Recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, Can Gio is a vast belt of replanted mangrove forest between Ho Chi Minh City and the South China Sea, largely regrown after being heavily defoliated by Agent Orange during the war. The reserve is home to the Monkey Island (Dao Khi) area, where a large troop of semi-wild long-tailed macaques roams close to visitors (bags and loose items should be guarded closely), as well as boardwalk trails through the mangrove canopy, boat trips through tidal creeks, and a crocodile farm. It is one of the few genuinely wild nature escapes within day-trip range of the city, offering birdwatching, mangrove ecology, and a quieter alternative to the more crowded Mekong Delta tours, though the drive there and back consumes a large part of the day.
| Admission | ₫80,000-₫150,000 (~$3-$6) depending on area visited; boat and monkey island add-ons cost extra |
|---|---|
| Hours | 7:00am-5:00pm daily |
| Typical visit | Full day |
| Getting there | Private car or organized tour from District 1 (about 1.5-2 hours each way); a ferry crossing at Binh Khanh is required for self-drive visitors |
| Address | Can Thanh Town, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City |
Weather through the year in Vietnam
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Vietnam.
Location
Can Thanh Town, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City
10.4113, 106.9556 View on map
Highlights
- Monkey Island with a large troop of free-roaming macaques
- Elevated boardwalk trails through regrown mangrove forest
- Boat trips along tidal mangrove creeks
- Crocodile farm and viewing area
Tips for visiting
- Keep bags zipped and food out of sight around Monkey Island; macaques will grab items
- Bring insect repellent; mosquitoes are common in the mangrove areas
- The Binh Khanh ferry crossing can have long queues on weekends
- Start early to allow enough daylight for the full loop
When to visit
Morning departure, dry season (December-April)
Accessibility
Boardwalk sections are relatively flat, but boat access and unpaved paths limit full wheelchair accessibility.
Frequently asked questions
Is Can Gio the same as Can Gio Island resort areas?
The Biosphere Reserve refers specifically to the mangrove forest and Monkey Island area, distinct from the beach resort development further along the coast.
Are the macaques dangerous?
They are generally not aggressive but will snatch food, drinks, and loose items, so visitors should keep a firm hold on belongings.