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Đảo Bé (An Bình Island)

Đảo Bé - An Bình Island - is a small outer island 3 nautical miles west of Lý Sơn's main island, reachable by a 15-minute boat ride. With clearer water, more intact coral reefs, and a fraction of the crowds of the main island, it is the best snorkeling location in the Lý Sơn archipelago and a quieter alternative for a half-day by the sea.

🏝️ Outer Island🤿 Best Snorkeling on Lý Sơn🐠 Coral Reefs⛵ Boat Trip Required
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Overview

Best Time to Visit
📅 Mar - Aug (calm seas and best underwater visibility); day trips only - limited overnight options
Entry Fee
🎟️ Free (boat ticket from Lý Sơn port ~50,000 VND one way)
Opening Hours
🕐 Boat departures from Lý Sơn main port from ~7 AM daily (seasonal)
Address
📌 An Bình, Lý Sơn, Quảng Ngãi

Things to Know

👥Crowds
Pier gets busy when ferries arrive; quieter during off-peak times. Island remains peaceful overall.
🥾Difficulty
Island is small and manageable. Walking full loop takes approximately 1 hour but intense sun exposure requires substantial water (2-3 liters). Consider renting transportation for comfort.
🚶Accessibility
Electric vehicles and motorbikes available for rent at pier. Limited amenities on island; plan accordingly.
🌤️Seasonal
Morning and late afternoon offer best photography light. Intense midday sun exposure; early ferry departures recommended (8 AM departure, 2:30-3 PM return typical).
ABOUT THIS PLACE

What Makes Đảo Bé (An Bình Island) Special

Đảo Bé - officially An Bình Island - is the smaller of the two main islands in the Lý Sơn archipelago, sitting about 3 nautical miles west of the main island. It has a small permanent population, a handful of homestays, and a coastline with cleaner coral and clearer water than most spots on the larger island. The boat crossing takes 15 minutes from Lý Sơn's main port. Most visitors come as a half-day or full-day trip from the main island rather than staying overnight. The island is small enough to walk around in a couple of hours, and the beach on the southern side is the main draw - white sand, shallow turquoise water, and coral reefs within easy snorkeling distance of the shore.

How to Get There

🚗 Getting There

Boats to Đảo Bé depart from the main ferry port in An Vĩnh on Lý Sơn's main island. High-speed boats take around 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the pier - book the morning of or the evening before during peak season. There is no direct connection from the mainland to Đảo Bé.

What to Expect

👀 On the Ground

The island has one main beach on the southern side where most visitors spend their time. The water is clear and the coral reef accessible from the beach - no boat required to snorkel. A tram tours the island perimeter for visitors who want an overview. There are murals painted across the village walls. Food options are very limited - a few basic stalls near the beach. Overnight accommodation exists but is minimal - most people do a day trip.

Travel Tips

🧳 Tips

Đảo Bé works best as a dedicated half-day from the main island rather than a rushed add-on. If snorkeling is a priority, this is the right choice over Hang Câu - the coral is more intact and the water typically clearer. Budget a full morning or afternoon and take the earliest available boat to maximize time before the midday heat.

Insider Tips

Based on real traveler experiences and commonly mentioned advice from multiple visitors.

Ferry frequency is only 2-3 departures daily between Lý Sơn main island; plan timetable carefully for arrival and departure
Order food in morning as seafood is only delivered via midday ferry; limited restaurant options exist
Bring snorkeling gear (goggles, flippers) and 2-3 liters of water; sun protection essential
Boats to Đảo Bé depart from Lý Sơn's main port in the morning - check schedules at the pier the evening before as times vary by season
The island has a small permanent community and a few basic food stalls - bring water and snacks if you plan to spend most of the day there
Snorkeling gear can be rented on the island or brought from the main island - the coral is accessible directly from the beach without a boat
The boat crossing is 15 minutes in calm conditions but can be rough outside the dry season - avoid if seas are choppy
A coracle (thuyền thúng) can be hired on the island to reach slightly deeper snorkeling spots further from shore

FAQ

Common questions from travelers who've visited this place.

How often do ferries run to Đảo Bé?›
Only 2-3 ferry departures daily. First ferry typically departs around 8 AM, last return around 2:30-3 PM. Frequency varies by passenger demand.
What is the ferry cost and travel time?›
Round-trip canoe fare 60,000-180,000 VND per person. Travel time approximately 10-20 minutes from Lý Sơn main island.
What water and facilities should I bring?›
Bring 2-3 liters of water minimum due to intense sun exposure. Island has limited amenities. Snorkeling gear recommended. No fresh water available on island.
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