Thanh An Island in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City is a peaceful getaway for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. This small island charms visitors with its untouched beauty, fresh air, and stunning sunrise and sunset views. Here, you can enjoy kayaking, squid fishing, savoring fresh seafood, and exploring the simple yet unique lifestyle of the local fishing community.
Where is Thanh An Island?
Address: Thanh An Commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City
Located about 70 km east of downtown Saigon, Thanh An Island is a small commune completely separated from Can Gio District and the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City. This peaceful spot is perfect for those who love the rustic charm of river life and want a quick day trip without spending too much time traveling.
Thanks to its natural beauty and close proximity to the city, Thanh An has become a favorite destination for young travelers. Coming here, you can leave behind the dust and noise of the city, immerse yourself in the fresh sea breeze, and experience the simple yet warm lifestyle of the local fishing community.
Directions to Thanh An Can Gio Island
Traveling by Private Car Rental
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Traveling by Motorbike
Riding a motorbike is one of the most suitable and enjoyable ways to reach Thanh An Island. From Ben Thanh Market, head towards Nha Be. Follow Huynh Tan Phat Street until you arrive at Binh Khanh Ferry. After buying a ferry ticket, continue straight along Rung Sac Road for about 40 km. This road is wide and scenic, with beautiful surroundings—perfect for a few photo stops if you have time.
At the end of Rung Sac Road, turn left onto Duyen Hai Street. Continue straight until you reach Thanh An Ferry Wharf. Here, you can park your motorbike near the wharf or take it on board. The boat ride to Thanh An Island takes around 45 minutes, and the ticket costs only 10,000 VND per trip.
Traveling by Bus
If you prefer not to ride a motorbike, traveling to Thanh An Island by bus is also a convenient option. From 23/9 Park in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, you can take bus number 75. The ride takes around 2–3 hours, giving you time to relax or even take a short nap before arriving at Can Thanh Pier, where you can catch a boat to Thanh An Island.
Another option is to take bus number 20 to Binh Khanh Ferry. After crossing the ferry, continue your journey on bus number 90, which will also bring you to Can Thanh Pier. From there, hop on the local boat to reach Thanh An.
Getting Around Thanh An Island
Getting around Thanh An Island is simple and relaxing. Since the island commune covers only about 2 km, you can easily explore it on foot. Walking allows you to slowly take in the peaceful atmosphere and local life. Another option is to borrow or rent a bicycle from your homestay or local properties, making it even easier to discover every corner of the island at your own pace.
What’s Fun About Traveling to Thanh An Island?
Although Thanh An Island in Can Gio is not a mainstream tourist destination with grand attractions, it offers something even more special—peace, simplicity, and authentic local life. Here, visitors can experience the daily routines of hardworking fishermen who always greet you with warm smiles, while discovering the unspoiled beauty of nature.
Explore Salt Fields and Mangrove Forests
One of the highlights of Thanh An is visiting the vast white salt fields. Watching or even joining in the salt-making process is an interesting cultural experience you won’t find everywhere. The island is also surrounded by mangrove forests, home to diverse plant and animal species. Exploring this ecosystem gives you a deeper appreciation of nature and the role it plays in local life.
Kayaking, Fishing & Checking in at the Rocky Road
For adventure lovers, Thanh An offers fun activities like kayaking and fishing. Don’t forget to wear safety gear when heading out on the water!
Another must-see is the rocky road leading straight into the sea—a unique natural spot perfect for photos. This picturesque pathway has become a popular “check-in” location for young travelers and even couples who come here to take wedding photos.
Discover Local Cuisine
Food on Thanh An Island is simple but full of flavor. Visitors can buy fresh seafood directly from fishermen as their boats return and have it prepared in local homes. While the selection may not be as rich as in Can Gio town, the freshness and affordable prices make it a real treat.
- Crab: ~250,000 VND/kg
- Octopus: ~120,000 VND/kg
- White-leg shrimp: ~130,000 VND/kg
- Oysters: ~40,000 VND/kg
- Mantis shrimp: ~250,000 VND/kg (a local favorite!)
Besides seafood, you’ll also find inexpensive local dishes such as fried noodles, noodle soup, vermicelli, and bánh canh—often costing only 10,000–20,000 VND per dish. Despite being a small island, Thanh An also has grocery shops where you can buy snacks, soft drinks, or beer, so there’s no need to bring them from home.
Travel Tips for Visiting Thanh An Island
When is the Best Time to Visit Thanh An Island?
With its mild climate all year round, you can visit Thanh An Island at almost any time. However, it’s best to check the weather forecast in advance and avoid stormy or rainy days, since the only way to reach the island is by ferry. On sunny days, you’ll be able to enjoy more outdoor activities and fully experience the island’s charm.
In Can Gio, the rainy season runs from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April. During the dry season, the weather is stable, dry, and pleasantly cool—making it the ideal time to plan your trip to this peaceful island.
Other Useful Travel Notes
To make your journey smoother, here are some Thanh An Island travel tips to keep in mind:
- The island has two ferry terminals, and the departure and arrival points may differ. Ask locals for directions to avoid going the wrong way.
- The ferry ride to Thanh An takes about 30–45 minutes. If you are prone to seasickness, prepare motion sickness medicine and bring a mask.
- A day trip is possible! With a well-planned schedule, you can explore most of the island and return on the same day.
- For those who want to stay overnight, the island has a few small guesthouses available.
- Thanh An Island also has a medical station and a border guard post, so visitors can feel safe during their trip.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a peaceful getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Thanh An Island – Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect choice. This charming island offers visitors fresh air, rustic and tranquil scenery for relaxation, and the chance to discover the simple lifestyle of local fishermen while enjoying fresh and affordable seafood.
With the tips and useful information shared in this article, we hope you now have more ideas to create a suitable itinerary and plan an unforgettable trip. Let your journey to Thanh An Island be a serene escape, leaving you with lasting memories and precious moments in your travel experience.
