Expectations High for Lý Sơn Special Zone to Become a Tourism Paradise
From July 1, 2025, Lý Sơn Island District in Quảng Ngãi Province will officially become the Lý Sơn Special Zone. Local people and officials are hopeful that this change is more than just in name, and that it will help transform the island into a tourism paradise.
On the afternoon of June 29, the atmosphere on Lý Sơn Island was vibrant, with red flags bearing yellow stars and banners reading “Lý Sơn Special Zone Welcomes Visitors” and “Welcome to Lý Sơn Special Zone” displayed all over the streets. The residents are full of hope.
Anticipating the Moment Lý Sơn Becomes a Special Zone
Locals and officials eagerly await and place great expectations on this new chapter for Lý Sơn.
Mr. Tân, who runs a small beverage stall opposite Lý Sơn Square, remarked that the island is changing day by day. A former fisherman who used to work long days in the Hoàng Sa (Paracel) fishing grounds, he is especially looking forward to the day Lý Sơn officially becomes a special zone.
He recalled significant milestones. Before 2014, life on Lý Sơn depended heavily on agriculture and fishing. The turning point came when electricity was brought to the island from the mainland.
“Since then, Lý Sơn has changed dramatically. Hotels and shops have sprung up everywhere. People’s livelihoods have gradually shifted toward tourism and services. Everyone is happy,” said Mr. Tân.
He added that locals are anxiously waiting for the historic moment on the morning of June 30. It is not just a change from district to special zone — more importantly, it marks the implementation of new central and provincial policies tailored for the zone.
“I think the announcement tomorrow and the official start on July 1 will mark a new beginning for Lý Sơn. The new policies will attract major investors and turn the island into a true tourism paradise.
Before, I thought it would be hard for Lý Sơn to become a tourism haven, but now I believe. I hope the government’s decisions will give Lý Sơn another boost,” he shared.
Lý Sơn has already undergone major changes. A Tuổi Trẻ reporter, who has been based in Quảng Ngãi for over a decade, noted that aside from the electrification from the mainland, this transition to special zone status is the most anticipated event in over ten years.
Every Policy Brings Visible Development to Lý Sơn
Mr. Dương Minh Trí, 64, a lifelong resident of Lý Sơn, said he remembers every milestone of the island. Yet today, he still finds himself eagerly waiting for the next morning to come.
Pointing toward the bustling shops and the busy streets filled with tourists, he recounted the difficult old days.
“Every policy from the central government has had a direct impact on Lý Sơn. When the island got electricity, everything lit up and tourists started arriving in increasing numbers. I believe that when Lý Sơn becomes a special zone, it will become a destination where visitors come to enjoy and spend. Local livelihoods will improve even more,” he said.
It’s not just the locals who are excited. Tourists currently visiting the island are also sharing in the pride and joy of this historic moment.
Hoài Vy, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, said she felt lucky to be traveling to Lý Sơn at such a significant time in the country’s history.
“I didn’t expect to be here at the exact moment Lý Sơn becomes a special zone. The island is beautiful. I hope the special zone investment policies will make it even more so. Hearing the locals’ excitement makes my friends and me feel excited too,” she shared.
As the historic moment nears, Ms. Phạm Thị Hương, Chairwoman of the Lý Sơn District People’s Committee, expressed her joy and strong belief that the special zone will bring in new policies and significant capital to turn the island into a leading marine tourism hub, as envisioned in the Politburo’s Resolution No. 26.
She noted that Lý Sơn already has a 1:2000 master plan in place, and currently, tourism accounts for 50% of the island’s total economic output. She is confident that within five years of becoming a special zone, tourism and services will comprise about 75% of the economy.
“Every central government policy aims to improve people’s lives. I firmly believe that becoming a special zone will help Lý Sơn shorten its path to becoming a tourism paradise. I am very happy, and like the people here, I am looking forward to tomorrow morning,” she said.
Lý Sơn Special Zone is Changing Day by Day
Located about 15 nautical miles from the mainland, the Lý Sơn Special Zone covers 10.39 square kilometers, has a population of over 22,000 people, and lies directly on the north-south sea route, at the eastern gateway to the Dung Quất Economic Zone and 90 nautical miles from the international maritime route.
With this strategic location, Lý Sơn is a frontline island district of the country, playing a crucial role in national maritime sovereignty and security. At the same time, it boasts rich potential and advantages in natural, historical, and cultural tourism resources.
In recent years, Lý Sơn Island has seen strong growth in tourism, trade, and services. From a traditional seaside lifestyle centered around offshore fishing and garlic/onion farming, the island’s population has gradually shifted toward tourism and service industries.
