Sunrise from To Vo Gate. (Photo: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ngai)

There are many ways to welcome a new day on Ly Son. Photography enthusiasts often head to To Vo Gate to capture the first rays of sunlight streaming through the volcanic rock arch. For many other visitors, Thoi Loi mountain remains the most special destination.

Standing on the island’s highest peak, surrounded by strong sea breezes and a vast open landscape, watching the sun slowly rise above the horizon brings a sense of both awe and tranquillity - an experience well worth waking up for before dawn.

Thoi Loi Peak is located in the northeastern part of Ly Son Island, in the Ly Son special zone of Quang Ngai province. This is the island’s highest peak, with a height of around 149 metres above sea level, and was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

Beyond being a renowned scenic attraction, Thoi Loi also preserves distinctive geological features, from an extinct volcanic crater to a freshwater reservoir at the peak, an important source of water for local production and daily life.

To greet the sunrise, many visitors leave their accommodation at around 4:30 a.m. A paved road winds its way up the mountainside, taking vehicles gradually higher. On both sides of the road are onion and garlic fields still covered in morning dew. The slightly chilly air and salty sea breeze quickly dispel any lingering sleepiness.

As the first rays of light appear on the horizon, the peak of Thoi Loi opens onto a vast expanse of sky.

Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for. The horizon gradually turns shades of orange and pink. The sea resembles a giant mirror reflecting the changing colours above. Just minutes later, the glowing red sun slowly emerges from the water, its light spreading rapidly across the landscape. The entire island seems to awaken after a long night.

What makes sunrise’s appeal on Thoi Loi mountain is not only the scenery, but also the feeling of standing where mountains, sea, and sky converge. No high buildings are blocking the view and no traffic noise.

The national flagpole is a popular stop for most visitors. (Photo: Travel in Vietnam)

At the peak, the national flagpole stands prominently against the blue sky and is a familiar stop for most visitors. The red flag with a yellow star fluttering in the sea breeze not only creates a striking visual highlight but also evokes pride in Vietnam’s maritime and island sovereignty. From here, visitors can take in almost the entire Ly Son Island: onion and garlic fields divided into small square plots, houses nestled along the mountainside, steep basalt cliffs embracing the blue sea, and fishing boats in the distance returning after a night at sea.

Once the sun has risen higher, visitors can spend time exploring the freshwater reservoir inside the volcanic crater at the peak. Its calm surface, surrounded by greenery, creates an intriguing contrast with the vast sea encircling the island. The reservoir plays an important role in local life by supplying irrigation water to onion and garlic fields - two crops that have long helped build Ly Son’s agricultural reputation.

From Thoi Loi, the journey can continue down to Hang Cau at the foot of the mountain, where volcanic cliffs sculpted by waves and wind over millions of years create a dramatic landscape.

Sunrise passes quickly, but the feeling of standing on the “roof” of Ly Son, watching the sun rise slowly over the sea, hearing the wind ripple through the national flag and breathing in the fresh air of the offshore island is certain to remain in visitors’ memories for a long time.

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