Have you ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a pristine, fresh natural place to relax and explore? Can Gio Mangrove Forest, the “green lung” of Ho Chi Minh City, is the ideal destination for you. Not only is it a world biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO, but Can Gio is also an ecotourism paradise with a rich and diverse flora and fauna and unique, unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore the most interesting and attractive things in Can Gio Mangrove Forest on this ecotourism journey with “Travel Around the World”!
Exploring the Unique Beauty of Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Can Gio Mangrove Forest, with an area of over 75,000 hectares, is one of the largest and most important mangrove ecosystems in Vietnam. This place not only plays an important role in protecting the environment and preventing coastal erosion, but it is also a common home for hundreds of rare and precious species of flora and fauna. Coming to Can Gio, you will admire the majestic beauty of vast mangrove forests, weaving through intricate canals, and discover the incredible biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.
Can Gio Mangrove Forest is not just a forest, but also a vibrant world with countless wonders. Under the cool green canopy, you can spot mischievous monkeys jumping from branch to branch, flocks of birds flying in the sky, or crocodiles hiding under the water. The mangrove ecosystem here is a harmonious combination of forest, river, sea, and wetlands, creating a colorful and vibrant natural picture.
Vam Sat Tourist Area – An Unmissable Attractive Ecotourism Destination
Located deep in the heart of Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Vam Sat Tourist Area emerges like a green pearl, attracting visitors with its pristine beauty and unique ecotourism experiences. Vam Sat is not only a place for you to immerse yourself in nature, but also an opportunity to discover interesting activities and challenge yourself.
Bat Lagoon – Witnessing the “Night Dance” of Bats
Coming to Bat Lagoon, you will witness firsthand the unique living habits of bats. During the day, thousands of bats hang upside down on tree branches, creating a strange and impressive scene. When night falls, they begin their “night dance”, flying out to forage and bringing excitement to the forest. At Bat Lagoon, you can also try your hand at crab catching, a rustic and interesting experience.
Crocodile Fishing – Challenging Courage and Skill
If you are an adventurous person and want to challenge yourself, then crocodile fishing at Vam Sat is an experience not to be missed. With over 40 crocodiles waiting, you will have the opportunity to face this ferocious reptile and test your courage as well as your fishing skills. This will definitely be a memorable experience in your journey to explore Can Gio Mangrove Forest.
Vam Sat Bird Sanctuary – A Paradise for Birds
Vam Sat is also known as a natural bird sanctuary with more than 30 different species of birds living and residing. Coming here, you will immerse yourself in the bustling and noisy space of the bird world. Vam Sat Bird Sanctuary is an ideal place for you to observe rare birds such as white storks, herons, bitterns, egrets, terns… flying freely in the sky. The tourist area has planned a large bird sanctuary area, creating favorable conditions for visitors to observe and admire the beauty of the birds.
Mangrove Forest – Symbol of Can Gio Mangrove Forest
The mangrove forest is one of the special highlights of Vam Sat ecotourism area. The tall, strong mangrove trees, with their intricate root systems deeply embedded in the soil, have become a characteristic symbol of Can Gio Mangrove Forest. Walking in the mangrove forest, you will feel the majesty and vitality of nature, and better understand the important role of mangrove forests in protecting the environment.
Vast greenery of Can Gio mangrove forest
The green and majestic scenery of the mangrove forest at Vam Sat Tourist Area, an ideal destination for nature lovers in Can Gio.
Tang Bong Tower – Admire the Panorama of the Mangrove Forest from Above
To get a comprehensive and complete view of the beauty of Can Gio Mangrove Forest, don’t forget to conquer Tang Bong Tower. From the top of the 25-meter-high tower, you can cast your eyes far away, admire the panoramic view of the vast mangrove forest, winding rivers, and sprawling aquaculture areas. Tang Bong Tower is not only a great viewpoint, but also a place for you to feel the vastness and majesty of Can Gio’s nature.
Suggested Itinerary for Can Gio Mangrove Forest Ecotourism Trip
To have a complete and meaningful ecotourism trip to Can Gio Mangrove Forest, you can refer to the following suggested itinerary:
Morning:
- Depart from Ho Chi Minh City: Travel to Can Gio by motorbike or car (about 1-1.5 hours).
- Visit Shrimp Farm: Learn about the shrimp hatchery model and the shrimp farming process in Can Gio. Interact with local people and discover the lives of those attached to the mangrove forest.
- Explore Vam Sat Bird Sanctuary (from April to October): Take a boat weaving under the mangrove canopy to observe and admire rare birds.
Noon:
- Lunch at a local restaurant: Enjoy fresh seafood and Can Gio specialties such as tiger shrimp, Can Gio crab, mudskipper, telescopium telescopium snails…
Delicious seafood lunch at Carrot Restaurant in Can Gio
Delicious fresh seafood lunch at Carrot Restaurant or Vam Sat Restaurant, an unmissable culinary experience when coming to Can Gio.
Afternoon:
- Visit Monkey Island: Explore Can Gio Museum and play with a natural monkey colony of over 1000 monkeys.
- Explore Vam Sat Tourist Area:
- Take a canoe or boat to visit the mangrove flora and fauna on Lo Ren and Vam Sat rivers.
- Weave by small boat into the mangrove forest to visit Bat Lagoon and experience recreational crab catching.
- Visit the crocodile farm and try your hand at crocodile fishing.
- Conquer Tang Bong Tower to admire the panoramic view of the mangrove forest.
Evening:
- Enjoy fresh seafood at Can Gio Seafood Market: Buy fresh seafood and ask to have it processed on the spot to enjoy a seafood dinner rich in the flavor of the sea.
- Depart back to Ho Chi Minh City: End your exciting and meaningful ecotourism trip to Can Gio Mangrove Forest.
Note: The itinerary may change depending on your time and preferences, as well as the tide.
Unique Cuisine in the Heart of Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Ecotourism in Can Gio Mangrove Forest is not only a journey to explore nature, but also an opportunity for you to enjoy unique dishes imbued with the flavor of the sea and mangrove forest. Fresh seafood is one of the culinary highlights of Can Gio. You can easily find and enjoy fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, squid, snails, fish… at restaurants, eateries by the sea or local seafood markets.
Some Can Gio specialties that you should not miss:
- Can Gio Tiger Shrimp: Tiger shrimp here is famous for its firm, sweet, and fragrant meat. You can enjoy grilled tiger shrimp with salt and chili, steamed, tamarind fried…
- Can Gio Crab: Can Gio crab has rich, creamy roe and firm, sweet meat. Tamarind crab, steamed crab with beer, crab hotpot… are great choices.
- Mudskipper: A special fish only found in Can Gio mangrove forest, which can be processed into many delicious dishes such as grilled with salt and chili, crispy fried, hotpot…
- Telescopium telescopium snails fried with coconut: A rustic but very attractive dish with the sweet and fatty taste of telescopium telescopium snails blended with fragrant coconut milk.
- Herring salad: A refreshing, sour, and spicy salad, rich in the flavor of the sea.
Tips and Experiences for Can Gio Ecotourism
To make your ecotourism trip to Can Gio Mangrove Forest smooth and complete, please note some tips and experiences below:
- Ideal time: The dry season (from December to April) is the most suitable time to travel to Can Gio, the weather is dry, with little rain, favorable for outdoor activities.
- Prepare clothes: You should wear comfortable, cool, and sweat-absorbent clothes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
- Shoes: You should choose sports shoes or sandals for easy movement and participation in mangrove forest exploration activities.
- Medicine: Bring personal medicine, insect repellent, stomachache medicine… in case of need.
- Cash: You should bring enough cash to pay for services and shopping in Can Gio, as not all places accept card payments.
- Environmental awareness: When visiting the mangrove forest, please maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately, do not make noise, and comply with the regulations of the tourist area to protect this precious ecosystem.
Conclusion
Experiencing ecotourism in Can Gio Mangrove Forest will definitely be a memorable and meaningful journey. You will not only immerse yourself in pristine nature, explore a unique ecosystem, but also have the opportunity to learn about local culture, enjoy unique cuisine, and recharge after stressful working days. Come to Can Gio to feel the beauty of the “green lung” and discover the wonders that nature bestows. “Travel Around the World” believes that Can Gio will be an ideal destination for those who love ecotourism and want to return to nature.