Every day, six high-speed boats are transporting nearly 1,000 tourists in and out of Ly Son district from Sa Ky port. It takes around 45 minutes to bring visitors to the island.
Ly Son island district consists of two islands: Dao Lon (Big island) and Be (Small island), with a total area of around 10 sq. km and a population of about 23,000 people.
Ly Son is home to nearly 100 relics, including communal houses, temples, pagodas, and places of worship for soldiers of the Hoang Sa Flotilla, who obeyed the imperial order to travel to the Hoang Sa (Paracel) islands every year to exercise national sovereignty over seas and islands during the Nguyen dynasty.
Standing on Thoi Loi mountain, which is nearly 170m above sea level, visitors can grasp a panoramic view of the Big Island. At the foot of the mountain sits thousands of empty graves built for Hoang Sa Flotilla’s soldiers who never returned to land and laid down their lives for the protection of national sovereignty.
Tourists to Ly Son should not miss a visit to the 20-metre flag tower, which is located on Thoi Loi peak. The national flag hung atop the tower measures 4 x 6 metres.
Flag tower on the peak of Thoi Loi mountain. (Photo: VNA)
Ly Son island is also famous for many ancient houses with the age of more than two centuries. Most of the houses have been well preserved by the owners. Two of them are the over 200-year-old house of Nguyen Thanh Tung, in An Vinh village, and the 150-year-old house of Le Ly in Dong An Hai village. The houses still stand the test of time and keep the owners warm in winter and cool in summer.
In recent years, the island’s authorities and people have paid greater attention to improving infrastructure and developing community-based tourism.
Nearly 10 years ago, the whole district had only one or two hotels, now it has approximately 150 accommodation establishments, dozens of hotels, and more than 100 motels and homestays, which can accommodate more than 1,000 rooms.
During the peak tourist season from March to July every year, it is difficult for visitors to find an available room without reserving one in advance.
Nguyen Van Hiep, the owner of the Hiep Si hotel and restaurant, shared that his family owns a 5-storey hotel with nearly 30 rooms which can accommodate around 100 guests. In addition, his hotel also offers 10 motorbikes for rent, allowing tourists to discover the island on their own.
Coral reef diving is the best experience for visitors to Be Island
Three nautical miles to the northwest of Lon Island, Be Island is considered the most beautiful pristine beach in Vietnam thanks to its white sand, crystal blue sea, and bright yellow sunshine.
Coral reef diving is the best experience for visitors to Be Island, as it provides them with an opportunity to witness stunning natural coral reefs with their own eyes.
Visitors to Be island can go for an overnight camping trip with their friends, make a campfire and enjoy a barbecue party right on the romantic beach.
They are advised to get up early the next morning to witness the magical sunrise to start a new day full of vitality. They can also rent a bicycle, take a walk around the island, go kayaking, ride a jet ski, paddle a SUP, or go fishing.
