All the rocks on Ly Son in Quang Ngai Province get dressed up in green moss from December to April, giving the island a fresh emerald tint. 

The rocks near the shore on Ly Son Island wear a carpet of green moss giving them a brushed groomed look. 

Ly Son Island is about 30 minutes from mainland Quang Ngai in central Vietnam by speedboat. It boasts unique geological and cultural heritages, and is of strategic and historic importance in terms of Vietnam’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.

The island district, which used to be off the beaten tourism track, has become increasingly popular among both domestic and foreign visitors in recent years.

The moss adds its color to the coral reef. The reefs are covered with moss in varying levels – from sparse to dense.

The moss begins to yellow after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Tran Cong Huy (right) and his friends enjoy returning to their hometown for the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, when the island is mossy all over. 

"Normally the water here is clear, but during this season it becomes green because of the moss," he said.

Nguyen Tuan Thach and his wife from Binh Khuong Commune in Quang Ngai's Binh Son District bathe in the beach next to the Cau Cave.

Children play on a block of volcanic rock next to the Cau Cave.

Besides moss, visitors can find several seaweed varieties washed ashore on the local beaches.

Ly Son Island is formed by five mountains, four of which are dormant volcanoes. It is a combination of three islands including Dao Lon (Big Island), Dao Be (Small Island or An Binh Islet) and Mu Cu Islet.

The annual Tet holidays and the first days of the Lunar New Year typically see thousands visiting the island every day. This year, the number of visitors was small because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Le Van Ninh, vice chairman of the Ly Son People's Committee, said less than 2,000 visitors visited the island from lunar Dec. 28 to lunar Jan. 6, the Tet time.