PANO – “The Kingdom of garlic”, as Ly Son may be called, evokes different emotions in visitors with its untouched natural landscapes and well-preserved relics related to the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands.
Located some 30km from the mainland, Ly Son Island is covered in the blue of the sea and the green of mountains and immense fields of garlic. However, what people often find in common is the sense of place and the tradition of sovereignty protection.
Here on the island, in the first half of the 17th century, the Nguyen Dynasty formed the Hoang Sa Flotilla responsible for collecting goods and other materials on boats that went aground and catching fish in the waters around the Paracel and Spratly Islands. Gradually, via those activities of the flotilla, the dynasty claimed the sovereignty over the two islands.
Ly Son Island
In Am Linh Pagoda, various precious documents and items on the formation and development of Ly Son are still being kept. Especially, every year, a festival is held to honour those joining the flotilla those days (Khao The Te Linh Hoang Sa Festival).
Apart from the relics serving as the evidence of Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two islands, on Ly Son Island, there are tens of other well-preserved relics, largely attracting visitors.
Ly Son is also named “The Kingdom of garlic” and visitors may find vast, spectacular fields of garlic in the wonderful colours of yellow and white. Coming here during the harvest season, visitors may find themselves in joy watching locals reaping the garlic.
Besides scenery, visitors will also enjoy the island culinary with special dishes of fish. And it is surely a good choice for holiday-makers to choose Ly Son Island as a destination for cultural tourism.
Source: VnExpress Translated by Huu Duong
Đăng ký: VietNam News