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If you are looking for a natural space in Ho Chi Minh City, Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City will be a great getaway place to visit.
The Monkey Island is a haven of nature and wildlife, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable adventure. In this travel blog, let’s learn about the wonders of Monkey Island in Ho Chi Minh City with the necessary guides and tips for an unforgettable experience.
Where is Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City?
Located in Can Gio District, approximately 45 kilometers southeast of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Monkey Island is easily accessible from the city center. Monkey Island is one of the 24 subzones within the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. The climate here is relatively cool, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year. As a result, the island is covered with lush, green vegetation, making it an ideal destination in Ho Chi Minh City for nature lovers.
Despite its proximity to the urban sprawl, Monkey Island feels like a world away, surrounded by lush greenery and the tranquil waters of the Saigon River. When you come here, you will feel the fresh air and gentle breeze. The space is completely opposite to the hustle and bustle of the city, making visitors feel comfortable and delighted to immerse themselves in nature and admire its simple beauty.
>> Check out our Vietnam Travel Guide: What To Know Before Your Journey to discover more interesting places about Vietnam!
How to get to Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City?
Getting to Monkey Island is relatively straightforward, with various transportation options available.
By bus
Taking a bus is one of the most affordable ways to reach Monkey Island from Ho Chi Minh City. You need to catch bus number 20 from Ben Thanh Market to Nha Be District or take bus number 75 from 23/9 Park to Can Thanh Bus Station to reach the first stop at Binh Khanh Ferry Terminal. Then take the ferry across the river and catch bus number 90 to reach Can Gio Island.
By motorbike
Traveling by motorbike to Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City takes about one and a half hours. From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you take the following route: Tan Thuan Bridge (District 7) – Nguyen Van Linh Street – Huynh Tan Phat Street – Binh Khanh ferry terminal. Upon reaching the ferry terminal, tourists take a boat to the island.
By car/taxi
Traveling by car or taxi provides convenience and comfort, especially for families or groups of travelers. You can book rides through ride-hailing companies, take traditional taxis, or rent a private car. The price for a private car can go up to 75 USD, but you will have flexibility in your travel schedule and enjoy door-to-door service provided by the driver.
By tour
Opting for a guided tour to Monkey Island is perhaps the most convenient and hassle-free option, especially for those who prefer not to navigate transportation logistics themselves. Numerous tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City offer day trips to Monkey Island, typically including transportation, guided tours, meals, and entrance fees.
>> An Unforgettable Day Tours from Ho Chi Minh City: Top 5 must-do & Complete Itinerary
What can you expect on your adventure to Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City?
Once you set foot on Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City, prepare to be immersed in a world of natural beauty and wildlife. Here are some highlights of what to expect during your visit:
Observe and interact with monkeys
True to its name, Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City is home to a thriving population of monkeys, including more than 2,000 long-tailed macaques. As you explore the island, keep your eyes peeled for these playful creatures swinging through the trees and foraging for food.
While interactions with the monkeys are highly encouraged, it’s essential to respect their space and avoid feeding them to maintain their natural behavior. When interacting with these monkeys, tourists should pay attention to carefully protecting your personal belongings, because sometimes mischievous monkeys will quickly take your belongings when you are not paying attention.
Take a boat to visit the Vam Sat mangrove forest
In addition to trekking in certain areas, you can completely explore Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City by sitting on a boat. Hop aboard a boat and embark on a tour through the tranquil waterways, where you’ll encounter mangrove trees, exotic bird species, and even thousands of bats sleeping in the marsh during the day.
The price for a speedboat tour is about 26 USD/boat, which can accommodate up to 6 adults, and 3 USD for a rowing boat of up to 2 people.
Visit Rung Sac Military Base
For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Rung Sac military base, a few kilometers from Monkey Island will bring many interesting insights. Once a strategic stronghold during the Vietnam War and the revolutionary base of the Northern Vietnamese army from 1965 to 1975, Rung Sac serves as a profound reminder of the country’s tumultuous history.
There are many vividly sculpted statues depicting the authentic lives of Vietnamese soldiers from the past. Exploring the remnants of bunkers, tunnels, and scattered artillery helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the challenges soldiers faced during the struggle for national liberation.
Visit the crocodile farm
A visit to the crocodile farm is an exhilarating experience favored by many adventurous tourists. You can observe the crocodiles before releasing them back into the wild, as well as participate in crocodile fishing activities.
Tickets for one session of crocodile fishing are less than 1 USD, and you will be provided with a fishing rod and bait to start fishing and watch the crocodiles leap out of the water to bite the bait.
Opening hours and Ticket fee
Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City is open daily between 7 am and 5 pm. There are two prices for domestic and foreign tourists when visiting.
For locals: 35,000 VND/ticket for adults; 20,000 VND/ticket for children
For foreigners: 70,000 VND ($3.00)/ticket
>> Top 15 Best Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—Discovery here!
Things to note when visiting Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City
Before embarking on your adventure to Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City, it’s essential to keep a few key considerations in mind to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible experience. Here are some important things to note:
- Respect Wildlife: While interacting with monkeys and other wildlife, remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding or provoking them.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that protects from the sun, such as long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your skin from sunburn and mosquito bites.
- Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate of southern Vietnam can be hot and humid, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or exploring the mangrove forests.
- Bring Insect Repellent: To ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects, apply insect repellent liberally and consider wearing long sleeves and pants for added protection.
- Follow Island Rules: Adhere to all park regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself and the environment, including refraining from littering and obeying signage and instructions from the staff.
Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City offers a special adventure unlike any other, where nature and wildlife converge to create an unforgettable experience. From encounters with monkeys and boat rides through mangrove forests to visits to historic military sites and crocodile farms, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this unique island getaway. So pack your sense of adventure and embark on a journey to Monkey Island, where the wonders of nature await.
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In addition, travelers who enjoy exploring Monkey Island Ho Chi Minh City may also find interest in visiting the Mekong Delta. You don’t have to look far, Asia Encounter will help personalize your Mekong Delta exploration journey. Each tour is carefully selected and optimized by the Asia Encounter team to create perfect sightseeing experiences. Whether you’re planning to visit islands or anywhere else in Vietnam or Asia, contact us to enjoy the best moments during your sightseeing plan.
