Located along the coast of Ly Son’s Grand Island, To Vo Gate was
sculpted thousands of years ago by lava from the Gieng Tien volcano. As
molten basalt met cool ocean water, it hardened into solid rock. Centuries
of relentless weathering and wave erosion hollowed out the weaker layers,
carving a magnificent natural arch facing the open sea.
To Vo Gate is a must-see place on Ly Son Island.
Photo: Thong Thien/VNP
Locals named the arch To Vo because its curve resembles a mason wasp
nest. The site is tied to folklore tales of ancient giants leaving footprints
on the stone. Standing 2.5m high and nearly 20m long, the arch glows in
the golden dawn light and brilliant sunset and is a favorite for visitors and
photographers.
In September 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
officially named To Vo Gate a national monument, recognizing its value
in Ly Son's cultural and maritime identity.
Training Ground for Hoang Sa Flotilla
While To Vo Gate showcases the quiet power of
nature, just 30m away lies a site forged by human
courage. Nestled at the foot of Gieng Tien Mountain
near Duc Pagoda, Ba Ri Lagoon is a sheltered inlet
framed by dark, polished volcanic rock.
Local legend claims the hollow was formed
when a deity dropped soil while crossing the island.
Historically, Ba Ri Lagoon is renowned for its link to
the famed Hoang Sa Flotilla which also managed Bac
Hai Flotilla.
Children learn swimming and diving in Ba Ri Lagoon. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Seaweed beds and rocky reefs create a tranquil scenery of Ba Ri Lagoon. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
From 1776 to 1844, young men chosen for the
Hoang Sa flotilla braved Ba Ri Lagoon’s challenging
tides to practice swimming, diving and endurance,
physically preparing them for missions on the East
Sea to survey sea routes, erect sovereignty markers and protect Viet nam's sovereignty over the Hoang
Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.
The local daily life blended with the natural scenery creates a unique charm for To Vo Gate. Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
Today, visiting To Vo Gate and Ba Ri Lagoon
is more than a tour of ancient volcanic marvels.
It offers tourists an encounter with both nature
and history, where ancient basalt stone meets the
enduring legacy of those who protect the nation's
sacred island sovereignty./.
- Story: Cong Dat Photos: Cong Dat, Viet Cuong, Thong Thien/VNP