Ly Son Island: Visiting Vietnam’s Garlic Kingdom

Heading to Ly Son Island Soon?

Where to Stay: Booking.com is our trusted website for finding comfortable accommodations in Vietnam. Here are the top hotels to book on Ly Son Island.

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Budget

Ly Tri Ly Son Hotel

Mid-Range

Muong Thanh Holiday

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Best Time to Visit: June to September

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Getting to Ly Son: The best way to reach Ly Son is to fly to Quang Ngai and then take the ferry at Sa Ky Port. Book your ferry to Ly Son here!

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Vietnam’s Onion and Garlic Kingdom

Tucked away in northeastern Quang Ngai Province, Ly Son Island is a volcanic gem off Vietnam’s central coast. The island, shaped by lava eruptions 25 to 30 million years ago, is home to five extinct volcanoes, their craters still distinctly recognizable today.

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With an area of nearly 10km², the island is a paradise of blue seas, sandy beaches, and breathtaking cliffside viewpoints. Yet, Ly Son’s beauty extends beyond its landscapes. The island’s vast fields are a defining feature, and from above, what appears to be endless stretches of sand are actually 300 hectares of farmland, meticulously cultivated for its renowned garlic and onions. 

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Read: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam

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Ly Son Island Map

Discover Ly Son Island with our curated map, highlighting the key attractions, best viewpoints and our favorite spots to eat, drink, and stay.

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Things to Do on Ly Son Island

Though Ly Son may be small, it’s brimming with just the right mix of activities to make your visit unforgettable. From panoramic views to ancient pagodas, this charming island offers plenty to explore and enjoy.

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Here are the best places to visit on Ly Son Island you won’t want to miss.

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Ly Son’s Best Viewpoints

Rising 170 meters above sea level, Thoi Loi is the tallest of Ly Son Island’s five extinct volcanoes. Its crater, shaped like a giant basin, houses a reservoir that supplies the island with fresh water. From its summit, you can soak in sweeping panoramic views of the island and surrounding seas.

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Cliffside Viewpoint

The steep but paved road leading to Thoi Loi’s crater on the eastern side winds along the volcanic rim, revealing spectacular views at every turn. Near the top of the initial climb, just before the road splits, you’ll reach the first viewpoint, marked as Caycodon on Google Maps.  From here, you can take in sweeping views of rugged cliffs and waves crashing against the rocks below.

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This isn’t a formal viewing platform but rather an open cliffside area, so tread carefully. A small makeshift hut nearby sells refreshing coconuts and snacks, with plastic chairs where you can sit and enjoy the view.

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Read: Climbing Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh

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Ly Son’s Flagpole

West of the cliffside viewpoint, the road leads to Ly Son’s flagpole, where the Vietnamese flag stands tall at around 25 meters high. 

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Note: The road beyond the flagpole is restricted for military use, so access is limited.

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Erected in 2013, this flagpole was funded by students from all over the country, with support from various groups. It now stands as a proud symbol of unity and national pride.

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From the eastern flagpole of Ly Son, head to the Lung Cu flagpole, located at the peak of the Dong Van limestone karst plateau, marking the northernmost tip of Vietnam.

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Thoi Loi Peak

To reach the opposite side of the crater, head back to the first viewpoint and follow the steep, winding road south. At the top, you’ll find a large rock offering sweeping views of the expansive garlic and onion fields sprawling below. A short walk down the road leads to a peaceful freshwater lake nestled within the crater.

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Read: Climbing Chieu Lau Thi Peak in Ha Giang

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Ly Son’s Garlic Fields

What makes Ly Son truly unique is its distinctive farming technique. It’s the only place where a blend of basalt and sand from the sea is used to cultivate garlic and onion, which are planted in September or October and harvested by March.

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In the island’s southwest corner, you’ll find Olvis, a garlic processing facility. Here, you can buy premium onion and garlic products grown on Ly Son, along with unique items like garlic wine, black garlic, and seaweed. The friendly owner was very welcoming and even invited us to sample some of the garlic products.

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As you drive around the island, you’ll spot unusual floating devices made from makeshift materials drifting near the shore. These are machines used to dredge sand from the seafloor for farming purposes. Unfortunately, this ongoing dredging is a major contributor to soil erosion on the Island, which in turn harms coral reefs and seagrass beds.

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Heading to Vietnam for the first time? Get prepared with these 17 essential things to know before traveling to Vietnam.

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Sacred Temples and Pagodas

For a glimpse into Ly Son’s rich history, here are the temples and pagodas spread across the island that you can visit, all free of charge.

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Duc Pagoda

Perched on the northwest edge of the island in Tay Village, Duc Pagoda (Dinh Liem Tu) rests against the slopes of Gieng Tien, one of Ly Son’s extinct volcanoes.

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The pagoda is carved into the mountainside, with moss-covered shrines nestled deep within its rocky recesses. In front stands a 27-meter-high statue of Quan The Am, commanding panoramic views of the western coastline. Beyond the pagoda, a path ascends to the peak, offering a stunning view of the volcano’s crater.

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Tip: At the entrance of the pagoda, tarped stalls offer local snacks and drinks—great for a quick refreshment before or after you hike to the peak.

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Read: Visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang

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An Vinh Communal House

An Vinh Dinh Lang, located in Tay Village, is one of the oldest communal houses in the region, dating back to the early 18th century. Its architecture reflects the distinctive style of the Nguyen Dynasty, with a tiled roof, intricate dragon sculptures, and detailed carvings on its wooden pillars—features commonly seen in Hue.

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Designated as a national historical relic, the communal house honors the soldiers of the Hoang Sa Flotilla, a fleet of marine ships enlisted by the king during the 17th century under the Nguyen Dynasty. These sailors were tasked with patrolling the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Paracel and Spratly) archipelagos, measuring maritime routes, and setting sovereignty markers. Each year, the dangerous mission began with a ceremony at the An Vinh Communal House, where prayers for the sailors’ safety were offered, and incense was burned for their well-being.

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Today, the local community continues this tradition, honoring the sailors at the An Hai Village temple in the island’s southeastern part. The ceremony, held on the 16th day of the second lunar month, is followed by a lively boat race.

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Read: Best Tombs to Visit in Hue

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Whale Temple

Ly Son Island is home to two of Vietnam’s largest restored whale skeletons, each believed to be around 300 years old. Spanning 18 and 22 meters in length and nearly 4 meters in height, these incredible skeletons are displayed in a newly renovated space. Mounted on steel supports and set against coral-like rock structures, they create the illusion of whales swimming through the ocean.

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Whale temples play an important role in coastal life across Vietnam. Fishermen stop here to pray for calm seas and safe journeys, keeping this centuries-old tradition alive and well.

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Read: Visit the Whale Temple on Nam Du Island

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Hang Pagoda

Located at the foot of Thoi Loi Mountain, Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda) is within Ly Son’s largest cave. To reach this sacred site, climb around 40 stone steps that lead to a peaceful interior, where altars are formed from stalagmites with intricate carvings and ancient Cham stone pedestals.

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For more Cham architecture, visit the Po Klong Garai Tower near Nha Trang or the Banh It Cham Temples in Quy Nhon.

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Dao Be Island

On the northwest side of Ly Son lies Dao Be Island, also known as An Binh. This tiny island, covering less than a square kilometer, is perfect for a day trip. The south side boasts sandy beaches ideal for swimming, while the northern coast features secluded coves surrounded by cliffs, including the popular Hang Beach. Here, you’ll find coracle boats lining the white sands, available for rent.

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Getting to Dao Be Island

From Ly Son’s ferry port, it’s a 20-minute boat ride to Dao Be Island, with a roundtrip cost of 140,000vnd ($6). Upon arrival, you can use motorbikes or electric carts to get around. Boat departures are limited depending on the season, so be sure to check the port for the latest schedule.

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Read: Guide to Visiting Con Dao Island

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Eating and Drinking

In Ly Son, fresh seafood is always within reach. Whether it’s crabs, snails, or fish, the island offers a delicious taste of the sea. Most of the island’s restaurants are located near the port on the west side.

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Here are our top recommendations for restaurants to try.

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Dai Hang Restaurant: A favorite seafood spot on the island’s southwest corner, known for its delicious seaweed salad and lovely ocean views. 9am-11pm

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Chay Phat Tam: This buffet-style restaurant has no set menu and serves vegetarian rice dishes topped with fresh vegetables and a side of hot soup. 6am-9:30pm

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Nha Hang Hoang Khuyen: Enjoy fresh seafood at reasonable prices with rooftop seating that offers stunning sea views. Be sure to try the cua huynh de (frog crab), a local Ly Son specialty.

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Plan Your Trip to Ly Son Island

Here’s all the essential information to help you plan your visit to Ly Son Island, one of Vietnam’s coastal gems, brimming with stunning views and culture.

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How to Get to the Island

To reach Ly Son Island, catch the ferry from Sa Ky Port, just 23 kilometers from Quang Ngai center. You can either take a taxi or ride your motorbike, with parking available at the port for 5,000vnd (20 cents) per day.

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Ferries operate daily, and while tickets are available at the port, it’s recommended to book online at cangsaky.com.vn. Tickets start at 185,000vnd ($7), with the ferry ride taking about 45 minutes. If you wish to depart earlier, check at the counter. If seats are available, you can exchange your ticket for an additional 15,000vnd (less than a dollar).

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Note: Don’t forget to bring your passport and visa, as you’ll need to show them before boarding the ferry.

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How to Get Around

Although Ly Son Island is small, renting a motorbike is the most convenient way to explore its scenic spots. Upon arrival, locals at the port offer rentals for 150,000vnd ($6), which includes a full tank of gas. Alternatively, you can also arrange a rental in advance through any of the island’s homestays, and they’ll meet you at the port.

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Best Time to Visit

Ly Son Island is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from June to September when the weather is dry and sunny—perfect for water activities. The rainy season lasts from September to February, and ferries may be canceled during this time if the seas are rough.

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Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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Where to Stay

Most accommodations on Ly Son are located near the ferry port, along the west and southwest coasts. This area is convenient as it’s close to many restaurants. Find all accommodations on Ly Son island here.

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Budget

Ly Tri Ly Son Hotel

Mid-Range

Muong Thanh Holiday

How Long to Visit

While a day trip from Quang Ngai is possible, we recommend staying at least two days on Ly Son to explore its attractions, visit Dao Be Island, and fully soak in the relaxed atmosphere. If you wish to stay overnight on Dao Be, plan for an additional day.

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And that’s the complete guide to exploring Ly Son Island in Vietnam!

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For more island discoveries, venture south to the Mekong Delta and visit Hon Son Island, a secluded paradise off the beaten path. If you’re after a more vibrant, developed destination, hop on a ferry to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest and most sought-after island retreat.

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If you have any questions about Ly Son Island, leave them in the comment section below!