Vam Sat Mangrove Park
Explore a vital mangrove ecosystem near HCMC, offering wildlife encounters, scenic tower views, and a natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Vam Sat Mangrove Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vital mangrove ecosystem near HCMC, offering wildlife encounters, scenic tower views, and a natural escape.
"A beautiful place storing a wide variety of animals and plants, providing recreational activities for family relaxation. "
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be muddy and uneven. Closed-toe shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🐒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious for snatching items. Keep phones, sunglasses, and bags close!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tang Bong Tower View
Observation Tower
Ascend to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush green mangrove forest. A true bird's-eye perspective!
Monkey Encounters
Park pathways
Watch out for playful, and sometimes bold, monkeys! Keep your valuables secure as they're known to snatch items.
Bat & Crocodile Discovery
Boat tours
Embark on a boat trip to observe bats in their natural habitat and try your hand at crocodile fishing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Vam Sat's Terrain
Monkey Business & Food Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be muddy and uneven. Closed-toe shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🐒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious for snatching items. Keep phones, sunglasses, and bags close!
Unique experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring water, insect repellent, and maybe a small snack, especially if traveling with kids.
🍽️ Order Food in Advance
Popular dishes like BBQ duck take time. Order early to avoid long waits at the restaurant.
Can Gio private tour
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be muddy and uneven. Closed-toe shoes are a must for comfortable exploration.
🐒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious for snatching items. Keep phones, sunglasses, and bags close!
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring water, insect repellent, and maybe a small snack, especially if traveling with kids.
🍽️ Order Food in Advance
Popular dishes like BBQ duck take time. Order early to avoid long waits at the restaurant.
💰 Combo Tickets
Consider combo packages for groups to save costs on activities and transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Vam Sat Mangrove Park offers a natural escape with unique wildlife viewing and scenic tower views, making it a decent day trip for families. However, some visitors find the services expensive for what's offered, citing unpaved roads, basic food, and occasional lack of attentiveness from staff. It's best suited for those who prioritize natural scenery over polished amenities.
"I don't recommend going there because there is nothing to see. The service is expensive but there is nothing to experience. The food is too simple, the restaurant is not attentive, the space is not clean, messy... The road from the gate to the restaurant is very bad, difficult to move, the staff is not professional in service and there is no parking for cars and motorbikes."
Mr. RaTha
"Around 1 hour from Quoc Chanh Ferry Terminal by car, you can get to Vam Sat ecopark. Individual cars are not allowed to bypass the concrete bridge, but parked outside with a little amount - 30k VND each.
There are a variety of ticket vouchers at the ticket booster that may suit your purposes or you can choose combo types for the sakes of your budget. If you go with a group of friends, it may help you save costs with the most suitable combo.
On the opposite side of the booster is a small cottage café with a variety of beverage i.e. soft drink, iced coffee, coconut milk, …
Walking through the arched-concrete bridge, you gonna get picked up by the auto-mobile vehicle (I dont know how to call cuz its appearance looks like electric cars for tourists at tourist cities, but it operated by fuel). The path to the tourist point is unpaved with potholes, muddy and kind of hardly to go. It takes around 15 mins to get there.
You can reach to the highest point of “Tang Bong” tower to get bird-eyes view of surrounding: All green, Amazing. We got threaten by monkeys which are very naughty and ready to attack you or to take something from you. Be carefull with sun glasses, cell phones or bags, they take it and climb to the tree at no time that you hardly get it back.
We went with “Combo 5” including pick-up car, travel by propelled boat and 10-person canoe paddled by a lovely and dedicated man through forest to observe bats. It should be better if you bring along Umbrella, anti-insect oil, some bottles of fresh water or mineral ones, foods once you go with chidren or beer to drink with your friends during the time waiting for boats or canoes. It takes max. 2 hours for the tour, the it is highly recommended if you order dishes at the restaurant before you get the site trip. Several dishes that you gonna enjoy such as grilled duck, grilled fish (called ‘“thòi lòi”), hotpot,…especially, the bbq duck will be ready in 2.5 hours (that the reason why you need order in advance). Btw, the restaurant is kind of clean, tidy and spacious.
Price is reasonable, around M2.2 VND for 10 persons. Lets begin with table that equiped with wall fans.
In short, acceptable but not entirely satisfied . It worths a try if you dont have any places to go."
Catherine
"The shuttle service is of poor quality, mainly suitable for those who enjoy natural scenery without much human intervention, and the attractions are natural and seasonal, so there will be times when there is nothing to see at those spots. The prices seem a bit high compared to the services provided."
Thai Vong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vam Sat is about a 1-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. You can drive your own car and park outside the park for a small fee (around 30k VND). Alternatively, consider booking a tour that includes transportation.
Public transport options are limited. Most visitors opt for private cars or organized tours for convenience, as the roads leading to certain points within the park can be unpaved and challenging.
The roads within Vam Sat can be unpaved, muddy, and have potholes, especially after rain. A shuttle vehicle operates within the park, but the ride can be bumpy.
Individual cars are generally not allowed past the concrete bridge. You'll need to park outside and use the park's shuttle service or other internal transport.
The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions leaving Ho Chi Minh City.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, and combo packages are available, especially for groups, which can help manage costs. It's advisable to check current pricing at the ticket booth upon arrival.
Yes, combo tickets are offered and can be a cost-effective option for groups, often including transport and activities like boat tours.
The basic entrance fee usually covers access to the park. Specific activities like boat tours, crocodile fishing, or the shuttle service might be included in combo packages or require separate payment.
Operating hours can vary, but it's generally best to visit during daylight hours. It's recommended to arrive early to make the most of your day.
Reviews are mixed. Some find it acceptable for a day trip, especially for families, while others feel the prices are high for the services provided. It's best suited for those who enjoy natural scenery with minimal human intervention.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include visiting the Tang Bong tower for views, observing monkeys, taking boat tours to see bats, and crocodile fishing. It's a place for family relaxation and enjoying nature.
Yes, it's considered a good place for family relaxation, offering animal encounters and natural exploration. However, supervision is crucial due to the monkeys and potentially rough terrain.
Be very careful of the monkeys, as they can be aggressive and try to steal belongings like sunglasses, phones, and bags. Also, be mindful of the unpaved and muddy paths.
The park is home to a variety of animals, including monkeys and bats. Crocodile fishing is also an offered activity. The natural environment supports biodiversity.
Exploring involves a combination of walking, using the park's shuttle service, and taking boat or canoe trips for specific observations like bat caves.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers local dishes such as grilled duck, grilled fish ('thoi loi'), and hotpot. BBQ duck is a popular choice but requires advance ordering.
It's highly recommended to order dishes in advance, especially popular items like BBQ duck, which can take up to 2.5 hours to prepare.
The restaurant is described as relatively clean, tidy, and spacious, equipped with wall fans. It's a decent spot for a meal after exploring.
Yes, there's a small cottage café near the entrance offering beverages like soft drinks, iced coffee, and coconut milk.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, with a group of 10 people spending around 2.2 million VND. However, some reviews suggest the overall value might not match expectations.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic view from Tang Bong Tower is a must-capture. Also, look for opportunities to photograph the unique mangrove ecosystem and the playful monkeys (from a safe distance!).
Be extremely cautious with your camera and phone, as monkeys are known to snatch them. Keep them secured in a bag when not in use.
Vam Sat is ideal for nature photography, landscape shots from the tower, and wildlife photography (with caution). The lush greenery offers a vibrant backdrop.
While not explicitly stated, general respect for the environment and wildlife is expected. Be mindful of not disturbing the animals.
Mornings often offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. The view from the tower is impressive at any time of day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be extra vigilant. The mischievous monkeys can be a hazard to belongings, so keeping a close eye on children and their possessions is crucial. Additionally, the unpaved and potentially muddy paths mean sturdy footwear is a must for little ones to ensure safe and comfortable exploration. Packing extra snacks and water is also a good idea.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Eco-Tourists
While the natural setting is the main draw, be aware that the attractions are natural and seasonal. This means the experience is about immersion in nature rather than curated entertainment. Embrace the raw beauty and the chance to disconnect, but be prepared for the rustic conditions and potential for a less 'polished' tourist experience.
📸 Photographers
However, extreme caution is advised when handling cameras and phones due to the monkeys' tendency to snatch them. Securing your gear is paramount. The best light for photography is often in the early morning, offering softer hues and potentially fewer crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Vam Sat Ecosystem
Visitors can experience the biodiversity firsthand through guided tours and observation points. The park's management emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation, with visitors expected to adhere to regulations to minimize their impact. This focus ensures the long-term health of the mangrove ecosystem for future generations.
While the natural beauty is a draw, it's important to note that the attractions are seasonal and natural, meaning the experience can vary. Some visitors have noted that at certain times, there might be less to see, which is a characteristic of natural reserves.
Navigating Vam Sat: Transport & Trails
For a more immersive experience, boat and canoe tours are available, offering unique perspectives of the mangrove waterways and opportunities to observe wildlife like bats. These tours are a highlight for many visitors, providing a tranquil escape into the heart of the forest.
When exploring on foot, be prepared for uneven terrain. Wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes is highly recommended, as paths can be waterlogged or muddy, especially during high tide. This practical consideration is often mentioned by travelers to ensure a comfortable visit.
Culinary Delights and Dining Experience
A key piece of advice from visitors is to order popular dishes in advance, particularly the BBQ duck, which can take over 2.5 hours to prepare. This foresight can significantly improve your dining experience and reduce waiting times.
While the food is generally considered acceptable and reasonably priced for a group, some reviews suggest that the overall service and attentiveness might not meet everyone's expectations. Nevertheless, it offers a convenient option for refueling after a day of exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit