Monkey Island Can Gio

Can Gio monkey island is a great getaway place from the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City. Many tourists come to visit this island, especially at weekends. So find the information about the island below to better plan your trip to Monkey Island Can Gio when you have the chance

Located in Long Hoa, Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio Island is nearly 80km from Ho Chi Minh city center. It takes only one and a half hours to travel by car, so you can visit this island within a day.

This island belongs to Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, which was recognized by is UNESCO in 2000. The area comprises over 80,000 hectares of mangroves, wetlands, and wildlife.

This island has much cooler weather than it is in Ho Chi Minh City. No matter is rainy or dry season, visiting this island will be a great experience as the rain does not last for long and it will not affect your trip much.

Can Gio monkey island

Can Gio monkey island

 

How to get there

There are many ways to get to the island from the city which is motorbike, car, taxi, bus, or take a day tour.

By Motorbike

You can easily find a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh as there are many shops near the hotels in the city center. Traveling by motorbike takes one and half an hour. From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you drive to Tan Thuan Bridge in District 7, turn to Nguyen Van Linh then Huynh Tan Phat streets to reach Binh Khanh Ferry. Cross the ferry then follow the road leading to Can Thanh Commune. Along the road, you can stop by some other attractive places such as Can Gio Beach, Vam Sat, or go straight until you see the sign for Monkey Island to turn right

By Bus

You will need 3 hours on the bus to get to Monkey Island Can Gio. First, you need to catch number 20 at Ben Thanh market, then stop at Binh Khanh ferry. Cross the ferry, then catch bus number 90 to get to Can Gio island.

Taxi or car

Taxi or car is the most convenient way to get to Can Gio island. You can either take a taxi, book a Grab, or hire a private car. The price for a private car is much expensive, but the driver can wait for you for the transfer back to the city. The price can reach 75 USD for private car, while one – way grab cost about 25 USD.

Can Gio Island Tour

Joining a tour is a great way to visit Can Gio monkey island. The tour includes transfer, tour guide, meals, entrance fee, and it is the place where you can meet other tourists.

Can Gio Island Tour

Can Gio Island Tour

 

Things to do at Can Gio Monkey Island

Most of the attractions are at Monkey Island (except for the last location). Everything is within walking distance. If you require extra assistance, this place may not be the right place for you. The roads are not paved and are uneven, and will flood during the rain.

See the monkeys

Monkeys are everywhere on the island. The monkeys agilely move on the trees, run on the ground, move toward visitors and look at them with curious eyes. Some monkeys are quite friendly and cute, but some are crazy. When visiting the island, you should obey the rule. Stay within a certain distance from them and don’t touch, or feed them.

See the monkeys

See the monkeys

 

Explore the area by speedboat or a rowing boat

You can sign up for a tour to explore the area via a speedboat or a rowing boat. It costs around 26 USD for a speedboat which can hold up to 6 people, and less than 3 USD for a rowing boat for 2 people. This is an interesting way to see the island, so do not miss it.

Explore the area by speedboat or a rowing boat

Explore the area by speedboat or a rowing boat

 

Explore the former Rung Sac Guerrilla base

Rung Sac area used to be a revolutionary base of the North Vietnam soldiers from 1965-1975. Vietnam soldiers use the potential obstacles of the forest to protect themselves from the American army, and now this area becomes a tourist attraction. There is a walking path that takes you to various aspects of the soldiers’ lives and how they used the area in war times. From the main entrance, you can walk to get to the Rung Sac Guerrilla base or join the speedboat/rowing boat tour.

 

Feed the crocodiles

This activity costs less than 1 USD. At the Preservation area, you will be using a wooden pole with a piece of meat at the end of the line to feed the crocodiles. The crocodiles congregate and try to catch the meat. You can lift the pole up and down in a fishing motion to taunt the crocodiles.

Feed the crocodiles

Feed the crocodiles

 

Play at Can Gio Beach

Can Gio Beach is one of the most attractive destinations on Can Gio Island. The color of sand there is black due to the alluvium from the river’s current. In the afternoon, you can swim, fly kites with local children, and admire the sunset here.

 

Enjoy the local seafood along the beach

You can easily walk along the coastline to find vendors grilling up cheap and delicious shellfish and shrimp, or find a restaurant to have lunch or dinner here in Can Gio island. The seafood here is fresh, which contains all the flavor of nature in Can Gio Island. The popular dishes to try include cuttlefish, grilled oysters, steamed shrimp, seafood noodles, jellyfish salad, and many kinds of shellfish.

 

Ticket price and opening hours

  • Admission Fee

There are two admission prices which you’ll pay for before entering the parking area.

For foreigners – 70,000 VND ($3.00 USD)

For locals – 35,000 VND ($1.50 USD) for adults; 20,000 VND (.86 USD) for children

  • Operating Hours

The park opens from 7 am to 5 pm daily.

 

Tips for the best experience at Can Gio Monkey Island

  • Do not bring outside food or drinks into the preservation area.
  • Do not feed the monkeys or the crocodiles without the permission of the caretakers.
  • Do not irritate or come in direct contact with the monkeys.
  • Be careful of your belongings such as a camera, cell phone, sunglasses, hat, as the monkeys might steal
  • If you travel with your kids, always keep an eye on them
  • Follow all the instructions of the guide during your trip.
  • Keep the environment of the biosphere reserve clean.
  • There are some other attractions to visit near Can Gio Island such as Can Gio Museum, Hang Duong Market, and Whale Temple. Do not miss them if you have time.

Trip that visit Monkey Island Can Gio

Monkey Island Can Gio Map

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