From Quang Ngai Province, Ly Son can be reached by boat from Sa Ky fishing port at 8 a.m. every morning.

The island is distinguished for its vast garlic fields with pungent aroma. That explains why Ly Son is called the kingdom of garlic.

The island has a diverse ecosystem. It has five mountains, namely Thoi Loi, Gieng Tien, Hon Vung, Hon Soi and Hoi Tai. The magnificent mountains entice tourists with mysterious caves, imposing waterfalls, and splendid rivers and lakes.

The mountainsides covered with green cornfields are studded with old, charming houses.  Along the mountains are stunning beaches full of colorful rocks, pebbles and corals.

Nestled in the Thoi Li Mountain is the Hang Pagoda, a peaceful sanctuary with ancient architecture surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Not only accommodating various valuable historical and cultural relics, Ly Son Island also embraces legends associated with many folk and traditional festivals such as Tet holiday, boat race, hat boi (traditional Vietnamese opera), fish worshipping, and especially ceremonies to pay homage to solders who died in battles in Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) islands.

The island is also considered a living museum for Hoang Sa’s artifacts.  An Vinh Temple worships the ancestors who explored and reclaimed the land four centuries ago.   It also hosts an offering ceremony to sailors who sacrificed themselves in missions on the East Sea and an offering ceremony to the souls of Hoang Sa and Truong Sa soldiers in the third lunar month of every year.

The island has a 374-square-meter museum displaying more than 1,000 documents, photos and artifacts associated with the heroic Hoang Sa and Truong Sa troops. The island also holds a cemetery for the late Hoang Sa soldiers.

Many artifacts of Sa Huynh and Cham Cultures were discovered on Ly Son Island. The Thien Yana and old houses are evidence for Sa Huynh and Cham’s ancient civilizations.

Some photos of the island:

SGT/VNE/VNN