Only about two hours from central Saigon, Can Gio feels like another world: endless green mangroves, rivers, sea and fresh seafood. The Can Gio mangrove forest is a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve.
Getting there
Head south from the centre, cross on the Binh Khanh ferry to Can Gio, then follow a beautiful road through the mangroves. The ferry can be busy at weekends, so set off early.
Main sights
- Monkey Island (Lam Vien Can Gio) — hundreds of free-roaming monkeys. They're cheeky and grab things: keep glasses, hats, plastic bags and food well secured.
- Rung Sac base — a speedboat ride through the mangroves to a site recreating the wartime base of special forces.
- Hang Duong market — a fresh seafood market; buy here and have a nearby eatery cook it for you.
- Can Gio beach (30/4 beach) — a muddy-sand beach better for strolling and sunsets than swimming.
Day itinerary
- 7:00 — leave Saigon, cross on the Binh Khanh ferry.
- 9:00 — Monkey Island.
- 10:30 — speedboat to the Rung Sac base.
- 12:30 — seafood lunch at Hang Duong market.
- 14:00 — walk on Can Gio beach.
- 15:30 — head back, arriving in Saigon around 17:00.
Tips
- Bring insect repellent, a hat and water.
- Don't feed or tease the monkeys.
- Ask prices before having seafood cooked.
- A private car lets you time the ferry and never worry about the ride back.
Book Minh Hy Travel's Can Gio mangrove & Monkey Island day tour with pickup in Saigon.
Cover photo: Genghiskhanviet · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
