Thoi Loi Reservoir: A construction built within the crater of an extinct volcano

Tens of millions of years ago, a volcanic eruption formed Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province. If one has the opportunity to visit Ly Son, they should not miss a trip to the Thoi Loi water reservoir in the island.
An aerial view of the Thoi Loi Volcano crater on Ly Son Island
An aerial view of the Thoi Loi Volcano crater on Ly Son Island

Located in An Hai Commune, Thoi Loi is the largest volcano on Ly Son Island, and with its peak at more than 149 m above sea level it is also the highest point on the island.

The journey to explore the mountain peak will become more interesting when you pass through the largest freshwater lake on the island.

Thoi Loi Reservoir, built in 2012 within the crater of the extinct volcano, has a capacity of 270,000 cubic meters. The water reservoir is also the source of water for irrigation for onion and garlic fields and for the daily life of Ly Son islanders.

Standing on the peak of Thoi Loi, one will have a panoramic view of the garlic fields that look like a chess-board and an immense blue sea dotted with fishing boats in the distance.

On the way to the reservoir, tourists will visit the flagpole, then head to the south and climb up to the top of the mountain to reach the natural lake that looks like a giant funnel.

This is also the crater from an eruption of lava flows millions of years ago, contributing to the unique appearance of Ly Son Island today.

Standing on the peak of Thoi Loi, one will have a panoramic view of the garlic fields that look like a chess-board and an immense blue sea dotted with fishing boats in the distance.

At each time of the day, the lake surface has its own beauty, creating a colourful natural picture.

In the morning, when the sun begins to rise from the east, the gentle light covers the surface of the reservoir, creating a fresh blue colour. The early rays of sunlight shine down, making the water surface sparkle as if covered with silver. The surrounding space is quiet, with only the sound of birds chirping and the gentle wind blowing through the grass by the lake, creating a fresh and peaceful scene.

People paraglide over the reservoir in the Thoi Loi Volcano crater on Ly Son Island (Photo: tuoitrenews.vn)

People paraglide over the reservoir in the Thoi Loi Volcano crater on Ly Son Island (Photo: tuoitrenews.vn)

At noon, under the harsh sunlight, the lake becomes more brilliant with a dark blue colour. The sunlight shines vertically, highlighting each small ripple. The water surface reflects the blue sky with floating white clouds, creating a vivid picture. At this time, the air is quite hot, but the deep blue colour of the lake brings a cool, relaxing feeling to viewers.

In the evening, when the sun goes down, the lake's surface turns almost black. The scene is quiet, with only the rustling of the wind and the distant sound of the waves. The lake's surface is as flat as a large mirror reflecting the night sky, bringing a sense of peace and depth. In the darkness, Thoi Loi Reservoir seems to fall asleep, waiting for the light of a new day.

Thoi Loi Reservoir - the first irrigation project on Ly Son Island - not only has economic and social significance for the lives of the local people, but also attracts a large number of tourists, establishing itself as an alluring destination on Ly Son Island.