Ly Son, a frontline island of the nation in Quang Ngai province, has long been known as the "Garlic Kingdom" or the "Maldives of Vietnam". With the pristine beauty of its blue sea, white sand, millions-of-years-old volcanic sedimentary cliffs, and vast garlic fields, Ly Son has become a dream destination for all travel enthusiasts. If you are planning a trip for 2026, this article will serve as a comprehensive guide, providing all the experience, itinerary, and most prominent locations for you to have a complete and memorable journey exploring Ly Son.

When is the best time to visit Ly Son?

Choosing the right time to visit Ly Son is a crucial factor in the success of your trip. Each season gives Ly Son a unique beauty, but for the best experience, you should consider the following periods:

• From June to September: This is considered the most ideal time to travel to Ly Son. The weather is sunny, the sea is clear blue and calm, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and traveling to Be Island (An Binh Island). The bright golden sun also makes your check-in photos more brilliant than ever.
• From September to December: This is the garlic planting season in Ly Son. If you want to admire the lush green garlic fields stretching to the horizon, breathe in the characteristic pungent aroma, and learn about the local people's lives, this is an unbeatable time. However, this period may have storms, so you should check the weather forecast carefully before you go.
• From April to May: This is the transitional season, with pleasant weather, less rain, and not too harsh sun. The number of tourists is not as crowded as in the summer, giving you a more peaceful and comfortable trip.

Overall, the summer from June to September remains the top choice for those who love the sea, islands, and water activities.

How to get to Ly Son?

To reach Ly Son Island, you need to travel in two stages: from the mainland to Quang Ngai and from Sa Ky Port to the island.

Stage 1: Traveling to Quang Ngai

• By Plane: This is the fastest and most convenient option. You can book a flight to Chu Lai Airport (Quang Nam), the closest airport to Sa Ky Port. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Sa Ky Port (about 50km).
• By Train: If you have more time and want to enjoy the scenery, you can take a train to Quang Ngai Station. From the station, a taxi ride of about 20km will take you to Sa Ky Port.
• By Coach Bus: Sleeper bus companies operate routes to Quang Ngai from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This is a budget-friendly option but takes more time.

Stage 2: From Sa Ky Port to Ly Son Island

From Sa Ky Port, you will take a high-speed ferry to Ly Son Island. The travel time is about 35-60 minutes depending on the type of boat and weather conditions. The ticket price ranges from 150,000 - 200,000 VND per trip. An important note is to book your ferry tickets online in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to avoid sold-out situations. You should also be at the port at least 30 minutes before departure to complete the procedures.

Where to stay in Ly Son?

Ly Son's tourism has developed strongly in recent years, so the accommodation system is quite diverse, from hotels and guesthouses to homestays. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose:

• Homestays: The top choice for those who want to experience the local culture and get close to the people. Homestays in Ly Son are often beautifully decorated, clean, and reasonably priced. Some also offer beautiful sea views.
• Hotels/Guesthouses: Mainly concentrated in the area near the port and the island's center. Hotels provide basic amenities, suitable for families or groups of friends who need privacy and comfort. Muong Thanh Ly Son Hotel is currently the most upscale option on the island.
• Accommodation on Be Island: If you want to enjoy absolute tranquility and pristine beauty, you can choose to stay overnight at a homestay on Be Island. This experience will surely be unforgettable.

Suggested 3-day, 2-night itinerary for Ly Son?

This is a popular and reasonable reference itinerary to fully explore the beauty of Ly Son. To have a complete travel experience and explore all the beautiful tourist destinations, detailed planning is essential.

Day 1: Hello Ly Son – Exploring the Big Island

• Morning: Travel to Sa Ky Port, take the high-speed ferry to Ly Son Island. Check into your hotel/homestay, rest, and have lunch.
• Afternoon: Rent a motorbike to start your exploration. Visit Hang Pagoda, an ancient pagoda located in a natural cave by the sea. Then, conquer Thoi Loi Peak, enjoy a panoramic view of Ly Son, and check in at the National Flagpole.
• Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at seaside restaurants. Take a walk and enjoy the fresh island air at night.

Day 2: Be Island Paradise – Sunset at To Vo Gate

• Morning: Wake up early, take a canoe to Be Island (An Binh). This place is likened to the Maldives of Vietnam with crystal clear water and fine white sand. You can freely swim and snorkel (coracle boat and goggle rental services are available).
• Noon: Have lunch with fresh seafood prepared right on Be Island.
• Afternoon: Return to the Big Island. Head to To Vo Gate, a beautiful natural lava rock arch. This is the most ideal place to watch the sunset over the island.
• Evening: Explore local cuisine with specialties like garlic salad and 'banh it la gai'.

Day 3: Farewell, Ly Son

• Morning: Wake up early to watch the sunrise at Hang Cau. Afterwards, visit a garlic field, learn about the garlic growing process, and buy authentic Ly Son garlic as souvenirs.
• Noon: Have lunch, pack your luggage, and head to the port to take the high-speed ferry back to the mainland, ending your Ly Son exploration journey.

What are the must-visit attractions in Ly Son?

Ly Son is one of the key frontline islands on the map of Vietnam travel. This place possesses many unique landscapes created from volcanic lava:

• To Vo Gate: Dubbed the "gate to heaven," this is a natural rock arch about 2.5m high, a result of millions of years of volcanic activity. Sunset is when To Vo Gate becomes most magical and romantic.
• Thoi Loi Peak and National Flagpole: As the highest extinct volcano peak on the island, from here you can capture the entire panorama of the island district, from the green garlic fields to the multi-colored sea. The towering National Flagpole is a symbol of sacred maritime sovereignty.
• Hang Cau: Located at the foot of Thoi Loi Mountain, Hang Cau has a wild, majestic beauty with the sea on one side and a sheer cliff on the other, eroded by waves and wind into strange shapes.
• Be Island (An Binh): True to its name (meaning 'small island'), it is a small island but possesses mesmerizing beauty. The seawater here is so clear that you can see the colorful coral reefs below.
• Hang Pagoda (Thien Khong Thach Tu): A unique pagoda located deep inside a large cave at the foot of Thoi Loi Mountain. The serene, solemn space amidst majestic nature brings an unusual sense of peace.

What to eat in Ly Son?

The journey to explore Ly Son would not be complete without experiencing its unique cuisine, especially the fresh seafood and the famous garlic specialties:

• Ly Son Garlic Salad: A "one-of-a-kind" dish made from the stalk of male garlic, mixed with herbs, peanuts, and spices. The salad has a mild spicy, crispy, and sweet taste that is very unique.
• Seafood: Don't miss the chance to enjoy King crab (Cua Huynh De), sea urchin, giant conch, and devil scorpionfish, which are caught daily and prepared in a rustic style to retain their natural fresh sweetness.
• Banh It La Gai: A specialty cake with a sweet taste from the mung bean filling, a chewy texture from glutinous rice, and the characteristic aroma of ramie leaves.
• Xu Xoa: A refreshing dessert made from a type of seaweed, eaten with ginger-infused sugar syrup, perfect for hot summer days.

Hopefully, with these detailed sharings, you have an overview and are ready for your upcoming Ly Son trip in 2026. Prepare your luggage and set off to experience the wonderful beauty of this pearl island for yourself!