Where Nature Meets Hoang Sa's Heroic History

Where Nature Meets Hoang Sa's Heroic History

 

On the frontline island of Ly Son, neighboring landmarks To Vo Gate and Ba Ri Lagoon blend ancient volcanic geology with the heroic legacy of the Hoang Sa Flotilla.

A Sculpture of Lava and Time

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.

The basalt arch of national relic site To Vo Gate is a prominent symbol of Ly Son. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
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

 


top