Exploring the lush mangrove forests of Can Gio Monkey Island is a unique opportunity to encounter over 1,000 lively primates. This day trip from Ho Chi Minh City promises a captivating blend of nature, history, and leisure activities. Travelers can expect a guided adventure through the crocodile zone, a speedboat ride to the historic Sac Guerilla Camp, and a relaxing Vietnamese-style lunch – all while taking in the stunning natural surroundings. With wildlife encounters and beach time, this excursion offers an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse ecosystems.
Key Points
- This day trip from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) explores the lush mangrove forests of Can Gio Monkey Island, home to over 1,000 monkeys.
- The tour includes a visit to a crocodile zone, where participants can opt to feed or hold a baby crocodile under supervision.
- Guests will take a speedboat ride to the historic Sac Guerilla Camp, which provides insights into jungle life during the Vietnam War.
- A Vietnamese-style lunch and a visit to a nearby seafood market are included in the itinerary.
- The trip concludes with leisure activities at the Can Gio Resort, such as swimming, beach walks, and spa treatments.
Trip Overview
The article provides an overview of a day trip to Can Gio Monkey Island from Ho Chi Minh City. The trip lasts 9 hours and costs from $42.70 per person.
Pickup is included from Districts 1, 3, and 4, with an extra fee for other areas. A live English-speaking guide accompanies the group.
The itinerary highlights include exploring mangrove forests, visiting a crocodile zone, and taking a speedboat to the historic Sac Guerilla Camp.
Travelers can also relax at the Can Gio Resort and enjoy a Vietnamese-style lunch.
The trip includes transportation, ferry tickets, entrance fees, and a bottle of water, but excludes personal expenses and tips.
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Itinerary Highlights
The day trip begins at 7:30 AM with hotel pickup.
Next, you’ll explore the lush mangrove forests, home to over 1,000 monkeys.
Then, visit the crocodile zone to see preserved crocodiles from the Vietnam War. You may even try the optional "crocodile fishing" experience.
A speedboat ride takes you to the historic Sac Guerilla Camp, where you’ll learn about war-era jungle life.
After a Vietnamese-style lunch, browse the local seafood market.
Finally, relax with a swim at the Can Gio Resort and enjoy the serene beachside views.
Exploring the Mangrove Forests
As visitors set foot in the lush mangrove forests, they’re immediately enveloped by a serene and verdant landscape.
Towering trees with twisted roots line the network of waterways, providing a home to over 1,000 monkeys. Guests can observe the playful primates scampering through the branches or lounging in the shade.
The sheer number of monkeys and their close proximity to humans creates an immersive wildlife experience. Visitors must exercise caution, however, as the monkeys are wild animals.
Nonetheless, exploring this unique ecosystem is a highlight of the Can Gio Monkey Island tour.
Crocodile Zone and Fishing Experience
What next awaits visitors on the Can Gio Monkey Island tour is the crocodile zone. Here, they’ll find preserved crocodiles from the Vietnam War era.
An optional "crocodile fishing" experience allows brave souls to interact with these prehistoric creatures. Participants can feed the crocodiles or even hold a baby crocodile, under the guide’s supervision. This unique encounter offers a firsthand look at these apex predators up close.
After the crocodile zone, the tour continues with a speedboat ride to the historic Sac Guerilla Camp for insights into wartime jungle life.
More Great Thing To Do NearbySac Guerilla Camp and Insights Into Jungle Life
After exploring the crocodile zone, visitors embark on a speedboat ride to the historic Sac Guerilla Camp.
At the camp, the tour guide provides insights into jungle life during the Vietnam War era.
At the camp, the tour guide provides insights into the hardships and realities of jungle life during the Vietnam War.
Key highlights include:
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Visiting underground tunnels used by guerilla fighters
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Learning about the camp’s strategic location and its role in the war
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Observing preserved relics and equipment from the wartime period
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Gaining a deeper understanding of the hardships and resilience of jungle-based combatants
This immersive experience offers a unique window into the past, allowing visitors to appreciate the sacrifices and ingenuity of those who fought for Vietnam’s independence.
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Lunch and Seafood Market
Following the Vietnamese-style lunch at a local restaurant, the tour then explores the nearby seafood market.
Here, visitors can browse the stalls brimming with fresh catches from the sea. The market offers a lively and authentic glimpse into local life, with vendors hawking their wares and haggling with customers.
Visitors can purchase seafood delicacies to take home as souvenirs or enjoy on the spot. The market provides a sensory experience, with the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling maritime trade.
This stop offers a chance to take in the vibrant culinary culture of the Can Gio region.
Leisure Activities at Can Gio Resort
Upon returning from the seafood market, visitors can often relax with a swim at the scenic Can Gio Resort.
The resort offers a serene beachside setting, allowing guests to unwind and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Key leisure activities at the resort include:
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Swimming in the resort’s outdoor pool, which provides a refreshing break from the day’s adventures.
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Strolling along the beautiful beach, taking in the stunning views of the East Sea.
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Enjoying a rejuvenating massage at the on-site spa, indulging in a moment of pure relaxation.
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Dining at the resort’s restaurant, savoring freshly caught seafood and local Vietnamese cuisine.
Important Information and Recommendations
Although the Can Gio Monkey Island day trip offers an engaging and unique experience, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5, wheelchair users, or those with animal allergies. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Smoking isn’t allowed during the trip.
It’s also important to note that personal expenses, such as food for the monkeys or crocodiles, and tips aren’t included in the tour price. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable day trip.
Since You Asked
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Trip?
No, the tour package doesn’t allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. Lunch and one bottle of drinking water are included in the tour. Personal expenses like additional food or drinks for the monkeys or crocodiles are not covered.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
The trip doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It’s an open tour that operates daily, so you can book it even if you’re traveling solo. The tour provider will pick you up from your hotel regardless of group size.
Do We Need to Bring Cash for Additional Expenses?
Yes, travelers should bring cash for personal expenses like buying food for the monkeys or tips. The tour package doesn’t cover these optional activities or gratuities.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography?
The trip overview indicates no specific restrictions on photography or videography. Travelers can take photos and videos throughout the tour, but should be mindful not to disturb the animals or disrupt the experience for others.
Can We Extend Our Stay at Can Gio Resort After the Tour?
Guests can extend their stay at Can Gio Resort after the tour ends. However, this extension would need to be arranged and paid for separately from the day trip package. The tour does not include any additional time at the resort beyond the scheduled activities.
Final Words
The Can Gio Monkey Island Day Trip offers a captivating blend of nature, history, and cultural experiences. Travelers can expect to explore lush mangrove forests, encounter wildlife, learn about the Viet Cong’s guerilla operations, and enjoy a delectable seafood lunch. With its convenient hotel pickup and English-speaking guide, this excursion provides a well-rounded and hassle-free way to discover the unique charms of Vietnam’s Can Gio region.
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