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If you are yearning for a truly "escape-the-world" trip, to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, to immerse yourself in crystal-clear emerald waters, and to enjoy the pristine, rustic beauty of an island not yet overly developed for tourism, then Dao Be (officially An Binh Island), part of Ly Son Island District, Quang Ngai Province, is your dream destination. Completely different from the larger Ly Son Island, which has more services and is more crowded, Dao Be possesses a very unique charm – a peaceful, tranquil island where time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully experience the wonderful harmony of sky, sea, and people.
Dao Be, or affectionately called An Binh by locals and visitors, is one of the three islands that make up Ly Son Island District, yet it is the smallest in area and embodies the most original beauty, still largely untouched by human intervention. Here, you won't find luxurious international resorts, bustling bars, or vibrant late-night entertainment. Instead, Dao Be captures the hearts of visitors with its breathtakingly pristine and pure natural beauty:
Soft, white sandy beaches: Stretching like soft silk ribbons, embracing the coastline, inviting visitors to walk barefoot and feel the cool sensation beneath each step.
Crystal-clear, emerald waters: Especially in areas like Bai Sau, the sea is astonishingly clear; you can easily see to the bottom, schools of small fish swimming playfully, colorful coral reefs winding beneath the clear blue water.
Unique volcanic rock formations: This is one of the highlights that makes Ly Son in general, and Dao Be in particular, distinct. These dark black rock formations, with strange and varied shapes and sizes, from giant sharp-edged boulders to perfectly round stones, were formed from volcanic lava that erupted and cooled millions of years ago. They create an incredibly unique and impressive landscape, both majestic and mysterious, and serve as a vivid testament to the island's geological history.
The climate on Dao Be is fresh and cool year-round, especially pleasant in the summer with sea breezes that soothe the sun's heat. The atmosphere here is strangely quiet, with only the gentle lapping of waves like an endless ocean symphony, the rustling of the sea breeze through lush coconut groves, and occasionally the cheerful, simple laughter of local residents. Dao Be is truly a peaceful haven, where you can completely detach from the chaotic outside world, find tranquility in your soul, fill your lungs with fresh air, and rejuvenate your energy for a fresh, inspiring start.
Visiting Dao Be, your trip will not just be a typical vacation but a series of emotional and authentic experiences that will deeply immerse you in the enchanting beauty of the sea and the simple, rustic life of the island's inhabitants:
Immersing in the emerald-clear waters at Bai Sau (Bai Bang): This is undoubtedly the most wonderful highlight of Dao Be and the main reason why visitors are captivated by it. Bai Sau (also known as Bai Bang) boasts a pristine white sandy beach curving like a crescent moon, embracing astonishingly clear waters. You can clearly see schools of small fish swimming, colorful coral reefs of various shapes, or shimmering pebbles right beneath your feet without any diving equipment. The sensation of swimming and frolicking in these cool, emerald-clear waters will be an ultimate refreshing experience, washing away all fatigue and stress, making you feel like you've stumbled into a fairy tale world beneath the ocean.
Exploring unique and majestic volcanic rock formations: Dao Be is a living museum of volcanic geology, bearing the imprint of millions of years of formation. Along the coastline, especially near Bai Sau, you will encounter countless volcanic rock formations with strange shapes, varying sizes, and diverse hues. These dark black rocks, sometimes sharp-edged, sometimes rounded, were formed from volcanic lava that erupted and cooled upon contact with seawater, creating incredibly unique and impressive natural sculptures. This is not only a spectacular landscape but also an ideal backdrop for creative "check-in" photos that carry your own unique mark.
Swimming and admiring coral reefs by glass-bottom coracle boat tour: To fully experience the sparkling beauty beneath the sea without needing to swim or dive deep, you can rent unique glass-bottom coracle boats. Local people, with their rich experience, will skillfully paddle you to areas with beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish. From the transparent bottom of the boat, you can easily admire the enchanting underwater world right beneath your feet. This is a very popular activity, especially for families with young children or anyone who wants to observe coral reefs safely and comfortably.
Walking or cycling around the island – Touching the peaceful rhythm of life: With a fairly small area (only about 0.69 km²), you can easily walk or rent an electric cart/motorbike taxi to explore all of Dao Be. The road around the island will lead you through poetic landscapes and distinctive features: lush green onion fields (one of Ly Son's famous specialties), fragrant garlic gardens (grown on unique volcanic soil), charming little houses with red tiled roofs belonging to local residents, and stunning ocean views. This is the best way to feel the slow, peaceful rhythm of the island's life and capture beautiful scenic photos.
Admiring sunrise and sunset – Romantic and sacred moments: Sunrise on Dao Be often brings a vibrant beauty, as the first rays of the new day shine through the volcanic rock formations, creating a glittering golden glow on the sea surface. Sunset, on the other hand, is more romantic and ethereal, with the sky gradually shifting from blue to romantic red, orange, and purple hues against the deep blue sea. These are wonderful moments for you to relax, contemplate life, and capture emotional photos, fully preserving the surreal beauty of Dao Be.
Experiencing simple and warm life with local people: The people of Dao Be are renowned for their friendliness, hospitality, simplicity, and warm welcome. You can easily chat with them, learn about their traditional onion and garlic farming, or how they make a living on the sea with their coracle boats. If you have the chance, try a family meal with the locals; you will feel their warmth, simplicity, and genuine hospitality towards visitors. This is an invaluable cultural experience.
The cuisine of Dao Be (and Ly Son in general) is a perfect blend of fresh seafood caught directly from the ocean and unique specialties cultivated on fertile volcanic soil. Although there aren't many luxurious restaurants, the dishes here boast authentic, rustic, and unforgettable fresh flavors that will impress anyone who tastes them:
Ly Son Garlic Salad (Gỏi tỏi Lý Sơn): The most unique and famous dish of Ly Son, it has become a brand. Young Ly Son garlic, with its mild spiciness and distinctive aroma, is thinly sliced and mixed with roasted crushed peanuts, fresh herbs, and a special sweet and sour sauce. This dish offers a pungent, nutty, and crispy flavor, making it an excellent appetizer that you absolutely must try.
Emperor Crab (Cua huỳnh đế): A rare and expensive crab species, dubbed the "king of crabs" in Ly Son sea. Emperor crab is famous for its firm, incredibly sweet meat, and rich, fatty yellow roe. This type of crab is usually prepared simply by steaming or grilling to fully preserve its natural flavor and the essence of the sea.
Elephant Snail (Ốc tượng): A large sea snail with chewy, sweet, and crunchy meat. Elephant snails are often steamed with lemongrass, grilled with spring onion oil, or made into a refreshing salad, offering a diverse culinary experience.
Sea Urchin (Nhum biển / Cầu gai): An unmissable seafood specialty of Ly Son Island. Sea urchin can be eaten raw directly with wasabi to fully appreciate its fresh and slightly briny flavor, or grilled with spring onion oil, or cooked into a nutritious porridge.
Sea Urchin Porridge (Cháo nhum): A nutritious porridge dish with fresh sea urchin meat sautéed with onions, garlic, and pepper. The porridge has a subtly sweet, rich flavor, perfect for nourishing the body after a long day of exploring the island.
Squid Banh Xeo (Bánh xèo mực): A unique twist on the Central Vietnamese banh xeo, with a filling of finely chopped, crunchy fresh squid. The banh xeo shell is crispy, served with fresh herbs and Ly Son's distinctive sweet and sour fish sauce.
Ly Son Onions, Garlic: Not just common spices, Ly Son onions and garlic are also specialties to buy as gifts. Ly Son garlic is famous for its small bulbs, thin skin, mild spiciness, distinctive aroma, and is believed to have many health benefits.
Other Fresh Seafood: In addition to the specialty dishes mentioned above, you can enjoy many other types of fresh seafood such as squid, lobster, and various fish (grouper, cobia...) simply yet delicately prepared by steaming, grilling, or in hotpots to retain the fresh and natural sweetness of the sea.
To have a complete and safe trip to Dao Be, you should keep the following in mind:
Most Ideal Time:
Dry season (from March to August): This is the most beautiful time to visit Ly Son in general and Dao Be in particular. The weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the water is crystal clear, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island. Avoid traveling during the rainy and storm season (around September - November) as the sea can be rough, waves are high, and there's a high risk of being stranded on the island due to suspended boat operations.
Getting to Dao Be:
From the mainland (Sa Ky Port, Quang Ngai) to the main Ly Son Island: You will take a high-speed boat. Travel time is approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on the type of boat and sea conditions. It is important to book boat tickets in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, as tickets can sell out very quickly.
From the main Ly Son Island to Dao Be: You will travel by wooden boat (often called "long" boat) or small canoe. The travel time is only about 15-20 minutes. Boats usually only run in the morning (around 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM) to take passengers to the island and pick them up in the afternoon (around 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM). You should contact homestays or local residents in advance to arrange a suitable trip.
Accommodation: Dao Be does not have large resorts or hotels. Accommodation options are primarily homestays built and managed by local residents themselves. These homestays are usually very clean, offer basic amenities, and provide a close-up experience of local life. You should book in advance, especially during peak season (summer and holidays) to ensure you have a suitable place to stay, as the number of rooms is limited.
Clothing and Personal Preparations:
Bring comfortable, cool, quick-drying clothes, and swimwear for water activities.
Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are essential items as the sun on the island is very intense, especially at midday.
Bring comfortable sandals or flip-flops for walking around the island and on the beach, making it easy to wade into the water.
Bring some necessary personal medications (cold, stomach ache, allergy medicine...), basic toiletries, and a power bank for your phone and camera as electricity on the island might be unstable or outlets limited.
Cash: There are very few ATMs on the island, and electronic payment services are not as common as on the mainland, so prepare enough cash for your expenses.
Other Important Notes:
Environmental Protection: Dao Be retains its pristine beauty thanks to the awareness of locals and visitors. Therefore, be mindful of environmental protection; absolutely do not litter, do not damage coral reefs or the natural landscape.
Stay Hydrated: The heat and outdoor activities can quickly dehydrate you. Make sure to drink enough water throughout your trip.
Check Boat Schedules: Always stay updated on boat schedules from the mainland to the main island and from the main island to Dao Be. Schedules can change depending on weather conditions or the number of passengers. Contact the boat operator or homestay in advance to arrange a reasonable itinerary and avoid missing your trip.
Respect Local Culture: When interacting with locals, show respect and politeness. The people of Ly Son are very hospitable and simple.
Dao Be (An Binh) is not just a small island in the middle of the sea; it is a true paradise for those seeking peace, pristine beauty, and authentic experiences. From its emerald-clear beaches and unique time-etched volcanic rock formations, to the hospitality of its local people and its fresh, rich seafood cuisine, Dao Be promises to offer you an unforgettable vacation. This is a place where you can leave all worries behind, fully immerse yourself in nature, and feel freedom and serenity in every moment.
Are you ready for your journey to Dao Be – where time stands still, natural beauty shines brightly, and your soul finds complete peace?
