Vam Sat Ecopark (Vietnamese: rừng ngập mặn Vàm Sắt; rừng ngập mặn means mangrove forest) is an eco-tourism area inside Can Gio Biosphere Reserve in Ho Chi Minh City. This tourist area primarily leverages the mangrove eco-region’s natural elements, featuring unique and diverse flora and fauna. This is a perfect place for city residents to escape the polluted, noisy city for a weekend getaway and reconnect with nature. 

General information about Vam Sat Ecopark

Vam Sat Ecopark, located in the Can Gio mangrove forest (also known as the Sac forest), is Vietnam’s first UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve. This forest is a harmony between terrestrial-aquatic and freshwater-saltwater ecosystems, shaped by tides and alluvial deposits; as a result, the vegetation here is highly diverse. Among them, mangrove is the type of tree with the largest number, thanks to its good adaptation to salinity and its effective anti-erosion root system.

Vam Sat Ecopark

The forest is also the “roof” of thousands of aquatic species, reptiles, vertebrates, mammals and birds with a large swamp system, playing an important role in researching ecological science and protecting the environment by filtering out toxins from the upstream of the river before flowing into the East Sea.

How to get here?

From Ho Chi Minh City, it would be pretty convenient to book a private car to Vam Sat as the driver knows well about the road to get here, also he can pick up and drop off, making it easy for sightseeing activities as well.

private car to Vam Sat

Sample of model car to Vam Sat

Tourists who want to get here on their own still have three options. You can go by road or by river, depending on your means of transportation.

By road for cars and motorbikes: from the city center, follow Huynh Tan Phat street to Binh Khanh ferry. Then, you cross the ferry, and go about 14km to Ly Nhon junction. There is an instruction board on the right. You turn right and continue going another 20km. Here, you will see a sign at the intersection: turn right to enter the center of Ly Nhon commune, and turn left to reach the ticket counter of Vam Sat tourist area. You buy tickets at the counter and start your tour.

ferry to Can Gio

By waterway: from the city center, follow Huynh Tan Phat street to the Binh Khanh ferry. Cross the ferry, then go straight along the Rung Sac route for about 22km to the foot of the Dan Xay Bridge (do not cross the bridge). Turn right onto the minor road right next to the sign of Vam Sat Tourist Area. Go 100m to the end of the road, and you will see the Dan Xay passenger station, where you can buy canoe tickets. The staff will guide you to the opposite wharf, get off the canoe, and start the journey to explore Vam Sat.

Things to do when visiting Vam Sat Ecopark

The Vam Sat Ecopark site was established in 1999 and covers 2,000 hectares. It lies in the buffer zone of the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, which UNESCO recognised as the first biosphere reserve in Vietnam, and is an ideal destination for researchers and tourists.

Vam Sat Bird Sanctuary

This is the only bird sanctuary in Ho Chi Minh City. It covers 602.5 hectares. There are more than 30 bird species, including 11 water birds such as the oriental darter, little egret, Pacific Reef-egret, black-crowned night heron, and cattle egret.

Vam Sat Ecopark

In particular, there is a rare painted stork species, listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world. Every year from April to October, this is the time when birds migrate here to nest.

Some experiences you should not miss when coming here include:

Bird watching on the observation tower

On the path leading to the watchtower about 200 meters away, you will hear the sounds of birds and the sound of rustling mangroves. Then you will have a panoramic view of the vast space from the 25m high tower.

Vam Sat Ecopark

Standing on the bird observation tower, you will see a vivid natural scene of thousands of birds.

Bird watching by electric boat

If you want to explore further, board Vam Sat’s special electric catamaran to get closer to the birds’ habitat. When you get close, thousands of birds will fly up from both sides of the creek.

Vam Sat ecopark

If you come here after 5 pm, you will see flocks of birds returning to their nests in an arrow formation, like fighter planes, and they will “show off” by circling many times over the nest. Tram Chim Vam Sat will make you admire its wonderful beauty that cannot be found anywhere else.

Bat Lagoon 

Contrary to the bustle of the bird sanctuary, Bat Lagoon has a tranquil space. Rowing a sampan is the only way for you to explore this area. Going deep into the lagoon, visitors will encounter hundreds of large flying bats hanging from the canopy.

bat lagoon in Vam Sat
Especially the megabats, also called fruit bats, this type of bat has saffron yellow feathers, weighs about 0.5 kg, and has a wingspan of 0.7 to 0.8 meters. They are susceptible and easily frightened by noises, often hanging on mangrove trees to sleep and feed after 18 pm.

Crocodile Swamp in Vam Sat

In addition to the natural attractions, crocodiles in Vam Sat are raised in a semi-wild environment and are called crocodile swamps. This is home to many rare crocodile species, including the Saltwater crocodile and the Siamese crocodile.

Crocodile Swamp in Vam Sat
Many equipped crocodile-fishing boat services offer experienced, thrilling crocodile fishing. You will have the opportunity to feed the crocodiles from a safe distance. In addition, Vam Sat has a wildlife reserve with deer, wild boar, pythons, snakes, lizards, and monkeys.

Other attractive things in Vam Sat Mangrove Forest

One of the most unique and strange games at Vam Sat is crocodile fishing as described above. In addition, you can also participate in folk games such as rowing a basket boat, going across the monkey bridge, fishing, wading to catch crabs, slapping ditches to catch fish,… All will bring you an exciting rustic experience.

Vam Sat Ecopark

The Vam Sat tourist area is also a suitable location for organizing team-building activities. Or, if you prefer a wild, peaceful atmosphere, you can take a canoe along the resort’s canals to watch the trees and birds, breathe fresh air, and enjoy moments of relaxation.

Enjoy authentic mangrove cuisine

Vam Sat tourist area is located in a saltwater area near Can Gio Beach, so the cuisine here is primarily fresh seafood caught on-site. Vam Sat is an estuarine area, so seafood here is raised in a natural environment rich in nutrients without the use of industrial inputs.

food in Vam Sat

Therefore, you can comfortably experience all kinds of fresh and firm seafood, such as Vam Sat crab, Vam Sat tiger prawns, turtles, oysters, and so on… displayed on a giant tray

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Useful information Vam Sat Ecopark

  • If you have children, keep an eye on them at all times. 
  • You are not allowed to bring food or drinks from outside the preservation area.
  • Do not feed crocodiles or monkeys without the caretakers’ permission.
  • Follow all the guide’s instructions during your trip.

Source: collected by An

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