Everland Group officially breaks ground on Crystal Holidays Heritage Ly Son – the first five-star resort on Ly Son Island.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; Ms. Y Ngoc, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee; representatives of provincial departments, agencies, and the Dung Quat Economic Zone Authority; leaders of the Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, specialized agencies, and residents of Ly Son Special Zone; as well as representatives from consultants, contractors, banking partners, tourism companies, and central and local media organizations.

Occupying a prime beachfront location spanning more than 3.1 hectares on Ly Son's main island - home to the highest population density among Vietnam's 13 special zones, Crystal Holidays Heritage Ly Son is designed as an internationally standardized luxury resort complex that is expected to redefine island tourism while meeting the growing demand for premium hospitality among domestic and international travelers.

The project draws architectural inspiration from the distinctive cultural heritage of the Sa Huynh civilization, one of Vietnam's three major ancient civilizations combined with Cham culture and the island's extraordinary volcanic geology. Ly Son is renowned for its rare "volcano-on-volcano" geological formation, where seven ancient volcanic craters on land and three submerged craters were created through successive eruptions spanning from approximately 11 million to 1 million years ago. Often described as a priceless open-air natural museum, the island features spectacular lava caves, fertile basalt soil that produces the famous Ly Son garlic, and vibrant coral reefs that are home to numerous endemic marine species.

One of the project's signature features will be a Cultural Heritage Museum, showcasing artifacts representing the Sa Huynh civilization including its distinctive jar burials and jewelry as well as traditional farming and fishing tools from the Dai Viet period, illustrating thousands of years of human settlement on the island. Complementing the museum is an outdoor experiential heritage zone featuring Cham-inspired architectural structures, relief sculptures, and artistic installations depicting giant Ly Son garlic bulbs the island's iconic agricultural product, often referred to as its "white gold," cultivated in volcanic red basalt soil formed over millions of years.

The architectural highlight of Crystal Holidays Heritage Ly Son combines elegant Indochine design with contemporary Cham-inspired architecture.

The resort comprises semi-detached and detached villas designed in an elegant Indochine architectural style enriched with distinctive Cham decorative motifs. The villas are nestled among coconut groves and indigenous tropical vegetation, creating lush green landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the shade of the palm trees, guests will enjoy outdoor yoga and meditation spaces, an infinity swimming pool, sculpture gardens, barbecue gardens, and a wide range of wellness facilities. Together, these elements create an intimate and peaceful environment where visitors can immerse themselves in the island's remarkable natural beauty while experiencing its rich cultural heritage in an authentic setting.

With a planned investment of more than VND 600 billion at current prices, the project is expected to revitalize Ly Son's resort real estate market by introducing a much-needed supply of premium accommodation for high-end domestic and international travelers. It will also become an important addition to Ly Son's emerging tourism landscape, integrating luxury hospitality, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage at what is often described as Vietnam's "Maldives in the East Sea."

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Le Dinh Vinh, Chairman of Everland Group, said:

"With the aspiration to help transform Ly Son into a clean, green, and sustainable island destination while preserving and responsibly utilizing its unique natural, geological, and cultural assets, Crystal Holidays Heritage Ly Son has been carefully master-planned and will be developed as the island district's first international-standard five-star resort. The property will be professionally managed and operated by one of the world's leading hospitality brands.

Once completed, the project will become an attractive tourism destination for both domestic and international visitors a place where guests can explore the extraordinary beauty of Ly Son's unique underwater volcanic geological heritage while discovering the rich cultural legacies of the Sa Huynh and Cham civilizations. More importantly, it will contribute to preserving and promoting Vietnam's invaluable tangible and intangible cultural heritage for future generations."

Dr. Le Dinh Vinh, Chairman of Everland Group, delivers his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Widely regarded as one of Vietnam's most fascinating and mysterious island destinations, Ly Son possesses exceptional tourism potential. In addition to its breathtaking natural scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage, the island is home to important sites commemorating Vietnam's maritime sovereignty. It also preserves valuable Sa Huynh archaeological remains and forms part of a remarkable geological park renowned for its unique landscapes and biodiversity. Today, Ly Son Special Zone ranks among Vietnam's fastest-rising travel destinations for the Summer 2026 tourism season.

Following the recent administrative reorganization, Quang Ngai Province approved adjustments to its 2021–2030 Provincial Master Plan, with a vision to 2050, shifting its long-term development strategy from an economy primarily driven by heavy industry toward a more sustainable model centered on tourism, services, and commerce.

Under the revised master plan, the Ly Son – My Khe – Sa Huynh coastal corridor has been designated as a high-end coastal tourism development zone. Ly Son Special Zone is envisioned as Vietnam's national center for volcanic geopark tourism and marine-island tourism, serving as one of the province's principal tourism growth engines. Priority sectors include luxury seaside resorts, volcanic geopark tourism, marine sports and diving, five-star hotels and resorts, premium hospitality services, festivals, and authentic local cultural experiences.

The new development strategy also prioritizes major infrastructure investments in Ly Son, including port facilities, a 36-meter coastal boulevard, and enhanced air connectivity. These improvements are expected to transform the island from a destination driven largely by spontaneous tourism into one strategically positioned to attract high-spending visitors seeking longer stays and premium experiences.

Fully aligned with Quang Ngai Province's new tourism development strategy, Crystal Holidays Heritage Ly Son is expected to become a landmark destination for Ly Son and Quang Ngai alike, supporting the province's goal of welcoming approximately six million visitors in 2026 while leveraging its unique natural environment and cultural identity to promote sustainable eco-tourism and community-based tourism.

- Everland News -