


Khu căn cứ Vàm Sát Đảo Khỉ
About
Monkey Island (Vam Sat) offers families an exciting boat adventure through mangrove forests to meet hundreds of rescued monkeys in their natural habitat. Kids will love feeding the playful primates, watching them swing through the trees, and learning about wildlife conservation efforts in this unique sanctuary accessible only by boat from Can Gio.
Highlights
- ✓Boat ride through scenic mangrove forests to reach the island sanctuary
- ✓Feeding monkeys directly and watching them interact in semi-wild conditions
- ✓Seeing hundreds of rescued macaques in a natural riverside habitat
- ✓Learning about primate conservation and wildlife rescue efforts
- ✓Exploring the mangrove ecosystem and spotting other wildlife like birds and crabs
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring Vietnamese dong in cash as credit cards are rarely accepted and there are no ATMs on the island. Budget for boat fees, entrance tickets, and food for the monkeys.
- 2.Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose jewelry or dangling accessories as the monkeys are curious and may grab shiny objects or items from hands and pockets.
- 3.Arrive early in the morning (8-9 AM) when monkeys are most active and before the heat becomes intense. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes each way from Can Gio dock.
- 4.Pack sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent as the mangrove area can be buggy and there is limited shade. Bring water bottles as options on the island are limited.
- 5.Hire a local guide or join a tour from Ho Chi Minh City if you don't speak Vietnamese, as signage is primarily in Vietnamese and boat operators may have limited English.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday to Thursday, 8-10 AM) during the dry season (November to April) to avoid weekend crowds and afternoon heat. Early arrival ensures more active monkeys and better photo opportunities before tour groups arrive.
What to Know
The island is only accessible by boat (additional fee beyond entrance ticket), and facilities are basic with limited food options, so pack snacks and drinks. English signage is minimal, so consider booking a tour from Ho Chi Minh City that includes transportation, guide, and boat fees.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited during dry season (November to April) when boat access is easier and weather is more comfortable. Rainy season (May to October) can mean muddy paths, choppy boat rides, and less active monkeys. The attraction operates year-round during posted hours.
Nearby Eats
Can Gio town has local seafood restaurants serving fresh catches, but English menus are rare. Consider packing a picnic lunch or joining an organized tour that includes meals, as kid-friendly Western food options are extremely limited in this rural area.
More Activities Near Can Gio
Beach-side Cafe Communities
These laid-back beachfront cafes in Can Gio offer the perfect combination of refreshments and seaside play for families. Parents can relax with Vietnamese coffee or fresh smoothies while kids enjoy ice cream treats and have direct access to the sandy beach just steps away. The casual atmosphere means families can come and go easily between cafe breaks and beach time.
Phu Quoc-style Seafood Restaurants on Beach
These beachfront seafood restaurants offer a wonderfully relaxed dining experience where kids can play in the sand between courses while parents enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood and stunning sunset views over Can Gio Beach. The casual, open-air setting means families don't need to worry about keeping little ones perfectly still, and children are fascinated watching fishermen bring in the daily catch right before their eyes.
The Mangrove Garden
The Mangrove Garden offers families a serene escape into Vietnam's unique coastal ecosystem, where kids can explore winding walking paths through native mangrove forests and discover fascinating plant life. This peaceful botanical garden provides the perfect setting for educational nature walks, wildlife spotting, and relaxing family picnics away from the busy city center.
Ban Quản Lý Rừng Phòng Hộ Cần Giờ
Can Gio Mangrove Forest's birdwatching area offers families an exciting introduction to Vietnam's incredible biodiversity, with opportunities to spot colorful migratory and resident bird species in their natural mangrove habitat. This free, open-access nature reserve provides a peaceful escape from Ho Chi Minh City where children can learn about wetland ecosystems, practice wildlife photography, and enjoy spotting exotic birds like egrets, herons, and kingfishers along scenic boardwalks and observation points.