Ly Son Island: How to Get There and What to See
Ly Son guide: getting there via Sa Ky port from Da Nang or Chu Lai, Thoi Loi volcano, To Vo gate, Be island, garlic fields, best months and trip length.
Ly Son island is a small volcanic island off Quang Ngai on the central coast, known for green garlic fields, sea cliffs, rock arches and clear water, reached by a 30 to 45 minute speedboat from the mainland. This guide from our Vietnam travel blog explains how to get there, what to see, the best months and how to plan around the boats.
Most visitors come from Hoi An or Da Nang, or fly into Chu Lai. If you need a visa for Vietnam, apply for a Vietnam e-visa online before you plan the trip.
Ly Son at a glance:
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Boat | Speedboat from Sa Ky port, about 30 to 45 minutes |
| Nearest airport | Chu Lai |
| From Da Nang to the port | About 3 to 3.5 hours by road |
| Best months | June to September |
| Time needed | 2 days, 1 night or more |
How to get to Ly Son island
To get to Ly Son island, travel to Sa Ky port in Quang Ngai, then take a speedboat. Boats run several times each morning and early afternoon, weather permitting.
From Da Nang or Hoi An, the drive to Sa Ky port takes about three to three and a half hours; our Hoi An travel guide covers the town. Chu Lai airport, closer to the port, has domestic flights and is one of the airports that accept the Vietnam e-visa, as our list of e-visa airports shows. Arrive at the port well before departure, and book boat tickets ahead in summer.
Things to do
The island is small enough to explore by scooter or electric cart in a day. Its volcanic landscape is the main attraction.
Climb Thoi Loi, the old volcano, for views over the garlic fields and sea. Visit Hang pagoda, built into a cliff, and the Hang Cau cliffs nearby. To Vo gate is a natural rock arch on the coast, best at sunset. Take a short boat to Be island, the small island next door, for clear water and snorkeling.
Garlic is the island's pride: the fields are planted in sand carried up from the beaches, and Ly Son garlic is sold across Vietnam. Try seafood cooked with it, plus local seaweed salad and grilled squid, at the village restaurants in the evening. Early morning is the best time for walks, before the sun gets strong on the exposed volcanic slopes.
Best time to visit
June to September is the best time to visit Ly Son, with sunny weather and calm, clear seas. Spring is also pleasant.
From about October to January, storms on the central coast often stop the speedboats, sometimes for two or three days in a row. Two planning questions remain: how long to stay, and what to do if boats stop.
Planning your trip
Ly Son needs a little more planning than mainland stops. These two points matter.
How many days
Stay at least one night: a day trip leaves little time after the drive and boat. Two nights let you explore Be island and relax. Homestays and small hotels are in the island's villages. Bring cash, sunscreen, a hat and reef-friendly snorkeling gear, as shops on the island are small and shade is limited on the volcanic hills.
When boats stop
Boats stop when seas are rough, so keep a spare day before onward flights. If boats are cancelled, the coast near Quy Nhon, covered in our Quy Nhon guide, is an alternative beach stop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Ly Son as a day trip?
It is possible but rushed, because the drive from Da Nang or Hoi An and the boat take most of the day. Stay at least one night so you can see Thoi Loi, To Vo gate at sunset and Be island without hurrying.
Where should I stay on Ly Son?
Accommodation is mostly homestays and small hotels in the island's villages, with simple rooms and seafood dinners. Book ahead in summer and on Vietnamese holidays, when domestic visitors fill the island.
Can I rent a scooter on Ly Son?
Scooters are easy to rent and island roads are quiet, but you need a valid license and international driving permit to ride legally. Our guide to riding a motorbike in Vietnam explains the rules; electric carts and drivers are alternatives.
Do I need a visa to visit Ly Son?
You need a Vietnam visa or a visa exemption to enter the country, and you should carry your passport for the boat and accommodation. Read Do I need a visa for Vietnam? for your passport.
