FechTin Go · Vietnam · Ho Chi Minh City
Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Tho nau · CC BY-SA 3.0
A world biosphere reserve inside the city limits — a forest replanted from dead ground.
During the war the Rung Sac forest at Can Gio was sprayed with defoliant until almost nothing was left. From 1978 onward it was replanted, one stand of mangrove at a time, and today it is Vietnam's first UNESCO-recognised world biosphere reserve — a large mangrove forest brought back entirely by hand. Taking a boat through the channels you pass mangrove roots braced across the mud, long-tailed macaques used to people at Vam Sat, and a reconstruction of the wartime Rung Sac base set among the trees. Can Gio is about fifty kilometres from the centre and requires a ferry crossing.
Visitor information
When is the best time to visit Can Gio Mangrove Forest?
December to April, the dry season
How much does it cost to visit Can Gio Mangrove Forest?
Entry and boat fares charged separately, depending on route
How long do you need at Can Gio Mangrove Forest?
Full day
What are the opening hours of Can Gio Mangrove Forest?
07:00 - 17:00
Did you know
- The forest was sprayed with defoliant during the war and replanted from 1978 onward.
- It is Vietnam's first UNESCO-recognised world biosphere reserve.
- The Vam Sat area holds a semi-wild population of long-tailed macaques.
- A reconstruction of the wartime Rung Sac base stands within the forest.
Travel tips
- You must cross on the Binh Khanh ferry; allow extra time, as weekend queues are long.
- Hold on to bags and food at Vam Sat — the macaques there are bold and snatch things.
Updated: 2026-08-16