Can Gio is the only coastal district of Ho Chi Minh City and it is located in the Southeast region of the dynamic city. The district is mostly associated with a sensitive ecosystem, the unique mangrove forest and the beautiful beach where you can embrace the sun, sea and the soft sand. Regarded as among the most affordable destinations ever in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio is also famous for the irreplaceable simplicity with such homely feelings from mother nature, an interesting combination of natural things that you can hardly find anywhere.
Can Gio District Overview
Can Gio District, the only area bordering the sea in Ho Chi Minh City, is like an island surrounded by the rivers and the sea. With the total area of approximately 704 square km, Can Gio District takes up about 35% of the whole city’s area. Regarding the geographical feature, it shares the borders with Nha Be District, the South China Sea and many other provinces like Long An, Tien Giang, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau. The district area is divided into one town and 6 communes including An Thoi Dong, Binh Khanh, Long Hoa, Ly Nhon, Tam Thon Hiep, and Thanh An. And on this island district, there are 69 isles that contribute their own beauty to the whole of the district.
How to Get to Can Gio District
The district is about 50 km away from District 1, and you can get there by different transportation such as the bus, motorbike or private car.
If going by bus, you can catch the Route 20 at 23/9 Park near Ben Thanh Market and get off at the Binh Khanh Ferry. Then, take the ferry at the cost of VND 1,500/passenger and go on to catch the bus route 90 heading for the beach which is one of the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City. Or alternatively, you can take the route 75, also in 23/9 Park, straight to Can Gio District. There is no station in Can Gio so you can tell the driver if you want to get off somewhere on the way.
Another option is going by motorbike which gives you more flexibility than going by other means. From District 1, you can drive to the Tan Thuan Bridge, then go along the Nguyen Van Linh Street and Huynh Tan Phat Street to Binh Khanh Ferry. Take the ferry (the fee is VND 4,500/passenger), keep driving along the Vam Sat Natural Reserve and you can visit the spots located along the way including the Monkey Island and Can Gio Beach.
Binh Khanh Ferry connecting the city center and Can Gio District
Attractions in Can Gio District
Can Gio offers many interesting tourist attractions that have unique natural features and great options for your short getaways from the bustle and hustle of the city.
See our Day Trip to Can Gio for more information.
| Name | Entrance fee | Address | Category |
| Vam Sat Nature Reserve | VND 35,000/entrance ticket | 15A Ly Nhon Commune, Can Gio District | Eco-tourism attraction |
| Monkey Island | VND 30,000 (VND 35,000 at weekends) | Long Hoa Commune, Can Gio District | Eco-tourism attraction |
| 30/4 Beach | Free | Thanh Thoi Street, Long Hoa Commune, Can Gio District | Beach |
| The Fish Shrine (Lang Ca Ong) | Free | Can Thanh Town, Can Gio District | Religious site |
| Thanh An Island | Free | Thanh An Commune, Can Gio District | Island |
Can Gio Beach at the sunset
The Monkey Island with mischievous but interesting friends
Vam Sat Nature Reserve, a famous tourist attraction in Can Gio
| To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides! |
Eating in Can Gio District
Seafood as specialties in Can Gio District
Can Gio is famous for seafood which is fresh and well-processed. You can also taste the best freshly made dishes at a reasonable price from the local markets where you can even bargain. Besides, there are stalls, restaurants serving other dishes you can have a try.
Check out our blog on How to Bargain in Vietnam.
| Category | Location |
| Seafood markets | Can Gio Market and Hang Duong Market |
| Restaurants | Can Thanh Town, Long Hoa Commune, Hang Duong Resort, and Binh Khanh Commune |
Shopping in Can Gio District
A seafood market where you can buy and taste delicious seafood dishes
Can Gio is a coastal district so what there is nothing better to buy than seafood and seashell souvenirs.
| Category | Location | What to Buy |
| Local Market | Hang Duong Market – Thanh Thoi Street, Long Hoa Commune Can Gio Market – Can Thanh Town | Raw seafood and processed seafood Souvenirs Fruits Drinks |
Nightlife in Can Gio District
Unlike the vibrant atmosphere and the bright light at night in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you can sense the breeze of the sea district when enjoying the night in Can Gio. The night is a good time to go out for delicious seafood, having a drink with your buddies or just walking around to see how the district looks at night. A walk on the soft sand at the beach to feel the life at a slower pace, seeing the sleeping boats, and observing small waves under the moon are some of the best things you can do to make full use of the nightlife in Can Gio.
Moreover, night fishing can be another highlight of the nightlife in Can Gio. This activity is for everyone including the local and foreign tourists seeking a try. Fishing at sea is more challenging than in lakes and ponds as fishes living under the sea are bigger and have greater speed. However, it is also rewarding because there is a larger amount of fish. You will need a strong fishing rod, a good flashlight, patient, and a local guide to communicate with the local fishermen and look out for your safety.
See more about Fishing in Vietnam.
Summary of Can Gio District in Ho Chi Minh City
Can Gio is an incredible destination for everyone. Whether you are seeking adventures like a getaway without a plan, a trip to a different side of Ho Chi Minh City, or even to feel the breath of the sea, Can Gio should be on top of your list. Although there are tons of reasons to rank Can Gio as one of the most simple yet interesting spots, that does not seem to matter because anyone coming there can eventually find their own reasons to love the district.
Find where to stay in Can Gio: