Lý Sơn Travel Guide

Explore Lý Sơn with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, hike and bike routes, local food and drink, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Lý Sơn

Lý Sơn is a small island district located in Central Vietnam’s Quang Ngai Province. The island district is famous for its untouched natural beauty, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters. It’s a perfect destination for vacationers looking for a remote and tranquil place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lý Sơn is also well-known for its cultural and historical value dating back to the Cham Empire, and it’s an excellent destination to learn about Vietnamese culture and history.

List of Places to Visit in Lý Sơn

Lý Sơn offers various attractions, including museums, historical places, natural attractions, and outdoor activities. Here are some of the top places to visit in Lý Sơn:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Hang Pagoda - a famous and ancient shrine on the island renounced for its unique architecture.
  2. Am Linh Temple- a historical site where the remains of soldiers who died during the Ho Chi Minh campaign are situated.

Natural Attractions of Lý Sơn: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Hang - Cau Cave
  2. To Vo Gate
  3. Nui Thoi

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lý Sơn

Lý Sơn is a perfect place for hikers and bikers as the island offers some of the most scenic hiking and biking routes in Vietnam. Some of the best hiking and biking trails are:

  1. Thoi Loi mountain
  2. Hang mountain
  3. Vung Thung

Best Things to Do in Lý Sơn: Activities and Tours

You won’t need to go elsewhere for things to do in Lý Sơn as the island already has plenty of activities, aside from hiking and biking that visitors can engage. Here are our top picks:

  1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
  2. Sunset fishing
  3. Visiting the garlic fields

Week-Long Itinerary for Lý Sơn

If you’re planning to spend a week on the island, here’s a sample itinerary for your Lý Sơn travel:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrive at Lý Sơn Island; check into hotel, and explore the island’s notable ancient sanctuaries
Day 2 Hiking / Biking to Thoi Loi mountain and Hang mountain. Enjoy the majestic scenic views
Day 3 Experience the best views Lý Sơn has to offer by visiting Nui Thoi
Day 4 Have fun with water activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving
Day 5 Savor the beauty of Lý Sơn’s famous garlic fields and learn more about the area’s garlic production
Day 6 Embark on a sunset fishing excursion and experience the daily lives of the locals
Day 7 Depart from Lý Sơn Island and head back to the mainland or proceed to nearby destinations

Food and Drink Scene of Lý Sơn

Lý Sơn is famous for its delicious seafood and traditional food dishes. Visitors are recommended to try various authentic dishes during their stay. Below are some of the must-try Lý Sơn dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Garlic Salad – A refreshing salad made from buttery soft garlic, Cau Islet’s seagrass, and raw seaweed
  2. Oyster – The freshest oyster is found in Lý Sơn. Its unique flavor and sweetness are unparalleled.

Local Beverages

  1. Tamarind juice - a drink made from locally grown tamarind fruit with a unique sweet-tart flavor

Where to Stay in Lý Sơn: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lý Sơn provides various accommodation options perfect for every traveler. Here are some of the best places to stay on the island:

  1. Khu Noi Guesthouse
  2. The Light House
  3. Osia Hotel

What to Buy in Lý Sơn: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lý Sơn is renowned not only for its mesmerizing beauty and history but also for its unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the products visitors can consider bringing back home:

  1. Garlic and garlic-related food products
  2. Dried seafood products

Local Culture and Customs in Lý Sơn

The island has a rich cultural heritage, deeply embedded in Vietnamese traditions. Visitors should learn about some of the native customs before visiting the island.

Best Time to Visit Lý Sơn

The recommended time to visit Lý Sơn is between September to December, when the weather is cool, dry, and breezy. The temperature is also relatively stable during this period, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities and adventures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lý Sơn

Travellers should observe local Vietnamese customs and traditions during their stay, some of the do’s and don’ts include:

Do:

  1. Respect the locals’ traditions and beliefs.
  2. Take out your shoes when entering temples

Don’t:

  1. Haggling is typically bad practice in Vietnamese culture.
  2. Don’t wear inappropriate clothing, especially when interacting with locals and visiting any temples.

Safety and Health

It is safe traveling to Lý Sơn, as it’s relatively remote and far from touristy areas. However, visitors should take extra precautions to ensure their safety and health.

Safety in Lý Sơn

  1. Always have a buddy or companion to tag along whenever you plan an outdoor activity.
  2. Don’t indulge in risky activities, especially water surfing when strong winds occur.

Health in Lý Sơn

  1. Bring sunscreen and wear a hat or headgear when doing outdoor activities.
  2. Always bring a mosquito repellent, especially when spending time outdoors.

Getting to Lý Sơn: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can get to Lý Sơn by various transportation options. Here are some of them:

Airports Near Lý Sơn

The nearest airports to Lý Sơn are the Da Nang International Airport and the Chu Lai Airport.

Bus Stations Near Lý Sơn

From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus to Quang Ngai and a speedboat service from Quang Ngai harbour to the island.

Other Options

Visitors also have the option of hiring a private car or a Grab driver from the nearest airport to Lý Sơn.

How to Get Around in Lý Sơn

Travelling around Lý Sơn is relatively easy as it is small in size, and the best way to explore the island is through a bike or a scooter rental.

Where to Go Next from Lý Sơn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Below are some of the recommended destinations nearby Lý Sơn to continue your adventure:

  1. Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province
  2. Hue Imperial City, Hue City

Conclusion

Lý Sơn is a hidden gem of Vietnam and an excellent travel destination for those who want to immerse themselves in Vietnamese cultural heritage, outdoor activities, and scenic landscapes. With the help of this travel guide, visitors can plan their trip and maximize their experience on the island.