Officials in Ly Son Island announced on April 15 that visitors are no longer allowed to climb To Vo Arch, one of the island’s most popular attractions.
The site has drawn large numbers of tourists, many of whom climbed onto the arch for photos. In some cases, groups of dozens standing on the structure at the same time have raised concerns about structural damage. The uneven and slippery rock surface also poses a risk of injury.
Many tourists climb To Vo Arch in Ly Son Special Zone (Photo: Quoc Trieu).
The To Vo arch was formed by volcanic activity from the Gieng Tien volcano, where lava flows created thick layers of basalt. Over time, sea erosion carved out a hollow resembling a wasp nest, giving the arch its distinctive shape.
The formation stretches about 20 metres in length, with its narrowest section measuring around 2 metres. Its rugged and unique appearance has made it one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Quang Ngai and across Vietnam.
In addition to the onshore arch, another similar formation lies offshore near Be Island. Discovered in 2014, this volcanic rock arch extends nearly 100 metres, with a vaulted section of about 20 metres, and shares a structure similar to To Vo.
Located around 17 nautical miles from the mainland, Ly Son Island covers roughly 10 sq km and is home to about 22,000 residents. The island is known for its ancient volcanic craters, pristine beaches and distinctive landscapes, as well as fresh seafood and its signature garlic.
Ly Son receives around 250,000 visitors annually.