Experience Vietnam through its 7 tallest lighthouses

6. Thuan An Lighthouse – Hue (33.6m)

Situated on the southern bank of Thuận An estuary in Thuận An town, Phú Vang district, Thua Thien – Hue province. At the old Thuận An sea gate, the Nguyen dynasty built a fortress-like structure to defend against threats. Historical records of Thua Thien-Hue province indicate that the fortress was built in 1813 during the reign of King Gia Long and was named Trấn Hải Đài, serving the function of controlling and regulating the traffic of ships within and outside the Thuận An estuary, defending the Hue Imperial City.

During the reign of Minh Mang, in the years 1820, 1826, 1830, 1831, Trấn Hải Đài was further reinforced. By 1834, the dynasty renamed it Trấn Hải Thành and built a tall building called Quan Hai Tower on the tower to have a clearer view of the sea; at the same time, they also planted an additional 9,000 coconut trees to prevent erosion. In 1840, the dynasty hung a large lantern with a diameter of 3m on Quan Hai Tower as a lighthouse. Under the reign of Tu Duc, the dynasty strengthened the fortress system at Thuận An, building more fortified posts for defense.

5. Ba Lat Lighthouse – Thai Binh (34m)

Ba Lat Lighthouse is located on Vành Island, Nam Phu commune, Tien Hai district, Thai Binh province. Built in 1962, this coastal beacon aids navigation and positioning of vessels operating in the Thai Binh – Nam Dinh sea area. The lighthouse tower is cylindrical in shape with a dark gray color. This beacon is of paramount importance to fishing and transportation vessels in the area.

Visiting Ba Lat Lighthouse not only offers you the opportunity to broaden your horizons by admiring the panoramic view of Ba Lat estuary, exploring the journeys of rivers to the sea, and the unique landscapes at the estuary, but also allows you to learn about the work of border guards, their operational methods, and the importance of these vigilant eyes of the sea during the night.

4. Song Tu Tay Lighthouse – Khanh Hoa (38m)

The Song Tu Tay Lighthouse, one of the 9 lighthouses in the Spratly Islands, was built in 1993. Situated on Song Tu Tay Island, the lighthouse is constructed in the shape of a circular tower on the eastern side of the island, capturing the first rays of morning sunlight. From the 38-meter height of the lighthouse, we can admire the simple yet vibrant beauty of the island.

For the past 20 years, the lighthouse has diligently ensured maritime safety for an area with a radius of about 18 nautical miles around Song Tu Tay Island. From a distance, the Song Tu Tay Lighthouse resembles a pen, standing out amidst the greenery of the surrounding landscape.

3. Ke Ga Lighthouse – Binh Thuan (41m)

The Ke Ga (or Khe Ga) Lighthouse at Ke Ga Cape, located in Tan Thanh commune, Ham Thuan Nam district, Binh Thuan province. This is a tall tower equipped with a light used for maritime traffic in the area and has been confirmed by the Vietnam Records Center as the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Vietnam. However, in reality, this is still not the tallest lighthouse.

Inside the lighthouse are 183 spiral steel steps leading to the top, along with dozens of triple-level steps leading to the light pinnacle. Surrounding the lighthouse base are two rows of hydrangeas lining the path, planted by the French since the late 19th century, providing shade all year round. Building materials were brought from France, including the light on top and the generator. Currently, Ke Ga Island and the lighthouse have become attractive tourist destinations in Binh Thuan province. Moreover, the Ke Ga Lighthouse is also a unique architectural monument.

2. Da Lat Lighthouse – Khanh Hoa (42m)

Khanh Hoa is the only province in Vietnam with 2 lighthouses ranking among the top 7 highest lighthouses in the country. Both of these lighthouses are situated on islands belonging to Truong Sa island commune, Truong Sa district. Da Lat Lighthouse is located on Da Lat island at the westernmost position of the archipelago. Constructed in 1994, this lighthouse serves to indicate the island's location, assisting vessels navigating and determining their positions in the Truong Sa sea area.

Da Lat Lighthouse is built on a coral reef, approximately 300 meters north of the navy's residence, structured with steel and adorned with diagonal flower-shaped holes. The lighthouse tower stands at 42 meters high, with a daytime visibility range of 15 nautical miles and 18 nautical miles at night.

1. Ly Son Lighthouse – Quang Ngai (45m)

Renowned not only for its title 'Garlic Kingdom' and the specialty dish of garlic salad, Ly Son island is also cherished for its lighthouse located on the eastern side of the island, belonging to Ly Hai commune, Ly Son district, Quang Ngai province, which commenced operations in 1898.

Standing at 45 meters tall, this is the tallest lighthouse in Vietnam to date and holds significant importance in the Vietnamese maritime traffic. The most marvelous aspect is standing atop the lighthouse's highest point, offering a panoramic view of the island surrounded by the vast ocean: relentless waves crashing against rocky shores, picturesque garlic and onion fields, and adorable tiny boats. However, perhaps the most unforgettable sensation is witnessing the crimson sunset enveloping the open sea.

According to Traveltimes.vn

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour