Chinese tourist rides motorbike onto protected volcanic arch in Ly Son

Authorities in Ly Son Special Zone, Quang Ngai Province, have taken action against a Chinese tourist after he rode a motorbike across To Vo Gate, a protected volcanic rock arch designated as a national heritage site.

The Ly Son Special Zone People's Committee said on August 5 that local authorities had investigated and dealt with the incident after receiving reports that a foreign visitor had entered the protected monument with a motorcycle.

Residents had recorded footage showing the tourist riding a motorcycle bearing a Hanoi registration plate across the narrow, uneven rock arch. Despite the difficult terrain, the rider continued across the formation, prompting local residents to report the incident to authorities.

The Ly Son Department of Culture and Social Affairs, working with police and border guards, identified the rider as a 30-year-old Chinese national.

When questioned by authorities, the tourist said he could not understand the warning signs because they were written in Vietnamese and English, languages he did not speak. The signs clearly prohibit visitors from climbing onto the rock formation.

Authorities documented the incident, issued the tourist with a formal warning and required him to sign a written commitment not to repeat the offence.

To Vo Gate was formed by volcanic eruptions from Gieng Tien Volcano. Layers of basalt created by lava flows were gradually eroded by the sea over thousands of years, leaving a natural arch resembling the nest of a mud dauber wasp, from which the site takes its name.

The volcanic arch is approximately 20 metres long and narrows to about two metres at its slimmest point.

The landmark has long attracted visitors seeking panoramic photographs, but climbing on the formation poses safety risks and could damage its fragile geological structure. For that reason, authorities in Ly Son Special Zone have prohibited both residents and tourists from climbing onto To Vo Gate since 2025.