PANO – 15 nautical miles from Sa Ky port to the North, Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai province is known as the “natural pearl island” for its charming and spectacular white sand and blue sea.

Arriving on the island, visitors find themselves lost in a dreamlike world of spectacular landscapes, including Mui Mu Cu, Gieng Tien volcanic mouth, To Vo gate, Ngu Linh inactive volcano, and well-preserved temples and pagodas. The island’s natural beauty attracts both domestic and international travelers.

Visitors should not miss the museum showcasing hundreds of valuable documents, photos, and exhibits of Hoang Sa (Paracel) troops, Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos. The exhibits are seen as a token of gratitude to those who fought and sacrificed their lives for the sacred territorial waters of the nation. The items exhibited also affirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagoes. These are invaluable educational materials for the next generations, documenting the history of national construction and protection of former generations.

Seen from Thoi Loi mountain peak on Ly Son Island. Photo: Trung Thanh

Now tourists can easily reach the island by taking speedboats from Sa Ky port in Quang Ngai city. Its many temples include Am Linh Tu temple, dedicated to Hoang Sa soldiers who established Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes more than 300 years ago.

According to historical records, in the first decade of 1600, 15 sages in Sa Ky seaport in old Binh Son district (now a locality in Quang Ngai) sailed  to Cu Lao Re to build a village there. In the mid of 17th century, the Nguyen Lords formed the Hoang Sa Flotilla with members selected among An Vinh villagers. They were assigned to sailing to Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos to gather items from wrecked ships, as well as sea products. Those first long voyages by wooden barges of Hoang Sa troops established sovereignty over the two archipelagos. 

Ly Son Island is also famous for Thoi Loi mountain peak, from which visitors can see a panorama of the brilliant beauty of the island, with blue sea and skies, green fields of garlic, and dark brown architecture. 

Ly Son Island is also home to many special festivals, including “Khao Le The Linh Hoang Sa” Festival, held annually from the 18th to the 20th of the third lunar month to commemorate the fallen troops on Hoang Sa archipelago.

A visit to this natural pearl island of temples, sleeping volcanoes, and fragrant fresh garlic and onions is truly unforgettable. Visitors will want to come back.

Translated by Tran Hoai