Just a short drive from the city, Monkey Island Saigon is the ultimate family day trip for those craving nature, wildlife, and adventure. Nestled in the heart of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, this lush destination is home to thousands of monkeys, crocodiles, and wartime relics. Whether you’re traveling with curious kids or seeking a fun escape from the urban buzz, this tour promises laughter, learning, and memories to last a lifetime. It’s no surprise that Monkey Island Saigon is quickly becoming a Ho Chi Minh City must see for families and nature lovers alike.
You’ll find Monkey Island Saigon deep within the coastal wetlands of Can Gio District, just 60 to 80 kilometers southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City. The exact location is: Can Gio Forestry Tourist Area, Long Hoa Commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. This unique island experience sits inside the spectacular Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-listed site teeming with nature and wildlife.
Getting there is part of the adventure! For families, you have several convenient travel options:
At the site, there’s plenty of parking for private cars and tour buses. Facilities include clean restrooms, local food stalls, shaded rest stops, and stroller-friendly walkways — though parents should watch for a few bumpy, unpaved sections, especially after rain.
Monkey Island Saigon (Source: ssttravel)
The highlight of Monkey Island Saigon is, of course, its 2,000+ resident monkeys! These clever little creatures swing through the trees, stroll the pathways, and aren’t shy when it comes to checking out visitors. The most common species here are long-tailed macaques, known for their expressive faces and playful nature.
But remember — while they’re adorable, they’re also wild! Keep your distance, especially with small children. Don’t bring food in your bags (they’ll sniff it out!), hold onto phones, sunglasses, and hats, and never try to touch or chase the monkeys. Teaching your kids how to respect the animals adds an educational layer to your adventure — making this not only exciting but truly enriching.
Feeling brave? Head over to the crocodile preservation area where dozens of massive saltwater crocs bask and lurk. Families can safely feed the crocodiles using a pole and meat bait — a supervised activity that older kids will find absolutely unforgettable. It’s thrilling, it’s safe, and it’s a great way to teach respect for wildlife.
Hop on a speedboat or traditional rowing boat and glide through the dense, mysterious waterways of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. It’s a peaceful ride that turns into a full-on nature safari — expect to see flocks of birds, water-dwelling creatures, and tangled roots of mangrove trees that look like something out of a storybook.
Boat rides are short and family-friendly, and guides often share fascinating stories about the area’s biodiversity. It’s a perfect break from walking and a great photo opportunity!
Did you know that Monkey Island Saigon has access to one of the most unique beaches near Ho Chi Minh City? Can Gio Beach may surprise you with its black sand, colored by the fertile alluvium of the rivers. While it’s not your typical white-sand shore, it’s clean, shallow, and safe for kids to splash around in.
Families can fly kites, search for seashells, or simply relax while watching the sun dip behind the mangroves. It’s a peaceful way to wind down your day.
Ready for a quick history lesson? Take your kids back in time with a stop at the Rừng Sác Guerrilla Base — a site once used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Today, it features preserved bunkers, mannequins in uniform, and jungle shelters that show how life was lived in the thick of the forest.
It’s a light but eye-opening introduction to Vietnam’s past, perfect for older children curious about history and resilience. And best of all, it adds cultural depth to what’s already one of the most exciting Ho Chi Minh City must see experiences.
Rung Sac Guerrilla Base (Source: vietnamnet)
Before you set off on your unforgettable family adventure to Monkey Island Saigon, let’s make sure your backpack is ready! As your cheerful guide for the day, I can’t stress enough how packing smart makes your trip smoother — especially when exploring a place as wild and exciting as Monkey Island Saigon, deep in the heart of the Can Gio Mangrove.
Here’s what every family should bring:
Access to Monkey Island Saigon, located inside the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, is very reasonably priced:
These tickets grant you entry into the monkey sanctuary, crocodile zones, and scenic walking trails — all packed with excitement and close encounters with nature.
For those who want to explore the stunning waterways of the Can Gio Mangrove, here are the options:
Boat Rental Fees (Source: myguidevietnam)
07:30 AM – Hotel Pick-Up in Ho Chi Minh City
We’ll kick off your family’s adventure with a friendly pick-up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Sit back and relax in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle as we leave the bustling streets behind and head south toward the green wonderland of Can Gio — home of the incredible Monkey Island Saigon!
09:00 AM – Cross the Binh Khanh Ferry to Can Gio District
Enjoy the scenic drive through suburban neighborhoods and mangrove-lined roads before reaching the Binh Khanh Ferry. This short ferry ride is a fun moment for kids as they get their first glimpse of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve — a UNESCO-protected area and one of the most important wetlands in southern Vietnam.
09:30 AM – Crocodile Feeding at the Wildlife Center
Arriving deep in the Can Gio Mangrove, we’ll visit the Crocodile Preservation Area. Get ready for some heart-pounding excitement as we feed giant crocodiles from a safe, elevated platform using long poles. It’s a thrilling moment especially for older children — and a favorite stop for most families!
10:30 AM – Boat Ride Through the Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Next, it’s time to explore the magical waterways of the Can Gio Mangrove by speedboat or rowing boat. Glide under a canopy of trees, spot native birds, and witness the peaceful beauty of this rich ecosystem. This short boat ride is both relaxing and educational, offering families a deep appreciation for Vietnam’s natural heritage.
11:30 AM – Visit the Rung Sac Guerrilla Base
We’ll dock at the famous Rung Sac Guerrilla Base, where your guide will share stories from the Vietnam War. This site was once a secret jungle base for special forces. You’ll see preserved bunkers, dummies dressed in wartime gear, and even trap displays — a light introduction to history that’s surprisingly engaging for older children.
12:30 PM – Seafood Lunch by the Beach
After a busy morning, it’s time to refuel with a delicious Vietnamese seafood lunch at a coastal restaurant near Can Gio Beach. Menus typically include shrimp, squid, grilled oysters, rice, and local vegetables. Vegetarian options are available too — just let us know in advance!
02:00 PM – Explore Monkey Island Saigon
Now for the star of the show: Monkey Island Saigon! Home to over 2,000 monkeys, this natural habitat offers close-up encounters with long-tailed macaques. Walk the shaded forest paths, snap amazing photos, and watch as monkeys swing from trees and curiously approach visitors. Your guide will help keep the experience safe and fun — especially for the little ones.
03:30 PM – Free Time at Can Gio Beach
Cap off the day with some downtime at Can Gio Beach, famous for its black alluvial sand and peaceful atmosphere. Kids can fly kites, collect seashells, or just play in the shallow waves while you enjoy the breeze and views. It’s the perfect way to unwind before heading back to the city.
04:30 PM – Return to Ho Chi Minh City
We’ll hop back in the vehicle and begin our journey back through the mangroves and ferry crossing. It’s a great time to rest, share stories, or scroll through your amazing photos from the day.
06:00 PM – Drop-Off at Your Hotel
By early evening, you’ll be back at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, full of new memories, knowledge, and smiles. Whether it was the monkeys, the boat ride, or the crocodiles that stole the show, one thing’s for sure — Monkey Island Saigon is a truly unforgettable Ho Chi Minh City must see experience for families of all ages.
Crocodile Feeding (Source: antoursvietnam)
The easiest and most comfortable way to explore Monkey Island Saigon is by booking a guided all-inclusive tour. You’ll get hotel pick-up in Ho Chi Minh City, entrance tickets, speedboat ride, seafood lunch, and a fun, knowledgeable guide. Everything’s arranged for you — perfect for families with kids who want a stress-free day at this unforgettable Ho Chi Minh City must see.
Book with Impress Travel:
Want to go your own way? From Ho Chi Minh City, ride to Can Gio via Binh Khanh Ferry, then follow signs to Monkey Island Saigon.
Approximate Costs:
Motorbike (Source: saigonriders)
Monkey Island Saigon is the perfect family getaway from Ho Chi Minh City — where kids can meet monkeys, feed crocodiles, explore the Can Gio Mangrove, and play by the beach. It’s fun, educational, and a great way to bond in nature. No doubt, this is a true Ho Chi Minh City must see for families. Plan your unforgettable trip to Monkey Island Saigon today — adventure is waiting!
To reach Monkey Island Saigon, head to District 7 via Huỳnh Tấn Phát Street, take the Bình Khánh Ferry, and drive about 45 minutes through Can Gio. You’ll see signs for Monkey Island near the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. Travel time is around 1.5–2 hours by car or motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City.
Monkey Island Saigon is located in Can Gio District, about 60–80 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. You can go by private car, motorbike, or join a guided tour for convenience. If taking public transport, catch Bus #20 from Ben Thanh Market to Bình Khánh Ferry, then transfer to Bus #90 to reach the island.
As of now, Monkey Island Saigon is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Temporary closures may occur due to weather conditions, environmental maintenance, or national holidays. It’s always best to check with local tour operators or contact Impress Travel before your visit to confirm opening status.
In central Ho Chi Minh City, you won’t find wild monkeys — but just outside the city, in Can Gio, over 2,000 monkeys roam freely at Monkey Island Saigon. It’s one of the most exciting ho chi minh city must see spots for wildlife lovers and families!
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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