January
26.9°C ~ 80°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Can Gio Mangrove Forest and Monkey Island
A UNESCO-recognised mangrove biosphere reserve south of the city, with boat trips, wildlife and a monkey island.
- Location
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Time needed
- Half day to…
- Entry fee
- 35,000 VND
- Best months
- Dec – Apr
Overview
Can Gio is a district south-east of Ho Chi Minh City and home to a large mangrove forest that is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It is one of the nearest places to the city where you can see wild nature and quiet waterways.
Most visitors come on a day trip. Highlights include boat rides through mangrove channels, Monkey Island with its macaques, a crocodile farm and a seafood lunch in the town.
Highlights
- Take a boat through the mangrove channels
- See macaques on Monkey Island from a safe distance
- Visit the crocodile farm and the Vam Sat ecotourism area
- Eat fresh seafood in Can Gio town
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 7:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | About 35,000 VND for Monkey Island, plus boat and tour costs |
| Time needed | Half day to full day |
| Best time of day | Morning in the dry season |
| Good for | Nature lovers, families, day-trippers |
| Accessibility | Boat boardings and dirt paths; limited for wheelchairs |
| Facilities | Restaurants, toilets and cafes near the main sites |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City by month.
February
27.6°C ~ 82°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
28.6°C ~ 83°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.3°C ~ 85°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.8°C ~ 84°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
27.7°C ~ 82°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.9°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.7°C ~ 80°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
26.8°C ~ 80°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.5°C ~ 80°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Ho Chi Minh City centre
Can Gio is about 1.5 hours from the city centre by road. Join a day tour, take a Grab or private car, or ride a motorbike via the Binh Khanh ferry. A bus (number 75) also runs from central Saigon but is slow.
- Can Gio Mangrove Forest and Monkey Island
Tips before you go
- Keep food and loose items away from monkeys
- Wear a hat and bring insect repellent
- Combine with a ferry ride at Binh Khanh crossing
- Go on a weekday to avoid crowds
Location
Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City
More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs
How far is Can Gio from Ho Chi Minh City?
About 50 km, around 1.5 to 2 hours by road including the ferry or bridge crossing.
Is Monkey Island safe?
Yes if you are careful. The macaques are used to people but they can grab food and bags, so keep items secure and do not feed them.
Is it a good day trip from Saigon?
Yes for nature and a break from the city, especially if you take a guided tour with transport included.