Can Gio, located about 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City's center, is known as the city's "green lung." Its 35,000 ha expanse of mangrove forests, rivers, canals, and mudflats draws many visitors on weekends and holidays for nature-based activities and green lifestyle experiences.
Boat tours through the mangroves
A must-try activity in Can Gio is an ecological tour, offering boat rides through the nipa palm forests to observe birds and crocodiles. The Can Gio Forest Protection Management Board reports that this mangrove ecosystem supports a diverse range of life, including 318 plant species, 35 mammal species, 164 bird species, 36 reptile species, 36 amphibian species, 282 fish species, and 223 invertebrate species.
 |
Visitors travel by small boat to tour Rung Sac. Photo: Kha Thien Loc |
Visitors travel by small boat to tour Rung Sac. Photo: Kha Thien Loc
Experience salt farming
Another local experience is a visit to Thanh An island. This island retains the tranquil pace of a coastal fishing village, featuring concrete paths along its seawall. Visitors can stroll around the island, capture photos, enjoy sunsets, or savor local seafood dishes.
Seven kilometers by waterway from Thanh An lies Thieng Lieng island, renowned for its 4 km path winding through salt fields, mangrove forests, and pristine rivers. The island maintains its traditional salt farming practices. Visitors to Thieng Lieng can tour and participate in activities such as raking and harvesting salt.
 |
Thanh An island (Can Gio), 10/2021. Photo: Quynh Tran |
Thanh An island (Can Gio), 10/2021. Photo: Quynh Tran
Visit historical sites
Beyond its natural beauty, Can Gio also holds significant historical importance. The Rung Sac Revolutionary Base, recognized as a national historical site in 2004, is a prime example. This area served as an operational base for special forces during the resistance war, linked to many historical narratives. Visitors can learn about survival in the mangrove forest, the combat tactics of the special forces, and the region's contributions.
In addition to Rung Sac, the area offers other cultural and historical attractions, including the Giong Ca Vo archaeological site, Can Thanh Communal House, Lang Ong Thuy Tuong Can Thanh, and Binh Khanh Communal House.
 |
Can Gio mangrove forest from above. Photo: Thanh Tung |
Can Gio mangrove forest from above. Photo: Thanh Tung
VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio
In recent years, Can Gio has emerged as a promising destination for outdoor sports. Beyond its coastal routes, the area boasts numerous trails through mangrove forests, offering a distinct and unique experience. The VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio, scheduled for 1/5, is expected to attract 5,000 athletes.
The year 2026 marks the debut of the VnExpress Marathon in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City's "green lung." Organizers state that the race promotes Can Gio as a unique ecological destination in the southern region. Its routes will traverse diverse terrains, from mangrove forests to coastal areas, offering a novel experience for runners.
Hosting this race is expected to foster sports tourism, attracting more visitors to Can Gio. Running enthusiasts can embrace this opportunity to challenge themselves and explore nature uniquely.
In the coming years, upon completion of key projects, Can Gio is expected to transform into a new tourism and economic hub south of Ho Chi Minh City. Vinhomes Green Paradise will be a central feature, offering international amenities such as VinWonders (122 ha), the Song Xanh Theater (5,000 seats), Paradise Lagoon, and the 108-story Landmark tower. This ESG++ mega-city aims to support diverse tourism models, including leisure, entertainment, MICE, healthcare, and ecotourism, anticipating 40 million visitors annually.
Thai Anh
