If viewed from above, Ly Son looks like a jade ball surrounded by brilliant coral reefs. But when you set foot on the island, what makes people most overwhelmed is not only the sea, but the geological heritage. Five volcanoes that have been dormant for millions of years not only shape the island, but also leave behind masterpieces of lava sculpture.
At Hang Cau or To Vo gate, dark, rough cliffs stacked on top of each other create a dramatic contrast with the jade green color of the sea water. That is a beauty that is both edgy and romantic. Standing at the foot of Thoi Loi mountain, listening to the sound of waves crashing into the cliffs, people can fully see the majesty of nature. Volcanic deposits are not only on the shore but also extending down to the seabed, creating a giant "geological museum" hidden beneath the waves.
On sunny summer days, the sea surface of Ly Son is so clear that we can see each coral reef, each school of swimming fish. That green color is not fixed, it changes from green near the shore to jade green on coral reefs and dark blue when going far into the ocean.
In Be Island (An Binh), the clear sea water is as real as if it didn't exist. The white sandy beaches are as smooth as ice cream, nestled under the shade of lush green coconut trees, making anyone who sets foot there feel like they are lost in a separate paradise. The wilderness here is preserved almost intact, where people still live in harmony with the sea, relying on the sea to cultivate white garlic fields on the precious red basalt soil.
The beauty of Ly Son is not only for viewing from afar, but also for immersing yourself and feeling. Perhaps that is why the Ly Son Sea Crossing Swimming Tournament has become an annual rendezvous for sea-loving souls. Entering its 4th season in June 2026, the swimming tournament is not just a sports race, but also a way for people to "communicate" with geological heritage in the most special way.
The swimming route from Big Island to Small Island in June is expected to be a space journey. Athletes will not swim on the blue tracks of artificial pools, but they will swim through submerged volcanic craters, gliding on colorful coral reefs. Under the arms of the "swimmers" are not cold tiles, but the souls of the ocean, and lava masses that are millions of years old.
Organizing the swimming tournament in the heart of heritage is like an affirmation of the vitality of the Ly Son special zone, a sustainable destination, a place for experiential tourism associated with conservation awareness.
