Can Gio Tour – At a Glance

Can Gio Tour 1 Day – Discover Ho Chi Minh City's Green Lung

The Can Gio Tour – a one-day private journey curated by The Rice Travel Group – is the perfect escape for those seeking to leave the city's relentless rhythm behind and reconnect with pristine nature, just a short drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Located approximately 60 km from the city centre, Can Gio is home to an extraordinary mangrove ecosystem officially recognised by UNESCO as Vietnam's first Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in the year 2000.

Designed exclusively for groups of up to five guests, The Rice Travel Group's private Can Gio tour delivers a fully personalised, flexible experience tailored to your group's pace and preferences. No crowded buses, no rigid schedules – this is your journey, crafted around you.

Over the course of one day, you'll explore a rich mosaic of destinations: the lively Monkey Island, the remarkable Saltwater Crocodile Conservation Area, a thrilling speedboat ride through the legendary Rung Sac Forest, a solemn tribute at the Rung Sac Commando Monument, a bustling seafood market, a leisurely stroll along the April 30th Beach, and a refreshing swim at Can Gio Resort's freshwater pool before returning to the city.

Tourists will experience pristine nature when participating in the Can Gio - Monkey Island tour.

Why Book a Can Gio Tour Today?

Among the many weekend getaway options available to Ho Chi Minh City residents and visitors alike, Can Gio holds a uniquely special place. Here's why it remains one of the most rewarding day trips in Southern Vietnam:

1. A UNESCO-Recognised Biosphere Reserve

Spanning over 75,000 hectares, the Can Gio Mangrove Forest stands as one of Southeast Asia's most remarkable ecological success stories – a landscape painstakingly restored after the devastation of the Vietnam War. Today, it shelters hundreds of rare plant and animal species, many of which are listed in Vietnam's Red Book. The sweeping canopy of mangrove trees, alive with birdsong and sea breeze, creates a natural spectacle unlike anywhere else in the region.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest - A UNESCO-Recognized Biosphere Reserve

2. Diverse Experiences for All Ages

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a food lover, a history buff, or a family with young children, Can Gio has something genuinely meaningful to offer. The Rice Travel Group's Can Gio tour is thoughtfully designed to weave together wildlife, culture, cuisine, and leisure into a seamless, memorable day.

3. Less Than 2 Hours from Ho Chi Minh City

No hotel bookings, no heavy packing. A single day in Can Gio is all it takes to fully recharge – returning to the city refreshed, energised, and ready for the week ahead.

Can Gio Tour – Detailed Day Itinerary

8:00 AM – Departure from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Your journey begins with a prompt pick-up at 189 De Tham Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 – the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant backpacker district, easily accessible from every corner of the inner city. Travel light: all you need is a spirit of adventure and a sense of curiosity.

En route to Can Gio, your dedicated guide will provide a rich introduction to the region's history, ecology, and cultural heritage – setting the stage for a truly immersive experience.

The Can Gio tour starts at 8 AM every day

Stop 1 – Monkey Island: Kingdom of the Long-Tailed Macaques

Monkey Island – also known as Dao Dai – is one of the most distinctive and entertaining highlights of any Can Gio tour. This semi-wild sanctuary is home to thousands of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), living freely in their natural mangrove habitat.

What makes Monkey Island truly special is the rare opportunity to observe these primates up close in their own environment. Accustomed to human visitors, the macaques are bold, curious, and endlessly entertaining – leaping between branches, stealing glances, and showing off with acrobatic flair. The lush green surroundings and fresh air make it an exceptional setting for photography, especially for families travelling with children.

Please note: To protect the animals and preserve their natural behaviour, visitors are kindly asked not to feed the monkeys with outside food.

Monkey Island

Stop 2 – Saltwater Crocodile Conservation Area

The journey continues to the Can Gio Saltwater Crocodile Conservation Area – one of the largest crocodile sanctuaries in Southern Vietnam. This facility is dedicated to the preservation of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), also known as the estuarine crocodile – the world's largest living reptile and a species once on the brink of extinction.

Visitors will have the rare chance to observe hundreds of crocodiles at various stages of growth, from hatchlings to enormous adults measuring over five metres in length and weighing several hundred kilograms. It's an exhilarating and genuinely educational encounter, offering powerful insights into biodiversity and the importance of wildlife conservation.

Crocodile

Stop 3 – Speedboat Through Rung Sac Forest: Deep into the Green Wilderness

Widely regarded as the most thrilling highlight of the entire Can Gio tour, the speedboat ride through the Rung Sac Mangrove Forest is an experience that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else. Gliding along the labyrinthine waterways carved between towering mangrove trees, you'll discover a world of extraordinary natural beauty – serene, primeval, and utterly captivating.

On either bank, dense rows of mangrove trees rise with their intricate aerial root systems forming striking natural archways. Birdsong fills the air, dappled sunlight breaks through the canopy, and the reflections of green leaves shimmer on the still water below. This is also a wonderful opportunity to spot some of the mangrove forest's resident bird species, including egrets, night herons, kingfishers, and various waterbirds.

Your guide will accompany you throughout the boat journey, sharing the fascinating story of Rung Sac – its wartime history, its ecological rebirth, and the extraordinary resilience of Vietnam's natural world.

Note: The canoe trip through the Sac Forest is an optional activity and is not included in the tour cost. Guests wishing to participate must register and pay directly at a price of 800,000 VND per person.

Stop 4 – Rung Sac Commando Monument & Military Cemetery

Can Gio is not only a place of natural wonder – it is also a land deeply etched with Vietnam's wartime history. The Rung Sac Commando Monument was erected in honour of the elite commando soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting in these very forests during the resistance against American forces.

The group will pause here to offer incense and pay their respects – a quiet, profoundly moving moment of remembrance. The adjacent Rung Sac Military Cemetery is the final resting place of thousands of soldiers who fell on this ground. This visit is more than a tribute to the past; it is an invitation for younger generations to reflect on the value of peace and the immeasurable courage of those who came before us.

This stop is widely considered one of the most emotionally resonant moments of the Can Gio tour – a rare opportunity to connect with history on a deeply human level.

12:00 PM – Lunch: Fresh Seafood from the Sea of Can Gio

After a rich and eventful morning, the group settles in for a well-earned lunch featuring the finest fresh seafood that Can Gio's fishing waters have to offer. The local cuisine is a celebration of Vietnam's coastal flavours – expect dishes such as grilled prawns, mud crabs, clams, snails, river fish grilled in banana leaf, and the iconic sour fish soup of the mangrove region.

Lunch is a moment to slow down, share stories from the morning, and savour the warm, unpretentious hospitality characteristic of Vietnam's southern waterway communities.

Stop 5 – Can Gio Seafood Market: A Coastal Shopper's Paradise

Following lunch, the group visits the Can Gio Seafood Market – the most well-stocked and competitively priced seafood market in the greater Ho Chi Minh City area. This is the ideal place to pick up authentic local produce and gifts, including dried shrimp, dried squid, dried threadfin fish, Can Gio fish sauce, seafood-infused spirits, and a wide variety of ready-to-eat preserved seafood.

Prices at the market are significantly lower than in the city, particularly for fresh tiger prawns, mud crabs, and daily-caught fish brought in directly by local fishermen. It's a wonderful opportunity to bring home something genuinely meaningful and delicious from the shores of Can Gio.

Can Gio Seafood Market - a wide variety of fresh shrimp and fish

Stop 6 – April 30th Beach: The Closest Seaside Escape to Saigon

April 30th Beach – locally known as Bien Can Gio – holds the distinction of being the nearest ocean beach to Ho Chi Minh City, situated just 60 km from the city centre. While it may not boast the crystal-clear waters of Phu Quoc or Nha Trang, Can Gio Beach offers something equally precious: an unhurried, unspoiled coastal atmosphere that feels a world away from urban life.

Strolling barefoot along the sand, breathing in the salt air, watching the gentle waves roll in – this is your time to let go, slow down, and simply be present. On clear afternoons, April 30th Beach is also a stunning spot to capture golden-hour photography as the sun begins its descent.

Tourists can stroll along the 30/4 beach in Can Gio

Stop 7 – Can Gio Resort Freshwater Pool: The Perfect Finale

The final stop of the day is, by many guests' accounts, the most enjoyable of all. After a full day of exploration, there is nothing more rewarding than plunging into the cool, refreshing waters of Can Gio Resort's freshwater swimming pool, lounging by the poolside, and soaking in the peaceful ambience of the surrounding mangrove landscape.

The pool area is spacious and well-maintained, suitable for adults and children alike. This is your time to unwind freely, take a few last photos, and savour the final hours of what has been a truly complete day in Can Gio.

6:00 PM – Return to Ho Chi Minh City

At 6:00 PM, The Rice Travel Group's vehicle will depart for the return journey, arriving back at 189 De Tham Street, District 1. The day draws to a close with a deep sense of fulfilment and a collection of memories that will stay with you long after you've left. 

What's Included in Your Can Gio Tour

Included:

• Round-trip private transfer from 189 De Tham St., District 1.
• Professional, English-speaking tour guide.
• All entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary.
• Speedboat experience through Rung Sac Mangrove Forest.
• Lunch featuring local seafood specialities.
• Free access to Can Gio Resort's freshwater swimming pool.
• Travel insurance throughout the tour.
• Chilled water and cold towels on board.

Why Choose The Rice Travel Group for Your Can Gio Tour?

In an increasingly competitive tour market, The Rice Travel Group stands apart through a clear and consistent commitment to quality, authenticity, and personalised service.

Truly Private – A Tour Designed Around You

With a maximum group size of five guests per departure, every Can Gio tour we operate is an intimate, personalised experience. You'll never be rushed through a site to keep pace with a large crowd, and your guide's full attention is always yours.

Guides Who Know Can Gio Inside Out

Our guides are experienced, passionate locals who bring Can Gio's landscapes and stories to life with genuine enthusiasm. They're not just here to show you around – they're here to make sure you leave knowing this remarkable place on a deeper level.

Modern Vehicles – Safety as Standard

All transfer vehicles are well-maintained, air-conditioned, and driven by experienced professionals who know the roads of Can Gio thoroughly. Your safety and punctuality are never compromised.

Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Costs

The Rice Travel Group operates with complete pricing transparency. Every service and inclusion is communicated clearly before your booking is confirmed, so you can plan your trip with total peace of mind. 

Practical Information for Your Can Gio Tour

What to Bring

• High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) and UV-protective sunglasses.
• Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm, humid conditions.
• Swimwear and a towel (if you plan to use the resort pool).
• Sturdy, closed-toe footwear for walking in forested areas.
• A fully charged camera or smartphone.
• Cash (Vietnamese Dong) for purchases at the seafood market.
• Motion sickness medication if needed.

  

You should dress simply and remember to bring a hat for protection.

Important Notes

• Please arrive at the pick-up point by 7:45 AM for an 8:00 AM departure.
• Outside food must not be brought into the Monkey Island area.
• Guests are kindly asked to respect the natural environment throughout the tour.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult during the speedboat experience.
• Pregnant women or guests with medical conditions are advised to consult a doctor before booking.

Book Your Can Gio Tour Today – An Unforgettable Journey Awaits

The Rice Travel Group's one-day Can Gio tour is far more than a sightseeing trip – it's a journey of restoration: a chance to reconnect with nature, to honour history, to taste the sea, and to return to the city feeling genuinely renewed.

Whether you're a couple seeking a quiet escape, a family looking for an enriching adventure, or a small group of friends in search of something different – our private Can Gio tour is built to exceed your expectations, every single time.

Get in touch with The Rice Travel Group today for a personalised consultation and to secure your preferred departure date. Can Gio's emerald forests, open skies, and timeless serenity are waiting for you.

Book your tour with The Rice today for a more complete experience of Can Gio - Monkey Island.

See More: Chilling on a Sampan Boat – The Ultimate Mekong Delta 1-Day Tour Experience at The Rice Travel Group

Contact The Rice Travel Group

Address: Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Booking Hotline: +84 962.333.621 (Zalo / WhatsApp)