Story: Giang Nam
Photos: Thai Viet Hoan
Whether hiking its mountains or walking along its wave-washed shores, every step on Ly Son Island feels like touching millions of years of memories, its geological formations revealing traces of Earth’s ancient history. Nature has given Ly Son its two islands, Dao Lon (Big Island) and Dao Be (Small Island), like emerald jewels shining in the vast expanse of sea and sky.
Located in Quang Ngai province, Ly Son district covers just over 10 square kilometers, yet as your boat approaches Dao Lon, you’re met with a range of inviting places to explore. Locals often advise visitors to start with To Vo Gate.
Some 25 to 30 million years ago, volcanic eruptions formed these islands, leaving remarkable traces. During the eruption, streams of lava met seawater and solidified, creating a natural stone archway shaped by nature, the “master architect.” Though only about 2.5 meters high, To Vo Gate captures every visitor’s attention, whether you’re standing on the arch or taking photos with it in the background.
While To Vo Gate might be your first stop, Thoi Loi Mountain is a must-visit site on Ly Son. At the base of the mountain lies Cau Cave, a natural masterpiece. Formed by lava and sculpted over millions of years by wind and waves, Cau Cave is relatively small but stunning, with imposing rock formations reaching toward the sea. Here, visitors can swim, explore the white sandy beach beneath the cliffs, and climb the jagged rocks to admire the views. The cave is breathtaking from every angle, its curving layers of rock silently bearing witness to geological transformations and the wear of time.
Cau Cave also marks the starting point of a longer journey up Thoi Loi Mountain. A winding road takes travelers to the summit, nearly 170 meters high. The path traces the curve of an extinct volcanic crater, now a vast natural basin formed millions of years ago. At its deepest point lies a freshwater lake that has, for generations, supplied water to the island. From the summit, one can see fishing boats bobbing on the sea, fields of garlic, and peaceful villages. It’s also the perfect vantage point to glimpse a second volcanic peak, Gieng Tien Mountain. Named for its circular crater, which resembles an ancient coin, Gieng Tien has a funnel-like structure with a diameter of roughly 500 meters.
While Dao Lon impresses visitors with its volcanic peaks, Dao Be offers stunning crystalline waters that few places can rival. From Dao Lon, the smaller island appears like a green leaf floating on the gentle waves. The best time to visit Ly Son is in the summer, when the seas are calm. As their small boats approach Dao Be, travelers are often entranced by schools of fish darting beneath their boats. Though only 0.69 square kilometers, Dao Be offers a wealth of experiences. Some visitors choose to glide in basket boats or kayaks, glimpsing vibrant coral reefs and exotic sea life through the clear water. Others opt to swim or snorkel, enjoying the embrace of the ocean. For those keen to uncover the mysteries of the deep, scuba tours are available, complete with expert guides, wetsuits, and air tanks.
Earth has weathered billions of years, but few places allow you to truly witness the planet’s formative journey quite like Ly Son. This sets these islands apart and makes Ly Son an unforgettable place to visit.
