Summary

Can Gio is the most accessible coastal birding area from Ho Chi Minh City and provides a useful introduction to southern Vietnam's mangroves, salt pans and intertidal birdlife. For specialist birders, the greatest value lies not in the planted mangrove blocks themselves but in tidal mudflats, sandbanks and salt pans used by migratory shorebirds and other waterbirds during the non-breeding season.

Important species recorded in the wider area include Nordmann's Greenshank, Asian Dowitcher, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Painted Stork and Black-faced Spoonbill, along with large numbers of commoner waders. Recent reclamation has reduced access to some historic mudflats, increasing the importance of remaining salt-pan and coastal feeding areas, particularly around Ly Nhon. Can Gio is approximately two hours from central Ho Chi Minh City and can be visited as a day trip, although tides strongly influence shorebird viewing and should be considered when planning a visit. The best season is generally November to April, when Palearctic migrants are present.

Click here to see the full bird checklist in Can Gio

Most highlights

Painted Stork, Nordmann's Greenshank and Asian Dowitcher, Spoon-billed Sandpiper and a lot of shorebirds

Nordmann’s Greenshank (EN) is one of the most highlighted birds in Can Gio

Transportation

Two hours from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City by private car

Accommodation

Guesthouses and restaurants are available at Can Gio Beach Resort.

Relevant tour

• Can Gio Birding Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
• One-Day Birding Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
• Searching the Mekong Coast for Spoon-billed Sandpiper

More information about the birding sites in Vietnam

• Mang Den - Kon Plong Birding Site
• Da Lat Plateau Birding Site
• Cat Tien National Park Birding Site
• Yok Don National Park Birding Site
• Tam Dao National Park Birding Site
• Sa Pa - Fansipan Mt Birding Site
• Cuc Phuong National Park Birding Site
• Lo Xo Pass Birding Site
• Bach Ma National Park Birding Site
• Sa Mu & Bac Huong Hoa Birding Site
• Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Birding Site
• Tan Phu Forest (Thac Mai) Birding Site
• Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve Birding Site
• Mekong Delta Birding Site