Can Gio Mangrove Forest

The Can Gio mangrove at the mouth of the Saigon river was largely destroyed during the war, when herbicides were sprayed over it, and what exists now is the result of a replanting programme begun in 1978: tens of thousands of hectares put back, mostly by hand, over decades. In 2000 UNESCO designated it Vietnam's first biosphere reserve. It functions as the city's green lung and a nursery for fish and crab, with monkeys, crocodiles in an enclosure, and boat channels through the trees. The macaques at the monkey island area are habituated and aggressive about bags and food.

Background

Locally the forest is also called Rừng Sác, and it lies in Cần Giờ, the coastal district that shares its name, 40 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City. The reserve covers 75,740 ha and holds more than 150 plant species. Planted mangrove makes up 20,000 ha of its habitat and naturally regenerated mangrove another 7,000 ha. Surveys have recorded 18 species of molluscs, 27 of crustaceans, 45 of fish and three of amphibians. By public transport, the route is bus No.20 from Ben Thanh Market to the Binh Khanh Ferry, then bus No.90 on the far side to Can Gio Island.

Source: Wikipedia, "Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest"

The landscape

• A mangrove replanted from 1978 - after wartime destruction.
• Vietnam's first biosphere reserve - designated in 2000.
• Boat channels through the trees - the way into the interior.
• Habituated macaques - which take bags and food.

When to go

November to April, the dry season. A full day.

Good to know

The macaques are genuinely aggressive and will take anything loose - this catches people out. The ferry crossing adds time and queues at weekends. Mosquitoes are heavy. Much of the reserve is not accessible.

Nearby

Ho Chi Minh City is north; the Vam Sat sector is west in the reserve.

Key facts