Cần Giờ: The Green Lungs of Saigon

During the American war, Cần Giờ was devastated — defoliation campaigns stripped the mangroves, leaving behind a barren landscape. In the decades since, a remarkable restoration effort has taken place. Today, over 75,000 hectares of mangrove forest have been replanted, creating a thriving ecosystem that was recognized by UNESCO as the first Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam in 2000. The forest is home to over 200 species of wildlife, including the endangered saltwater crocodile, the fishing cat, and hundreds of species of birds. It is a testament to nature’s resilience — and to the possibility of healing.

The Vàm Sát Ecological Park is the gateway to the heart of the reserve. A boat ride through the mangroves leads to a bat sanctuary, where thousands of fruit bats hang from the trees in a dense, fluttering colony. A wooden walkway extends into the canopy, offering a bird’s‑eye view of the forest. Nearby, crocodile ponds hold dozens of saltwater crocodiles — the same species that once roamed these waters. Visitors can feed them (safely, from a platform), learning about the conservation efforts that have brought them back from the brink. The park also offers kayaking, allowing you to paddle through the narrow channels that wind through the mangroves.

Just off the coast, Monkey Island (Đảo Khỉ) is home to hundreds of long‑tailed macaques. The monkeys are accustomed to visitors and will approach boats and paths with curiosity — and a keen eye for unattended snacks. While the island is a highlight for families, visitors should be mindful: the monkeys are wild, and feeding them is discouraged. The island also has a beach where visitors can swim, and its surrounding waters are part of the reserve’s marine protection area.

During the war, Cần Giờ’s mangroves served as a base for the Rừng Sác guerrilla unit — a force that controlled the waterways leading to Saigon. The forest provided cover, and the network of rivers and canals allowed for movement that was nearly impossible for larger forces to track. Today, a memorial site within the reserve honors the soldiers who fought here, with exhibits explaining the strategies and sacrifices of that era. A visit adds a layer of historical depth to the natural wonders of the forest.

Cần Giờ’s coastal location means seafood is the centerpiece of any meal. The district is famous for its oysters, served raw with lime and chili, or grilled with scallions. Cua Cần Giờ (Cần Giờ crab) is a local specialty — the crabs are sweet, the meat tender, best enjoyed at one of the seafood restaurants along the waterfront. A unique local product is nước mắm cá đồng, a fish sauce made from the brackish‑water fish of the mangroves. And trái bần (mangrove apple), the fruit of the mangrove tree, is often salted or pickled — a taste of the forest itself.

Vàm Sát Discovery: A boat tour through the mangroves, bat sanctuary, crocodile feeding, and canopy walk — with a seafood lunch.
Monkey Island & Beach Escape: Visit Đảo Khỉ, swim at the beach, and explore the coastal side of the reserve.
Full Day Ecotour: Combine Vàm Sát, Monkey Island, and a seafood lunch — the complete Cần Giờ experience.
History & Nature: Add the Rừng Sác memorial site to your tour for insight into the region’s wartime history.