Clean island ready for new day
With hospitality ingrained in their way of life, the people of Ly Son are working tirelessly to beautify their island home. From freshly swept coastal roads and pristine white sandy beaches to renovated homestays and refreshed restaurants, every effort is geared towards offering visitors the most memorable experience of a green and peaceful Ly Son.
Since the early days of April, residents have enthusiastically gathered at designated spots, ready for the island-wide environmental clean-up day known as “Ly Son in action”. At the iconic To Vo Gate, fisherman Tran Van Ba deftly picks up plastic bottles and nylon bags wedged between black basalt rocks.
Not far from there, young border guards energetically collect litter along the shoreline. Private Nguyen Van Nam grins: “As we patrol to protect the sea and islands, keeping the environment clean is also part of our duty. A clean sea keeps us healthy too.”
At the boat anchorage area, where hundreds of brightly coloured fishing vessels are moored side by side, veteran boat owner Nguyen Cong Tu joins his crew to clear away discarded foam buoys and torn nets.
Pupils from Ly Son Secondary School are equally enthusiastic on this Sunday. Holding a sack and picking up litter, eighth-grader Nguyen Thi Lan Anh smiles and says: “Our teachers told us that protecting the environment means protecting our future. Our island is so beautiful, we must keep it clean.” Beyond official forces, villagers across the communes have joined the effort. Hoang Thi Sau, a resident of Dong Village, shares: “Since the district started this campaign, people have become much more conscious. Everyone takes the initiative to clean their doorways and alleys. We live here, so we must take responsibility for this island.”
Helping each other to thrive
The tourist season in Ly Son is not only a chance to boost the economy, but also an opportunity for locals to share their love for the sea and islands and promote their unique cultural values. More than anyone, the islanders are gracious hosts, always ready to welcome visitors with open arms.
Phung Thi Thuy Duong, a tour guide on Ly Son, says: “These efforts to clean the shores and sea become even more meaningful as Ly Son is one of the highlights of Quang Ngai Tourism Week 2025, themed ‘Explore Quang Ngai – Where the sea meets culture’, featuring events such as the ‘Fly High Ly Son’ hot-air balloon festival and the traditional Hoang Sa soldier commemoration ceremony.”
Spending time with the people of Ly Son reveals a key feature of the community. Nguyen Tuan Hai, who once served on the island, explains that the tight-knit residential clusters, where people share and support each other, are vital to their way of life. They live in harmony with nature, guided by genuine emotion and deep connection.
