Monkey Island Can Gio: What to Know Before You Go

Monkey Island Can Gio is one of the highlights of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized coastal wetland just south of Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its dense mangrove forests, winding canals, and diverse wildlife, Can Gio offers a completely different side of the city - where nature replaces skyscrapers and hundreds of wild monkeys roam freely in their natural habitat.

Where’s Monkey Island Can Gio located 

Monkey Island Can Gio is located along Rung Sac Road in Long Hoa Commune, Can Gio District, within the northern-central area of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. It sits in the mangrove forest between Binh Khanh Ferry and Can Gio town, close to the Rung Sac Guerilla Base. Despite its name, Monkey Island is not an offshore island but a wildlife area surrounded by the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem.

From central Ho Chi Minh City, it is approximately 50 - 60 km to Monkey Island, taking around 1.5 - 2 hours by road, including the Binh Khanh Ferry crossing. Its location makes it convenient to combine with other Can Gio attractions such as Rung Sac Guerilla Base, Vam Sat Eco-Tourism Area, and Can Gio Beach in a full-day trip.

What to See and Do Around Monkey Island Can Gio

Monkey Island is more than just a place to see monkeys. Its location inside the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve means you can combine wildlife viewing with mangrove scenery and several nearby attractions. If you are coming from Ho Chi Minh City, these experiences can easily be included in the same day trip.

Meet the Wild Monkeys

The main reason to visit Monkey Island is to see wild long-tailed macaques roaming freely around the forest. Unlike animals in a traditional zoo, they move through the area naturally, so you may see them sitting along the paths, climbing trees, resting in groups, or searching for food. Their behavior can change throughout the day, making each visit slightly different.

Monkey Island Can Gio is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a green getaway near the city (Source: MIA.vn)

Because the monkeys are wild, visitors should keep a safe distance and avoid feeding, touching, chasing, or teasing them. Keep food and plastic bags inside your backpack, as monkeys may approach when they see or smell something interesting. If one comes close, stay calm and give it enough space to move away rather than trying to take a close-up photo.

Explore the Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Monkey Island sits within the wider Can Gio mangrove ecosystem, one of the most distinctive natural landscapes around Ho Chi Minh City. Instead of just focusing on the monkeys, take some time to notice the dense mangrove vegetation, muddy waterways, small canals, and coastal landscape surrounding the area.

Walking trails on Monkey Island (source: vnexpress)

The forest also provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, crabs, and other species adapted to the mangrove environment. The combination of wildlife and waterways makes Can Gio feel very different from the urban landscape of Ho Chi Minh City and is one of the main reasons to include the area in a nature-focused day trip.

Visit Nearby Can Gio Attractions

Since 1 - 2 hours is usually enough for Monkey Island, consider continuing to other attractions in Can Gio rather than returning to Ho Chi Minh City immediately. The Rung Sac Guerilla Base is a good choice if you want to learn about the area's wartime history while exploring the mangrove landscape.

Monument to the Heroes and Martyrs at Rung Sac (Source: thegioitiepthi newspaper)

For a stronger focus on nature, continue to Vam Sat Eco-Tourism Area, where you can experience more of the mangrove ecosystem and wildlife. If you prefer a more relaxed afternoon, head toward Can Gio Beach and try fresh local seafood at one of the nearby restaurants. Combining several stops gives you a fuller picture of Can Gio beyond Monkey Island itself.

Read more: Day Tour Mekong Delta

Monkey Island Can Gio: Things to Know  Before You Go

Entrance Fee and Other Costs

Visiting Monkey Island Can Gio is relatively affordable, with the entrance ticket being one of the main expenses. The current reference price is around 35,000VND for Vietnamese visitors and 100,000VND for international visitors. If you travel from Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike, you will also need to cross the Binh Khanh Ferry, which costs around 8,000VND per motorbike or 11,000VND for a motorbike with one passenger. Pedestrians and bicycles pay around 3,000VND per trip.

You should also allow a budget for food, drinks, fuel, and optional activities. A simple local meal can cost around 100,000 - 200,000VND per person, while visiting nearby attractions such as Vam Sat or joining boat activities will require additional fees. For an independent day trip, 200,000 - 400,000VND per person is a reasonable basic budget if traveling by motorbike and keeping meals and activities simple. Prices may change, so check the latest entrance and ferry fares before your trip.

Tourists photographing monkeys (Source: VnExpress)

Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit

Monkey Island Can Gio is generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the area and combine it with other Can Gio attractions. However, opening hours can change depending on the season or local management, so it is a good idea to confirm the latest information before your trip.

For the most comfortable experience, visit between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The morning is usually cooler and less humid than midday, making it easier to walk around the mangrove area. The softer sunlight is also better for taking photos, while the cooler conditions can make wildlife watching more enjoyable.

Can Gio has a tropical climate, with a relatively dry period from December to April and a wetter period from May to November. The rainy season can bring short, sudden showers, but rain does not necessarily prevent a visit. If you travel during this period, check the forecast and bring a light rain jacket or umbrella. Regardless of the season, starting early helps you avoid the strongest midday heat and gives you more time to explore nearby attractions.

What to Bring and What to Avoid

Bring:

• Mosquito repellent: Monkey Island is surrounded by humid mangrove forest, where mosquitoes and other insects are common. Applying repellent before entering makes walking and wildlife viewing more comfortable.
• Waterproof phone pouch: Can Gio can have sudden rain, and the humid environment can also expose your phone to moisture. A waterproof pouch helps protect your phone, especially if you are taking photos throughout the trip.
• Sunscreen, hat, and drinking water: Much of the visit takes place outdoors, so you can be exposed to strong sunlight. Water is especially important because walking in hot and humid weather can quickly leave you dehydrated.
• Lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes: Breathable clothes help you stay comfortable in the heat, while comfortable shoes make it easier to walk around the forest and visit nearby attractions.

Visitors surrounded by monkeys (Source: VnExpress)

Keep secure:

• Food and drinks: Monkeys may smell or see food and approach you to grab it. Keeping food inside a closed bag helps avoid unwanted encounters.
• Plastic bags and loose belongings: Monkeys can be attracted to objects that look interesting or make noise. Keep them inside your backpack rather than carrying them openly.
• Phones and cameras: Keep your devices secure when monkeys are nearby. Holding them too close to the animals can encourage them to approach or attempt to grab them.

Avoid:

• Feeding the monkeys: Feeding changes their natural behavior and can make them associate people with food, potentially leading to aggressive attempts to get snacks.
• Touching or chasing them: These are wild animals, not domesticated pets. Touching or chasing can frighten them and may cause them to react defensively.
• Getting too close for photos: Close-up photos are tempting, but approaching the animals can make them uncomfortable. Keep a safe distance and let the monkeys move freely.

How to Get to Monkey Island Can Gio

From Ho Chi Minh City

Monkey Island Can Gio is about 50 - 60 km from central Ho Chi Minh City, and the journey usually takes 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on traffic and the Binh Khanh Ferry crossing. Travelers can choose between a motorbike, private car or taxi, public bus, or an organized day tour.

Getting Around Monkey Island and Can Gio

Once you arrive at Monkey Island Can Gio, getting around the main attraction is fairly simple. You do not need complicated transportation to explore the monkey area itself, as most visitors can walk between the main paths and viewing areas. However, if you plan to continue to other attractions in Can Gio, choosing the right transport can save time and make the day more comfortable.

Read more: Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary 4 Days

Rung Sac Base is a popular attraction for visitors exploring Can Gio (Source: MIA.vn)

How Long Do You Need at Monkey Island?

The amount of time you need depends on whether you want to visit Monkey Island alone or combine it with other attractions in Can Gio. For most travelers coming from Ho Chi Minh City, spending the whole day in Can Gio is more worthwhile than making the long journey just for Monkey Island.

Is Monkey Island Can Gio Worth Visiting?

Monkey Island Can Gio is worth visiting for travelers who enjoy wildlife and nature, especially if you are looking for an easy day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. However, whether it is worth your time depends on what you expect from the experience. The following points can help you decide if Monkey Island fits your travel style.

A Good Choice for Nature and Wildlife Lovers

Monkey Island is best suited to travelers who want to see wild monkeys, explore mangrove scenery, and experience a more natural side of Ho Chi Minh City. The monkeys roam freely around the forest, making the visit different from a traditional zoo or wildlife park.

It is particularly suitable for nature lovers, families, photographers, and travelers interested in wildlife. The surrounding Can Gio mangrove ecosystem also adds to the experience, with quiet waterways, dense vegetation, and coastal landscapes.

Monkeys at Monkey Island (Source: VnExpess)

More Worthwhile as Part of a Can Gio Day Trip

Although Monkey Island is interesting, 1 - 2 hours is usually enough to explore the attraction itself. For this reason, it is more worthwhile to include it in a wider Can Gio itinerary rather than traveling several hours from Ho Chi Minh City just for Monkey Island.

You can combine the visit with Rung Sac Guerilla Base, Vam Sat Eco-Tourism Area, or Can Gio Beach. A full-day itinerary allows you to experience more of the mangrove region while making better use of the journey from Ho Chi Minh City.

FAQs 

Is Monkey Island Can Gio suitable for children?

Yes. Children can enjoy watching the monkeys, but adults should supervise them and prevent them from approaching or feeding the animals.

Are monkeys dangerous?

They are generally calm but remain wild animals. Keep your distance and secure food and belongings.

Can I take photos of the monkeys?

Yes. Take photos from a safe distance and avoid using food or gestures to attract them.

Is Monkey Island suitable for elderly visitors?

Yes, if they are comfortable walking outdoors. Visit in the morning to avoid the strongest heat.

Can I visit Monkey Island in the rainy season?

Yes. Check the weather forecast and bring a rain jacket or umbrella.

Are there restaurants near Monkey Island?

Yes. You can find local food and seafood restaurants around Can Gio, especially toward Can Thanh and the coastal area.

Is Monkey Island good for photography?

Yes. The monkeys, mangrove forest, waterways, and surrounding wildlife provide plenty of photo opportunities.

Want to explore Monkey Island Can Gio without worrying about transportation or planning the route yourself? Book a Can Gio day trip with Sinh Cafe and enjoy a convenient itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City, with transportation and visits to the area's highlights arranged for you.