Can Gio Mangrove Boardwalk Trails (Rung Sac and Monkey Island)

The Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve lies about 50 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City and covers the replanted Rung Sac mangrove forest, recognised as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The walking here is flat and gentle, built around timber boardwalks and short forest paths at the Monkey Island and Vam Sat eco-tourism areas. Access is by road from District 1 in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours each way, crossing the Soai Rap river by car ferry at Binh Khanh or by the newer road link, so the current crossing is worth confirming with the Grab app or the tour operator. Parking is available at both sites, and entry fees are paid at the gate. Combined boardwalk loops total about 2 to 4 km depending on which sites are linked, with no climbing at all, since the whole area sits at sea level. The surfaces are wooden planks, packed earth and concrete paths, with shade from the mangrove canopy but constant humidity and mosquitoes. Highlights along the way include mudskippers and fiddler crabs on the mudflats at low tide, wading birds, and the semi-wild long-tailed macaques of Monkey Island, which snatch food, bags and loose items from visitors. Boat trips through the tidal channels are commonly combined with the walks. Water and food are sold near the entrances and at small cafes, but there are no refuge huts, so sun and rain shelter is limited to roofed rest pavilions along the boardwalks. Tide times matter, since low tide exposes the most wildlife on the mudflats. Visitors usually allow two to three hours on the trails, and a full day when counting the journey. Closed shoes and insect repellent are strongly advised, and loose sunglasses, hats and plastic bags should be secured before approaching the macaques.