Can Gio Mangrove forest travel Guide [Updated 2025]

This isn’t just a trip for general tourists—it’s a chance to witness the raw beauty of Can Gio Mangrove Forest, where nature thrives in its purest form.

Located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio District is home to a UNESCO-recognized mangrove ecosystem, teeming with life. From the playful monkey colony to the serene waterways lined with ancient mangroves, every corner of this landscape tells a story of resilience and biodiversity. And for those who appreciate the simple joys of coastal life, the region’s fresh seafood is a delight not to be missed.

Whether you seek adventure, a quiet retreat in nature, or a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s rich ecosystems, Can Gio offers an experience that stays with you—humbling, authentic, and full of life.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Can Gio is from December to March when the weather is comfortably warm, ranging between 26-32°C. This period offers the perfect conditions for outdoor exploration—whether it’s cruising through the mangrove-lined waterways, spotting wildlife, or enjoying the coastal breeze. The dry season ensures clear skies and calm waters, making your experience in this UNESCO-recognized biosphere even more enjoyable.

WHAT TO EXPLORE

Covering over 310 square kilometers, Can Gio remains a world apart from the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, accessible only by ferry—for now. Plans for a bridge are underway, aiming to make the city’s only coastal district more reachable while preserving its natural charm.

At the heart of Can Gio lies a vast 75,740-hectare mangrove forest, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve since 2000. Often called the “green lung” of Ho Chi Minh City, this unique ecosystem plays a crucial role in balancing the urban environment, offering refuge to diverse wildlife and a refreshing escape for nature lovers.

A journey through Can Gio’s lush mangrove forests is best experienced on the water. A canoe ride, perfect for a small group, glides through the tranquil green corridors at VND600,000 for eight people. For a quieter, more intimate experience, traditional wooden boats are available for VND300,000-350,000 for a group of four or more.

Beyond the waterways, the Sac Forest Tourism Area offers a deeper glimpse into this UNESCO-listed ecosystem. Entry costs just VND35,000 per person, with a short tram ride (VND15,000) leading visitors a kilometer into the forest. From there, boats navigate through hidden corners of the reserve, revealing Can Gio’s rich biodiversity.

Among the most famous residents are the 1,500 wild rhesus monkeys that have earned Can Gio the nickname “Monkey Island.” While visitors are welcome to feed them, keeping a close watch on personal belongings—cameras, hats, and sunglasses—is essential, as these playful creatures are known for their curious nature.

Can Gio is also one of the rare places in Vietnam dedicated to bat conservation. A short boat ride through the forest leads to a secluded lagoon where hundreds of large fruit bats rest in the trees, creating an awe-inspiring sight for those who appreciate the quiet wonders of nature.

Visitors can experience the playful charm of Monkey Island, home to around 1,500 wild rhesus monkeys. While feeding them is allowed, it’s wise to keep a close grip on personal belongings—cameras, phones, hats, and glasses—as these curious creatures are known for their quick hands and mischievous nature.

Beyond the lively monkeys, Sac Forest Tourism Area holds another rare treasure. It is one of the few places in Vietnam dedicated to bat conservation, offering a glimpse into the lives of these elusive nocturnal creatures. A short boat ride through the tranquil waterways leads to a secluded lagoon, where hundreds of large fruit bats hang peacefully from the treetops—a quiet, mesmerizing contrast to the bustling energy of Monkey Island.

While the bat lagoon is quiet, a bird sanctuary with more than 20,000 individuals belonging to 26 species is incredibly noisy.

The sanctuary is only busy during the annual nesting season between April and October.

Some travel agencies also offer bird-watching tours that take tourists to see rare species such as the collared kingfisher, Indian white-eye, and black-tailed gull.

Yaz, an American traveler who visited Can Gio in July, was captivated by the area’s “beautiful” nature, from the playful monkeys to the lurking crocodiles. But what left the deepest impression was gliding through the quiet waters by canoe to the bat lagoon, an experience he called his “favorite part.”

For Stephen, a visitor from the U.K., Can Gio was nothing short of amazing. Reflecting on his August trip, he shared, “We were excited to travel by boat in the mangrove forest.” The journey through the dense greenery was an adventure in itself, but what added to the experience was the affordable and diverse seafood, making the trip even more memorable.

Tourists sit on a wooden boat around Sac Forest Tourism Area and experience outdoor activities such as feeding crocodiles and fish. Photos by Ngan Duong |VNexpress.vn

Tucked away in the heart of Can Gio’s vast mangrove forest, Sac Forest Tourism Area is more than just a natural retreat—it holds a deep historical significance. Once a revolutionary base during the Vietnam War, it draws curious visitors, particularly from the West, eager to glimpse into the past. Walking through the site, you’ll find signs in both Vietnamese and English, offering a window into the daily lives of the soldiers who once sought refuge here. A small shrine, where locals leave offerings of food and votive money, stands as a quiet tribute to those who served.

Beyond its history, Can Gio offers countless outdoor experiences. The Dan Xay eco-tourism area, nestled among the mangroves, has become a weekend escape for Saigonese since its launch in 2014. Here, visitors can kayak through tranquil waters, forage for edible plants, cycle along shaded paths, or take boat tours deep into the forest. For a breathtaking perspective, a 30-meter-high observation tower provides sweeping views of the mangrove canopy.

No trip to Can Gio is complete without indulging in its fresh seafood, and Hang Duong Market is the place to go. Open all day but busiest in the morning when the fresh catch arrives by boat, the market offers an authentic seafood experience. For just VND150,000 ($6.43), vendors will cook your purchase on-site—grilled, steamed, or however you prefer—ensuring a meal as fresh as it gets.

For seafood lovers, Hang Duong Market is nothing short of paradise. Here, you can find almost any kind of fresh seafood at reasonable prices, from plump shrimp and succulent squid to giant mantis prawns and crabs. The lively market is not just about shopping—it’s an experience, where the salty breeze from the sea mingles with the scent of charcoal-grilled seafood, promising an authentic coastal feast.

Beyond its natural beauty, Can Gio is steeped in spiritual traditions. The Whale Temple stands as a sacred place for local fishermen, who rely on the sea for their livelihood. Vietnamese fishermen revere whales, believing that honoring them brings good fortune, calm seas, and bountiful catches. Each year, on the first and 15th of the eighth lunar month, a vibrant festival is held, where prayers and offerings are made to seek protection from the whale spirits.

But to truly step away from the city’s bustle, Thanh An Island Commune is the place to be. With no cars or motorbikes, life here moves at a slower, more peaceful pace. Surrounded by untouched mangrove forests, the island is home to 4,500 residents, most of whom make their living from fishing and salt farming. Getting there is an adventure in itself—there are no high-speed boats, only local fishing boats making the 30-minute journey several times a day, with fares as low as VND15,000 ($0.65).

A visit to Can Gio is more than just an escape—it’s a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s coastal culture, where nature, history, and tradition intertwine.

Near the center of the island commune, people set up a daily street market between 5- 9 a.m.

WHERE TO STAY

The rising popularity of Can Gio has prompted investors to develop resorts in the island district.

Some high-end resorts like Can Gio Resort, Phuong Nam Can Gio Resort, Mangrove Hotel Can Gio and Gio Long Boutique Hotel are surrounded by thriving nature, with room rates starting from VND700,000 a night.

For travelers seeking an affordable stay, homestays like Phuc, Eco, Tan Tan, and Mangrove offer cozy accommodations starting at VND100,000 per night.

On Thanh An Island, locals also provide lodging, offering a chance to experience the island’s simple and authentic way of life.

WHAT TO EAT

n Can Gio, local cuisine reflects the region’s fresh seafood and vibrant flavors. A popular breakfast is Bún Riêu Cua, a crab noodle soup made with a crab meat mixture, pork, and egg, topped with pork feet, pig blood pudding, beef balls, fried tofu, and crab cakes. This hearty dish offers a perfect start to the day.

For lunch, visitors can enjoy fried seafood rice, featuring prawns, squid, eggs, and fresh vegetables. Another local favorite is Canh Chua Cá Khoai, a sour soup made with Bumalo fish, tomatoes, pineapple, and herbs, often served with rice vermicelli or noodles.

The area is a paradise for seafood lovers, with numerous stalls offering dishes like fried snails with spicy coconut milk, crab claws roasted with salt, and grilled oysters, ensuring a satisfying experience for all who visit.

Sentinel-crabs and mantis shrimp are popular items. A kilogram of sentinel-crabs cost VND400,000 – 500,000 while mantis shrimp are more expensive at around VND600,000 per kilo.

You can visit Hang Duong and Can Gio markets at night to enjoy seafood.

HOW TO GET THERE

From the bus station on Pham Ngu Lao Street in District 1 near Bui Vien backpacker area, you can catch bus No. 20 to reach the Binh Khanh ferry port in Nha Be District, then catch another bus to Can Gio District.

It’s easy for motorbikers to reach Can Gio as the journey takes one-and-a-half hours. From the city downtown, drive to Tan Thuan Bridge in District 7, turn toward Nguyen Van Linh then Huynh Tan Phat streets to reach the Binh Khanh ferry.

After crossing, follow the road to Can Thanh Commune.