Ly Son Island, a frontier island of Vietnam in Quang Ngai province, has long been famous for its pristine beauty, emerald-clear sea water, and vast garlic fields. Dubbed the "Jeju of Vietnam," Ly Son is not only an attractive sea travel destination but also a place that preserves unique cultural and historical values. If you are planning a memorable trip, this article will serve as a comprehensive guide, answering all your questions from choosing the ideal time to visit to exploring the distinctive local cuisine.

When is the best season to visit Ly Son Island?

Choosing the right time to travel is a decisive factor for a successful trip. Ly Son's climate is divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Each season has its own charm, but for the most complete experience, you should consider carefully.

• Summer (from April to August): This is considered the most ideal time for Ly Son travel. During this period, the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the water is crystal clear, which is very favorable for swimming, scuba diving to see coral, and traveling between islands. The clear blue sky and bright golden sun will give you stunning check-in photos. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so you should book ferry tickets and hotel rooms in advance.
• Garlic planting season (from September to December): If you want to explore the characteristic culture of the Garlic Island, this is an unmissable time. You will get to admire the lush, vast green garlic fields and learn about the farming process of the local people. The weather at this time begins to have rain but not too heavy, and the sea is still quite calm.
• Rainy and stormy season (from October to January of the next year): This is the period you should avoid visiting Ly Son. The sea is rough with frequent rain and storms, and boat services may be suspended, greatly affecting your schedule and safety.

How to get to Ly Son Island?

To set foot on this beautiful island, you need to go through two main stages: getting to Quang Ngai and then taking a ferry to the island.

Stage 1: Traveling to Quang Ngai City

• By plane: You can book a flight to Chu Lai Airport (Quang Nam), the nearest airport to Quang Ngai. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Sa Ky Port (about 50km).
• By train: Quang Ngai Station is a stop on the North-South railway line, which is very convenient for those who want to experience train travel.
• By coach: Most provinces have coach routes to Quang Ngai, which is a cost-effective option.

Stage 2: Taking a ferry from Sa Ky Port to Ly Son Island

From the center of Quang Ngai city, travel to Sa Ky Port (about 20km). Here, you will buy a high-speed ferry ticket to the island. The journey by sea takes about 30-45 minutes. Important note: You should book ferry tickets online a few days in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid them being sold out. Don't forget to bring your ID card for the ticket purchasing procedure.

What are the must-see attractions in Ly Son?

Ly Son consists of two main islands, Lon Island (Big Island) and Be Island (An Binh Island), each with its own unique and unmissable attractions.

On Lon Island (Big Island):

• To Vo Gate: This is the symbol of Ly Son tourism. A natural lava rock arch located by the sea, it is an ideal spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. The magnificent beauty of To Vo Gate will surely amaze you.
• Thoi Loi Peak: An extinct volcano, Thoi Loi Peak is the highest point on the island. From here, you can get a panoramic view of Ly Son with its checkerboard-patterned garlic fields, the vast sea, and a freshwater lake at the top of the mountain.
• Hang Pagoda (Thien Khong Thach Tu): A unique pagoda located inside a large cave eroded by sea waves over millions of years. The serene and solemn space amidst majestic nature brings an unusual sense of peace.
• National Flagpole on Thoi Loi Peak: Standing under the red flag with a golden star fluttering in the wind, facing the East Sea, you will feel a stronger sense of national pride and sacred maritime sovereignty.
• Cau Cave: Located at the foot of Thoi Loi mountain, Cau Cave features a vertical cliff on one side and the vast blue sea on the other, creating an incredibly impressive landscape.

On Be Island (An Binh):

True to its name, Be Island is small in size but possesses a beauty often compared to the "Maldives of Vietnam." To get to Be Island, you will take a 15-minute canoe ride from Lon Island. It has beaches with fine white sand, crystal-clear water where you can see the bottom, and colorful coral reefs. This is the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling.

What to eat when traveling in Ly Son?

Culinary exploration is an indispensable part of any trip. Ly Son's cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood and garlic specialties.

• Ly Son Garlic Salad: A one-of-a-kind dish that defines the island's brand. The stalks of male garlic are peeled, lightly steamed, then mixed with roasted peanuts, herbs, and sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a crispy, mildly spicy, and very unique flavor.
• Fresh Seafood: Don't miss the chance to enjoy King crab, sea urchin, elephant trunk snail, and ta ma fish... caught daily. You can enjoy them at restaurants or buy directly from fishermen and have them prepared. Sea urchin porridge is a nutritious and delicious dish you must try.
• Ly Son Fish Cake Noodles: A clear, sweet broth made from fish bones, chewy and delicious fish cakes made from fresh fish, served with fresh herbs, is a great choice for breakfast.
• Banh It La Gai (Ramie Leaf Sticky Rice Dumplings): A rustic, fragrant, and chewy cake with a sweet mung bean filling, making it a meaningful local gift to bring back for your loved ones.

What are some important tips for traveling to Ly Son?

To make your trip even more perfect, keep these few small tips in mind:

• Book services early: Always book ferry tickets, plane tickets, and hotel rooms in advance, especially during holidays and the summer season.
• Prepare cash: There are few ATMs on the island and card payments are limited, so you should prepare enough cash.
• Transportation on the island: Renting a motorbike is the most popular and convenient option to explore every corner of Lon Island. A trip backpacking in Quang Ngai and around Ly Son island by motorbike will be an unforgettable experience.
• Protect the environment: Ly Son is a beautiful but also very fragile island. Let's join hands to protect the landscape by not littering and limiting the use of single-use plastics.
• Attire and necessary items: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. If you visit pagodas or temples, choose polite attire.

Ly Son has not only blue seas, white sands, and golden sunshine but also warm-hearted people and a unique culture. Hopefully, with the detailed information shared above, you have enough to confidently plan your trip to conquer the "garlic kingdom." Wishing you a journey full of joy and memorable moments!

Related Posts:

• Top 10 Most Luxurious Resorts in Mui Ne - Phan Thiet
• Phu Quy Island: The Ultimate A-Z Guide for Independent Travel
• Discover Vung Tau: Top Emerging Destinations for 2026