Ho Chi Minh: Can Gio Monkey Island & Salt Kingdom

Exploring the unique blend of nature and culture in Ho Chi Minh, the "Can Gio Monkey Island & Salt Kingdom" tour offers an immersive 12-hour adventure. Visitors can observe over 2,000 long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat, participate in traditional salt-making demonstrations, and savor regional dishes through hands-on cooking activities. With a cycling tour and island experiences, this tour provides an opportunity to dive into the local customs and scenic landscapes of the region.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve and the Salt Kingdom on Thieng Lieng Island.
• Opportunity to observe the social behaviors and feeding habits of over 2,000 long-tailed macaques on Monkey Island.
• Hands-on experience with the traditional salt-making process and cooking demonstrations showcasing local cuisine and flavors.
• Cycling tour around Thieng Lieng Island to explore the local community and customs.
• Includes pickup, English-speaking guide, admission fees, meals, bottled water, and domestic travel insurance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity "Ho Chi Minh: Can Gio Monkey Island & Salt Kingdom" is priced from $100.00 per person and lasts for 12 hours.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve now and pay later to secure their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes pickup from District 1 or District 4, an English-speaking guide, all admission fees, breakfast, lunch, bottled water, local taxes, and domestic travel insurance.

However, personal expenses, gratuities, drinks, and international travel insurance are excluded.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Ho Chi Minh City at 6:00 am, the 1.5-hour drive takes visitors to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, home to over 2,000 long-tailed macaques. After arriving, visitors board a local boat and sail to Thieng Lieng Island. Here, they embark on a cycling tour around the island, exploring the scenic mangrove landscapes. At the Salt Kingdom, guests witness the salt-making process demonstrated by local experts. The day offers a chance to learn about monkey behavior, try regional cuisine, and participate in traditional activities like cooking and cake-making.

| Activity | Location | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Visit Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve | Can Gio | – |

| Local boat experience | Thieng Lieng Island | – |

| Cycling tour | Thieng Lieng Island | – |

| Salt-making process demonstration | Salt Kingdom | – |

| Cooking and cake-making | Salt Kingdom | – |

Monkey Island Exploration

As visitors step into the lush mangrove forests of the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, they’re greeted by the mischievous antics of over 2,000 long-tailed macaques.

These primates scamper along the branches, occasionally descending to the boardwalks to beg for food. Visitors can observe the monkeys’ social behaviors and feeding habits up close, learning about their role in the delicate mangrove ecosystem.

A local boat experience takes travelers to Thieng Lieng Island, where they can explore the island’s interior on a cycling tour.

Throughout the journey, stunning vistas of the mangrove forests and coastal landscapes unfold, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s natural wonders.

Thieng Lieng Island Adventure

After exploring the lively colony of long-tailed macaques in the mangrove forests, visitors board a local boat to reach Thieng Lieng Island.

This remote island offers a unique opportunity to take in the traditional salt-making process. Visitors witness skilled artisans demonstrate the labor-intensive technique of harvesting salt from seawater.

A remote island offers a unique chance to witness the traditional salt-making process in action, as skilled artisans demonstrate the labor-intensive technique.

They also have the chance to participate in a cycling tour, providing a gentle pace to soak in the island’s serene landscapes.

Throughout the experience, travelers savor regional dishes and gain insights into the daily life and customs of the local community.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cycling Tour and Island Experiences

Once visitors have completed the boat journey to Thieng Lieng Island, they embark on a cycling tour that offers a leisurely pace to explore the island’s serene landscapes.

The cycling tour allows travelers to:

• Discover hidden pathways and tranquil villages

• Observe the local salt-making process in action

• Interact with friendly residents and learn about their daily lives

• Immerse themselves in the island’s lush mangrove ecosystems

Through this cycling adventure, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique culture, traditions, and natural wonders.

Salt-Making Demonstration

During the cycling tour, visitors witness the time-honored salt-making process carried out by local residents. They observe the meticulous steps involved, from evaporating seawater in large pans under the sun to carefully scraping and collecting the pure salt crystals. A table showcases the key stages:

| Stage | Action | Output |

| — | — | — |

| 1 | Pump seawater into shallow pans | Concentrated brine |

| 2 | Evaporate brine under the sun | Salt crystals |

| 3 | Harvest and refine salt crystals | Table salt |

The salt-making demonstration provides a glimpse into the traditional livelihood and self-sustaining practices of the Can Gio community.

Culinary Delights and Local Cuisine

As visitors cycle around the island, they’ve the opportunity to enjoy the local culinary traditions. Eager to learn, they participate in hands-on cooking demonstrations, where they discover the secrets behind homemade dishes and traditional cakes.

The regional cuisine showcases the bounty of the land and sea, featuring fresh seafood, fragrant herbs, and locally sourced ingredients. Between meals, visitors can sample salt-infused snacks and beverages, gaining insight into the salt-making process witnessed earlier.

The regional cuisine highlights the abundance of the land and sea, offering fresh seafood, herbs, and locally sourced ingredients, complemented by salt-infused snacks and beverages.

This culinary journey offers a delightful sensory experience, allowing travelers to savor the flavors and traditions that define the local way of life.

• Hands-on cooking demonstrations

• Traditional cakes and regional dishes

• Fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients

• Salt-infused snacks and beverages

Transportation and Tour Details

The tour includes convenient pickup options from District 1 and District 4 in Ho Chi Minh City.

It’s a small group tour, limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Transportation is provided throughout the day, with a private air-conditioned vehicle for the 1.5-hour drive to Can Gio Monkey Island.

Travelers will also enjoy boat rides and cycling around the island.

All transportation during the tour, including hotel pickup and drop-off, is included in the package price.

The tour also provides domestic travel insurance, ensuring a worry-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement specified for this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though children may require adult supervision. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes breakfast, lunch, and bottled water. Outside food and drinks are not allowed as the tour provider arranges the meals and refreshments.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The standard tour is 12 hours long, and the details provided don’t indicate any flexibility to lengthen the experience beyond that timeframe.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Activities?

No special equipment is required. The tour provides all necessary gear, such as life jackets for the boat ride and bicycles for the cycling tour. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and light outdoor activities.

How Flexible Is the Itinerary in Case of Unexpected Events?

The itinerary is reasonably flexible to accommodate unexpected events. The tour operator will work with participants to make necessary adjustments and ensure the overall experience remains enjoyable despite any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Can Gio Monkey Island & Salt Kingdom" tour in Ho Chi Minh offers a unique blend of nature and culture. Visitors can explore the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, observe long-tailed macaques, and experience traditional salt-making on Thieng Lieng Island. The cycling tour, hands-on cooking activities, and regional cuisine provide an immersive experience, making this a must-do adventure for those seeking to discover the diverse heritage of Ho Chi Minh.

You can check if your dates are available here: