Attractions & Things To See In Ly Son island
Thoi Loi Mountain
Thoi Loi is always the first place to visit on Ly Son Island. Consequently, tourists often hire electric vehicles since the road from the foot to summit of the mountain is rather winding and zigzagged. However, some visitors choose riding motorbikes in order to stop while climbing up the hill and take panoramic pictures of whole island.
These include the Lighthouse, Hang Pagoda and National Flagpole located around the mountain… Upon reaching a precarious pass to ascend at its peak, tourists will be stunned by an amazing view of surrounding scenery. From above, you seem as if sea and sky mix together creating a stunning heaven on earth. On top of the mountain there is a fresh water lake where one can wash his sweat off face or hands.
If you come to The National Flag Pole, Hoang Sa Island will be seen at your eye side. The Flag Pole has 20 m in height with Ly Son Island’s coordinates written on its main side. The base is colored red matching Vietnamese national flag color for signifying Vietnam marine sovereignty which is an interesting characteristic.
Hang Pagoda
The “Cave” pagoda is usually called by locals since it’s situated in a huge cave. The first Buddhists who settled on Ly Son Island and established the nearby towns built Hang Pagoda during the late 16th century and early 17th century of King Le Kinh Tong era. This temple normally serves as a religious attraction where local inhabitants, primarily from Son Island’s fishing communities, will make a visit for blessings of prosperity and affluence.
Duc Pagoda and the Guan Yin Statue
Duc pagoda is situated at Gieng Tien mountain which is a dormant volcano of over a thousand years located in Ly Son Island and it is easily accessible to tourists who want peace and calmness. You have to climb more than a hundred steps before you can reach Duc Pagoda.
The main attraction at Duc pagoda is the Guan Yin statue, 27 meters high. As per one Buddhist story, Guan Yin stays on Ly Son Island to protect local fishermen from natural calamities that frequently hit the island.
Even while within the temple premises, you will get picturesque views of the beach. For those looking for some little adventure, climbing Mount Liem Tu would be ideal. Atop this mountain, there is a volcanic crater that has created a grassy area shaped like a saucepan. When you look down from this summit of the mountain onto the rest of the island’s turquoise sea tinged with white beaches, expansive forests and soil dyed red by lava flows will not but amaze you.
Cau cave
The Cau cave was formed through volcanic eruption several millenniums ago. Where mountains meet seas, an enchanting view comes into play. As you approach the sea, swimming and taking Instagrammable sunset pictures become possible. It is advisable to wear aqua shoes because of coral at the beachfront. To get into water, one can hire a round wooden boat from one of the sellers at parking and start snorkeling among colorful fish.
To Vo gate
At the eastern side of the island is a volcanic lava arch structure, called To Vo gate. This rock structure is so strange it was only on television, and for this reason tourists can’t let such an opportunity pass out without taking unique photos there. It becomes less crowded by people in the morning. From the To Vo gate, you can walk through a picturesque cemetery to reach Duc temple, which is the next landmark.
Gieng Tien mountain
Turn right from the statue of Guanyin at Duc pagoda, go upstairs and walk for about fifteen minutes on a dirt road leading to Gieng Tieng mountain; there you will enjoy the view of a defunct crater covered with tropical plants. Another option is to see Duc pagoda from the other flank.
An Binh island
An Binh island is a right choice for you if you are an extreme beach lover who loves places with pure white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and palm trees. Return ferry tickets can be bought from any of the ticket booths close to the harbor for just $3.4. The swimming area looks strikingly beautiful though the waves are quite strong so many swimmers may prefer wearing a life jacket. To get to the snorkeling area where water is calmer, one can hire a round wooden boat at only $2.60 each way fee per person. From sleeping place up to pier, myriads of garlic and onion areas can be seen. Along the path were graffiti painted in order to raise awareness about conserving environment.
