How to Get to Ly Son Island From Da Nang
You have seen the volcanic island photos and now need to know how the journey really works.
Reaching Ly Son takes three legs: a flight to Da Nang, a road transfer to Sa Ky port in Quang Ngai province, and a ferry to the island. Count the whole journey as most of a day each way. The island suits return visitors with spare days better than first-timers on short leave.
What are the three legs?
Leg one: fly to Da Nang. Da Nang International Airport has the code DAD1. Kuala Lumpur International is listed with AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and VietJet Air on this route2. Check current schedules on the airline sites.
Leg two: road to Sa Ky. Sa Ky is the port in Quang Ngai province where the island boats leave. The road runs south from Da Nang. Book a transfer that gets you to the port with margin, and do not choose the last sailing of the day.
Leg three: ferry or fast boat. The sailing takes you to the island. Ask your seller which vessel type you are on, because fast boats are more sensitive to rough water than the slower ferry.
How much of a day does it cost?
Plan the journey as most of a day each way. A morning landing in Da Nang does not mean a lunch on the island. Many travellers build in a night in Da Nang before the sailing, so the boat day starts early and rested.
Our travel-day checker shows when a day carries too many legs.
When does the sea cause trouble?
On the central coast, the rainy season starts in August or September and peaks in October and November3. Da Nang lists its wet and typhoon season as September to December4. Vietnam is affected by 6 to 8 typhoons or tropical cyclones a year5.
Boats can be delayed or cancelled in those months. Read Ly Son sea conditions and cancelled boats before you set dates, and keep a spare day before any flight.
What should you check before you book?
- The pier, the sailing time and the vessel type.
- Who meets you at the island pier and how you reach your stay.
- What the ticket does if the sailing is cancelled.
- A spare day between your island return and your flight home.
- Life jackets in the right sizes for any children in your group.
Is Ly Son right for your trip?
If the answer is yes, go for at least two nights and make the sea season your first filter.
Our island ferry safety checklist lists the boarding checks.
For the sights and the stay, read Ly Son Island: is it worth the trip. If you want an easier boat day from Hoi An, see Cham Islands day trip or overnight. More transfer advice sits in Getting around Vietnam.
Tell us your Da Nang arrival, your flight home and how many spare days you have, and we will check whether Ly Son fits or whether another island suits your leave.
Common questions
What is the usual route to Ly Son Island?
Fly to Da Nang, then take a road transfer south to Sa Ky port in Quang Ngai province, and board the ferry or fast boat to the island. Each leg has its own timetable, so book the road transfer to arrive well before your sailing. Confirm the pier and the sailing time with your seller.
Can I reach Ly Son in one day from Da Nang?
It is possible on paper, but it leaves no margin. A morning flight, the road to Sa Ky and a ferry can fit into one day, yet any delay pushes you into a missed boat. Plan the transfer as most of a day, and arrive on the island the day before you want to start exploring.
Is Ly Son suitable for first-time visitors with short leave?
Usually not. The journey takes a big share of a short trip, and the sea can cancel boats. Ly Son rewards return visitors and photographers who have spare days. If you have only a few days, central Vietnam's beach cities or the Cham Islands use your leave better.
Do I need to bring cash for Ly Son?
Bring some Vietnamese dong in small notes before you board. Cards and bank machines are less certain on a small island than in Da Nang, and boats and small shops often prefer cash. Confirm what your lodging accepts when you book.
Sources
- Da Nang International Airport has IATA code DAD and ICAO code VVDN. Wikipedia
- Da Nang to Kuala Lumpur International is listed as served by AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and VietJet Air. Wikipedia
- On the North Central and South Central coast the rainy season starts August to September and peaks October to November. Wikipedia
- Da Nang's wet and typhoon season runs from September to December and the dry season from January to August. Wikipedia
- Vietnam is affected by 6 to 8 typhoons or tropical cyclones per year. Wikipedia
Keep planning
Tell us your Da Nang arrival, your flight home and how many spare days you have, and we will check whether Ly Son fits or whether another island suits your leave.