Sac Forest Can Gio is one of the renowned wilderness destinations in Vietnam, attracting tourists with its pristine beauty and diverse nature. Located approximately 50km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio Sac Forest is one of the world's largest mangrove forests, recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. With its diverse ecosystem and a variety of tourist activities, Sac Forest Can Gio is an ideal destination for those who want to explore and experience the wild nature.

1. Introduction to Sac Forest Can Gio

• Sac Forest Can Gio, also known as Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, is a mangrove forest located in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. With a total area of 75,740 hectares, Can Gio Biosphere Reserve has a diverse ecosystem, encompassing typical mangrove plant and animal species. Recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve on January 21, 2000, Sac Forest Can Gio has become one of the key tourist attractions in the country, attracting a large number of visitors every year.

• Address: Rung Sac Street, Long Hoa Commune, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

2. History of Sac Forest Can Gio

Sac Forest Can Gio has a history full of ups and downs, closely tied to the heroic battles of the special forces from 1966 to April 30, 1975. The special forces engaged in nearly 400 major and minor battles, causing significant human and military losses to the enemy. A total of 860 brave soldiers sacrificed themselves to protect the homeland.

Today, the Sac Forest combat zone is considered a national historical site. The area still preserves artifacts from the war, such as observation posts, military prisons, military workshops, and information houses, as well as statues depicting the combat life of the heroic special forces of Unit 10 - Special Forces Can Gio.

In 1978, Can Gio was merged into Ho Chi Minh City, and by 1979, the city launched a reforestation campaign for Can Gio Forest after a period of severe destruction during the war. The Duyen Hai Forestry was established with the mission of restoring the mangrove forest ecosystem.

The restoration, development, and protection of this mangrove forest have seen significant contributions from the Youth Volunteers of Ho Chi Minh City and the local residents of Can Gio. Today, the forest is handed over to the local people for care and management.

3. Best Time to Visit Sac Forest Can Gio

Sac Forest Can Gio is located in the southern part of the country with a tropical climate throughout the year. However, the temperature here is much milder, not as intense as in the center of Saigon, thanks to the dense mangrove vegetation. To make your trip more enjoyable, it's advisable to check the weather conditions, avoiding visits on rainy or stormy days, which could hinder exploration and deeper discovery within the forest.

Visit Sac Forest Can Gio during dry days.

4. Ticket Prices for Sac Forest

Ticket prices are for reference only; tourists should check the latest prices before traveling to this location.

4.1. Vam Sat Eco-Tourism Area Ticket Prices:

• Entrance fee (by road): 60,000 VND/person, including ecological shuttle vehicle.

• Round-trip visit to Crocodile Swamp: 20,000 VND/person, minimum of 2 people.

• Iron cage crocodile fishing: 60,000 VND/person, minimum of 2 people.

• Round-trip visit to Tram Chinh: 20,000 VND/person, minimum of 2 people.

• Visit bird conservation area: 55,000 VND/person, only applicable from May to October.

• Rowing boat visit to Dam Doi: 65,000 VND/person.

• Canoe round-trip from the center to Dam Doi: 185,000 VND/person.

• Canoe from Dam Xay Bridge to Vam Sat Center: from 270,000 VND to 895,000 VND/person, depending on the number of people.

• Full-service tour at Vam Sat Eco-Tourism Area: 550,000 - 1,175,000 VND/person, depending on the number of people.

For children:

• Children under 6 years old: Free.

• Children from 6 to 11 years old: Half the adult ticket price.

• Children over 11 years old: Adult ticket price.

4.2. Ticket Prices for Visiting the Combat Zone in Sac Forest:

• Entrance fee: 35,000 VND/person.

• Round-trip canoe ticket to the Sac Forest base: 600,000 VND/turn.

4.3. Ticket Prices for Visiting Monkey Island in Can Gio:

• Entrance fee: 35,000 VND/person..

5. How to Get to Sac Forest

• Located about 50km from the city center, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car to reach Sac Forest Can Gio. Not far from the city, Can Gio Sac Forest is always an attractive destination for nature lovers and those who enjoy exploring the wilderness. Therefore, tourists have two options to reach this destination:

• By motorcycle/car: This is a suitable means of transportation for those who want to be flexible in their travel itinerary, combining sightseeing and checking in along both sides of the road. The route to Can Gio is quite straightforward. Following the route from the city center, you move towards Nguyen Van Linh Boulevard, then turn right onto Huynh Tan Phat Street, continue to the end of the road at Binh Khanh Ferry. At this point, you can reach Can Gio District.

• By bus: If you prefer not to drive, you can choose the bus as the most optimal way.

• Bus route 20: Departing from Ben Thanh to Binh Khanh Ferry area. Tourists will buy tickets through the ferry and then take bus number 90 to reach Sac Forest Can Gio.

• Bus route 75: Departing from 23/9 Park to Can Gio directly with only one bus.

• Note: As there are no designated bus stops in Can Gio, it is advisable to inform the driver in advance about where you want to get off.

6. Exploring Sac Forest Can Gio - What's Interesting?

6.1 Explore the Mangrove and Wildlife

Can Gio's Sac Forest, a world biosphere reserve, showcases a rich ecosystem with over 150 plant species that serve as both a food source and habitat for numerous aquatic and vertebrate species. The dense vegetation in Sac Forest consists of various types of mangrove trees, creating a lush environment that offers fresh air and a cool atmosphere for visitors.

• The plant carpet in Sac Forest includes predominantly salt-tolerant species such as white mangrove, grey mangrove, apple mangrove, and fern, as well as other water-loving plants like sour water apple, coconut, pandanus, and reed. Thanks to the thick vegetation covering the area, the air in Sac Forest remains pristine, providing a refreshing experience for visitors.

• Sac Forest boasts a diverse animal population, featuring over 700 species of non-bony aquatic animals, 130 fish species, 9 amphibian species, 34 reptile species, and 4 mammal species. Among them are rare reptiles listed in the Vietnam Red Book, such as the Asian water monitor, water monitor, Burmese python, reticulated python, and Siamese crocodile. Additionally, there are around 130 different bird species. This forest is recognized as a top-tier ecological restoration, conservation, and care area in Vietnam and globally. Visiting Sac Forest not only allows you to immerse yourself in nature but also provides an opportunity to observe and learn about the fascinating characteristics of its inhabitants.

Exploring Sac Forest in Can Gio is incomplete without experiencing the lush vegetation and wildlife in the area. Visitors can explore different parts of Sac Forest on foot or by boat, gaining insights into its diverse ecosystem.

For those on foot, the experience is wild and close to nature. Walking through forest trails, visitors can observe various plant species, birds, and wild animals living in the forest. If lucky, encounters with rare species like monkeys, Asian water monitors, and crocodiles are possible.

Visit Sac Forest by Canoe

Boat tours offer a different perspective, allowing visitors to view the forest from the water and get closer to the underwater animals in the mangrove area. Visitors can either rent private boats or join organized boat tours to explore different areas of Sac Forest in a novel and exciting way.

6.2 Exploring the Vam Sat tourist area

At the heart of Can Gio's Sac Forest lies the Vam Sat tourist area, offering a variety of entertaining activities that attract a diverse range of tourists from both within and outside the country.

Visitors to Vam Sat can embark on a high-speed boat journey along the Dinh Ba River and Lo Ren to explore the first destination, Dam Doi. This is where thousands of bats hang upside down from tree branches. Visitors should be gentle and avoid making loud noises to avoid disturbing the bats' way of life.

Visit Dam Doi

Next, the boat will take you to the second stop, the Tram Chim Nature Reserve. Covering an area of about 200 hectares in the central region and 500 hectares in the outer area, Tram Chim is home to over 30 bird species with around 20,000 individuals congregating in flocks. If you visit from April to October during their breeding season, you'll witness a lively atmosphere with interesting bird calls.

Watching birds at Tram Chim

In addition to these attractions, the Vam Sat tourist area offers a unique experience with crab fishing competitions. Visitors can showcase their crab-catching skills and enjoy the fruits of their labor on the spot.

For those who want to admire the entire beauty of Can Gio's Sac Forest from above, the Tang Bong Tower is an ideal destination. Standing at a height of 28 meters above ground level, it provides a panoramic view of the mangrove forest, allowing visitors to observe long-tailed monkeys playing mischievously and birds singing on trees. If you visit during sunset, you'll capture the spectacular sight of successive flocks of herons flying back to their nests, creating an unforgettable scene.

Tang Bong Tower from above

After an exciting tour, exploring the breathtaking landscapes here, visitors can stop at the Vam Sat restaurant to savor local dishes and relax before heading back.

6.3 Visiting the historical area of Chiến Khu Rừng Sác

Chiến Khu Rừng Sác, also known as the "Land of Death," played a crucial role in the resistance against the United States during the Vietnam War. Thousands of large and small battles took place here, instilling fear in the enemy forces. This area is closely associated with the elite soldiers of Unit 10. Despite the passing decades, the heroic deeds, fierce fighting, and courageous sacrifices of these soldiers continue to resonate through the generations.

Tang Bong Tower from above

Today, Chiến Khu Rừng Sác in Can Gio has transformed into an attractive tourist destination for visitors from all regions. Preserving historical relics almost intact, such as reception houses, guard houses, hideouts, medical stations, and supply houses, this place also exhibits images and artifacts of Unit 10 soldiers. It vividly recreates their daily life and combat scenes, such as the Unit 10 commander receiving a field report and organizing raids to destroy the Nhà Bè oil depot. These efforts aim to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the lives of these special forces soldiers in the past and foster a greater love for their country.

Artifacts at the Rung Sac War Zone

6.4 Exciting experiences on Monkey Island in Can Gio

Monkey Island is one of the most special and appealing destinations in Can Gio's Sac Forest. In the past, the number of individuals living here was relatively low. However, due to meticulous care of the living environment, the population has grown rapidly, with over 2000 monkeys of various sizes. Visitors can explore and learn about the life and behavior of these monkeys and interact with them. The monkeys here are intelligent and mischievous, so visitors should be cautious about personal belongings, cameras, phones, and valuable items to avoid them being borrowed and not returned.

During weekends or holidays, Monkey Island organizes small circus programs to entertain visitors. The main performers are none other than the trained and skilled monkeys. Therefore, during these times, parents should bring their children here to witness and enjoy these fascinating circus performances.

7. Tips for traveling to Can Gio's Sac Forest

• When traveling to Sac Forest, it is advisable to carry an adequate supply of water and light snacks to avoid dehydration and hunger.

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a jacket to protect your skin from the sun and stay warm in the evening. Wear comfortable shoes for easy movement.

• As the forest is home to many potentially dangerous animals, visitors should adhere to safety regulations and avoid approaching wild animals.

• Avoid feeding animals in the forest with unfamiliar food and refrain from disturbing them.

• Do not litter, and refrain from breaking branches or disturbing the environment in the forest.

• When visiting historical sites, be courteous and avoid posing for inappropriate photos.

• Exercise caution with valuables when visiting Monkey Island to avoid theft.

Can Gio's Sac Forest, with its diverse ecosystem and rich tourist activities, is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore and experience the wild. However, travelers should pay attention to safety regulations and follow the rules to ensure the most interesting and safe journey possible. Plan and discover Can Gio's Sac Forest today!