EXPERIENCE THE TRIP TO CAN GIO MONKEY ISLAND FROM HO CHI MINH CITY

If you’re seeking for a calm, serene, natural setting while living in Ho Chi Minh City, it can be difficult to find new places to visit. Can Gio is one location that provides the peace and quiet of nature, though.

Monkey Island is a well-known location, particularly for families looking for an exciting vacation or those desiring a genuine wilderness getaway. I will show you the essential tips before visiting Monkey Island in Can Gio.

Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City

The cheeky monkeys on this island are its main attraction; they are not afraid of people. Its lush forests, tranquil atmosphere, and breathtaking scenery will also make your vacation enjoyable.

1. Where is Monkey Island?

Monkey Island is located about 45km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, so it will take you about 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes to reach this tourist destination.

The Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve consists of 24 sub-areas, one of which is Monkey Island. The island’s year-round cool weather is a result of its generally moderate climate.

The typical temperature is consistently kept between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius. Because of this, the island’s trees are lush and vibrant throughout the year, resulting in a stunning natural setting.

You will notice the crisp, chilly breeze blowing when you arrive here. The peaceful area here stands in stark contrast to the city’s traffic and pollution.

Address: Long Hoa, Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Ticket Prices: 35.000 VND/person (1.45 USD)

2. How to go from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Gio?

The distance between Monkey Island and the Ho Chi Minh City center is roughly 45 kilometers. Bus or motorbike are the most common ways to get here:

–By motorbike: The trip from the city center to the island takes roughly 1.5 hours. You can use the following path to avoid getting lost: Tan Thuan Bridge – Nguyen Van Linh Road – Huynh Tan Phat Road – Binh Khanh Ferry Terminal. In addition, you can search Google Map to have the specific directions. Then, take a boat to the island after reaching the ferry port.

–By bus: Take bus number 20 to Nha Be District after you arrive at Ben Thanh Market, then get off at Binh Khanh Ferry Terminal. Alternatively, you can ride bus 75, which leaves from 23/9 Park and gets to Can Thanh Bus Station before heading to the ferry terminal.

In addition, there are many ways to go to Binh Khanh Ferry Terminal, such via train, passenger bus, taxi.

3. Ideal time to visit Monkey Island

The best time to visit Can Gio Monkey Island is the dry season. Although the weather is quite hot, there are many green trees in the forest, making the atmosphere cooler. The shady trees and the cool breeze will make you feel extremely comfortable.

Moreover, if you come here during the rainy season, the wet and slippery ground can be an obstacle to your trip.

4. Top things to do on Monkey Island

4.1. Learn about the activities of monkeys and take photos

With a population of over 2,000 long-tailed macaques, Monkey Island is a great place to get up close and personal with nature. Like human societies, monkeys live in social groupings and have a strong sense of community. There are monkeys everywhere; you can observe them playing, taking care of one another, or just meandering around.

One further fascinating aspect of the island to observe is the interaction between the monkeys and tourists. The majority of the monkeys are amiable, although there are instances where they steal from visitors. So, be careful with your possessions.

You can learn more about the behavior and activities of monkeys

Furthermore, you can take photos with the monkeys, but they can steal your phone by the mischievous monkeys, so you need to be careful

4.2. Take a boat trip to mangrove forests

Tourists to Monkey Island Can Gio have the option of taking a boat trip around the island rather than the more typical trek. Along the inlets surrounded by verdant aquatic vegetation, you will be guided through the magical mangrove woods. During the day, you may even spot thousands of bats slumbering in the marsh.

Take a boat to mangrove forests

4.3. Explore Rung Sac Military Base

History enthusiasts must find it particularly intriguing that the island is situated just a few kilometers away from the historically significant Rung Sac Military Base. During the Second Indochina War, commonly known as the Vietnam War, this area gained the somber moniker “the land of death.” This designation reflects the intense and relentless nature of the conflict that unfolded there, with approximately 600 battles of varying scales taking place over the course of the war. The sheer number of engagements and the resulting casualties underscore the severity of the struggle that occurred in this region.

Rung Sac

Today, the island serves as a poignant reminder of this tumultuous past through its collection of vivid statues. These statues, intricately crafted and full of life, depict scenes from the wartime experiences of Vietnamese soldiers. They are not merely artistic expressions but also educational tools, designed to convey the profound sacrifices made by those who fought.

Monument to Sac Forest Special Forces – Symbol of the brave people of Can Gio

Images recreate soldiers of the past

Moreover, the presence of these statues plays a crucial role in highlighting the broader themes of peace and independence. By showcasing the hardships faced and the resilience demonstrated during the war, the statues help instill an appreciation for the peace and freedom that Vietnam enjoys today.

You can experience old war pictures

4.4. Experience crocodile fishing

Crocodile fishing is another popular attraction for visitors to Monkey Island, Vietnam.

Before being released into the wild, crocodiles are raised on farms. When tourists reach the designated crocodile-fishing area, they board specially designed boats with protective fences. Equipped with fishing rods and bait, tourists have the opportunity to feed the crocodiles.

The experience of watching these powerful reptiles leap from the water and snap at the bait is an exhilarating adventure you won’t want to miss.

Here, if you want to experience crocodile fishing, you must buy fishing rod, and bait for them. Price ranges from 10.000 to 20.000 VND (0.41 to 0.8 USD).

Eperience the crocodile fishing

5. Essential tips when visiting Monkey Island

Here are the essential tips to get your perfect excursion:

-Keep a close eye on your belongings, as the playful monkeys may try to grab them when you’re not looking.

-Make sure to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent, as the dense forests create a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

-Pack some drinks and snacks to keep yourself refreshed and energized in case you get hungry during the journey.

-If you want to make your trip easier, book a tour that includes a tour guide, who are all experienced. This trip will take you about half a day to experience Can Gio Monkey Island.