Ly Son Island — known as Vietnam’s “Kingdom of Garlic” — is a volcanic jewel featuring dramatic cliffs, million-year-old lava formations, and clear turquoise waters. This 2-day itinerary is designed to help travelers experience both the island’s raw natural beauty and its heroic maritime history.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: The Majestic East & Historical Footprints
Focus on exploring historical landmarks and the island’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
Morning: Transit & The Hoang Sa Flotilla
- 07:30 – 09:30: Depart from Sa Ky Port to Ly Son Island (it is highly recommended to book high-speed boat tickets online in advance). Travel time is approximately 35-45 minutes.
- 10:00: Check in to your hotel (choose the Central Pier area for convenience) and rent a motorbike.
- 10:30: Visit the Hoang Sa Flotilla Commemoration House (Nhà trưng bày Hải đội Hoàng Sa). This museum preserves precious artifacts and documents affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the sea and honors the “Hoang Sa Soldiers” of the past.
- 11:30: Recharge with a fresh seafood lunch.
Afternoon: Conquering Peaks & Ancient Caves
- 14:00: Hang Pagoda (Thien Khong Thach Tu): A unique temple situated deep inside the island’s largest cave. The atmosphere is serene and naturally cool due to underground springs.
- 15:30: Conquer Thoi Loi Peak (The highest point on the island).
- Check-in at the National Flag Pole: A symbol of pride facing the East Sea.
- View the Thoi Loi Crater Lake: A freshwater lake nestled in the mouth of an extinct volcano, supplying water to the island.
- 16:30: Cau Cave (Hang Cau): Located at the foot of Thoi Loi Mountain. You will be overwhelmed by the vertical cliffs featuring magnificent lava sediment textures eroded by wind and waves over millions of years.
- 17:30: Visit An Hai Village Communal House – A National Historical and Cultural Relic with ancient architecture.
Evening: Stroll through the Ly Son Night Market and enjoy fresh seafood right by the embankment.
DAY 2: Volcanic Sediments & Spiritual Culture in the West
Explore the West of the island with spiritual destinations and unique geological features before returning to the mainland.
Morning: Sunrise & Temple Visits
- 05:30: Catch the sunrise at To Vo Gate (Cổng Tò Vò). This is Vietnam’s most beautiful natural lava stone arch. Visiting early helps you avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
- 07:00: Enjoy a local breakfast (Fish cake noodles or Sea urchin porridge).
- 08:00: Explore the Western cluster:
- Gieng Tien Volcano & Duc Pagoda (Chùa Đục): Hike up the slope of Gieng Tien mountain to visit Duc Pagoda and the 27-meter Guan Yin statue facing the sea. The soil here is fertile red basalt, used for covering garlic fields.
- Am Linh Tu Temple: A place of worship for the souls of Hoang Sa soldiers and fishermen lost at sea.
- An Vinh Village Communal House: An ancient communal house associated with the traditional “Feast for the Soldiers of Hoang Sa.”
- Whale Skeleton Exhibition House (Lang Tan): Admire the largest whale skeleton in the region, worshipped by fishermen as “Nam Hai Jade General” (a protective deity).
- 10:00: Stop by the central market to buy souvenirs: “Lonely” garlic (single-clove garlic), purple shallots, black garlic, and dried seaweed.
Noon: Departure
- 11:00: Have lunch and check out of the hotel.
- 13:00: Board the high-speed boat back to Sa Ky Port. End of the journey.
What to Eat in Ly Son? (Food & Restaurants)
Ly Son cuisine carries the distinct taste of the sea and the aroma of garlic. Here is a list of must-try dishes and reliable spots:
Must-Try Specialties
Garlic Salad (Gỏi tỏi): An exclusive dish made from the stalk of the male garlic plant, steamed and mixed with spices. It is crunchy and not pungent at all.
Seaweed Salad (Gỏi rong biển): Fresh, crunchy, and cooling seaweed.
Ly Son Fish Cake (Chả cá): Made from fresh red fusilier fish, offering a natural chewy texture.
Turban Snail (Ốc cừ): A snail species specific to the island, with sweet and crunchy meat.
King Crab (Cua Huỳnh Đế): (Season from December to April) – Known as the King of crabs.
Recommended Restaurants
Hai Au / Phat Hai / Long Hien Restaurants (Pier Area):
Pros: Fresh seafood in tanks, diverse cooking styles, clear prices. Good for lunch and dinner.
Ut Ngoc Seafood Rice:
Pros: Delicious rice sets, extensive menu, affordable prices.
Fish Cake Noodles (Bun Cha Ca):
Tip: Street-side breakfast stalls near the pier often serve very delicious and cheap noodles (about 25,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl).
Drinks: Try seaweed water or black garlic passion fruit juice at cafes with sea views near To Vo Gate.
Travel Tips for a Perfect Trip
Ticket Booking: It is advisable to book high-speed boat tickets online at least 1 week in advance if traveling during peak season or weekends.
Attire: The sun and wind in Ly Son can be harsh. Prepare wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.
Transportation: A motorbike is the most flexible way to get around. The roads on the island are now paved with concrete and are very easy to navigate.
