Can Gio Mangrove Day Trip in Ho Chi Minh City
Part of the Ho Chi Minh City travel guide — see every topic in All Ho Chi Minh City Guides.
Can Gio is a huge area of mangrove forest where the Saigon River system meets the sea, about 40 to 50 km south-east of the city centre. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and the green lungs of Ho Chi Minh City. A day trip brings you to quiet waterways, monkeys, birds and a simple seaside town with fresh seafood. This guide covers what to see and how to plan the trip.
The mangrove forest
The Can Gio mangrove forest covers a very large area of rivers, mud flats and tidal forest. Much of it was replanted after earlier damage, and today it is one of the largest restored mangrove forests in the region. UNESCO named it a biosphere reserve in 2000. The forest protects the coast from storms and erosion and gives a home to many fish, crabs, birds and other animals. The roots of the mangrove trees grow in the water and rise and fall with the tide. Walking paths and boardwalks let you see the forest up close.
Monkey island and wildlife
The best-known stop is the monkey island area in the Lam Vien Can Gio tourist park. Many long-tailed macaques live here. They are wild, curious and sometimes cheeky. Keep bags closed, hold your phone tight, take off sunglasses and do not carry food in your hands. Do not feed or touch the monkeys. The park also has boardwalks through the mangroves and areas with birds and other animals. Vam Sat, another eco-tourism area deep in the forest, has a bird sanctuary, a high viewing tower and small boat rides through the mangrove channels. Mornings are the best time to see birds.
Boat rides and the beach
Small boats and canoes take visitors along narrow channels between the mangrove trees. This is the most peaceful part of the trip. You will hear birds and see crabs and mudskippers on the banks. At the end of the road is the seaside area of Can Gio, with a long beach facing the sea. The water is brown and not very clear, because it is near river mouths, so most people come for the sea breeze and the seafood rather than swimming. A large seafood market near the beach sells fresh crabs, prawns, clams and fish, and nearby restaurants can cook what you buy.
Getting there
Can Gio is about 1.5 to 2.5 hours from the city centre by road, depending on traffic and the route. The road crosses a river on the Binh Khanh car ferry. A bridge is being built to replace the ferry, so check the latest route before you go. Many travel agents run day tours that include transport, the monkey island, a boat ride and lunch. You can also hire a private car with a driver, or take a Grab car if your hotel helps you plan the return. Public buses also go to Can Gio, but they are slow and best for experienced travellers.
Planning the day
Start early, at about 7 am, to beat the heat and the traffic. The dry season, from about December to April, is the most comfortable time, with less rain and calmer skies. In the rainy season, from about May to November, there are often short, heavy storms in the afternoon. Bring sun cream, a hat, insect repellent, water and light long sleeves. Wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy. Since 2025, Can Gio is a commune and not a district, so some new signs and maps may use new names. A full day is enough for the main sights and a seafood lunch.
Can Gio Mangrove Day Trip at a glance
| Getting there | About 40 to 50 km south-east; about 1.5 to 2.5 hours by road with the Binh Khanh ferry |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daytime; parks usually open from early morning to late afternoon |
| Cost | Entry tickets at the parks; boat rides are extra; check prices at the gate |
| Best time | Dry season, about December to April; start early in the morning |
| Bring | Sun cream, hat, insect repellent, water; keep bags closed near monkeys |