🌊 LY SON – A JEWEL ISLAND IN THE OPEN SEA, A STUNNING DESTINATION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

# 🌊 LY SON – A JEWEL ISLAND IN THE OPEN SEA, A STUNNING DESTINATION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Are you looking for a trip where the whole family can enjoy the blue sea, explore unspoiled nature and savor delicious fresh seafood? Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai is definitely a destination well worth experiencing! Located about 15 nautical miles from the mainland, Ly Son is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters, unique volcanic cliffs, lush green garlic fields and stunning beaches. Not only does it boast impressive natural scenery, this place also preserves many historical traces of the Hoàng Sa Flotilla and the island and maritime culture of Vietnam. ☀️ **THE IDEAL TIME TO VISIT LÝ SƠN** Around March to August is usually a favorable time to explore Lý Sơn. The sea is relatively calm, the weather is sunny, and it is ideal for sightseeing, canoe trips and swimming in the sea. From September to February of the following year, this area may be affected by storms and heavy rain, rough seas, and disruptions to high-speed ferry services. Therefore, if you are traveling with young children or elderly people, you should check the weather forecast and the boat's condition before departure. ## 📍 SUGGESTED 3-DAY 2-NIGHT ITINERARY **Day 1 – Departure to Lý Sơn Island** • Morning: travel from Da Nang to Sa Kỳ Port, Quảng Ngãi. The distance is about 130–150km, depending on your starting point. • Noon: buy speedboat tickets to Lý Sơn Island. The boat ride usually takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on operating conditions. • Afternoon: check in to the hotel, rest, and start exploring the island. • Visit Tò Vò Gate – a famous check-in spot with a natural volcanic rock arch and stunning sunset views. • Evening: enjoy fresh live seafood, stroll around the island and soak up the peaceful seaside atmosphere. **Day 2 – Explore famous sights** • Morning: stop by Hang Câu, where towering cliffs formed by volcanic activity meet crystal-clear blue seawater. • Continue the tour to Thới Lới Mountain, take in a panoramic view of Lý Sơn Island from above, and snap check-in photos by the freshwater lake in the volcano's crater. • Lunch: enjoy local specialty dishes. • Afternoon: option to visit Bé Island by speedboat if the weather and sea conditions are favorable. • On Bé Island, the whole family can admire the crystal-clear blue water, take photos by the rocky shores and experience the peaceful atmosphere of a fishing village. • Evening: return to the Big Island, enjoy dinner and rest. **Day 3 – Explore the culture and return to the mainland** • Morning: visit Hang Pagoda and Duc Pagoda, and learn about the local history and culture. • Stop by the Hoang Sa Flotilla and Bac Hai Concurrent Management Exhibition House to learn about historical documents on Vietnam's sovereignty over its seas and islands. • Buy local specialties such as Lý Sơn garlic, shallots, seaweed and dried seafood to bring home as gifts. • Noon: board the speedboat back to Sa Kỳ port, ending the trip. ## 📸 PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED **1. Tò Vò Gate** A unique natural stone arch formed from volcanic rock. This is a famous check-in spot, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. **2. Câu Cave** Stands out with tall cliffs, striking geological formations and crystal-clear blue sea water. An ideal destination for anyone who loves nature. **3. Thới Lới Mountain** A spot with a stunning view where you can take in the panorama of Ly Son Island, its garlic fields and the blue sea surrounding it. **4. Be Island (An Binh)** A place with clear blue beaches, volcanic rock formations, and peaceful fishing village scenery. Perfect for taking photos and relaxing. ## 🍜 WHAT DISHES MUST YOU TRY WHEN VISITING LÝ SƠN? • Garlic salad: a signature dish made from young garlic stalks, with a truly distinctive flavor. • Seaweed salad: refreshing, crunchy and delicious, rich with the flavor of the sea. • Spanner crab (cua huỳnh đế): an enticing seafood dish, usually steamed or grilled. • Ốc cừ sea snail: a seafood specialty with crunchy, naturally sweet meat. • Sea urchin porridge: a nutritious dish with the distinctive flavor of the sea and islands. • Fresh live seafood: shrimp, squid, fish and many kinds of sea snails prepared right on site. ## 💰 ESTIMATED COSTS • Travel from Da Nang to Sa Ky Port: about 150.000 – 300.000 VND/person/one way if you take a coach or another suitable vehicle. • Sa Kỳ – Lý Sơn high-speed boat ticket: budget around 180,000 – 220,000 VND/person/one way, depending on the ferry operator and the time of travel. • Hotel/homestay: around 400,000 – 800,000 VND/room/night. • Speedboat to visit Bé Island: about 100.000 – 200.000đ/person for a round trip, depending on the service. • Food and drinks: about 150.000 – 250.000đ/person/day. • Getting around and sightseeing on the island: about 100,000 – 200,000 VND/person. Estimated total budget: about 2,000,000 – 3,500,000 VND/person for a 3-day, 2-night trip, depending on transportation, hotel, and activities. ## ⚠️ THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN VISITING LÝ SƠN WITH YOUR FAMILY • You should book round-trip boat tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during the peak tourist season. • Check the ferry schedule and sea conditions before you go, as ferries may be delayed or cancelled in bad weather. • If traveling with young children or elderly people, you should prepare seasickness medicine and drinking water. • Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and non-slip footwear. • Do not swim in the sea on your own in areas with big waves or submerged rocks