In the middle of Can Gio mangrove forest

Less than 2 hours away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in green space, paddle SUP through the mangrove forest and enjoy seafood.

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

Once heavily devastated during the war, the forest has now revived thanks to the planting and restoration efforts of local people and the youth volunteer force. Currently, Can Gio forest is growing green and is home to more than 130 species of fish, 130 species of birds, 31 rare reptiles, 19 species of mammals, 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 been to the Sac Forest relic site many times, but mainly walked on the trails. This time, the SUP experience gave me a completely different feeling. Being able to weave through the natural 'heavenly gates' and enjoy the cool breeze in the middle of the green forest made me feel so refreshed, as if I had recharged my energy after hard working days."

Can Gio is a brackish water area - where saltwater from the East Sea and fresh water from the Saigon - Dong Nai river system meet, creating a unique mangrove ecosystem. This environment is especially favorable for aquaculture such as rock oysters, blood cockles, clams, crabs, goby fish, etc. It only takes about 15 minutes to travel by boat from the edge of the forest, and visitors can reach the oyster farms hidden in the cool green space.

After sowing the seeds, people will harvest the first batch after about 2 years, and continue to harvest a new batch every 8-10 months. Seen from above, the plastic barrels fixed with oyster growing media are arranged in a regular grid, creating a vivid picture in the middle of the river area.

Having visited Can Gio many times to visit places near the sea, Kieu Oanh (District 7, Ho Chi Minh City) said she was really surprised when she first explored deep in the mangrove forest. "The first feeling is the cool and quiet space, only hearing the birds chirping, the sound of water lapping against the roots of the mangrove trees. The air here is very fresh, with a light salty smell of the sea mixed with the scent of trees, bringing a pleasant feeling and closeness to nature," Oanh shared.

The experience of SUP paddling in the middle of the mangrove forest left Oanh with many unforgettable impressions. At first, she was quite worried because she was afraid of losing her balance, but once she got used to it, the feeling of floating lightly on the water surface brought her relaxation and peace. The most impressive moment for her was the moment of standing in the middle of the calm water, watching the mangrove trees reflect their reflection. Sometimes, she stopped in the middle of the forest, listening to the birds and watching the sunlight through the leaves - a moment that Oanh said was difficult to find anywhere else in the city to bring that feeling.

Kha Thien Loc, representative of the Can Gio Location group with more than 68,000 members, said that when coming here, visitors can paddle SUP through the mangrove forests, see white mangroves, sour mangroves, white fish sauce, water coconuts... and enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as mantis shrimp, oysters, clams, fish. On low tide days, visitors can also wade in the mud to catch crabs, mantis shrimp, or learn about the aquaculture profession typical of the brackish water area here.

For many tourists, Can Gio is not only the seaport of Ho Chi Minh City but also a rich ecological area worth exploring. "I feel a rare peace, friendly people and nature still retains its wild, rustic beauty. I will definitely come back to see people harvesting oysters, catching seafood, or rowing a boat in the middle of the coconut forest," Oanh shared.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Besides exploring the mangrove forests, tourists can visit Thieng Lieng Island - the only community tourism model in Ho Chi Minh City, visit Vam Sat tourist area or Monkey Island, learn about the Can Gio Whale Festival or simply camp, watch the sea and enjoy the fresh air.

znews.vn

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