Can Gio Mangrove Forest & Monkey Island: An Honest Review

Alright, so you’re thinking about escaping the city and heading to Can Gio, is that right? Maybe, a day trip to the Mangrove Forest and Monkey Island is catching your eye. Very well, this is the lowdown – a completely honest look at what you can, could be, expecting, along with a few thoughts, really, that might, just might, help you decide if it’s your sort of thing.

Getting There & Setting Expectations

The trip out to Can Gio, in some respects, that’s half the fun… or at least, that’s what people tell themselves. It’s about an hour by car from central Saigon, that is, Ho Chi Minh City, plus, arguably, another wait for the ferry at Binh Khanh. The ferry crossing itself? Only takes about ten minutes. Just ten minutes. Very well, keep in mind, things can, could be, get quite busy on weekends, pretty busy even. This is mostly due to all the locals doing exactly the same thing as you: getting away from the craziness of the city for, what looks like, a breath of nature.

I’d really suggest going early to beat the crowds and the heat. Actually, go even earlier than you think is early. Pretty soon you could find yourself surrounded by a swarm of motorbikes waiting to board, that could be what ends up happening. If you’re driving, maybe just maybe consider this the first part of your adventure. At the end of the day you’re not sitting in traffic within Ho Chi Minh, are you?

Monkey Island: Cute or Chaotic?

Okay, Monkey Island, where, just where do I begin? So, the name? It’s, perhaps, pretty literal. There are a heck of a lot of monkeys. Like, possibly, hundreds of them and they can, arguably, be best described as… opportunistic. Seriously, they will, probably, try to grab anything that isn’t nailed down. Food, water bottles, hats, sunglasses… yeah, you name it, I’ve seen them try and steal it.

I’d go with secure your belongings, that is, really properly secure them. Empty your pockets. Zip up your bag, properly. Consider nothing on you as safe. As a matter of fact, think about going in with absolutely nothing. The monkeys are cute from a distance, cute kind of, but, well, they’re still wild animals, arguably, really. A monkey bite? Really, that’s something you’re not, really not, wanting on your vacation. They’re bold too. Just bold.

Some people love this part of the trip. I can totally see that. But, I feel, it is also potentially stressful, particularly, that is, if you have kids or you’re just not comfortable around primates that haven’t any respect for personal space. Maybe keep that in mind.

Exploring the Mangrove Forest

The Mangrove Forest itself, that’s really where the trip has, in some respects, genuine appeal for almost everyone, is that right? I would suggest that a boat tour through the canals is a must. That could be said for certain. It’s quite peaceful drifting along, is that right, and getting to, potentially, see the forest from a different angle.

I’d be surprised if you don’t see birds, too. Many of them. As well as other wildlife if you’re quite observant and lucky. Really, that is one of the main, more enjoyable activities of the day. The guides can point things out, too, I find, it could be quite helpful to have that commentary. Although, I will add this, depending on the tour, well the guide’s English might be, should be, limited, possibly. Be sure, at the end of the day, you’re choosing a decent operator.

You might, conceivably, find that you could visit the former base of the Viet Cong, also. Really, that is if you fancy clambering around in the jungle for a bit, of course. There’s not all that much to see, maybe, but if that’s your thing, you’ll, just maybe, appreciate the history side of the area.

What to Eat & Drink

Right, so, let’s consider grub. So Can Gio is famed for its seafood, really famed. All along the main road, too it’s almost lined with restaurants offering every kind of crustacean you could, potentially, want. It is good, that, and fresh. Also, well the prices? Actually quite reasonable. We did find the menus very much geared toward large groups, mind. Also mind that the service may, should be, erratic and not amazing at all, either. Really.

I’d really suggest that if you want just a light bite or a snack, too it’s almost bring something with you. Oh, that’s providing the monkeys on Monkey Island don’t get to it before you do! Alternatively, really alternatively, there are the vendors outside the main tourist spots doing Banh Mi. What’s that, is that you ask? Filled baguettes. These are incredibly popular across Vietnam. Keep your eyes peeled. That will definitely work.

The Verdict: Is Can Gio Worth It?

So, right then, here it is. Actually the big question. I feel, in some respects, that it depends on what you’re, perhaps, looking for. Maybe you need to lower your expectations? You might. Are you picturing untouched wilderness and quiet contemplation? Well, hmmm… arguably Can Gio is not that. Just not that. Are you ready for a bit of chaos, monkeys stealing your stuff, that, along with the fairly basic tourist set-up? Okay, in that situation you should definitely proceed.

I’d really propose this – it’s a reasonable way to spend a day out of Saigon if you accept it for what it is. Actually, it’s a glimpse of a different side of Vietnam, potentially. Just a little more rugged and, conceivably, less manicured than some other tourist destinations. I will say the boat trip is calming, plus seeing so many monkeys doing their thing, potentially it’s a sight. It all comes down to how you view this trip, possibly.

What’s the score overall then? Somewhere around 6.5/10 for the slightly too trashy environment in the tourist spots (outside of the Mangrove reserve), arguably, but, what I’d score much higher is just the sheer fact it is easily accessible respite from the always on and chaotic vibes from Ho Chi Minh City.