Top 10 Must-See Destinations in Ly Son, Quang Ngai

Cau Cave was shaped over thousands of years by the erosive forces of wind and sea, carving deep into the mountain's core from volcanic rock. The scenery here remains quite untouched, yet exudes a captivating, poetic beauty that enchants all who visit. Located in Dong Village, An Hai Commune on Ly Son Island, at the foot of Thoi Loi Mountain, Cau Cave is a stunning natural wonder, with towering mountains on one side and the vast ocean stretching on the other.

At Cau Cave, alongside the impressive mountain cliffs and rock formations shaped by the relentless sea, there are smooth stone beaches covered with green moss, where the waves crash in frothy white sprays. The water is crystal-clear, and from the rocks at the water's edge, you can see schools of fish swimming beneath the surface, even in the deeper waters. This spot is also perfect for swimming, as the refreshing sea water offers a great way to cool off from the island's warm, sunny weather. You can also dive to explore the coral reefs and observe the vibrant marine life beneath the waves.

When visiting Ly Son, make sure to see the National Flagpole at the peak of Thoi Loi Mountain, which stands 20 meters tall. The flagpole's base and foundation are made of reinforced concrete, facing the Paracel Islands. The flag itself measures 4 x 6 meters, and the base of the pole displays coordinates, asserting Vietnam’s sovereignty over the islands. The structure consists of a column pedestal, the flagpole shaft, steps, and a surrounding area with four relief sculptures of flames based on the logo of the Vietnam Student Association. The foundation is deeply embedded in the rock using construction techniques typically reserved for sturdy lighthouses. The flag column pedestal rises 5 meters, with a white shaft encircled by red, representing the national flag’s colors.

The total cost of the project was 850 million VND, with contributions from students nationwide amounting to 150 million VND and support from the Vietnam Bank for Investment and Development, which contributed 700 million VND. This flagpole was part of the “Students with National Sea and Islands” initiative in 2013, celebrating the 9th National Congress of the Vietnam Student Association. The National Flagpole on Thoi Loi Mountain is not just a symbolic structure but a “living landmark” that affirms the country’s maritime sovereignty. It stands as a testament to the unity and readiness of the nation’s youth to defend the homeland’s territory.

Be Island is a small island with an area of less than 1 square kilometer, part of the Ly Son archipelago. Known for its natural charm, this island features crystal-clear blue waters and long, pristine beaches. Often referred to as the ‘Vietnamese Maldives’, Be Island offers a peaceful, serene atmosphere with its clean air, tranquil surroundings, and stunning landscapes. Along its beaches, you can observe striking black volcanic rocks, remnants of ancient eruptions that took place millions of years ago.

Visitors can learn basic diving techniques from local fishermen to explore the coral reefs more easily. Afterward, take a traditional basket boat ride to discover the vibrant coral gardens of the island’s crystal-clear waters. Additionally, when visiting Be Island, you can immerse yourself in the simple lives of the local fishing community, and taste the sweet “xo xo” tea, a delicious regional specialty available at many local stalls around the island.

Thoi Loi Mountain on Ly Son Island is one of the five unique extinct volcanoes of the island, standing nearly 170 meters above sea level. Few know that Ly Son Island, located in Quang Ngai Province, was formed from these five volcanoes during prehistoric times, leaving behind landscapes that are now stunning tourist attractions. From the mainland, on a clear day, Ly Son Island proudly rises from the sea in the shape of a pointed peak — that is the Thoi Loi summit. Of the five mountains that make up Ly Son, Thoi Loi is known for its rocky terrain.

Visitors to Ly Son Island rarely miss the chance to conquer the island’s highest peak. The road to Thoi Loi Mountain is accessible by motorbike, with a steep incline winding through rocky cliffs. The picturesque scenery makes it impossible to resist stopping and capturing some beautiful photos. At the summit, a vast crater reveals itself, home to a peaceful herd of cows grazing serenely. The cows have formed an unlikely friendship with a flock of storks, creating a tranquil and idyllic scene.

From the rim of this volcano, you can see the garlic fields of Ly Son in full bloom. The vibrant colors form a captivating mosaic of red, white, and green. The red is the basalt soil spread across the garlic fields, while the white represents the sand from the sea, used as a base layer before planting the garlic cloves. The green marks the rows of crops that define the field’s boundaries. These unique soil layers contribute to the distinct flavor of Ly Son garlic, setting it apart from other varieties.

Located at the entrance of the scenic area, the Duc Pagoda houses a 27-meter statue of Quan Thế Âm. Ascend to the upper level where ancient, moss-covered temples can be found deep within the heart of the mountain. The Duc Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda without a Monk, is home to the statue of Quan Thế Âm, the protector of peace for Ly Son Island. From the pagoda, looking toward the statue, visitors are treated to a breathtaking, almost surreal view of the surrounding landscape. The pagoda is situated midway up the Giếng Tiền Mountain, an extinct volcano on the island. To reach it, tourists must climb over 100 steps that wind along the mountainside.

Starting from the Tò Vò gate, a 100-meter trail leads to the spiritual landmark of Duc Pagoda and the Quan Âm Dai. This statue, the largest of its kind on Ly Son Island, stands 25 meters tall, with a shrine at its base. Surrounding the shrine are four playful dragons, symbolizing the flow of water. The statue is enclosed within a five-sided courtyard. The Duc Pagoda complex (officially known as Đỉnh Liêm Tự) consists of the pagoda’s gate, Quan Âm Dai, 139 steps, and the pagoda situated in a cave within the Giếng Tiền mountain. Visiting the Duc Pagoda offers not only a sense of tranquility but also a chance to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views. From the pagoda’s courtyard, one can see the gentle waves surrounding Be Island, with just a few more steps leading to the mouth of the Giếng Tiền volcano, where nature’s grandeur unfolds.

With a crescent-shaped coastline stretching over 3,000 km, Vietnam is famous for its long sandy beaches that curve with the waves, jagged rocky cliffs, and crystal-clear islands scattered across the sea. Anyone who loves the ocean is sure to know of Ly Son. This dreamlike land, nestled in the heart of the ocean, boasts emerald waters, a vast sky, and slanted coconut trees swaying in the wind. Here, fields of garlic and onions thrive, nourished by the sun, rain, and the sweat of hardworking locals. Ly Son is an island district of Quang Ngai Province, and it was discovered about 400 years ago. When Ly Son was first found, the surrounding landscape was barren. The island was named after a local plant called 'Ré,' a type of ginger, which grew abundantly there, giving the island its alternative name, 'Cù Lao Ré.'

More and more people have been coming to Ly Son. They brought with them various crops, and garlic and onions became the second plants to take root in this area. Like the waves, garlic and onion traveled from the mainland to the islands and, in return, the flavor of Ly Son's garlic and onion became a special delicacy, unmatched anywhere else. The Ly Son garlic and onion brand became well-known, and people began to refer to the island as the 'kingdom' of garlic and onion. The garlic fields are located near the harbor area, and from the bridge, you can see vast green fields of garlic. Due to the island's terrain, the locals can only cultivate garlic and onions here. Ly Son's garlic has a unique taste and aroma that is unlike anywhere else, which is why it is famous nationwide.

Ly Son is renowned as a beautiful island, often referred to by travelers as one of Vietnam's 'paradise islands.' It is also famous as the 'garlic kingdom.' However, few people know that Ly Son is home to the only freshwater reservoir in Vietnam, formed from the mouth of an ancient volcano. Ly Son is the only island in Quang Ngai Province, located 14 nautical miles off the mainland. The locals primarily rely on underground water sources, which are mostly brackish, and such aquifers are rare. Freshwater for daily use is scarce, and water for farming and irrigation is also limited. On the other hand, Ly Son was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, leaving behind two large craters: one at Mount Giếng Tiền and the other at Mount Thới Lới.

In 1898, the Quang Ngai government began the construction of a water reservoir at the peak of Mount Thới Lới to support the daily and agricultural needs of the island's residents. The reservoir spans nearly 10 hectares, with a storage capacity of 300,000 cubic meters. The construction cost exceeded 32 billion VND and resolved the island's fresh water shortage. Water is channeled into a low-lying reservoir at the base of the mountain, with 24 outlets directly supplying water to the garlic fields. Beyond its practical use, the Thới Lới freshwater lake has become a major tourist attraction.

Ly Son Island is home to many breathtaking natural landmarks. Among them, Hang Pagoda is often likened to a stone sculpture, a creation gifted by nature. It is situated on the northern side of Mount Thới Lới, where the crater of an extinct volcano once formed a large lake, leaving the surrounding scenery untouched and pristine. The pagoda is not far from the center of An Vĩnh Village, yet the path to it twists around the mountain, offering visitors delightful surprises along the way, such as grassy meadows, cornfields, village scenes, and garlic farms at the foot of the mountain. From the top, visitors can take in sweeping views of the sky, the ocean, and the rugged beauty of Ly Son Island. After walking down a few dozen steps, one reaches the pagoda nestled halfway down the mountain.

Hang Pagoda, formally known as “Thiên Khổng Thạch Tự” (The Heavenly Stone Pagoda), was founded during the reign of King Lê Kính Tông (1599-1618). It is called Hang Pagoda because it is located inside a large cave in the Ly Son cave system. The interior is expansive and high, and stone inscriptions inside the temple suggest that the first settlers on Ly Son, who founded the villages of An Hải and An Vĩnh, built the pagoda. Hang Pagoda has stood for nearly 400 years, since the time of the island’s first inhabitants. The pagoda serves both as a Buddhist temple and as a shrine to the ancestors who helped clear land and build the island's villages. It is a place of great spiritual significance, where people come from far and wide to pray for prosperity or the blessing of children.

During religious festivals like Vu Lan, Buddha’s Birthday, and the anniversary of the ancestors’ passing, as well as times of remembrance for the Hoàng Sa soldiers who once ventured out to sea to fish and assert Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, spiritual activities take place at the pagoda. The fishermen of Ly Son believe that the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara protects them and ensures safe voyages. Today, Hang Pagoda remains one of Ly Son’s most popular tourist destinations.

Tò Vò Arch is a famous landmark on Ly Son Island – a must-see destination for anyone visiting this island. With its unique geology, topography, and stunning scenery, Ly Son Island is often referred to as the Jeju Island of Vietnam. According to scientists, Ly Son was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. Located about 30 kilometers from the mainland, this island is not only famous for its garlic cultivation but also attracts many young travelers who come to explore its captivating beauty, something that few places in the world can offer.

Tò Vò Arch on Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai, is a natural stone arch standing about 2.5 meters high with a spectacular shape, completely untouched by human hands. Geologists believe the arch was created from volcanic lava and is the result of millions of years of volcanic activity. Surrounding the Tò Vò Arch are black volcanic rock formations, with peculiar shapes rising out of the crystal-clear waters of Ly Son Island. From the arch, looking south, you can see the thriving fishing villages of the island's fishermen. To the north, the majestic sight of Giếng Tiên Mountain, an extinct volcano, dominates the view. The breathtaking landscape has earned Tò Vò Arch the nickname “Heaven's Gate.” It is one of the most popular photo spots for young travelers visiting Ly Son.

Mù Cu Island is one of the three islands in Ly Son, Quang Ngai Province. Located about 3 km east of the Ly Son pier, near the An Hai anchorage, Mù Cu Island juts out the furthest from Ly Son, making it a unique and trendy spot for young travelers. The island is characterized by a long stretch of black volcanic rocks and an old lighthouse. A small concrete path connects the main island of Ly Son with Mù Cu Island, leading to the stunning combination of the lighthouse and the black stone formations that define the beauty of the island.

The Mù Cu Lighthouse is like many other lighthouses you may have encountered. By following the coastal path to the east, you’ll arrive at this lighthouse, a popular spot for travelers to visit and relax during sunrise or sunset. Surrounded by the sea and sedimentary rock formations, this lighthouse may not be large or particularly striking, but its solitude and rugged charm make it a favorite for many. Don’t miss this place when visiting Ly Son.

Early mornings at Mù Cu Island bring a sense of stillness as nature comes to life. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the volcanic rocks, combined with the soft breeze, fills the air with vitality. The first rays of sunlight filter through the mist over the sea, casting a beautiful glow on the volcanic rock, creating a picturesque scene. This magical moment, where the earth and sky meet in perfect harmony, is truly breathtaking.