HOW TO GET TO CAN GIO MANGROVE FOREST
Vehicles
You can move down to Can Gio by motorbike or bus.
Bus: You can take the bus line 75 from the 23/9 park straight to Can Gio, or from Ben Thanh, take bus 20 to Binh Khanh ferry port, you buy tickets via ferry, then catch bus 90 goes straight to Can Gio, there's a bus about every 10 minutes. When taking the bus you should keep in mind the time of the last bus trip so you can get back to the city.
Motorbike: The ride from Saigon to Can Gio is pretty easy to navigate, even for newbies. All you have to do is run straight from Huynh Tan Phat Street in Nha Be district to Binh Khanh ferry port, the price to take your motorbike on the ferry is 4,500 VND. After crossing the ferry, travel another 40km and you will reach the center of Can Thanh commune and Can Gio sea, all the attractions such as Monkey Island, Vam Sat ... are on the way, super convenient.
WHAT TO SEE IN CAN GIO, VIETNAM
Monkey Island: It's not an actual island but a mangrove forest, to get there you have to cross a dirt road. Along the road, you can see thousands of birds and monkeys. You can feed the monkeys, as well.
While visiting Monkey Island, you should note that the monkeys here are lovely but rather fierce, and are not afraid of people. You must pay attention to bags, backpacks, and phones, because the monkey might snatch them from you and run away.
Vam Sat Tourist Area: This is one of the world's most sustainable eco-tourism site, recognized by WTO. You can wander on the canoe, go bird-watching, and enjoy delicious local specialties. Don't forget to climb the Tang Bong tower to catch a panoramic view 26 meters off the ground. In addition, you can participate in activities such as fishing and sailing.
Sac forest war base: this is an important war base of Saigon during the war against the American. Here, you can learn about the fascinating history while boarding a canoe through the canals in the forest, or through the artifacts and rebuilt models.
Can Gio Beach: The most visited tourist area is 30/4 Beach (April 30th). This is alluvial beach so it has brown opaque color instead of green or blue like other beaches. Can Sea is not as beautiful as other tourist beaches but if you want to go to the beach and relax without having to travel far, this is a great choice. It is most beautiful during sunset.
Can Thanh Town: Not far from the city center, but Can Thanh offers a breath of fresh air, lush trees, small houses adjacent to each other, creating a peaceful atmosphere, a perfect getaway from the bustling Saigon.
Hang Duong Market: Hang Duong is a well-known seafood market, with freshly caught from Can Gio Beach. You can buy seafood, ask people to prepare it to your liking and bring it to the sea to enjoy. The price of seafood here may be superior to the regular farmer's market but it's all worth it for the quality and service.
Thanh An Island: In Thanh An Island, you'll get to experience a peaceful atmosphere. The seafood is super fresh and affordable. Some people on the island even offer grilling seafood for you, especially for octopus, squid, and shrimp. Spending a day on the Thanh An Island over the weekend will guarantee a pleasant and comfortable trip.
Thieng Lieng Island: Although it is also one of the island communes under Can Gio, Thieng Lieng island is lesser known. That's because the road to the island is difficult. From Can Thanh town, you take a boat to Thanh An island. Like Thanh An Island, Thieng Lieng Island does not have any travel services.
WHAT TO EAT IN CAN GIO, VIETNAM
Can Gio coconut water: If you have come here, you should enjoy some coconut water, a specialty of the region.
Seafood: You cannot talk about Can Gio without mentioning its seafood. Even though the seafood in Can Gio is not cheaper than in Ho Chi Minh City, but it is fresher, maybe still moving, even. You can go to the 30/4 market, which is only 50 meters from Can Gio Beach to buy seafood. Make sure to try snail dishes, grilled sentinel-crabs and mantis shrimps.
