Looking for an ideal escape to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Saigon and immerse yourself in fresh nature during the weekend? Can Gio ecotourism is the perfect answer for you. This place is not only known as the “green lung” of the city but also a world biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO, promising unique and memorable ecotourism experiences. Let’s explore Can Gio with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) and plan a fulfilling weekend ecotourism trip!
Can Gio Ecotourism: The Green Pearl of the Biosphere Reserve
Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO
Can Gio, the only island district of Ho Chi Minh City, has long been a familiar destination for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful spaces. It is famous for its diverse mangrove ecosystem, formed on a vast delta where rivers flow into the sea. With an area of over 700km², half of which is mangrove forest, Can Gio not only plays an important role in protecting the environment and regulating the climate for the city but also possesses great ecotourism potential.
Recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve since 2000, Can Gio is proud to be one of the first biosphere reserves in Vietnam and the world. Can Gio mangrove forest is home to thousands of diverse and rare animal and plant species, many of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book. Coming here, you will witness the pristine and majestic beauty of the primary mangrove forest, explore unique ecosystems, and experience exciting ecotourism activities.
Can Gio Ecotourism Potential:
Diverse ecotourism services in Can Gio
With its characteristic mangrove ecosystem, 20km long coastline, and a system of rivers and canals, Can Gio has the potential to develop diverse types of ecotourism. Visitors here not only explore unspoiled nature but also have the opportunity to learn about the value of biodiversity conservation, participate in experiential activities close to nature, and enjoy delicious local specialties. A weekend ecotourism trip to Can Gio is definitely a great choice for you to “reset” yourself after a stressful week of work.
Explore Can Gio Weekend: Must-Visit Destinations
Vam Sat Mangrove Forest: The “Green Heart” of Can Gio
Vam Sat Mangrove Forest, a famous ecotourism spot in Can Gio
Vam Sat National Park, the “green heart” of Can Gio, is a must-visit destination on your weekend ecotourism journey. With its vast area, Vam Sat is one of the largest remaining primary mangrove forests in Vietnam. Coming here, you will be amazed by the rich biodiversity with hundreds of different plant and animal species.
Vam Sat has been recognized by UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) as the most sustainably developed ecotourism area in Vietnam. You can choose to take a boat weaving through the green canals, explore the unique mangrove ecosystem, or walk on forest trails to enjoy the fresh air and admire the beautiful natural scenery.
Exciting experiences at Vam Sat:
- Hoa Ca Crocodile Farm: Admire thousands of freshwater crocodiles raised and conserved.
- Bat Lagoon (Dam Doi): Watch thousands of fruit bats roosting and flying at sunset.
- Bird Sanctuary (San Chim): Observe migratory and native birds living in the mangrove forest (the best time is from October to March next year).
- Tang Bong Tower: Climb the 26m high tower to see the panoramic view of Vam Sat mangrove forest from above.
- Recreational fishing: Try your hand at fishing on the river or challenging crocodile fishing.
- Kayaking: Freely explore the pristine beauty of the mangrove forest by kayak.
Tourists enjoy crocodile fishing activity in Can Gio
Vam Sat is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a place for you to relax, immerse yourself in nature, and forget about the worries of everyday life.
Monkey Island: Kingdom of Playful Monkeys
Monkey Island Can Gio attracts tourists with friendly monkeys
Leaving Vam Sat, the next unmissable destination on your Can Gio weekend ecotourism journey is Monkey Island. This place is home to thousands of wild monkeys of various species, including rare ones.
Arriving at Monkey Island, you will be greeted by extremely friendly and playful “residents.” You can freely play, take photos with them, feed them, and observe the natural life of the monkey troop. However, remember to be careful with personal belongings, especially food and drinks, because the monkeys here are very “curious” and may “borrow” your things!
Notes when visiting Monkey Island:
- Keep personal belongings, jewelry, phones… carefully.
- Do not bring food, drinks, plastic bags…
- Do not tease or make noise that affects the monkeys.
- Keep a safe distance from monkeys, especially mothers and babies.
- Follow the rules of the tourist area to ensure safety for yourself and the monkeys.
Can Gio Beach (April 30th Beach): Rustic and Charming
Can Gio beach retains its natural unspoiled beauty
Conclude your weekend ecotourism exploration of Can Gio by visiting April 30th beach. Unlike the familiar white sand beaches and blue water, Can Gio beach has a rustic beauty with characteristic black sand. Although not ideal for swimming, April 30th beach is a great place for you to stroll along the beach, breathe in the fresh air, watch the sunrise or sunset over the sea, and enjoy fresh seafood.
April 30th beach is also home to many seafood restaurants, eateries, and affordable resorts and hotels. You can easily find comfortable accommodation and enjoy Can Gio specialties right here.
Suggested accommodation in Can Gio:
Can Gio Resort, an ideal place to stay in Can Gio
If you want to enjoy a complete vacation in Can Gio, you can choose resorts like Can Gio Resort, Saigon Can Gio Resort… Or budget-friendly guesthouses and hotels along April 30th beach.
How to Get to Can Gio for a Weekend Trip
Motorbike, a popular means of transport for Can Gio tourism
Can Gio is only about 50km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, with convenient transportation, so you can easily get here by many different means, depending on your preferences and budget.
1. Motorbike:
Motorbike is a popular means of transport chosen by many young people for a weekend ecotourism trip to Can Gio, especially backpackers. Traveling by motorbike helps you be proactive about time, comfortably enjoy the scenery, and explore the beautiful coastal roads.
Suggested route: From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, follow Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, cross Tan Thuan Bridge, turn into Nguyen Van Linh Street, then go straight on Huynh Tan Phat Street to Binh Khanh ferry. After crossing the ferry, continue straight on Rung Sac Street for about 40km to reach the center of Can Gio.
2. Bus:
Bus is a economical and safe means of transport for those who do not want to drive themselves. You can choose one of the following two bus routes:
- Route No. 20: From Ben Thanh Market to Nha Be, stop at Binh Khanh ferry station. Then, transfer to bus No. 90 to get to Can Gio.
- Route No. 75: From 23/9 Park directly to Can Thanh bus station (Can Gio).
3. Private car/rental car:
If traveling in a large group or family with young children, you can choose to travel by private car or rent a tourist car. The road to Can Gio is quite easy to travel and there are many parking lots at tourist attractions.
Various means of transport to Can Gio
No matter which means of transport you choose, the journey to Can Gio weekend ecotourism will surely bring interesting and memorable experiences.
Enjoy Can Gio Specialties: Unforgettable Seafood Flavors
Fried Mantis Shrimp with Garlic, a Can Gio specialty attracting tourists
Coming to Can Gio without enjoying fresh seafood and local specialties is считай like you haven’t been here yet. Can Gio cuisine is imbued with the flavors of the sea, with dishes prepared from fresh ingredients, bringing an unforgettable culinary experience for visitors.
Can Gio specialties you should not miss:
- Fried Mantis Shrimp with Garlic: A “must-try” seafood dish with a fragrant, rich flavor, naturally sweet and chewy mantis shrimp meat.
- Com Vat Kho Ca Dua (Dried Fish Rice Ball): A rustic, familiar dish but with a distinctive flavor of the Can Gio sea region.
- Goi Ca Thoi Loi Tron La Lim Kim (Mudskipper Salad with Lim Kim Leaves): A unique salad with a harmonious combination of the sour and acrid taste of Lim Kim leaves, the sweetness of mudskipper, and rich sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Dua Nuoc (Coconut Water): Great refreshment with a cool, sweet glass of coconut water, crispy coconut pulp.
Com Vat Kho Ca Dua, a typical dish of Can Gio
In addition, Can Gio also has many other fresh seafood dishes such as clams, scallops, snails, shrimp, crab, and more. You can enjoy them at restaurants and eateries along the coast or buy them as gifts for relatives and friends.
Conclusion
A weekend ecotourism trip to Can Gio is a great choice for you to “relax” after stressful working days, immerse yourself in beautiful nature, and discover interesting things. With the information and suggestions above, “Du lịch khắp thế gian” hopes you will have a fulfilling and memorable trip to Can Gio. What are you waiting for? Let’s plan your weekend ecotourism trip to Can Gio right now!