Ly Son island expected to become geomorphological tourism site
The central province of Quang Ngai should turn its Ly Son island district into a distinctive geomorphological tourism site, said Associate Professor Dr. Vu Cao Minh from the Institute of Geological Sciences under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
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Located in the north-east of Quang Ngai province, about 27 kilometres from the mainland, Ly Son island boasts unique geographic conditions which are highly valued by researchers.
Among nearly ten kinds of geological formations, bizarre volcanic craters fascinate researchers most. A thick layer of sediment containing argillite, siltstone, sandstone and breccias was discovered at the eastern area of Thoi Loi Mountain.
In addition, a range of 50-metre high rocks, stretching hundreds of metres like a giant carpet, coupled with turquoise sea water, have made the island landscape even more gorgeous.
Lava also formed choppy basaltic cliffs along Tien beach on Be (small) island. Experts said that the structure is rather rare and it only appears on Be island and some other places in the world.
Minh said that construction carried out under the island district’s master plan must not be a blot on the original landscape and it should dignify the height of the volcanic craters. Explosive architecture, or volcano-inspired architecture, should be applied to draw the attention of tourists.
The district should invest in entertainment facilities and shopping malls to serve visitors’ demands, he added.
In addition, special tourism products should be created, including discovery tours to link Lon (big) island with Be island or scuba diving to see submarine volcanoes and coral reefs, the expert suggested.
The province is seeking UNESCO recognition of Ly Son island as a global geopark. Thus, it is necessary for the district to raise public awareness of environmental protection and management.
