In addition to bustling shopping centers, Ho Chi Minh City also boasts many renowned ecological tourism areas, providing visitors with a sense of tranquility and exciting experiences. Among them is Can Gio Monkey Island, one of the attractions that captures the interest of many. This location is part of the biosphere reserve, regarded as the best in Vietnam. Let’s explore for a wild journey right in Ho Chi Minh City!
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Where is Can Gio Monkey Island?
- Address: Long Hoa Commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Every day of the week, from 7 am to 5 pm
- Ticket price for Can Gio Monkey Island in 2024: 35,000 VND/person/turn
Located in the outskirts of Saigon, Can Gio Monkey Island is one of the 24 sub-regions within the territory of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. Approximately 45 km from the city center, Can Gio Monkey Island is a popular choice for those seeking a green tourist destination to immerse themselves in nature.
If you visit Monkey Island as part of your Can Gio travel itinerary, you can combine it with a visit to the Sac Forest Base and the Vam Sat Ecotourism Area, as they are all within the biosphere reserve area. Currently, the island is home to more than 2,000 individuals. Here, you will be impressed by the sight of monkeys swinging from branches, playing with leaves, and frolicking or interacting with tourists.
Enclosed by pristine forests and mangroves, the climate on Can Gio Monkey Island is always cool and pleasant throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you can visit and explore Can Gio Monkey Island at any time, as the weather is suitable for activities and sightseeing.
Transportation to Can Gio Monkey Island
Motorcycles and private car rentals are two commonly chosen means of transportation for those intending to travel to Can Gio Monkey Island. With a distance of 45 km, it will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to set foot on the island.
If you choose to rent a motorcycle in Ho Chi Minh City and travel independently or opt for a self-driving car, you can consider one of the two routes suggested by VnCarRentals.com as follows:
- Route 1: Saigon city center – Tan Thuan Bridge – Nguyen Van Linh Street – Huynh Tan Phat Street – Binh Khanh Ferry. From Rung Sac Street, continue straight to reach Can Gio Monkey Island.
- Route 2: Saigon city center – Ben Thanh Market – Ham Nghi Street – Khanh Hoi Bridge – Nguyen Tat Thanh Street – Tan Thuan 2 Bridge – Nguyen Van Linh Street – Huynh Tan Phat Street – Binh Khanh Ferry.
Furthermore, if you desire a quick and convenient transportation service with door-to-door pickup and the flexibility to choose your departure time, then VnCarRentals.com’s private car rental service with a driver in Ho Chi Minh City will meet your needs. With a professional team of drivers with years of experience, your journey will be safe and comfortable. Book a car rental service from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Gio today.
What to Do on Can Gio Monkey Island?
Learn about the Behavior of Species on Can Gio Monkey Island
Unlike a zoo, at Can Gio Monkey Island, the monkeys roam freely and often travel in groups. Visiting Can Gio Monkey Island gives you a deeper understanding of these intelligent and playful animals. You can hear them calling to each other, observe their care for one another, and, if lucky, witness adorable scenes of mother monkeys cuddling their babies.
Especially because they live in a natural environment, the monkey groups on the island retain their pack behaviors. You can easily witness scenes of the male monkeys foraging while the females take care of the young.
Participate in Interaction Activities with Friendly Monkeys
Due to being cared for and living in a natural environment, the monkeys on the island are quite friendly. When you visit Can Gio Monkey Island, if you want the little ones to gather around you, just bring some bread, sausages, or fruits, and they will come to you. Be cautious with personal belongings such as phones, wallets, glasses, and cameras, as some monkeys may grab them and climb up trees or venture into the forest.
On weekends or during holidays, various performances take place on Can Gio Monkey Island. You can sit back, enjoy the show, interact with the monkeys, take photos, and even feed them.
Take a Boat Tour to Explore the Vam Sat Base
After a delightful playtime on Can Gio Monkey Island, you can rent a boat to explore the Vam Sat Base, an area with mangrove forests bordering the sea. Here, you’ll encounter giant ancient trees, serene landscapes, and observe animals that are active at night, such as bats.
The feeling of sitting on a boat on the water, surrounded by giant trees with massive roots deeply embedded in the soil and lush canopies overhead, will give you a sense of tranquility. When you reach the Dau Doi area, you’ll see hundreds of bats hanging upside down on tree trunks, a unique sight. However, be mindful not to shout loudly or make loud noises that may disturb them.
Explore the Golden Historical Marks at the Rung Sac Base
Besides Monkey Island, the Rung Sac Base is another visited attraction. This place vividly reenacts the life of the military unit ten years ago, with lifelike sculptures. There is also a memorial monument commemorating the contributions of the past generations.
When you visit the Rung Sac Base, you will feel the pride of the nation and as if you have returned to the time of war. Images of shelters with communal rice pots or the daily activities of soldiers will undoubtedly leave unforgettable impressions.
Nearby Attractions to Can Gio Monkey Island
Whale Temple (Lăng Cá Ông – Lăng Ông Thủy Tướng)
- Address: Duyen Hai, Can Thanh, Can Gio
The Whale Temple is a place of worship for the Whale God, following the coastal beliefs passed down through generations of fishermen. Besides learning about the cultural aspects of worshiping the Whale God, you can also admire a 12-meter-long whale skeleton and various fishing tools associated with offshore fishing. Particularly, during the 14th to 17th days of the lunar month, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the Nghinh Ong Festival.
Can Gio Beach
- Address: Thanh Thoi, Long Hoa, Can Gio
Can Gio Beach, also known as the April 30th Beach, is a destination with pristine landscapes, especially the dark water and black sand beach formed by alluvium. Here, you can leisurely walk along the beach, enjoy the scenery, feel the breeze, or go further out for a refreshing swim.
Hang Duong Market
- Address: Thanh Thoi, Long Hoa, Can Gio
Hang Duong Market is the largest seafood market in the Can Gio island district, offering affordable prices for both live seafood and ready-made dishes. Here, you can buy fresh fish, shrimp, clams, or pre-prepared dishes and take them to Can Gio Beach to enjoy the food, the breeze, and engage in conversation.
Some Notes When Visiting Can Gio Monkey Island
What everyone will advise you when coming here:
- Secure all valuable belongings: Can Gio monkeys are very mischievous. They can steal your belongings at any time they please. Once the “master thief” has taken something, consider it lost.
- Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent: Even though most of the places you pass through are covered by lush forests, you can’t avoid UV rays. Additionally, when exploring the wilderness, facing mosquitoes is quite dreadful. Bring these two essentials for a more comfortable trip!
- Adhere to traffic rules: The road from the city center to Can Gio may seem deserted, but the traffic checkpoints are strict. Don’t be complacent just because the road looks empty!
- Prepare spare fuel: You won’t find gas stations or small convenience stores easily once you arrive. Therefore, make sure to fill up your tank in advance!
Can Gio Monkey Island, with its charming and playful monkeys, coupled with lush, fresh vegetation, is the perfect destination for those with a tight schedule who still want to ‘escape’ the bustling city. If you have the opportunity to travel to Can Gio and intend to visit Monkey Island, don’t forget to bookmark this article by VnCarRentals.com.
