Ly son

#island Location & Geography • Ly Son lies about 30 km off the coast of Quảng Ngãi Province and is the only inhabited island in the region. It comprises Big Island (Đảo Lớn), Small Island (Đảo Bé), and the Mu Cu islet . • The landscape is shaped by extinct volcanoes, which have formed dramatic craters, tuff rings, lava cliffs, and coral-rich beaches . ⸻ 🌄 Key Attractions & Natural Beauty Volcano Viewpoints & Formations • Thoi Loi (Water) Mountain – the tallest peak (≈170 m), with a freshwater crater lake and a 20–27 m flagpole offering panoramic sea views, including the Hoàng Sa archipelago . • Gieng Tien, another extinct volcano, features the Duc Pagoda and a large statue of Quan Am (Goddess of Mercy) with sweeping coastal views . Iconic Geological Spots • Tò Vò Arch (Heaven’s Gate) – a natural volcanic rock arch (~2.5 m high) surrounded by jagged black cliffs . • Hang Cau (Cau Cave) – a dramatic cliff-edge rock formation at the base of Thoi Loi . Beaches & Marine Areas • Hang Cau Beach and Chua Hang Beach – set beneath cliffs with volcanic rocks and clear waters perfect for snorkeling . • Ngang Beach on Little Island is noted for stunning turquoise water and snorkeling opportunities . Satellite Islands • An Binh (Small) Island – connected by ferry (~15–20 min), ideal for beaches, coracle rides, murals, and a laid-back picnic vibe . • Mu Cu – linked by a seawall causing a rugged lighthouse viewpoint, great for sunrise/sunset photography . ⸻ 🛕 Cultural & Spiritual Sites • Dozens of temples and shrines, including cave pagodas 24 m deep, often with Cham roots . • The Whale Temple(s) – sacred whale skeletons (largest ~28 m) used by fishing communities to pray for safe seas . • An Vinh Communal House – dating from the early 1700s, dedicated to Hoàng Sa sailors, still used during maritime ceremony . ⸻ 🧂 Local Produce & Culinary Delights • Garlic Kingdom – Ly Son’s volcanic soil (~basalt + coral sand) produces premium garlic, used widely in dishes and sold as value-adds (garlic wine, black garlic) . • Famous dishes include garlic salad, jellyfish salad, sea urchins, conch with chili–lemongrass, spanner crab, giant clam, and bánh ít lá gai (glutinous rice cake) . ⸻ 🎉 Festivals & Cultural Events • Khao Le The Linh Hoàng Sa – a 200+‑year‑old ceremony in the 3rd lunar month to honor sailors protecting the Hoàng Sa and Trường Sa islands . • Tu Linh Boat Race Festival – early in the lunar year, with races featuring boats shaped like dragons, turtles, unicorns, and phoenixes . Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -