An Hai Fishing Village
Quieter north-west coast near the caves and temples, with small guesthouses.
Ly Son
Ly Son is a small volcanic island 30 km off the coast, known for its garlic fields, stone gates and sea caves.
- Best time
- Mar – Aug
- Ideal stay
- 2 days 1 night
- Avg. cost
- $30 – $70/day
- Airport
- DAD · 2h 30m
Ly Son Overview
Ly Son is reached by boat from the mainland and is small enough to see by scooter in a day or two. It suits couples, photographers and travellers who want a quiet coastal break.
Highlights of Ly Son:
- Sea caves and arches: Hang Cau and the To Vo Gate are the best-known rock formations on the coast.
- Thoi Loi Peak: An extinct volcano crater with views over the fields and the sea.
- Hang Pagoda: A temple set inside a natural cave on the island.
- Garlic and seafood: Ly Son is famous for its garlic and fresh seafood from the local fishing boats.
Best Time to Visit: Mar – Aug has the fewest rainy days (about 5 – 10 a month) at 24.4 – 29.1°C. Sep – Jan is the wettest stretch, with 19 – 26 rainy days a month.
Book the boat and your first night before you travel, since boats can be cancelled when the sea is rough.
Where to stay in Ly Son
Where to base yourself, by travel style.
Quiet stay First-timers An Vinh Port Area
Main village by the port, with most guesthouses, eateries and scooter rental.
Local life Homestays Among Garlic Fields
Simple homestays in the farming area inland, with a slow rural feel.
Things to do in Ly Son
Hand-picked things to do.
When to visit Ly Son
Temperature, rain and crowds by month.
January
23.2°C ~ 74°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
February
23.1°C ~ 74°F
11 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
24.4°C ~ 76°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
25.8°C ~ 78°F
5 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
27.8°C ~ 82°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
June
28.9°C ~ 84°F
5 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
July
28.8°C ~ 84°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
August
29.1°C ~ 84°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
September
28.2°C ~ 83°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
October
26.8°C ~ 80°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
25.7°C ~ 78°F
24 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
December
24.1°C ~ 75°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
What to eat in Ly Son
Local dishes worth trying.
Getting to Ly Son
Times, costs and booking links.
Step 1: Boat from Sa Ky Port The only way to reach the island
Boats leave from Sa Ky Port on the mainland coast, and the crossing time depends on the boat type and the sea conditions.
- Fast boat: The quickest option; check the current fare and timetable before you go.
- Wooden boat: Slower and cheaper, and not suitable in rough weather.
Step 2: Get to Sa Ky Port From Quang Ngai or Da Nang
Sa Ky Port is about 25 km from Quang Ngai city and about 130 km south of Da Nang.
- Bus or car: Buses run to Quang Ngai; from there take a taxi to the port.
- Private car: A car from Da Nang or Hoi An is the easiest, especially with luggage.
Step 3: Explore the island Scooter or electric car
The island is small, and most sights are 3 – 10 km apart.
- Scooter: Cheap and flexible; roads are mostly flat.
- Electric car or bicycle: Good for families or a slower pace.
FAQs
How do I get to Ly Son?
By boat from Sa Ky Port on the mainland. Fast boats take about 40 – 60 minutes, and sailings can be cancelled in rough weather, so keep a spare day.
How many days do I need?
Two days and one night is enough for the caves, Thoi Loi Peak, the pagoda and the beaches. Add a day if you want to visit the smaller island, Dao Be.
Can I get around the island on my own?
Yes. Most visitors rent a scooter, or an electric car or bicycle for a slower pace.
When is the best time to visit Ly Son?
Mar – Aug has the fewest rainy days (about 5 – 10 a month) at 24.4 – 29.1°C. Sep – Jan is the wettest stretch, with 19 – 26 rainy days a month.
What should I eat on Ly Son?
Garlic is the local product, and seafood is fresh and simple. Try the garlic salad (goi toi) and seaweed dishes.
