Cần Giờ has long been celebrated as an incredible eco-tourism destination, especially favored by Saigonese looking for a refreshing weekend getaway amidst pristine nature. Serving as Vietnam's first biosphere reserve, it's just 50km east of Saigon. Many young travelers opt for this as their adventure playground. If you're considering it too, check out these motorcycle adventure tips for Cần Giờ below!
The Motorcycle Route to Cần Giờ
Covering a mere 50km from Saigon's city center, embarking on a motorcycle journey to Cần Giờ is undoubtedly the best choice. Not only does it grant you control over your travel time, but it also treats you to scenic views along the way.
Generally, according to many reviews, the roads in Cần Giờ may not be the most picturesque. Moreover, there are quite a few traffic police checkpoints, so it's advisable to maintain a slow speed for safety and to avoid fines. Also, since Cần Giờ is quite desolate with few houses, when crossing the ferry, note down your tire's serial number to be prepared for any unexpected incidents. Additionally, to avoid tire punctures, riders should replace worn-out tires beforehand.
There are many traffic police checkpoints in Cần Giờ. The maximum allowed speed is <60km. With this speed, it's quite reasonable, so just maintain this pace. Although there are many traffic police officers here, if you follow the rules, there's nothing to worry about, right?
Tips for Motorbike Adventure in Cần Giờ
- Make sure to fill up the gas tank as the roads in Cần Giờ are quite deserted. Finding a gas station can be quite challenging.
- Many secluded sections of the road are scattered with nails, and some adventurers have had to walk a few kilometers to find a place for tire repair. It's advisable to carry a tire repair kit and a hand pump.
- Before hitting the road, thoroughly check your personal documents and ensure you have a valid driver's license. While riding, maintain a moderate speed and adhere to traffic rules to avoid encountering traffic police checkpoints.
What to Do in Cần Giờ?
Before embarking on the conquest of Cần Giờ, make sure to recharge your energy. Exploring Cần Giờ is fun but can be quite tiring. After breakfast, head to Monkey Island for some leisure activities.
The entrance fee to Monkey Island is 35k, plus 5k for parking – an absolute bargain for a day of fun. There are plenty of monkeys here, so don't underestimate them just because of their size. They are agile and cunning. Visitors should secure all belongings that could be snatched. A slight oversight can result in monkeys snatching and leaping onto branches with items like earrings, bags, hats, necklaces, glasses, turning them into unintentional treats for the troop.
If you're on a one-day motorbike adventure in Cần Giờ, visiting just one spot like Monkey Island is enough for a beautiful experience. If not interested, travelers can head to Vàm Sát.
From the main road, make a right turn and drive a short distance to reach Vàm Sát. When traveling by motorbike, you'll need to rent a boat for sightseeing, priced from 350k to 400k per boat for 8 people. If you're traveling alone or in a small group, consider joining others to save costs. The boat will take you to Đầm Dơi, Sân Chim, to observe various species of storks, ducks, or even to the 26m-high Tác Tang Bồng, a truly serene spot.
After exploring to your heart's content, head to the market to buy lunch, take a short break, and then make your way back.
What to Eat on Your Motorbike Adventure in Cần Giờ?
When in Cần Giờ, seafood is a must. Mention Cần Giờ, and everyone immediately thinks of fresh and affordable seafood.
For a delightful and affordable seafood experience, head to the Cần Giờ beach, marked by a sign that reads “Direction to Cần Giờ Beach”. There's a reasonably priced eatery here with a cool breeze and good service. Travelers can also buy food and bring it along. Even if you don't order from the eatery, you won't face any issues, just pay for the seating area.
At Cần Giờ beach, there are numerous places offering seating for rent. You can also conveniently purchase food directly from these places. However, based on experience, it's recommended to buy seafood at Hàng Dương Market. Have the vendor prepare it for you and bring it here for a more enjoyable dining experience. Many people choose to dine by the beach, but renting a seat is also affordable and refreshing. It's an excellent experience for your Cần Giờ adventure that you shouldn't miss.
After a satisfying meal, take a moment to relax. Around 4 pm, head back to Saigon. That concludes a wonderfully enjoyable day in Cần Giờ.