Cần Giờ District
Can Gio Vietnam: A comprehensive guide for travelers
Can Gio, Vietnam, is a unique coastal district in Ho Chi Minh City. It is known for its lush mangrove forests and rich biodiversity, offering visitors a peaceful escape with activities like wildlife spotting and exploring local seafood markets.
If you wonder, “Is Can Gio worth visiting?” the answer is a resounding yes. Can Gio is a coastal district located southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, about 50 kilometers from the city center. It has become an increasingly popular destination thanks to its diverse and captivating landscapes of forests, seas, and mountains; clean environment; and friendly and hospitable people. Moreover, Can Gio boasts a rich cultural heritage, folk traditions, and significant milestones in Vietnam’s resistance against foreign invasions.
Can Gio, Vietnam, offers immense potential for various forms of tourism, including ecotourism, resort stays, craft village tours, and cultural tourism. Visitors can explore the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, with its rich and diverse flora and fauna. They can stroll along the beach and enjoy fresh seafood or participate in traditional festivals, explore historical sites, visit community-based tourism destinations, and craft villages.
In July 2025, under Resolution 1685/NQ-UBTVQH15, Can Gio District will be reorganized into four new communes: Binh Khanh, Can Gio, An Thoi Dong, and Thanh An.
2.1. Can Gio Beach
Stroll along the beach and immerse yourself in nature (Source: Collected)
The first must-visit destination in Can Gio, Vietnam, is Can Gio Beach. Located where the river meets the sea, the beach is distinguished by its vast stretches of black sand. Here, visitors can take leisurely walks along the beach, meet fishermen casting nets near the shore, and purchase freshly caught fish directly from them.
You can also try clam digging along the coast and prepare freshly cooked clam dishes. Other activities at Can Gio Beach, Vietnam, include capturing scenic photos along rugged stone paths leading to the sea, camping by the beach, swimming, savoring seafood, or engaging in outdoor activities such as paddleboarding, fishing, and crabbing.
2.2. Vam Sat Ecotourism Site
The Vam Sat Ecotourism Site is a haven for nature lovers in the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Vietnam. Spanning 5.7 hectares, it offers various immersive experiences. Visitors can take a boat ride under lush green canopies to explore three wildlife sanctuaries: the Bat Sanctuary, home to thousands of rare bats; the Waterbird Sanctuary, which hosts over 30 species and approximately 20,000 individual birds; and the Crocodile Sanctuary.
Other exciting activities include camping, cycling through the forest, and savoring diverse culinary delights. Tang Bong Tower provides the perfect vantage point for those seeking a panoramic view of the mangroves.
