Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve & Monkey Island

Category: UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve & Marine Ecotourism | Location: Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City

Located roughly 40 kilometers southeast of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the Can Gio Mangrove Forest is the city's sole coastal district and holds the proud distinction of being designated as Vietnam's first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Once reduced to a barren ecological wasteland by defoliants and warfare, Can Gio staged a miraculous ecological resurrection through decades of tireless reforestation. Today, spanning over 75,000 hectares, this emerald wetland serves as the vital "Green Lungs" of Southern Vietnam, absorbing carbon, stabilizing shorelines, and buffering the metropolis from tropical typhoons. The reserve shelters an extraordinary estuarine ecosystem anchored by red mangroves, white mangroves, and nipa palms whose complex aerial prop roots form intricate underwater nurseries. The sanctuary provides habitat to hundreds of migratory shorebird species, flying fox bat colonies, estuarine crocodiles, and a playful colony of over 2,000 wild long-tailed macaques thriving at Monkey Island. Travelers can navigate scenic wooden footbridges winding beneath towering mangrove arches, board high-speed motorboats cutting through braided jungle estuaries, or paddle silent canoes through undisturbed heron nesting sanctuaries. Complementing its natural wonders, Can Gio preserves the historic Rung Sac Guerrilla Base where daring water commandos operated during the war, the tranquil coastal hamlet of Can Thanh, and the lively Hang Duong Seafood Market. Savoring ocean-fresh seafood caught daily—including sweet mud crabs, giant tiger prawns grilled with chili salt, and refreshing chilled nipa palm fruit nectar (chè dừa nước)—makes Can Gio an essential eco-adventure harmonizing urban modernity with pristine coastal wildness.