Google Maps location

Hang Pagoda is placed in a mysterious cave

Thoi Loi Peak

As the highest one among the five former volcanoes in Ly Son island, Thoi Loi Mountain is a wonderful spot for enthusiastic trekkers. When you reach its peak, remember to take your time and enjoy the panoramic view of the crystalline sea.

Google Maps location

From Thoi Loi Peak, you can see a masterpiece of nature

Specialties in Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai

Blessed with fresh seafood from the sea, Ly Son island in Quang Ngai is a perfect place for any foodies. Here are some delicacies you cannot miss:

Goi Sua (Vietnamese Jellyfish Salad)

This dish is a mixture of sliced mango, carrot, herbs, and of course, jellyfish. For those curious about jellyfish's taste, it is like a crunchier version of white Jell-O.

Recommendation: Hoang Khuyen Restaurant

Address: West Village

Opening hours: 9 AM - 11 PM

People usually enjoy Goi Sua while drinking beer

Goi Rong Bien (Vietnamese Seaweed Salad)

Goi Rong Bien is a seasonal dish since you can only enjoy it from February to April (lunar calendar). Its ingredients consist of chopped seaweed, oil, and spices like fish sauce, lemon, sugar, and seasoning. After combining all these, the cooks top it with herbs and roasted peanuts to add more flavor.

Recommendation: Son Thuy

Address: near Hang Pagoda, East Village

Opening hours: 9 AM - 10 PM

Goi Rong Bien is served with grilled rice paper or rice

Bun Cha Ca (Elongated Fish Balls with Rice Vermicelli)

Bun Cha Ca is a prevalent breakfast for residents in Ly Son island so you can easily have a bowl of it at any market. Thanks to the fresh fishes and the culinary skills of locals, Bun Cha Ca has a fine taste that can surely imprint on your mind.

Recommendation: Bich Vien

Address: East Village

Opening hours: 7 AM - 9 PM

Once ordering Bun Cha Ca, you will also be given a side dish of vegetables

Accommodation in Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai

Muong Thanh Holiday Ly Son

Price: VND 1,000,000 - VND 3,000,000

Modern facilities and professional staff are what you should expect when entering this hotel (view price and availability)

Ly Son Pearl Island Hotel & Resort

Price: VND 1,000,000 - VND 2,500,000

Situated in Ly Son coast, this resort brings you a stunning view of the blue ocean (view price and availability)

Final Thoughts on Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai

If you opt for an off the beaten path destination, why not pack your bags to the spectacular Ly Son island in Quang Ngai right away? Though the island does not provide you modern facilities, it will bring you the exotic nature as a better compensation. And finally, don't forget to let us know what you think about this wonderland by giving comments below!

In case you are planning an island-hopping trip, our guides to Phu Quoc, Con Dao, and Nam Du might be of your help.

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