A UNESCO biosphere reserve of mangrove forest on the city's own coast, with boat trips, a monkey island and wartime history.
Can Gio's mangrove forest was replanted after the war and is protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Visitors take boats through the channels of the Vam Sat Eco-Tourism Area, see crocodile pens and the monkey island, and walk the elevated boardwalks. The reserve is an easy day trip from the city, though the crossing at Binh Khanh adds time.
Entry is about 100,000-130,000 VND (~$3.80-4.94), with boat hire charged separately.
| Distance | About 50 km / 31 miles |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2 hours each way |
| Getting there | Private car or Grab, ferry or bridge at Binh Khanh, guided boat tour |
| Cost | Entry about 100,000-130,000 VND (~$3.80-4.94) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Rung Sac, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City |
How to get there
- Grab or private car (about 900,000-1,300,000 VND / ~$34.22-49.43 round trip)
- Group day tour (about 500,000-1,000,000 VND / ~$19.01-38.02)
- Motorbike hire with a licence (about 150,000-250,000 VND / ~$5.70-9.51 per day)
Location
Rung Sac, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City
10.4300, 106.8500 View on map
Highlights
- Boat trips through the Vam Sat mangrove channels
- Monkey island visit
- Crocodile pens in the eco-tourism area
- Elevated boardwalks through the forest
- UNESCO biosphere reserve setting
Tips for visiting
- Entry is about 100,000-130,000 VND; boat hire is charged separately.
- Allow extra time for the crossing at Binh Khanh.
- Keep belongings secure around the monkeys on the monkey island.
- A Grab or private car round trip costs roughly 900,000-1,300,000 VND.
- Bring insect repellent for the mangrove channels.
When to visit
November to April is driest; go in the morning when it is cooler and boats run more freely.
Accessibility
Boardwalks are largely flat but boat boarding can be awkward, so mobility-impaired visitors should check access with the operator.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Can Gio from central Ho Chi Minh City?
Can Gio is about 50 km southeast, around 1.5-2 hours each way including the Binh Khanh crossing.
What is Can Gio known for?
It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve of replanted mangrove forest with boat trips, a monkey island and crocodile pens.
Can it be done as a day trip?
Yes, it is an easy day trip, though the crossing adds travel time.