Buzz
The Can Gio Ecotourism Area is located approximately 50km southeast of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. It's the go-to travel destination for many city dwellers on weekends.
When you arrive in Can Gio, you'll escape the hustle and bustle of the crowded urban environment and enjoy a fantastic retreat amidst the pure, tranquil nature.
Guidance on Routes and Transportation to Can Gio
Because the distance from the city center to Can Gio is not too far, you can choose from two popular transportation options: buses and motorcycles.
Bus
From Bến Thành Market, catch bus number 20 to Nhà Bè and stop at Bình Khánh ferry terminal. Then, cross the ferry and take bus number 90 straight to the beach. Along the way, if you want to visit any attractions, simply request to alight as there are no designated bus stops in Cần Giờ.
Additionally, you can take route 75 starting from 23/9 Park and terminating at Cần Thạnh Bus Station (Cần Giờ). This route also passes by several popular tourist spots in Cần Giờ.
Motorbike
Because taking the bus doesn't give you control over the schedule, many people opt for motorbikes as their primary means of transportation when traveling to Can Gio.
From downtown Ho Chi Minh City, head towards Tân Thuận Bridge (District 7), then turn onto Nguyễn Văn Linh Street towards Huỳnh Tấn Phát Street and continue straight until you reach Bình Khánh ferry terminal. You'll also need to purchase a ferry ticket to reach Can Gio. From there, you'll encounter a straight road leading from Can Gio to the central area of Cần Thạnh commune. Along this route, you can visit Can Gio beach, Vàm Sát, or Monkey Island. However, for added peace of mind, refer to road signs to avoid getting lost.
While the route to Can Gio is scenic, there are sections with gravel and uneven terrain, so it's advisable to carry essential tools for motorcycle repairs in case of breakdowns, as repair shops along the road are scarce. Additionally, you must strictly adhere to traffic laws to avoid incidents on the road, as there's minimal traffic flow on this route, leading to frequent police speed checks.
Apart from the aforementioned means of transportation, you can also travel by boat, canoe, or motorboat if conditions permit.
Attractions in Can Gio
Explore the mangrove forest of Vam Sat
Vam Sat Mangrove Forest is part of the World Biosphere Reserve with an incredibly diverse flora and fauna. You can freely explore famous attractions such as bird yards, Dam Doi, crocodile farms, and indulge in entertaining activities like fishing, crabbing, bird watching, crocodile fishing, rowing, and netting.
If you seek relaxation amidst pristine, tranquil forests, you can leisurely cruise on a canoe through cool, green canals surrounded by mangrove trees.
Playful Boating on Can Gio Beach
While not as bustling as Vung Tau, Can Gio Beach (30/4 Beach) is still considered a familiar destination for many tourists, featuring a relatively peaceful beach. You can freely frolic on the water with friends and family in a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
Although tourism services here are still relatively sparse, it has become an ideal destination for resort tourism, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle found in famous tourist areas.
Visit Monkey Island
Monkey Island is one of the highlights for tourists visiting Can Gio. The monkeys here number over 1,000, with various species, but they are quite friendly and clever. You can get close to them, feed them, and take advantage of unique photo opportunities. However, be sure to protect your personal belongings carefully as some mischievous monkeys may snatch items from tourists.
Experience Thrilling Activities: Crocodile Fishing
At Vam Sat Tourism Area, there are large crocodile breeding farms for tourists to visit, learn about the hunting behavior of crocodiles, and especially challenge themselves with the thrilling activity of crocodile fishing.
This entertainment might sound risky, but it's actually very safe. You'll be taken to the crocodile feeding area with hungry crocodiles, sitting on a fully inflated composite boat surrounded by a B40 safety net barrier. All you need to do is sit in the boat, release the bait, and wait for the crocodiles to bite, enjoying the sensation of reeling in the prey.
Indulge in delicious, affordable seafood delicacies
Can Gio offers a wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood that tourists cannot miss, among which shrimp is a favorite dish. Here, you can find various types of shrimp such as tiger shrimp, banana shrimp, iron shrimp,... but the most delicious is still banana shrimp, usually available around the 3rd or 4th lunar month, and you can steam or grill it according to your preference.
In addition, Can Gio seafood also offers a wide selection of familiar clams, crabs, and mantis shrimp. When visiting here, you must try the mantis shrimp - a species primarily found in the mangrove forest, known for its firm and tasty meat.
Regardless of which seafood you choose to enjoy, Can Gio seafood always provides a unique and delicious experience for consumers. However, you should negotiate the price and consider carefully before buying to avoid purchasing low-quality products and being overcharged.
Without spending too much money or time traveling, you can still have an incredibly enjoyable eco-tourism trip. So, will you choose Can Gio for this weekend getaway?
Compilation
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Reference: Travel Handbook by Mytour
MytourNovember 17, 2015
