Experience of traveling to Ly Son island on your own is still enough to experience

Looking eastward from the mainland, Ly Son Island appears as a turquoise gem nestled in the sea. Once known primarily as the kingdom of garlic, it has gradually transformed into a destination with strong appeal to travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural authenticity. Not yet overcrowded by mass tourism, Ly Son retains its raw charm, open atmosphere, and a deeply local spirit. To fully immerse in its rhythm of life, one needs more than just a camera and sandals. A well-prepared itinerary makes every moment truly worthwhile.

The best way to get to Ly Son is to begin from Da Nang or Quang Ngai. Airlines offer multiple flights to Chu Lai, the nearest airport to the island, with fares ranging from nine hundred thousand to one and a half million dong if booked early. From Chu Lai Airport, a taxi or private car to Sa Ky Port takes about one hour and fifteen minutes, costing around four hundred and fifty thousand dong. A more economical alternative is to take an overnight bus to Quang Ngai and then continue by car to the port. High-speed ferry tickets from Sa Ky to Ly Son cost between one hundred sixty eight thousand and two hundred thousand dong depending on the carrier and timing. The boats operate during daylight hours only, so booking in advance is essential during peak season.

Upon arrival, the first question is what to eat. Ly Son’s cuisine is rustic and genuine. One must-try specialty is garlic salad, a unique dish made from crunchy white garlic stems mixed with Vietnamese coriander, crushed peanuts, and a sweet and sour fish sauce. Ly Son garlic has a distinctive mild spiciness with a sweet aftertaste that cannot be found elsewhere. Other local highlights include cử snail, Huynh De crab, grilled sea urchin, and ta ma fish wrapped in banana leaves and chargrilled. For delicious seafood at local prices, try visiting the Ly Son night market or ask residents to recommend trusted eateries. Some small places like Bien Nho, Tiem Ca, and Dai Hang do not have flashy signs but are always full of locals.

For accommodations, the island offers a range from simple homestays to beachfront hotels. Those who love waking up to the sound of waves might enjoy Central Ly Son, which features sea-facing rooms and a decent breakfast buffet. Travelers seeking a homier feel might prefer Hang Cau, Gio Bien, or An Vinh homestays, with prices between two hundred fifty and four hundred thousand dong per night. For groups of young adventurers, camping overnight on Thoi Loi Peak or near Hang Cau makes for a memorable experience. Just bring a tent, drinking water, and some snacks and let nature handle the rest.

Ly Son is not short of things to do, yet it remains free of artificial attractions. One of the top experiences is hiking up Thoi Loi Mountain, an ancient dormant volcano. From the summit, visitors enjoy a sweeping view of the island’s garlic fields, nearby Be Island, and the surrounding blue ocean. On clear mornings, the sunrise seen from the crater edge is nothing short of magical. Another can’t-miss spot is Hang Cau, where dramatic rock cliffs meet the crashing waves. The sound of the sea and wind against the rocks creates a natural symphony that resonates long after leaving.

Be Island, located just off the coast, feels like a different world. There are no motorbikes here, only electric carts and cobbled paths that wind along coral reefs and white sand beaches. A short fifteen minute boat ride takes visitors there, and it is worth spending a half day snorkeling, swimming at Bai Sau, and wandering through the quiet tile-roofed houses covered in moss. The seaside paths, lined with stone walls and vibrant bougainvillea, make for perfect photo backdrops. Arriving early in the morning ensures gentle light and calm waters, ideal for capturing that dreamy island vibe.

Popular photo spots include Hang Cau and Thoi Loi Peak. Hang Cau looks its best between seven and nine in the morning when the sun is soft and the sea is clear. Shooting upward from the base of the cliff adds dramatic depth to the frame. A wide-angle lens works well to capture both the rocky backdrop and ocean. Thoi Loi is most photogenic at sunset, with golden light draping across the slopes. Another underrated spot is the garlic fields after harvest, where brown earth and dry straw create a rustic scene that’s both unique and nostalgic. The best time to photograph this landscape is in the late afternoon when the light is warm and even.

To enjoy a smooth and affordable trip, a few practical tips are essential. Avoid weekends or public holidays to escape crowds, room shortages, or inflated prices. The best time to visit Ly Son is between May and July, when the weather is calm and skies are clear. Booking round-trip ferry tickets early can save time and money. It is also advisable not to buy seafood near the port, as prices there may be considerably marked up. When renting a motorbike, always check the condition of the vehicle, take photos beforehand, and clarify return times. Some hotels offer reliable rentals at around one hundred twenty thousand dong per day, including a liter of fuel.

On Be Island, shops and eateries are limited, so it is wise to bring water and light snacks. Swim early in the morning or after three in the afternoon to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion. Waves in certain areas can be strong, so heed safety signs. Phone signals may be weak in some remote parts of the island, so it is helpful to download offline maps or ask locals for directions. Most residents are friendly and willing to help, especially when treated with respect. It is also important not to walk into farmland or restricted areas without permission.

Ly Son is not a place to breeze through. It is a journey to absorb and reflect. Here, each wave, rock, garlic field, and seafood meal carries a story. There is a quiet strength in its simplicity. Ly Son does not rely on luxury or noise to impress. It offers something rarer, something sincere and lasting. Those who visit once often find themselves longing to return, not to discover more but simply to feel that ocean breeze again and let the mind drift under the endless blue sky.