On Ly Son: Crater Formations and Island Traditions
On Ly Son, a landscape shaped by volcanic activity meets distinctive cultural traditions. Volcanic eruptions and tectonic shifts formed the island; its striking mountains are the rims of large craters. Cultural highlights include temples, ancestral houses and festivals, as well as local specialties.
Seven temples on Ly Son are dedicated to the sea gods. The New Whale Temples house Vietnam’s longest whale skeleton, measuring 28.7 meters. The 400-year-old Hang Pagoda is a cave pagoda 24 meters deep. An Vinh and An Hai are preserved ancestral houses in the architectural style of the Nguyễn dynasty.
The island’s festival traditions also tell its history. The Khao Le ceremony dates back 200 years and honors, in the third lunar month, the soldiers who protected the Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa archipelagos. At the beginning of the lunar year, the colorful Tứ Linh boat race also takes place. Since both events follow the lunar calendar, check the exact dates before traveling to attend them.
Ly Son’s night market offers local specialties such as the island’s signature garlic salad. Ly Son garlic grows in fertile basalt soil; seaweed fertilizer and coral sand are used in its cultivation. Farming and cuisine are as much a part of the island’s character as its temples and volcanic landscape.
Coast, Mangroves and Waterscapes
The crescent-shaped Mỹ Khê Beach lies between the mouths of the Sa Kỳ and Cổ Lũy rivers and is approximately five kilometers long. Bàu Cá Cái offers a different landscape: this area is a mangrove wetland covering about 200 hectares. Boat trips are available to visitors there.
Waterfalls and rivers also shape the destination’s natural attractions. Three major streams converge to form Pa Sy Waterfall amid lush jungle scenery. At Chư Mom Ray National Park, ecotourism is part of the park’s management and development activities.
Mang Den sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters in Quảng Ngãi Province and is surrounded by pristine pine forests. The area is suitable for hiking and cycling; horseback riding is also possible. Availability of activities may vary. Grilled chicken is considered a Mang Den specialty and is seasoned in the traditional highland style.
Getting Around: Viewpoints and Activities
At the Suối Chí ecotourism area, visitors can kayak on the lake. It was recognized as a provincial-level tourist area on April 16, 2025. For hikers, a trekking trail leads to the summit of Thác Trắng in Minh Long, offering many beautiful landscape views.
There are paths along the shore of Dak Ke Lake, and canoeing, fishing and carriage rides are also possible. Availability of these activities may vary. On Ly Son, the summit of Thới Lới offers panoramic views. The island’s French colonial lighthouse is designated as a sunset viewpoint; access to viewpoints may vary. Check current accessibility before visiting.
You can reach Ly Son by speedboat from Sa Kỳ Port in 30 to 60 minutes, or by ferry from Đà Nẵng in about two hours. Schedules and connections may change; check the latest information before traveling.
Places of Remembrance and Craftsmanship
Salt production in Sa Huynh dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can observe the traditional salt-making process firsthand; specific arrangements may vary. This craft offers a different perspective on local culture from Ly Son’s temples and festivals: here, the focus is on a working process shaped over generations.
The Sơn Mỹ Memorial Site preserves historical memories and serves to pass on revolutionary traditions. It is a destination for many domestic and international visitors who value peace. The ancient Châu Sa Citadel is another trace of Quảng Ngãi’s ancient culture.
Discover more destinations: Quảng Ngãi, Sa Huỳnh, Kon Tum, Kien Giang, Haiphong, Bắc Ninh, Bến Tre, Nam Định
For the broader travel overview: Vietnam.
