Thoi Loi Peak: The Extinct Volcano Crater & National Flagpole of Ly Son
Discover Thoi Loi Peak, the highest volcanic summit on Ly Son: the natural crater lake, coastal scenic roads, and the majestic sovereign flagpole.
Rising nearly 170 meters above sea level, Thoi Loi Peak (Đỉnh Thới Lới) is the largest of the five ancient volcanic calderas dotting Ly Son Island. Standing atop this dramatic summit, travelers are treated to a sweeping panorama of the island's striking contrasts: jet-black basalt cliffs, bright emerald garlic patches, and the endless expanse of the deep blue East Sea.
How to Get to Thoi Loi Peak
Thoi Loi Peak is situated on the eastern shoulder of Big Island in An Hai commune:
- Distance: Approximately 5 km from Ben Dinh Port (12 to 15 minutes by scooter).
- Transportation: A rented semi-automatic scooter is the ideal choice for exploring the peak at your own leisurely pace. The road is fully paved, though several hairpin turns require attentive driving.
Summit Highlights
1. The National Sovereign Flagpole
Erected in 2013 on the highest rocky precipice of Mount Thoi Loi, this 20-meter sovereign flagpole gazes proudly eastward toward the Paracel (Hoang Sa) archipelago. The 24-square-meter national flag billows prominently in the coastal wind, standing as a solemn symbol of territorial maritime sovereignty.
2. The Volcanic Caldera Freshwater Lake
Venturing just inside the crater rim reveals a serene grassy plateau encircling a mirror-like freshwater reservoir. Cattle and goats graze peacefully along the green shores, creating a bucolic highland atmosphere unexpected on an offshore tropical island.
3. Cliffside Overlook of Hang Cau Bay
From the eastern rim of Thoi Loi, peer straight down into Hang Cau bay. Towering volcanic cliffs drop vertically into shallow reef lagoons where breaking surf creates ribbons of white foam against the turquoise sea.