Here are the top things to do in Ly Son Island – a beautiful hidden island in Vietnam. The article covers all great places to visit and a comprehensive list of foods for your stomach in Ly Son, Quang Ngai.

Where to visit in Ly Son Island? 

Mount Thoi Loi (Núi Thới Lới)

The highest peak of Ly Son was once an active volcano. Though now disabled, the mountain still attracts many backpackers who enjoy the panoramic view of the island from its peak. For those photographers who want a few pictures of this gorgeous island, this is where you should head to. The mountain is attractive not only for the exclusive scenery that it brings but also because it is the location of the only fresh water supply on the island as well as that of the National flagpole.

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Mu Cu islet (Hòn Mù Cu)

Located about 3,2km to the East of Ly Son, Mu Cu islet is one of the must-see destinations for any tourists who are visiting the island. The ideal time to visit the islet is right before dawn so that you can observe the spectacular scenery here when the sun comes up. The converging black stones create a unique architecture that adds up to the sunlight to create a breathtaking view for anyone.

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Duc Temple and the Guanyin statue (Chùa Đục)

To reach this stunning temple on top of Mount Gieng Tien, you will have to climb over 100 steps along the mountainside. It is a tiring trip, but worth the while. Standing tall on the top of the mountain is a 27m Guanyin statue that will definitely amaze you. Tourists also visit the mountain to have a look of its fascinating mouth, which has turned into a beautiful concave meadow ever since the volcano became disabled.

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Hang Temple (Chùa Hang)

Located to the North of Mount Thoi Loi, the Hang temple is the place where you will find yourself stunned by the beauty of this place. Come to the temple and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as well as the panoramic view of the Ly Son island. The temple has had a long history with the people of the place. Carvings on the limestone mountain show that the first visitors to Ly Son island founded An Hai and An Vinh village and built this temple. Now, it is the place for residents of the island to seek fortune and blessings in their voyages.

To Vo gate (Cổng Tò Vò)

Only a few kilometers from the center of Ly Son island, but the To Vo gate is one of the most impressive places to visit when you come to Ly Son. To Vo gate is considered one of the must-visit attractions for photographers for the imposing scenery it provides as well as the wonderful lighting at the place. The best time to see the To Vo gate is at dawn, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience watching the sunrise here.

Cau cave (Hang Câu)

This cave is one of the lesser known destinations on the island, but it is the beauty of the untouched landscape that makes it worth paying a visit. The cave is carved into the mountain and sea of the island with one side surrounded by the ocean and the other lying deep in the mountains. The beauty of the Cau cave lies in its wildness, majestic surrounding as well as the delicate blend of water and land.  

Be island (Đảo Bé)

Renowned for its pristine, white sand and crystal-clear water, the Be island is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers wanting to experience a sense of wilderness and harmony. Here, you will also find endless garlic fields, impressive volcanoes as well as a fascinating sunrise. Ships from Ly Son leaves for the island at 8 and returns at 14:30 every day. However, keep in mind that the Be island is not for those expecting the same conveniences as they can find in their hotels, there is no fresh water on the island.

What to eat in Ly Son Island?

Often referred to as the Garlic Island, Ly Son island is famous not only for its magnificent sceneries but also for its diverse culinary culture. Ranging from the one-and-only garlic salad, and garlic wine to a wide variety of seafood and Ly Son’s unique bánh ít (glutinous rice cake with ramie leaves). When you have a chance to visit this lovely island someday, remember to try and admire its fascinating cuisines.

Ly Son garlic

There are no other spices in the world that can be made into such delicate dishes like the Ly Son garlic. The island is most famous for its Lonely Garlic, or the single-clove garlic, which carries a gentle aroma and a slight taste of spiciness. The most popular option for the first taste of this spice is the Ly Son garlic salad. In this cuisine, the garlic is chopped and steamed until softened. Then it is mixed with sugar, pepper, salt, and lime. Finally, fried peanut is sprinkled onto the mixture. Though a very easy food to make, the unique taste and scent of the dish will definitely stay in your memories. Those who want a more extraordinary taste might as well try the garlic wine of the island. Made entirely from the precious Lonely garlic of the island, this drink not only brings you a wonderful tasting experience, but also helps tremendously with many health problems, like blood cholesterol, acts as a natural Aspirin, and even helps against cancer.

Sea snails

Visit any of Vietnam’s coastal area and the one food that you will always find is sea snail. Clams, abalones, oysters, cockles, mussels, and scallops are all popular choices you will find in a typical Vietnamese party. Here in Ly Son, you will not only have a chance to try all of these options with all their freshness but also an alternative that will definitely please even the daintiest tourists, the sea urchins. This strange animal looks exactly like what its name suggests, but do not let its thorny appearance fool you, the soft meat can be made into the most delicious porridge you have ever tried. The enhanced sweetness, saltiness and lusciousness of the heated dish will surely leave you speechless. Another type of snail that Ly Son take pride in is the conch. For the best experience, conches are often grilled or sautéed with chili and lemongrass, both of which brings out the freshness of the food but perfectly leaves out the fishy taste.

The Spanner crabs

The spanner crab is among the must-try for anyone who plans to visit Ly Son. Not only will this animal impress you with its bright red armor and razor-sharp pincers but also with the sweet and nutritious meat it offers. The Spanner crab was once referred to as the King crab  (indeed its Vietnamese name still means the King), and used to be served only for the Kings of Vietnam. Nowadays, with the rise of tourism to Ly Son island, it has become more popular with everyone. Note that, however, the Spanner crab is not available all year round. Rather, it is best for tourists to do some research beforehand since there are also other dishes that are available only in particular seasons.

Bánh ít lá gai (glutinous rice cake with ramie leaves)

This cone-shaped cake is one of the most popular snacks among Vietnamese, and the women of Ly Son know how to make the best ones in the whole country. The bánh ít is a fine combination between the strong aroma of the sticky rice, and the sweet, fatty taste of sugar and coconut extract. Adding to these intense flavors is the familiar scent of peanut oil and banana leaves. Unlike other food, this snack is at its best state on the second or third day after baking, and may even last for more than a week. Banh it is a traditional gift to the ancestors and the gods on Vietnamese holidays, especially on the Lunar New Year. On the island, this cake is often connected with the non-stop conversations about the people’s working life and fishing trips far at sea, in the cozy, loving atmosphere of the holidays. It is during these conversations that you will come to be fascinated by life on this island.

Ta Ma fish (ghost fish)

This black-skinned fish is one of the most wanted food on the island, for they are especially good at hiding and are incredibly hard to catch. The dish they are served in depends much on the season. Most often, its grilled ta ma for the winter, and ta ma porridge, soup with herbs, or ta ma hot pot for the summer. In summer, people enjoy the delicious, sweet porridge, which tastes good not only for the fish’s sweetness but also for the unique broth.

Giant clam

The giant clam is a very large species of sea snails. The largest giant clams can be as big as an adult human’s spread hand, and weigh up to half a kilo. They are the tastiest. The fishermen usually catch alive and keep them in a tank, handy for cooking. For a quick snack, they are often steamed in hot water until the meat is as clear as that of a fresh squid. Another option includes the clam porridge and the clam salad, both of which are very much liked by tourists.

Read our full Ly Son Travel Guide here

Read our full Quang Ngai Province Guide here