Vam Sat Mangrove Forest

Mangrove is the most common tree in Can Gio Island. This plant is only found in brackish water such as estuaries. Due to the characteristics of the habitat, the stratum root structure of the mangrove tree helps the tree absorb oxygen as well as nutrients from the tide. Mangroves not only help protect coastal land from erosion, but mangroves are also home to many marine species, some of which bring great economic value to local people. At Vam Sat mangrove forest, visitors can understand why this place is called the "green lung of the city". With an area of 75,740 hectares and more than 2000 species of flora and fauna, especially largely covered with mangroves, it promises a fascinating exploration into nature.

Rhizophora Apiculata (in the vernacular 'Rhizophora') will immediately grab the attention of visitors with its extensive, rich domed roots as well as some aerial roots sprouting from shorter branches. The roots look like a giant cage, preventing anyone from getting close to the tree. Therefore, the extraordinary beauty of mangroves can only be admired from afar. Usually, the tree stands on the soft mud of estuaries, which can be easily washed away due to lack of silt. And that's where extended roots come in handy. From the boat, visitors will see a dense line of mangroves on both sides of the river. All of them are carefully planted and protected by the locals, who fondly call the trees 'Flood Fighters'.

Another prominent plant species in Vam Sat Mangrove is the Alba cork (in the local language 'Cay Ban'), which is also an evergreen tree found only in mangroves. Although growing on the same muddy soil, cork trees are distinguished from mangroves by their upright roots, which rise from cables of underground roots that originate in the trunk. It is the pioneer plant of the marshy estuary, and is also the most widely distributed plant in the area.

In addition to the green landscape, right at the gate of Vam Sat mangrove forest is also a crocodile farm, where people came up with ideas to build a protective environment for them. The marshy wetlands are covered with greenery and the stable tropical weather creates a perfect living condition. Building a crocodile farm is both to provide a stable income for local people and to protect this animal from extinction.

For a panoramic view of the forest and surrounding birds, visitors can climb the 26-meter-high Tang Bong watchtower in the Vam Sat mangrove forest. If you visit the tower in the late afternoon, you will see flocks of birds and bats flying in opposite directions. The birds return to the nest after a long day of foraging while the bats are only active at night when they have slept all day.

Located in the heart of urban Saigon, Vam Sat Mangrove Forest is like an eerie setting in a concrete jungle. However, it plays an important role in protecting the city's environment. It acts as a green lung, absorbing pollutant emissions from cars and factories, filtering out harmful particles by holding them on leaves or bark. Therefore, the people of Saigon always persist in preserving the forest, even when they use the forest for commercial purposes. And as eco-tourists, we should have the same responsibility, enjoying the natural beauty of Vam Sat Mangrove Forest without damaging the surroundings.