Full Day Monkey Island Tour with Canoe in Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Travelers looking for an authentic escape into Vietnam’s lush natural landscapes will find the Full Day Monkey Island Tour with Canoe in Can Gio to be a memorable blend of wildlife, history, and local culture. This tour, offered by Dragon Sea Travel, promises an immersive experience — from the chance to feed playful monkeys to cruising through serene mangrove waterways, topped off with a seafood feast.

One of the things we love about this tour is its comprehensive itinerary, which combines wildlife encounters with cultural insights and delicious local cuisine. You’ll get to see over 1,000 monkeys, explore a war-era camp, and paddle a canoe through the mangroves, all in one day.

A potential consideration is the early start time, with pickup around 07:30 AM, which might be a bit tight for travelers who prefer a slow morning. Also, the group size is limited to a maximum of 13, which is great for intimacy but requires booking well in advance, especially since most travelers reserve this tour about 42 days ahead.

This experience suits nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see a different side of Vietnam beyond the bustling city streets. It’s perfect for those who enjoy small-group adventures, dynamic wildlife, and scenic boat rides.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife encounters with monkeys and crocodiles in a protected biosphere.
• Scenic boat and canoe rides that showcase the mangrove ecosystem’s peaceful waterways.
• Cultural and historical insights gained from visiting the old guerrilla camp.
• Delicious local cuisine at a restaurant overlooking the water, with options for dietary restrictions.
• Expert English-speaking guides enhance understanding and safety during the trip.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility for your plans.

A Closer Look at the Can Gio Monkey Island Tour

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded experience of Can Gio, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve just outside Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a day packed with activities that balance wildlife, history, and relaxation — ideal for travelers wanting more than just a quick visit.

Morning Pickup and Travel to Can Gio

Your day begins early, with a pickup from your hotel in District 1 or a meeting point, typically between 07:30 and 08:00 AM. The air-conditioned vehicle whisks you away from the city’s chaos and into the tranquility of the mangrove forests. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of the rural landscapes and the start of your immersion into Vietnam’s natural side.

Monkey Encounter and Crocodile Observation

Upon arrival at the Vam Sat Ecological Park, we immediately headed into the forest, where hundreds of monkeys scurry and leap among the trees. The guide explained that over 1,000 monkeys inhabit this area, making it a prime spot for wildlife photography. We loved the chance to feed them — with the guide’s tips, we carefully approached, and the monkeys climbed onto our shoulders and hands, creating unforgettable moments.

The crocodile enclosure was equally intriguing. Local people have conserved large crocodiles from the American war, turning this area into both a sanctuary and a visitor attraction. For those interested, crocodile fishing is available as an optional activity — a real thrill for the brave.

Exploring the Guerrilla Camp and Historical Insights

A short speedboat ride took us to the Sac Guerrilla Camp, a site that once played a significant role during Vietnam’s war era. Today, it’s a popular spot for visitors to understand jungle life during wartime. Our guide, who was notably well-versed in Vietnamese history and culture, shared stories that brought the area’s past to life.

One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Jane, was “super informative on location and its history,” highlighting how knowledgeable guides can truly enrich the experience.

Lunch and Relaxation by the Beach

After a few hours in the forest, we headed to a local restaurant with a stunning view. The lunch was a highlight — a hearty seafood spread featuring fresh octopus, lobster, and various dried seafood. The meal was well-priced considering the quality and setting, giving us a true taste of local flavors.

Post-lunch, many guests choose to visit the nearby seafood market, which sells a variety of fresh catch and dried foods. It’s a lively spot with rustic charm, perfect for browsing or picking up some snacks.

Leisure Time and Water Activities

For those wanting to cool off, the Can Gio Resort offers a swimming pool, shower facilities, and beachside relaxation. We appreciated the chance to unwind, take a dip, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Return Journey and End of Day

The tour wraps up around 5:00 PM, with the comfortable return trip taking us back to the city. The small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for questions and personal attention from the guide.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

This experience goes beyond the usual day trip by offering multiple modes of transportation — from speedboats to canoes — that make you feel truly engaged with the environment. The canoe ride through the mangroves is a highlight, giving you intimate views of this unique ecosystem, while the wildlife encounters are both fun and educational.

The guides play a key role — reviews consistently praise guides like Jane for their knowledge and friendly attitude, which makes the experience more meaningful. In addition, the inclusion of lunch and free access to the seafood market enhances the value, making this an all-inclusive day out.

How About the Price?

At $39 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the variety of activities, transportation, meals, and guided insights included. The small-group format ensures a more personalized experience, helping you avoid the crowds and get more attention from your guide.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book early: Since most travelers reserve this tour 42 days in advance, securing your spot early is advisable.
• Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to get a little muddy or wet during the forest walk and canoe ride.
• Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat for sun protection.
• Follow the guide’s rules regarding wildlife interaction — it’s for your safety and theirs.
• If you have dietary restrictions, make sure to communicate them when booking, as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options can be accommodated.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re craving an adventure that combines wildlife, history, and local culture, then this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences and want to learn about Vietnam’s ecological and wartime heritage in a relaxed setting.

Nature lovers will relish the chance to feed monkeys and paddle through mangrove waterways, while history buffs will find the guerrilla camp visits enlightening. Foodies and those curious about local cuisine will enjoy the fresh seafood lunch and market visits.

However, if you prefer a very leisurely pace or are not comfortable with early mornings and water-based activities, this might not be ideal. Also, keep in mind that some activities, like crocodile fishing, are optional, so you can tailor your experience accordingly.

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic day out that provides a genuine taste of Can Gio’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history — all accessible from Ho Chi Minh City.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in District 1.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, ending back in Ho Chi Minh City around 5:00 PM.

Are meals included? Yes, a lunch at a scenic restaurant is part of the package, featuring fresh seafood. Vegetarian and special dietary requests can be accommodated if indicated when booking.

What activities are part of the tour? You’ll visit the mangrove forest, see over 1,000 monkeys, explore a war-era guerrilla camp, enjoy a boat and canoe ride, and visit the seafood market.

Is the tour suitable for children? The tour is generally suitable for most ages, especially since the group size is small and activities are not overly strenuous. However, always check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

How many people are in each group? The maximum group size is 13 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What should I bring? Comfortable clothes, sun protection, insect repellent, and possibly swimwear if you plan to swim at the resort.

Is there a guide, and what language do they speak? An English-speaking professional guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing insights and safety tips.

Are there any optional activities? Crocodile fishing is available as an option; otherwise, most activities are included in the tour.

This full-day adventure in Can Gio offers a chance to see Vietnam’s natural and historic treasures in one go. Perfect for those seeking a small-group, authentic experience that’s both fun and educational. Prepare to be amazed by the wildlife, captivated by the scenery, and delighted by the local flavors — it’s a day you won’t forget.