Can Gio Mangrove Forest is a quiet, wild, and beautiful area just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City. This UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve stretches over 75,000 hectares and is home to rich mangrove ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and peaceful rivers. It’s one of the best places in southern Vietnam to enjoy nature, fresh air, and local culture without traveling too far. Today, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about in this Can Gio Mangrove Forest: Complete Travel Guide — from what it is and why it matters, to what you can explore, when to go, how to get there, and helpful tips before your trip.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest Overview

Can Gio Mangrove Forest is a peaceful and green escape just around 40 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It covers more than 75,000 hectares and is often called the “green lungs” of the city. This area is the first UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve in Vietnam, and it holds a special place in both nature and local history. You find a huge network of canals, rivers, and thick mangrove trees that stretch far into the distance.

Can Gio is one of the most important biosphere reserve in Vietnam. Over 200 species of animals live here, including molluscs, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, and many kinds of birds like storks, pelicans, and herons. The mangrove trees play a vital role in protecting the coast from erosion and storms. They also help clean the water and air around them.

What makes Can Gio Mangrove Forest worth visiting is the sense of calm and wild beauty that surrounds you the moment you enter. It feels raw and wild, but still safe and accessible. If you’re looking for a break from the heat and chaos of the city, this place gives you that without needing to go too far.

Things to explore at Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Vam Sat Tourist Zone

One of the main areas to explore inside Can Gio Mangrove Forest is the Vam Sat Tourist Zone. This is the most developed part of the forest for visitors, and it’s also where you’ll find the most things to do.

One of the main attractions in Vam Sat is the Bird Reserve. This place is especially lively from April to October, which is the breeding season. You can climb up a tall observation tower to see flocks of storks, herons, and cormorants resting or feeding in the wetland below. The view is calm and wide, with sounds of birds echoing from every corner. You won’t need binoculars unless you want a close-up look. Most birds nest in plain view.

Nearby, you can visit the Bat Lagoon, which is one of the most peaceful spots in the entire forest. Here, local guides will row you in small wooden boats through quiet channels lined with thick mangroves. If you stay still and keep quiet, you’ll spot large fruit bats sleeping upside-down in the trees. These bats are harmless, and they only become active at night. The boat ride usually lasts about 20–30 minutes, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the feeling of being deep inside the mangrove world. The water is still, the air is cooler here, and the only sounds are from the forest itself.
 

Within the Vam Sat Tourist Zone, you can visit the Crocodile Swamp, a unique area where crocodiles are raised in a semi-wild environment. This swamp is home to 32 Siamese crocodiles, a freshwater species that has adapted to the saltwater conditions of the mangrove forest. Unlike typical crocodile farms, the setup here allows you to observe these reptiles in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitat.​ Visitors can safely view the crocodiles from boats, where guides may demonstrate feeding techniques, sometimes encouraging the crocodiles to leap from the water for food.
 

If you like more hands-on activities, you can try fishing and crab fishing, which are both popular among Vietnamese tourists. You don’t need any experience. The guides will give you a simple bamboo rod or a local-style trap and show you how it works. In the case of crab fishing, you drop a baited line into the shallow water and wait until a crab grabs on. If you catch crabs or small fish, you can ask the local kitchen to cook them for you.

Monkey Island

Next on your journey through Can Gio Mangrove Forest is Monkey Island, known locally as Dao Khi. This is one of the most visited spots in the area, especially by families and day-trippers from Ho Chi Minh City. Don’t expect a real island though, it’s part of the mainland and easy to reach by road.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the monkeys. Hundreds of long-tailed macaques live here freely, and they are not shy. In fact, they’ll often approach visitors without hesitation, especially if they think you have food. Some people enjoy getting close to them for photos, but be careful, the monkeys can grab loose items like sunglasses, phones, or snacks right out of your hand or pocket. We don’t recommend feeding them, even if some locals do. It can make them aggressive or overly dependent on human food.

Entry to Monkey Island is usually included in broader Can Gio tour packages, but if you go independently, expect to pay around 30,000–40,000 VND per person. You can walk along concrete paths through the forest where monkeys hang out or climb trees right next to you. The area is safe to walk, and there are guards who keep an eye on things, but it’s a good idea to leave valuables in your bag and zip it tightly. If you’re traveling with kids, keep them close and remind them not to tease the monkeys.

Rung Sac Guerrilla Base

After Monkey Island, you can explore the Rung Sac Guerrilla Base. This area holds deep historical value. During the Vietnam War, the dense mangrove forest of Can Gio served as a hiding place and battlefield for the Viet Cong guerrillas. It was part of the Rung Sac Special Zone, an area used to launch attacks and store supplies while staying hidden from American and South Vietnamese forces. Today, the site has been reconstructed to give you a better idea of what life was like for the soldiers who operated here.

The base is located within the Monkey Island area, so you can reach it easily on foot. The paths lead you through a shaded forest trail with lifelike statues showing guerrillas in combat positions, operating radios, cooking, and guarding the area. There are also simple thatched huts, bunkers, and a few underground tunnels. The atmosphere is quiet and a little haunting, especially when you stop and think about what the place must have been like during wartime.

There are guides available at the site. Otherwise, it’s good to read up a little before you come, or just take your time and observe. The area also has shaded rest areas, so it’s a decent spot to take a short break.

Dan Xay Ecotourism Area

If you’re looking for more active and modern experiences, head to the Dan Xay Ecotourism Area. This place doesn’t attract as many visitors as Vam Sat or Monkey Island, but it offers something different — the chance to kayak or paddleboard (SUP) in calm mangrove waters. Dan Xay is located deeper in the Can Gio forest, and you can reach it by following signs or booking a tour.

You can rent kayaks or SUP boards by the hour, and the prices are reasonable — around 100,000–150,000 VND per hour. The water here is flat and easy to navigate. The best time to go is in the morning or late afternoon when the heat is less intense. As you paddle through the mangrove channels, you’ll see crabs crawling on roots, birds resting on branches, and fish darting through the water.

Can Gio Beach

If you still have time and energy after exploring the forest areas, you can continue your trip to Can Gio Beach. It’s also called 30/4 Beach by locals, named after the nearby road. This beach isn’t famous for white sand or clear water, so don’t expect a typical tropical beach experience like in Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. The sand here is dark because of the nearby mangrove soil, and the water looks muddy, not because it’s dirty, but because of the fine silt that comes from the river system.

Still, Can Gio Beach has its own charm. Local families often come here on weekends to picnic and relax. The beach is also a good place to take a long walk, watch the waves, or enjoy some seafood from nearby stalls. If you just want to sit, feel the wind, and take a break after a day of exploring the forest, this beach is a good stop.

Hang Duong Market

Right next to the beach, you’ll find Hang Duong Market, one of the liveliest spots in Can Gio. This small seafood market opens from early morning until late afternoon. If you enjoy fresh seafood, this is where you want to be. The stalls sell live shrimp, squid, crabs, oysters, clams, and many types of fish. You can also buy dried seafood like squid jerky or dried anchovies, which are popular souvenirs.

What makes Hang Duong Market even better is that most vendors will cook the seafood for you right on the spot. You pick what you want, agree on the price, and they’ll steam, grill, or stir-fry it while you wait. The prices are fair — cheaper than in the city — and the cooking is usually simple but tasty. Grilled scallops with spring onions and peanuts are a favorite, as are grilled mantis shrimp and steamed clams with lemongrass. There are basic tables and plastic chairs around the market, so you can sit down and enjoy your meal with a cold drink.

Thanh An Island Commune

If you want something even quieter and more local, consider visiting Thanh An Island Commune. This small island is about 15 kilometers from the center of Can Gio District, and you’ll need to take a short ferry ride to get there. Boats leave from Can Thanh Wharf, and the ride takes over 30 minutes.

Thanh An is not a tourist island. People come here to see what daily life is like in a coastal fishing village. There are no cars, no big hotels, and very few shops. You can walk or rent a bicycle to explore the narrow paths lined with local homes, salt fields, and shrimp farms. It’s quiet, with only the sounds of children playing, fishermen mending nets, and birds flying over the mangrove edges. If you like slow travel and want to experience something real and untouched, this island offers just that.
 

Best time to visit Can Gio Mangrove Forest

The best time to visit Can Gio Mangrove Forest is during the dry season, from December to April. During these months, the weather is warm, sunny, and there’s little rain, which makes it easier to walk through the forest trails, take boat rides, and explore the wildlife comfortably. Humidity is also lower, so it feels more pleasant, especially if you’re planning to kayak or hike.

From May to November, it’s the rainy season. Rain can make the forest paths slippery and sometimes flood low-lying areas. If you go during this time, prepare a raincoat, waterproof shoes, and check the weather before your trip. Also, mosquitoes are more active during the wet season, so bring repellent no matter when you go.

If you’re interested in birdwatching, August to November is the best time to see migratory birds at Vam Sat Bird Reserve. That’s when many species come to nest and feed in the forest, and you’ll have a better chance to spot rare or colorful birds.

Getting to Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Getting to Can Gio Mangrove Forest from Ho Chi Minh City is simple and doesn’t take long. The district is only about 50 to 60 kilometers from the city center, and the drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and your exact destination within Can Gio.

The easiest way to get there is by private car or motorbike. If you ride a motorbike, you’ll need to take the Binh Khanh ferry to cross the Soai Rap River. The ferry operates every 15 minutes from 5 AM to 8 PM. The ticket is cheap, and you can take your vehicle on it with you. After the ferry, it’s a straight road (Rung Sac Road) that goes all the way to the Can Gio town area and then further to attractions like Monkey Island or Vam Sat.

If you don’t want to drive, you can also take a bus. From the 23/9 Park Bus Station near Ben Thanh Market in District 1, look for Bus No. 75, which goes directly to Can Gio. The journey takes around 2 hours, and while it’s slower than driving, it’s very cheap and easy.

Another option is to join a day tour. Many travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City offer all-inclusive trips to Can Gio that cover transportation, entrance fees, meals, and guides. These tours often include stops at Vam Sat, Monkey Island, the crocodile swamp, and sometimes a seafood lunch near the beach or Hang Duong Market. If you want a stress-free day and don’t mind following a group schedule, this is a convenient choice.

No matter how you get there, it’s best to start early in the morning. That gives you time to explore without rushing, and you’ll also avoid the midday heat. Whether you go on your own or with a group, Can Gio is close enough for a day trip but full enough to fill two days if you want to slow down and enjoy it all.

What to know before you go

Can Gio Mangrove Forest Tickets:

• Entrance fee: 60,000 VND
• Crocodile swamp car round-trip: 20,000 VND
• Bird Sanctuary car round-trip: 20,000 VND
• Bird sanctuary entrance fee: 55,000 VND
• Bat lagoon boat: 65,000 VND – 185,000 VND
• Bicycle rental: 60,000 VND

If you’re planning to explore multiple places, it’s good to carry cash, as some areas don’t accept cards. ATMs are limited, especially once you leave Can Thanh Town.

Also, wear light clothes, long sleeves if you’re sensitive to sun or insects, and bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and water. Good walking shoes or sandals that can handle mud and wet paths are helpful too.

Since this is a nature destination, respect the wildlife and avoid feeding animals or littering in the forest. It helps keep the environment healthy and safe for both you and the animals.

Lastly, mobile signal is generally available in most parts of Can Gio, but it can be weak in deep forest areas or along the rivers. If you’re going on a longer trip, let someone know your plans and schedule ahead.

Conclusion

We hope this Can Gio Mangrove Forest: Complete Travel Guide was helpful! The forest is close enough for a day trip, but there’s also plenty to do if you want to stay longer. If you’re ready to explore this peaceful and special destination, we’d be happy to take you there. Book a tour with Vietnam Original Travel and let us help you discover the best of Can Gio Mangrove Forest.

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