In the middle of the Can Gio mangrove forest

Located less than two hours from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a green environment, paddleboard through mangrove forests, and enjoy fresh seafood.

With a total area of ​​over 75,700 hectares, the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is famous for its intricate network of rivers and canals and its rich flora and fauna. It is considered the "green lung" of Ho Chi Minh City, contributing to climate regulation and environmental protection.

Severely devastated during the war, the forest has now revived thanks to the planting and restoration efforts of local people and volunteer youth. Currently, the Can Gio forest is thriving, home to over 130 species of fish, 130 species of birds, 31 rare reptile species, 19 species of mammals, along with more than 150 species of plants and hundreds of species of aquatic invertebrates.

Le Tien (left, Phu My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) shared: "Previously, I had visited the Rung Sac historical site many times, but mostly on foot along the trails. This time, the SUP experience gave me a completely different feeling. Navigating through the natural 'gateways to heaven,' enjoying the cool breeze amidst the lush green forest, made me feel refreshed and recharged after days of hard work."

Can Gio is a brackish water area – a place where saltwater from the East Sea meets freshwater from the Saigon- Dong Nai river system, creating a unique mangrove ecosystem. This environment is particularly favorable for aquaculture, raising species such as rock oysters, blood cockles, clams, crabs, and goby fish. In just about 15 minutes by small boat from the edge of the forest, visitors can reach oyster farms nestled amidst the lush green surroundings.

After sowing the oyster spat, the locals will harvest the first crop after about two years, and then continue with a new harvest every 8-10 months. Viewed from above, the plastic containers holding the oyster substrate are arranged in a regular grid pattern, creating a vibrant picture amidst the riverine landscape.

Having visited Can Gio many times to explore coastal areas, Kieu Oanh (District 7, Ho Chi Minh City) said she was truly surprised when she first explored deep within the mangrove forest. "My first impression was the cool, tranquil atmosphere, with only the sound of birds singing and water lapping against the roots of the mangrove trees. The air here is very fresh, with a light salty scent of the sea mixed with the fragrance of the trees, creating a pleasant and close-to-nature feeling," Oanh shared.

The experience of paddleboarding through the mangrove forest left Oanh with many unforgettable impressions. Initially, she was quite worried about losing her balance, but once she got used to it, the feeling of gently floating on the water brought a sense of relaxation and peace. The most memorable moment for her was standing in the calm water, gazing at the mangrove canopy reflected in the water. At times, she stopped in the middle of the forest, listening to the birdsong and watching the sunlight filter through the leaves – a moment Oanh believes is hard to find anywhere in the city that can evoke such feelings.

Kha Thien Loc, representing the Can Gio Tourist Destinations group with over 68,000 members, said that visitors can paddle SUPs through mangrove forests, admire white mangroves, sour mangroves, white nipa palms, and coconut palms... and enjoy fresh seafood such as mangrove shrimp, oysters, clams, and fish. On low tide days, visitors can also wade in the mud to catch crabs and mangrove shrimp, or learn about the unique aquaculture industry of this brackish water region.

For many tourists, Can Gio is not only a gateway to Ho Chi Minh City but also a rich ecological area worth exploring. "I felt a rare sense of peace, the people were friendly, and nature still retained its pristine, rustic charm. I will definitely come back to see the locals harvesting oysters, catching seafood, or rowing boats through the mangrove forest," Oanh shared.

The Can Gio mangrove forest was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Besides exploring the mangrove forests, visitors can also visit Thieng Lieng Island – Ho Chi Minh City's only community-based tourism model, explore the Vam Sat tourist area or Monkey Island, learn about the Nghinh Ong Can Gio Festival, or simply camp, admire the sea, and enjoy the fresh air.

znews.vn

Source: https://lifestyle.znews.vn/giua-rung-ngap-man-can-gio-post1591822.html