Can Gio Monkey Island
Explore a vibrant mangrove forest teeming with over 1,000 monkeys and diverse wildlife, just a short trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more monkey activity
Can Gio Monkey Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more monkey activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vibrant mangrove forest teeming with over 1,000 monkeys and diverse wildlife, just a short trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
"A unique wildlife encounter with playful monkeys and a beautiful mangrove forest, but keep your belongings secure!"
🍎 Bring Snacks for Monkeys
Apples are a favorite! Rangers can help you feed them safely.
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious snatchers! Keep phones, glasses, and hats safe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monkey Sanctuary
Main island area
Observe over 1,000 monkeys in their natural mangrove habitat. Feed them apples for an interactive experience!
Mangrove Forest Walk
Boardwalks
Explore the lush, scenic mangrove forest on well-maintained boardwalks. A peaceful escape from the city.
Rung Sac Base
End of mangrove walk
Discover a historical base with exhibits detailing its wartime significance. An insightful historical detour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Monkey Encounters & Item Security
Getting There & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍎 Bring Snacks for Monkeys
Apples are a favorite! Rangers can help you feed them safely.
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious snatchers! Keep phones, glasses, and hats safe.
🚶♀️ Walk the Boardwalks
Skip the boat trip and enjoy the mangrove walk; it's often more rewarding.
🚌 Public Transport Option
Accessible via public bus and ferry, though it takes longer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍎 Bring Snacks for Monkeys
Apples are a favorite! Rangers can help you feed them safely.
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious snatchers! Keep phones, glasses, and hats safe.
🚶♀️ Walk the Boardwalks
Skip the boat trip and enjoy the mangrove walk; it's often more rewarding.
🚌 Public Transport Option
Accessible via public bus and ferry, though it takes longer.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially if you plan to walk extensively.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Can Gio Monkey Island offers a unique wildlife encounter with its abundant monkeys and scenic mangrove forests. While many enjoy the interactive experience and natural beauty, some visitors note concerns about litter, maintenance, and higher fees for foreigners. The risk of items being snatched by monkeys is a recurring theme, requiring visitors to be highly cautious.
"We visited this place on a weekday. Good for a walk in nature. The museum is nice, with a lot of history, only one location to see monkeys. The fee for foreigners is higher than locals, 3 times more, I don't know why... The ride in the boat is also expensive. We walked around for 2 hours, but a lot of trash and no maintenance in the place. Also, some monkeys seem sick. I think they don't care about the place just about the money. It is around 2 hours from Hcmc."
Fer Lopez
"Solo traveler. Made my way with public bus follow by ferry and another bus. Took about 2.5hrs to reach the location which isn't too difficult to find.
At the entrance, the park ranger will remind you not to have food, drinks, caps, glasses, mobile phones and etc exposed or you risk having your items snatched by the monkeys. I have read the same from other forums so I was extremely careful when making my way in.
I didn't go for the boat trip. I walked and its all worth it. Once you get passed the monkey's territory, you'll be welcome by this beautiful mangrove canopy which stretches all the way to the Rung Sac base. There are public toilets along the way. Immerse yourself in the environment while watching a video about the war and the base. In my opinion, way better than War Remnant Museum.
On my way out, I got complacent as I couldn't see clearly without my glasses. So I put them on and kept a look out for the monkeys and kept my hand on my glasses. Nope it didn't help. One monkey jumped onto my back and snatched my glasses away. Luckily the park ranger helped me get it back. Very soon after, another tried to grab my hat but I got it well secured.
Besides the monkey business in this park, the trip was probably one of my best on my itinerary to Ho Chih Min city."
C Nick’s
"the mangrove forest is beautiful. walking through the forest is also very easy as the terrain was mostly flat.
monkeys were chill during my visit - it was so nice to see them swinging and walking around. they seem to have easy access to trash though so they scatter litter when they scavenge for food. hopefully trash can be secured better."
L Santiago
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Can Gio Monkey Island by public bus, which involves a ferry crossing and another bus ride, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Alternatively, many tours offer hotel pick-ups from District 1.
Yes, it's manageable. You'll need to take a public bus, then a ferry, and then another bus. It's a bit of an adventure but cost-effective.
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City typically takes around 2 hours by car or tour. Public transport can extend this to 2.5 hours or more.
Yes, many tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City offer day trips to Can Gio Monkey Island, often including transportation and guided experiences.
Solo travelers can opt for public transport for a budget-friendly and adventurous experience, or join a small group tour for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for foreigners is reportedly three times higher than for locals. Specific prices can vary, so it's best to check upon arrival.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance. Booking in advance is recommended if you're joining an organized tour.
Besides the entrance fee, boat rides can be expensive. Walking through the mangrove forest is a free and rewarding alternative.
The park is generally open during daylight hours. Tours often start early in the morning, around 7:30 AM.
While feeding the monkeys is encouraged, you may need to purchase food like apples at the site.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
Be extremely cautious with your belongings. Monkeys are known to snatch items like glasses, hats, phones, and even food.
Yes, feeding the monkeys is a popular activity. Bringing apples is recommended, and rangers can assist you.
You can explore the beautiful mangrove forest via boardwalks, visit the Rung Sac historical base, and see crocodiles.
Some visitors find the boat ride expensive and prefer walking the mangrove trails. The walk offers a more immersive experience.
While generally not aggressive, they are wild animals and can be mischievous. Keep your distance and secure your items.
📸 📸 Photography
Be very careful when taking photos. Monkeys can snatch phones and cameras. It's advisable to secure your device or have a ranger assist.
Capture the monkeys in their natural habitat, the scenic mangrove forest, and the historical Rung Sac base.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in protected natural areas and national parks. Check local regulations before flying.
A zoom lens can be useful for capturing monkeys from a safe distance. A wide-angle lens is great for the mangrove scenery.
While specific photography tours might be rare, guided tours can offer insights and opportunities for great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Adventurers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Eco-Tourists
Explore the diverse flora and fauna, from the iconic monkeys to the hidden crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Monkey Island: A Traveler's Guide
Visitors can explore the island via a network of boardwalks that wind through the dense mangrove forest. This allows for an immersive experience of the unique flora and fauna. Along the way, you might spot crocodiles in the waterways and a variety of bird species. The Rung Sac military base, a historical site from the Vietnam War, is also accessible via these trails, offering a dose of history alongside nature.
While the monkeys are the main attraction, it's crucial to be aware of their behavior. They are wild animals and have a reputation for being opportunistic thieves. Visitors are strongly advised to secure all personal belongings, including phones, cameras, hats, and glasses, as monkeys are known to snatch them. Park rangers are present and can assist, but vigilance is key to enjoying your visit without incident.
The Wildlife of Can Gio: More Than Just Monkeys
Crocodiles are also present in the canals and water bodies of the mangrove forest. While sightings are not guaranteed, especially if you stick to the main boardwalks, they are an integral part of the ecosystem. Some tours might offer opportunities to see them more closely, but always maintain a safe distance. The presence of these apex predators underscores the wild nature of the reserve.
The health of the mangrove forest itself is a testament to successful conservation efforts. This vital ecosystem acts as a natural buffer against storms and erosion, and its preservation is crucial for the region's environmental stability. The island serves as an important example of ecological restoration and sustainable tourism.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit