from
3,099,000₫
Can Gio Mangrove Forest feel like another world just beyond Ho Chi Minh City. About 40 kilometres to the southeast, the road and river gradually give way to a vast stretch of mangroves where the city noise disappears and the air turns noticeably cooler. This is a place locals often call the “green lung” of Saigon. It was recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000, and today it remains one of the most important coastal ecosystems in southern Vietnam. The journey itself is part of the experience. Les Rives reach Can Gio by speedboat, leaving the city behind as the skyline fades and the river opens up into wide, slow-moving channels.
- ~1.5 hrs
- By speedboat from Saigon
- 2000
- Vietnam's first UNESCO biosphere
- 40 km
- Southeast of Saigon
- ~75,000 ha
- Mangrove reserve
Tours in this region.
What makes Can Gio unique.
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Vietnam's First Biosphere
In 2000, UNESCO named Can Gio the country's first Biosphere Reserve — roughly 75,000 hectares of tidal mangrove at the mouth of the Saigon River, and the green lungs of Ho Chi Minh City.
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A Forest Brought Back to Life
During the war this was Rung Sac, sprayed with defoliants until it was bare salt flat. Replanted by hand from the late 1970s, it became one of the world's most successful mangrove restorations.
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The Rung Sac Guerrilla Base
The same mangroves hid a legendary special-forces zone that harried the shipping channel to Saigon. A reconstructed base among the tidal creeks tells the story exactly where it happened.
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Monkey Island & Crocodiles
Hundreds of long-tailed macaques rule Đảo Khỉ, bold enough to relieve a careless visitor of their sunglasses. Deeper in the reserve, estuarine crocodiles patrol the brackish channels of Vam Sat.
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Ho Chi Minh City's Wild Coast
Can Gio is the only district of Ho Chi Minh City to meet the sea, a world of salt fields, oyster and clam farms and fishing hamlets barely an hour from the skyline.
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In by Speedboat
Instead of the long road, a Can Gio forest tour by speedboat runs straight down the Saigon River into the mangrove channels, the way the forest is meant to be entered.
In their own words.
We had a wonderful day with Les Rives Authentic River Experience on the Can Gio Mangrove Forest by Speedboat tour. From the punctual pickup to the smooth transitions between each activity, everything was thoughtfully organized and relaxed. Our guide, Lucky, was warm, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the day. She brought the experience to life with fascinating insights into Vietnamese culture and nature, while her friendly enthusiasm made the tour feel personal rather than routine. The comfortable speedboat ride along the Saigon River was a highlight in itself, with the breeze on our faces and the changing scenery unfolding around us. At an authentic local market, Lucky introduced us to Vietnam’s colorful fruits, fresh fish, and distinctive meat specialties. The lively atmosphere, unfamiliar aromas, and local character made it feel like a genuine glimpse into everyday life rather than a tourist stop. In Can Gio, we glided through the quiet mangrove waterways in a traditional rowing boat, surrounded by tangled roots, green foliage, and the soft sounds of the forest. We saw bats, monkeys, and crocodiles, then enjoyed a peaceful walk beneath the mangrove canopy. Each part of the day offered something different, from wildlife encounters to moments of calm in nature. A delicious and authentic Vietnamese lunch was the perfect finale, filled with fresh flavors and comforting aromas. The small group, generous tropical fruit, and refreshing drinks created a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. This tour beautifully combines nature, wildlife, local culture, and excellent food. Lucky made the experience truly special with her warmth, knowledge, and enthusiasm. We highly recommend this memorable day and would give it five stars without hesitation!
Fantanstic
We really enjoyed our Can Gio tour with Les Rives. Going to Can Gio by speedboat was such a different experience, and my whole family really enjoyed the journey. The tour was not crowded, so everything felt very chill and relaxing. Our guide Anna and another male guide were both very friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. We also really enjoyed seeing the wildlife and exploring the mangrove forest. We travelled with my parents, who are over 60, and my 5-year-old daughter, so I was a little worried that the trip might be tiring for them. But surprisingly, no one felt tired at all — everyone just really enjoyed it! Definitely a great experience for families and a different way to explore Can Gio.
One-day trip to Can Gio Mangrove Forest by Speed Cano.
A super pleasant and chill trip. Lots of nice experience with local life at Can Giuoc Market and Can Gio Mangrove Forest. There was only our group (7 adults), so Anna and the staffs let us do everything at our pace. Thanks so much! Travelling by speedboat was very exciting and full of fun and NO TRAFFIC JAM! My recommendation for a day trip from Saigon.
A beautifully smooth day in Can Gio with Anna
I had a wonderful day on the Can Gio Forest tour, and Anna made the experience really special. From the hotel pickup and speedboat ride out of Saigon to the market, mangroves, lagoon and lunch in the reserve, everything flowed so smoothly. We never felt rushed and never had to wait around, one part of the day just led naturally into the next. Anna was positive, thoughtful and genuinely warm throughout. I felt very well taken care of, and she seemed to create that same feeling for everyone in our group, adults and children alike. A big thank you to Anna.
Great day for all ages, highly recommend.
We had such a fantastic day. We weren’t sure what to expect but we all loved it, despite the heat we kept cool in the open boat, speeding along, the mangroves were nice and shady as was the lunch spot with additional fans. My kids (8,11,13) loved feeding the monkeys bananas and it was a real highlight getting on the specially made craft to feed the crocs eels on uniquely designed wooden rods! Anna was brilliant, her English was excellent, she was super friendly, she gave great information and facts but also gave us time to be together as a family. Another highlight was the markets, we went to the ones in the city but this is much more of an experience, understanding more about the local way of life. Again we used the time wisely seeing it for just enough time, not getting too hot and keeping the kids interest before getting on the boat once again. We couldn’t recommend this more, great variety and the day flew by!
Can Gio Forest Tour - Ho Chi Minh
Lucky was our tour guide. Boat ride was great with drinks and snacks provided. Stopped at a local market and learned a lot about local spices, vegetables, and meats. We were able to see and feed the monkeys on the forest tour/hike. Lunch was provided— fantastic local foods and included vegetarian options.
Booked and experienced the Can Gio Forest Tour. From Booking to execution expectations have been exceeded. Everyone was helpful and knowledgeable. The Tour itself was well organised and paced in a tranquil manner which made it smooth as silk. The Team on the Speedboat has been super attentive and friendly, the young man who cut endless fresh fruit was amazing and our Tour Guide Ms. Lucky was just perfect. All been done in a cool, friendly manner and she always been proactively offering help, information or else. A Sunday well spent, thank you to the company and all team members. Highly recommend this Organiser and his Tour.
A great excursion into the nature of Vietnam.
A truly wonderful excursion! Our tour guide Anna gave us a fantastic introduction to the nature of Vietnam and patiently answered all our questions. It was an unforgettable experience.
Wild experience
We had an amazing experience with “Les river”. Anna was our guide, she speaks English fluently, she explains the traditional food, life of local people. We visited a local market, and went deep into the woods. We met crocodiles and monkeys. During the tour we tasted local food and fruits. It was the best wild experience. Thank to Anna for sharing this beautiful experience.
Can Gio Mangrove - Excellent Excursion
This was one of the best excursions we have ever experiences. We were picked up at our hotel right on time and from there it was a short drive to the water where we boarded a boat. We were immediately offered fresh fruit, water and breakfast sandwiches. As we made our way down the river the boat would stop and the tour guide would tell us about the things we were seeing. First stop was an open air market. Very interesting to see how locals sell everything from food to wears. Next we stopped, debarked the speed boat and took a row boat to where we could see flying fox bats, as well as beautiful mangroves. We also got to plant a tree. Our final stop was to see monkeys, crocodiles and climb a towner to see the landscape and birds. The afternoon was topped off with a feast of delicious local foods. You are provided with plenty of water or soda and are offered fruit throughout the ride of the speedboat. The tour guide (I believe her name was 'Lucky') was absolutely great. She is very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. The only negative thing I have about this tour is that they allow all ages. In my opinion, they should not allow very young children as some of the areas you need to be quite and there were some quite unruly children on our excursion.
Excellent Can Gio River Tour – Highly Recommended
Excellent Can Gio River Tour – Highly Recommended I have been coming to Vietnam for more than 20 years and can honestly say this was an outstanding experience. Duc and his crew of three were extremely service-minded, helpful, and professional throughout the entire tour. Safety was clearly a top priority at all times, which I particularly appreciated. As a Master Mariner with many years of maritime experience in Vietnam, I do not give recommendations lightly—but Les Rives truly deserves it. An authentic, well-executed and high-quality river tour. My very best recommendations. — Henrik
Great Tour
Instead of visiting Ho Chi Min City, we thought we would experience the Can Gio Mangrove. It was a wonderful experience. I forgot the name of our tour guide (I believe he was the owner of the company). He was very knowledgeable, gave us a lot of information and was very excited to point out the wild life that he saw. We experienced a speed boat ride with beautiful views, we went to a village right off of the water, we went on a canoe ride through a river that was so peaceful, saw wild monkeys, fed crocodiles, had a great lunch!! Overall, it was a wonderful day!!
Superb tour operator with excellent guides
We took two tours with Les Rives, the Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour by speedboat and the Can Gio Forest tour by speedboat. Both were excellent, with numerous extra touches that enhanced the experience. Both guides went out of their way to make their tour great for their guests. Everything was very well organized and first class. In short, Les Rives is one of the best tour operators I have ever used anywhere, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take another of their tours. Taking a speedboat to the Cu Chi tunnels got us there before the majority of the tour buses. Our guide knew the history of the place very well, clearly cared about it, and explained it well to us. The tunnels themselves are fascinating and well worth a visit. As an American, I found getting a Vietnamese perspective on this part of the war thought- provoking and very interesting. The speedboat to the Can Gio forest took us the opposite way down the Saigon River. Anna, our guide on this tour, introduced us to the wildlife in the jungle, with a fishing for crocodiles a highlight. She took numerous photos and even a video that she shared with us after the tour. A stellar lunch in a jungle restaurant was another highlight of this tout
Amazing experience with the Can Gio tour- Thank you, Lucky!!!<3
Lucky was an absolutely fantastic tour guide. It felt like we were hanging out with a friend for the day. She fostered a warm and comfortable environment for us and the other lovely couple on the tour and ensured we had a lovely time. We saw so many incredible plants and animals and learned so much about the local environment. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough!!!
Nature, Culture and History close to Ho Chi Minh City in luxury!
This was a fantastic escape from the frenetic pace, noise and pollution of HCMC. It was relaxing, and well catered with rolls, fruit, ca phê and coconut milk on board. Hằng was a fabulous guide, explaining life on the river for traditional Vietnam, the history of agent orange and deforestation of Can Gio, plus the rehabilitation work done since 1975 to make it a UNESCO recognised biosphere reserve. It is important as the green lung for HCMC and provides protection from typhoons. There weren’t as many birds as I expected, but got to see some interesting ones, bats, monkeys, crabs and mudskippers. Great value and the fresh air on the boat trip was much nicer than a bus tour.
The best way to visit the Mekong Delta and Can Gio mangrove forest
We wanted to spend 2 days on the Mekong delta. All of the offers out of Saigon seemed to involve significant transfers by car or bus. Les Rive offered two tours that are on the water from beginning to end. The group sizes were small, the boats were comfortable, and anything we could possibly want during the day was included. Our guide, Hang, was knowledgeable and spoke excellent clear English. She was able to help us better appreciate Vietnamese life and culture, farming, and horticulture. She guided us through the markets, explaining the produce and procuring tastes. Our experience was enriched by her commentary. Minibusses might be air-conditioned, but no one stays hot and sticky for long gliding across the Mekong at 25 knots.
Can Gio
Our guide Kha Nguyen was impeccable and impressive! His knowledge of the wildlife, tides, environmental conditions, global warming effects flowed effortlessly from his lips in perfect English. He quickly identified birds and fish and explained ancient methods of catching the latter. He emphasized the contrast of the old and the new, poor and the rich. He walked us through a local market, and a mangrove preservation areas with a humorous narrative.
Moments from our guests
25 photographs from 8 travellers
The gallery
12 imagesThe green lung of Saigon
Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000, Can Gio is one of southern Vietnam’s most important protected wetlands. Just about 40 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, it feels surprisingly distant once you enter the mangrove zone, where waterways replace roads and the air becomes noticeably cooler under dense green canopy.
The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including macaques, gibbons, crocodiles, and many bird species that depend on the mangrove ecosystem. Travelling through it, you also pass small fishing communities along the riverbanks, where daily life continues much as it has for years, shaped by tides and water levels rather than city time.
Our speedboat journey to Can Gio makes the transition from city to forest part of the experience itself. Local guides accompany the trip, sharing their knowledge of the landscape and the species that live here, while also explaining how the mangroves protect the coastline from erosion and flooding, and why this ecosystem remains so vital.
We work with people in Can Gio to make sure visits are respectful and sustainable, supporting local livelihoods while minimising impact on the environment. The goal is to keep the experience simple and grounded, so the forest can be appreciated without being disturbed and preserved for the future.
Common questions.
Why do you ask for my passport number when booking?
We are required by Vietnamese local authorities to collect passport details for all guests before departure. If you don’t have your passport number to hand when booking, simply complete your reservation first and email your passport details to bookings@lesrivesexperience.com at your convenience before the tour. Your information is used solely for the required registration process.
Why are your tours more expensive than other operators?
Most operators run large buses to crowded sites. We travel by private luxury speedboat in small groups, arriving ahead of the crowds, with breakfast, lunch, refreshments, all entrance fees, your guide, hotel transfers and travel insurance already included, no hidden extras.
A share of every booking also supports the local riverside families and communities we work with. You’re paying for a calmer, more comfortable, more responsible day out, not just a seat.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable clothing and your camera. We provide drinking water, refreshments, insect repellent, waterproof ponchos and umbrellas, so you can travel light.
How long does it take to reach Can Gio by speedboat?
About 1 hour 20 minutes by speedboat to the Can Gio mangrove forest, around 40km from the city.
Will we see wildlife in Can Gio?
Very likely. Can Gio is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve home to monkeys, bats, crocodiles and abundant birdlife. Sightings vary with the tides and the season, and our guides know where to look.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Full refund if you cancel at least 7 days before your tour. 50% refund for cancellations 6–3 days before. Within 3 days, the booking is non-refundable.
Where is the meeting point if my pickup location is not in your pickup zone?
The meeting point will be the Saigon Water Bus Station, please openopen this link to get the direction to the meeting point.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsafe, we’ll reschedule or cancel and let you know in advance, with alternative options. Light rain isn’t a problem — our speedboats have full rain protection, and we provide waterproof ponchos and umbrellas on board.
What payment methods do you accept, and is it secure?
We accept all major credit cards, cash or bank transfer. Online payments are processed by Trekksoft, our PCI-DSS-compliant booking partner, with SSL encryption, your card and personal details are never stored on our site.
Are your boats and tours safe?
Yes. Every speedboat carries complete international-standard safety equipment, life jackets for all guests, and rain protection for any season. Although our boats hold up to 20, we carry a maximum of 14–15 guests so everyone travels comfortably and safely.
Are your tours suitable for children and families?
Absolutely. Our tours suit all ages, with child-sized life jackets on board and a relaxed small-group pace that works well for families. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult — just let us know the ages when you book so we can prepare.
Can you cater to vegetarian or other dietary needs?
Yes. We’re happy to arrange vegetarian and other special diets, just note your requirements in the booking form.
Are your tours suitable for older travellers or those who aren't very fit?
Yes. Our tours are comfortable for guests roughly aged 7 to 70. The speedboat does most of the travelling, walking is gentle and broken up with rest stops, and our guides are always on hand to help.
What languages do your guides speak?
All of our guides are fluent in English. Guides in other languages can often be arranged in advance for an additional fee ,just ask when you book.
Can I book a private or customised tour?
Yes. Many of our experiences can be run privately or tailored to your group, dates and interests. Contact us with what you have in mind and we’ll put a plan together.
Ready to explore Can Gio?
Trade the city for a day in the mangroves, by speedboat, with guides who know and protect the forest.
