Can Gio Ecotourism Area – Top Unmissable Experiences This Summer

Can Gio Ecotourism Area, located near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a renowned destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike. This coastal area is celebrated for its diverse ecosystem, featuring mangrove forests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the lush greenery of the mangrove forests, observe rare species of birds and marine life, and enjoy activities such as boat tours, kayaking, and crab fishing. Can Gio is also home to historical landmarks like Monkey Island and the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat close to the bustling city.

An Overview of Can Gio Ecotourism Area

Located about 50 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the Can Gio Ecotourism Area is part of the 30/4 Tourist Area on Thanh Thoi Street, Long Hoa, Can Gio, HCMC. Covering an area of approximately 714 km², with half of it consisting of mangrove forests, this ecotourism destination is a rich ecological complex that includes a diverse range of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna.

In 2000, Can Gio was officially recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s most exemplary biosphere reserves, making it the first biosphere reserve in Vietnam. Known as the “green oasis” of the most populous city in the country, Can Gio attracts millions of visitors each year who come to explore and discover its natural beauty.

As the only coastal district of Ho Chi Minh City, located more than 40 km from the city center, Can Gio offers visitors various activities such as fishing, kayaking, cycling, forest trekking, visiting Monkey Island, and motorboat rides through the mangroves. The area is also popular among young people for its scenic photography spots. Hang Duong Market, located in the center of the district, offers a variety of fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

How to get to the Can Gio Ecotourism Area?

By Motorbike or Car

• From the city center, head towards District 7.
• Follow Nguyen Van Linh Boulevard until you reach Binh Khanh Ferry Terminal.
• Take the ferry to cross the river to Can Gio District.
• Continue on Rung Sac Road, which will lead you to the Can Gio Ecotourism Area.

By Bus

• Take Bus No. 75 from Ben Thanh Bus Station (near Ben Thanh Market) to Can Thanh Bus Station in Can Gio.
• From Can Thanh Bus Station, you can take a taxi or a motorbike taxi (xe ôm) to the Can Gio Ecotourism Area.

By Organized Tour

Many tour companies in Ho Chi Minh City offer day trips to Can Gio. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and various activities.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service

Use services like Grab or local taxi companies to hire a car for a day trip to Can Gio.

The best time to visit Can Gio Ecotourism Area

The best time to visit the Can Gio Ecotourism Area is during the dry season, which typically lasts from December to April.

The weather is generally dry and pleasant, with less rainfall, making it easier to explore the area without worrying about sudden downpours or muddy conditions. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), which is comfortable for outdoor activities.

You can fully enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, cycling, trekking through the mangrove forests, and visiting Monkey Island. The dry season is also great for bird watching, as many bird species are more active and visible.

The mangrove forests and other natural landscapes are more accessible and scenic during this time, offering better opportunities for photography and sightseeing.

What to Expect at the Can Gio Ecotourism Area?

Explore Vam Sat Mangrove Forest

When mentioning ecotourism in Can Gio, one cannot overlook the Vam Sat Mangrove Forest, a verdant island recognized by the World Tourism Organization as the most sustainably developed ecotourism site in the world. This area boasts a diverse ecosystem with more than 700 species of vertebrates, over 20 species of mammals, and nearly 300 species of birds and fish.

The pristine beauty of Vam Sat is a major draw for visitors. Tourists can immerse themselves in the lush greenery of the mangrove forest, enjoy the fresh air, and explore the rich ecosystem.

Explore the Monkey Island

After exploring the pristine beauty of the Vam Sat Mangrove Forest, visitors can continue their journey to Monkey Island in the Lam Vien Can Gio Tourist Area. Here, you can interact with playful and adorable monkeys, take photos, feed them, and even shake hands.

The entrance fee is around 35,000 VND per person, offering an affordable and enjoyable experience. Visiting Monkey Island not only provides fun but also an opportunity to learn about monkey conservation.

The Lam Vien Tourist Area, also known as Monkey Island, attracts 400-500 visitors on regular days and 1,000-1,500 on weekends. The monkeys are friendly and not afraid of people, although their occasional “daylight robbery” can surprise some visitors.

From a few dozen initially, the island now hosts nearly 2,000 monkeys, including some rare species. The staff of the Lam Vien Tourist Area takes care of them. Enjoy watching these charming creatures and the fresh, cool atmosphere of the mangrove forest ecosystem.

Can Gio Beach

Can Gio Beach (30/4 Beach) offers a tranquil and familiar spot for beachgoers. Here, you can enjoy the calm atmosphere, playing in the water with friends and family. Although the tourism services are sparse, it makes an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat, away from the usual tourist crowds.

Can Gio Beach is known for its black sand due to alluvial deposits. Despite the dark sand and less clear water, tourists still flock here to wade out and swim. The constant reminders from loudspeakers to avoid dangerous areas provide a sense of safety. You can enjoy fresh seafood while relaxing on rented beach chairs for a fee of 20,000 VND each.

The beach’s unique feature is its smooth, black sand stretching gently along the shore. Although the water here is murkier due to geographical factors, it remains clean and safe, making it an ideal spot for swimming and enjoying the fresh air. Far from the city’s hustle and bustle, Can Gio Beach offers a wild, serene beauty that helps visitors relax and unwind after busy days.

Hang Duong Market

Near Monkey Island, the bustling Hang Duong Market welcomes visitors with a wide variety of fresh, affordable seafood. Known as Can Gio’s seafood paradise, the market attracts tourists with its rich selection and competitive prices.

At Hang Duong Market, you can find all kinds of seafood: from common clams, snails, crabs, and squid to premium options like lobster, cobia, and grouper. Everything is freshly caught and guaranteed to be delicious.

What makes Hang Duong Market especially appealing is its reasonable prices. With just 200,000 to 300,000 VND, you can enjoy a lavish seafood feast with a variety of dishes. The market is open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM, allowing you to select your favorite fresh seafood, have it cooked to your liking by the vendors, and enjoy it on the spot.

Visiting Cá Ông Tomb

Located on Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Cá Ông Tomb is a cultural and spiritual symbol of Can Gio. It preserves longstanding traditions of the local riverine community, attracting visitors for peaceful contemplation and prayers.

Visiting Cá Ông Tomb offers a serene and sacred atmosphere. It is a place of worship dedicated to Cá Ông, a revered spiritual figure among locals. The tomb features unique architecture, reflecting the cultural heritage of the southern people.

The Cá Ông Festival takes place annually on the 18th of August according to the lunar calendar. It is one of Can Gio’s largest festivals, drawing visitors from afar. The festival commemorates Cá Ông’s contributions and seeks blessings for favorable weather and national prosperity.

Thieng Lieng Island

Thieng Lieng Island, about 70 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is a serene ecotourism spot famed for its tranquil beauty. Accessible by boat from Can Gio Pier, it offers untouched beaches, white sands, and activities like fishing, kayaking, and exploring mangroves. Home to a community of 200 households, Thieng Lieng relies on salt production, mainly during the six-month dry season, using solar energy for most needs despite its remote setting.

Thach An Island

Thanh An Island, near Thieng Lieng, offers a peaceful retreat in Can Gio, just 80km from Saigon. Its serene beaches and surrounding mangrove forests create a tranquil environment. Visitors enjoy calm walks on sandy shores, gentle waves, and the diverse birdlife in mangroves. Life here revolves around fishing and salt production, providing a glimpse into a simple, authentic island life. Thanh An is ideal for those seeking a quiet getaway to reconnect with nature and experience genuine coastal living.