Immersing oneself in the lush mangrove forests of the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve is an unforgettable experience. This private eco-tour from Ho Chi Minh City promises a day of adventure, from gliding through serene waterways to observing crocodile hatchlings and interacting with playful monkeys. With a focus on sustainable tourism, the tour offers a unique window into Vietnam’s vibrant natural wonders. What makes this excursion truly captivating, however, is the chance to connect with the local ecosystem and discover its hidden gems.
Key Points
- Private excursion from Ho Chi Minh City to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, featuring a scenic boat ride and exploration of the mangrove forest.
- Opportunities to observe wildlife, including crocodiles, deer, and over 10,000 birds of 26 different species in the Bird Conservation area.
- Unique encounter with over 1,000 lively monkeys on Monkey Island, including the chance to feed them and capture memorable photos.
- Visits to Bats Lagoon, crab pond, and a crocodile farm, providing an immersive experience showcasing the diverse ecosystems of the region.
- Ascent of Tang Bong Tower for panoramic views of the mangrove landscape and the opportunity to try angling for crocodiles.
Tour Overview
The Ho Chi Minh Eco Tour is a private excursion from Ho Chi Minh City to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve.
A private excursion from Ho Chi Minh City to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve.
Priced at €232.64 per person, the 9-hour tour includes a scenic boat ride, visits to Bats Lagoon, a crab pond, and a crocodile farm. Guests can observe the crocodile hatching process and try angling for the carnivorous reptiles.
The tour also features a canoe exploration of the mangrove forest, feeding friendly deer, and ascending the Tang Bong Tower for panoramic views.
During the peak bird nesting season, the Bird Conservation area is visited.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Scenic Boat Ride to Can Gio
A scenic 20-minute boat ride from Binh Khanh Ferry transports visitors to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve.
The journey offers a serene glimpse into the lush, verdant mangrove forests lining the riverbanks. Travelers can sit back and admire the tranquil waterways and abundant wildlife, including birds and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
The boat ride is a peaceful prelude to the upcoming adventures within the biosphere reserve, where visitors will explore the Bats Lagoon, crab pond, and crocodile farm, as well as discover the wonders of the mangrove forest through canoeing and wildlife encounters.
Exploring the Mangrove Forest
Upon disembarking the boat, visitors venture into the heart of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Guided by their knowledgeable tour guide, they explore the lush mangrove forest by canoe, drifting silently through the waterways. Along the way, they spot a variety of wildlife, including the gentle deer that inhabit the area. Visitors have the opportunity to feed these friendly creatures, fostering a closer connection with the natural world. As they navigate the intricate network of channels, the towering Tang Bong Tower comes into view, offering panoramic vistas of the stunning mangrove landscape.
| Mangrove Ecosystem | Features | Wildlife |
|——————-|———-|———|
| Diverse flora | Intricate waterways | Deer |
| Nutrient-rich soil| Tall, twisted trees | Birds |
| Tidal fluctuations| Muddy substrate | Crabs |
Bats Lagoon, Crab Pond, and Crocodile Farm
Departing the serene mangrove forest, the tour ventures next to Bats Lagoon, a unique habitat home to thousands of bats that roost in the towering trees.
Nearby is the crab pond, where visitors can observe the crustaceans in their natural environment.
The highlight is the crocodile farm, where the tour group learns about the hatching process and has the opportunity to try angling for the carnivorous reptiles.
This immersive experience provides a closer look at the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyObserving Crocodile Hatching and Angling
The crocodile farm at the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe the hatching process of these apex predators.
Witness the fascinating hatching of apex predators at the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve’s crocodile farm.
Guests can witness newborn crocodiles emerge from their eggs, a fascinating natural spectacle.
Afterwards, visitors can try their hand at angling for the carnivorous reptiles, an exhilarating and thrilling experience.
The tour guide will provide all necessary equipment and instructions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable encounter.
Observing the crocodile hatching and angling are unforgettable highlights of the Can Gio eco-tour, offering a glimpse into the diverse wildlife of this remarkable biosphere reserve.
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Ascending Tang Bong Tower
After exploring the mangrove forest by canoe, visitors ascend the Tang Bong Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the Vam Sat mangrove forest. The tower stands tall, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the lush greenery and meandering waterways below. From the observation deck, guests can take in the serene beauty of the surroundings and snap photos to commemorate the experience.
| Viewpoint | Elevation |
| — | — |
| North | 360 feet |
| South | 384 feet |
| East | 395 feet |
| West | 372 feet |
The Tang Bong Tower provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the natural wonders of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve.
Bird Conservation Area
During the wild birds nesting season from May to October, the tour visits the Bird Conservation area, which hosts over 10,000 birds of 26 different species.
Visitors can observe the diverse avian life, including:
Visitors can observe herons and egrets nesting in the mangrove trees, waders searching for food along the mudflats, and migratory birds resting and feeding.
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Herons and egrets nesting in the mangrove trees
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Waders searching for food along the mudflats
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Migratory birds resting and feeding
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Raptors soaring overhead
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Songbirds flitting among the branches
The protected habitat provides a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant bird activity and better understand the importance of conserving these remarkable ecosystems.
Monkey Island Experience
Visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Eco Tour can experience a unique encounter with the residents of Monkey Island. The island is home to over 1,000 lively monkeys.
Travelers can engage with the monkeys, feed them, and capture memorable photos. Guests are advised to be cautious, as the monkeys can be playful and mischievous.
The Monkey Island visit provides a chance to observe the primates in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior. This interactive experience is a highlight of the Ho Chi Minh Eco Tour, offering a memorable encounter with the island’s primate inhabitants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Recommended Age Range for This Tour?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users. No specific age range is provided, but the tour involves moderate physical activity, so it may not be suitable for very young children or the elderly.
Can Vegetarian or Halal Meals Be Arranged?
Vegetarian and halal meals can be arranged upon request. Guests should inform the tour operator in advance so they can accommodate their dietary needs. Additional fees may apply for special meal arrangements.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour operator offers an option to extend the duration, but this may incur additional costs. Guests interested in extending the tour should contact the operator directly to discuss the available options and pricing.
Are There Any Height/Weight Restrictions for the Boat Ride?
There are no height or weight restrictions for the boat ride to Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any such restrictions, and the boat can accommodate a range of passenger sizes.
Can We Bring Our Own Camera Equipment?
Yes, travelers can bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The tour includes a scenic boat ride, so guests are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the beautiful mangrove forest and wildlife.
The Sum Up
The Ho Chi Minh Eco Tour: Private Can Gio Monkey Island is a captivating 9-hour journey that immerses visitors in the lush Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. From scenic boat rides to interactive encounters with nature, this private excursion offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore a vibrant ecosystem and create lasting memories.
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