Little Island Lý Sơn, also known as An Bình Islet, is a hidden gem of Quảng Ngãi tourism, offering an amazing experience for those who love to explore unspoiled beauty and immerse themselves in nature. At this charming small island, you can partake in a host of exciting activities, from diving to observe stunning coral reefs, swimming in crystal-clear waters, to savoring delicious fresh seafood with flavors of the sea. Join World Travel Adventures to explore the wonders awaiting you at Little Island Lý Sơn!
Where is Little Island Lý Sơn? Detailed Travel Guide
Little Island Lý Sơn is part of the Lý Sơn archipelago in Quảng Ngãi Province. It is located about 3 nautical miles northwest of Big Island (also known as Cù Lao Ré). Visitors can reach Little Island by canoe or boat from Big Island, with a travel time of only 15 – 20 minutes. The island is relatively small, only about 1 km², with around 100 households, mainly earning a living through fishing and tourism.
Aerial view of Little Island Lý Sơn with clear blue waters and fine white sand beaches
To reach Little Island, you first need to get to Big Island Lý Sơn. From Sa Kỳ port, there are daily speedboat services to Lý Sơn departing at 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, and 3:00 PM. Returning trips from Lý Sơn to Sa Kỳ port also follow the same schedule. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of boat and time of travel. Contact Sa Kỳ port management for more details.
Upon arriving at Big Island, you can easily find canoe or boat services to Little Island. Boats typically depart around 8:00 AM and return to Big Island around 2:30 PM. Boat tickets cost approximately 30,000 VND/person, and round-trip canoe tickets are about 80,000 VND/person. For larger groups, you can hire an entire canoe for more control over your timing and schedule, with rental prices ranging from 1,600,000 VND to 2,200,000 VND depending on seating capacity.
Once you set foot on Little Island, you can rent electric vehicles to explore key attractions such as Back Beach, West Beach, and Coconut Beach. The cost of renting an electric vehicle is roughly 30,000 VND/person for all destinations.
Best Time to Explore Little Island Lý Sơn
The ideal time to visit Little Island Lý Sơn is from March to August each year. During this period, the weather is quite pleasant, with minimal rain and storms, making it perfect for leisure activities, swimming, and exploration. Additionally, there are many unique traditional festivals held by locals during this time.
Tourists enjoying the clear blue waters at Little Island Lý Sơn in the summer
Exciting Things to Do on Little Island Lý Sơn
At Little Island Lý Sơn, you’ll never feel bored with a myriad of engaging recreational activities. Here are some recommendations you shouldn’t miss:
Coral Diving: Admire the Vibrant Underwater World
Little Island Lý Sơn is famous for its beautiful and diverse coral reefs, considered among the best in Vietnam. Diving to see the coral is an unmissable experience here. You’ll be able to witness a colorful underwater world filled with fascinating marine life.
Tourist diving to see coral at Little Island Lý Sơn
Coral diving tours are usually organized in the afternoon. Before diving, local fishermen will guide you on basic diving techniques and provide necessary equipment. Then, you will travel to the diving spot by hand-rowed boats.
Important Note: Be careful not to step on the coral to protect the marine environment. If you cannot dive, you can still admire the coral by choosing areas where the water level is lower.
Swimming: Immerse in Sapphire-Blue Waters
Back Beach is the most beautiful and well-known beach on Little Island Lý Sơn. With crystal-clear water that reveals the sandy bottom, Back Beach is the ideal spot for swimming and relaxation. You can also enjoy various beach sports and activities.
Back Beach with clear blue waters and smooth white sand
After swimming, you can rinse off with fresh water provided by locals at around 20,000 VND per 10-liter bucket. Freshwater is precious on the island, so please use it sparingly.
Tourists rinsing off with fresh water after swimming at Little Island
Sunset Watching: Romantic Moments by the Sea
Sunsets at Little Island Lý Sơn are breathtakingly beautiful and romantic. Imagine watching the sun slowly set below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant colors with your loved ones—a memorable moment you won’t forget.
Stunning sunset view at Little Island Lý Sơn
With its compact size, you can easily walk along the coast or wander small paths around the island to find the perfect spot for a sunset view and connect with nature.
Tourists strolling on the island and watching the sunset
Camping and Bonfires: Memorable Experiences with Friends
If you’re traveling with friends or family, camping and bonfire activities will provide loads of fun. Sharing stories, singing, grilling seafood, and enjoying the fresh night air together will create unforgettable memories.
Group of young friends camping and having a bonfire on Little Island beach
Seafood on Lý Sơn is reasonably priced, so you don’t need to worry about costs for a barbecue party. You’ll also find verdant coconut palms on the beach where you can hang a hammock and relax.
Tourists relaxing in a hammock under coconut trees
Sunrise Watching: Welcome a New Day in the Island Paradise
Sunrise on Little Island Lý Sơn is a magical moment. Wake up early, stroll along the beach, and await the dawn for a sense of tranquility and energy.
Sunrise on Little Island Lý Sơn
You’ll feel life slowing down, worries fading away. Bring a phone or camera to capture the island’s most stunning moments.
Tourists photographing the sunrise on Little Island
Little Island Lý Sơn Cuisine: Savoring Fresh Flavors of the Sea
While on Little Island Lý Sơn, don’t miss the chance to enjoy fresh seafood dishes and local specialties. Here are some suggestions you should try:
Xoa Xoa Jelly: A Refreshing Sweet Dessert
Xoa Xoa is a simple yet popular snack among tourists. After being dried and cleaned, the Xoa Xoa vegetable is turned into jelly. It’s typically served with sugar syrup and ice.
Xoa Xoa jelly – a popular snack on Little Island
Enjoying a cold Xoa Xoa jelly dessert during a hot afternoon on the island is a fantastic experience. A serving typically costs only about 10,000 VND.
Tourist enjoying Xoa Xoa jelly on the island
Emperor Crab: Lý Sơn’s Rare Specialty
Emperor Crab, known for its firm and tasty meat, is a renowned delicacy of Lý Sơn. Available at island night markets, you can enjoy dishes like steamed Emperor Crab or stir-fried Emperor Crab with tamarind sauce.
Emperor Crab – Lý Sơn's rare specialty
Due to its deliciousness and difficulty in catching, Emperor Crab can be quite expensive, possibly reaching up to 1,000,000 VND per crab (1 kg or more).
Stir-fried Emperor Crab with tamarind sauce
Stir-Fried Young Clams: Simple Yet Flavorful
Stir-fried clams with green papaya is a simple dish yet full of delicious and appealing flavors. The dish has a sweet flavor from the clams, and the juicy texture of papaya makes it a favorite for many visitors.
Stir-fried young clams – a local delicacy of Little Island
Flat Crab: Nutritious Seafood Delight
Unlike the larger Emperor Crab, the flat crab is smaller yet just as delicious. Typically found in rocky crevices in wild areas, it can be steamed with lemongrass or grilled.
Steamed flat crab with lemongrass
Jellyfish Salad: Refreshing Appetizer
Jellyfish salad is one of the tastiest salads in Lý Sơn, prepared simply yet captivatingly delicious. The salad retains the jellyfish’s fresh taste, complemented by the tangy flavors of mango, carrot, and fresh herbs.
Jellyfish salad – a favorite in Lý Sơn
Served with jellyfish are flavors of tart mango, complemented by fragrant herbs. While the preparation isn’t complex, tourists highly regard this dish for its delightful taste and appeal.
Jellyfish salad with shrimp and pork
Fresh Garlic Salad: Unique Dish Found Only in Lý Sơn
Lý Sơn’s garlics are a famous specialty, and garlic salad features this renowned ingredient. Fresh garlics are selected and steamed to reduce pungency, mixed with fish sauce, chili, fresh herbs, and peanuts. This dish offers a unique taste experience only found in Lý Sơn.
Fish Cake: Delicious Sea Specialty
Fish cake is a well-known and delicious specialty in Lý Sơn. At Little Island Lý Sơn, you can buy fish cakes to take home or enjoy the fish cake noodle soup available there.
Ly Son fish cake noodle soup
Accommodation on Little Island Lý Sơn: Budget-Friendly Homestay Suggestions with Great Views
Guesthouses and homestays in Lý Sơn are on the rise, with more establishments being built as people’s finances improve. Community tourism, particularly homestays, offers immersive travel experiences where visitors can:
- Save on accommodation (prices vary seasonally, generally affordable)
- Stay with locals to understand daily island life
- Get local cuisine prepared by hosts
- Receive recommendations for attractions and activities from locals
With this in mind, here are some guesthouse and homestay options on Lý Sơn Island:
Sea Breeze Homestay
Sea Breeze Homestay on Little Island Lý Sơn offers various room types, accommodating two, four, or six guests. Depending on the group size, you can book in advance. The homestay also provides tent rentals, including pillows and blankets for stargazing.
Sea Breeze Homestay with various room types
At this homestay, guests can enjoy using hammocks by the sea or organizing beach bonfires. Sea Breeze offers free life jackets, snorkeling gear, and bicycles for exploring the Bích Họa village.
Lý Sơn Bungalow
Lý Sơn Bungalow boasts a beautiful sea view, allowing visitors to watch the sunrise from their rooms. The location also offers views of Hòn Đụn and Bãi Đá Bàn Thang. It’s conveniently near attractive tourist spots on Little Island.
Lý Sơn Bungalow with stunning sea views
Interior of a room at Lý Sơn Bungalow
Thena Camping Homestay
Thena Camping Homestay is a treetop homestay offering a unique and exciting experience. You won’t need to travel far for amazing photographs. Thena Camping also offers delicious food.
Thena Camping Homestay – uniquely set in the trees
Interior space of a room at Thena Camping
Conclusion
Little Island Lý Sơn is the perfect “getaway” destination for weekends. Let’s head to the island for an unforgettable trip, recharging for a new week ahead. Little Island promises many exciting experiences! Remember to follow World Travel Adventures for more fantastic travel insights!