You can definitely travel to Can Gio on a budget by taking the bus! There are two main ways to get there: take the 75 bus directly from the Saigon bus station, or mix and match by taking the 20 bus, crossing the Binh Khanh ferry, and hopping on the 90 bus to enjoy the sea breeze.
Can Gio has always been the go-to spot for those wanting to escape the city's hustle and bustle to reconnect with the blue sea and raw nature. If you're looking for a wallet-friendly way to travel that also offers a unique local experience, taking the bus to Can Gio is a top-tier choice.
Starting from the Heart of Saigon
My journey kicked off at the Saigon Bus Station, located at 23 Pham Ngu Lao, right next to the familiar 23/9 Park. A huge plus here is the available motorbike parking—super convenient if you're coming from further away and need to park before jumping on the bus.
Choosing Your Bus Route to Can Gio
To reach Can Gio beach, you can consider these two popular and highly convenient travel options:
- Option 1: Take bus 75. The perk of this route is that it goes directly across the ferry and drops you off right at the beach area. However, the downside is that there are only about 5 trips per day, so you really need to time it perfectly to avoid missing the bus. The total travel time is around two and a half hours.
- Option 2: Combine bus 20 and bus 90. First, catch bus 20 to get to Binh Khanh ferry. Once there, just walk across the ferry for a super cheap fare of 3,000 VND. As soon as you’re on the other side, hop on bus 90, which goes straight to Can Gio beach. This way is much more flexible with timing and has plenty of trips throughout the day.
Exploring Along the Way and Interesting Stops
Along the journey, the bus passes through the vast Rung Sac mangrove forest and the famous Monkey Island. If you fancy a quick visit to snap photos with the cheeky monkeys, just ask the driver to let you off at the station, then hire a motorbike taxi (xe om) for a short ride in.
From my own experience, you should definitely stop at the Can Gio market area. It's packed with delicious local food stalls where you can recharge and relax after the long bus ride.
Must-Visit Spots in Can Gio
Once you’ve had your fill and recharged, you can start exploring the local spiritual sites and beautiful scenery:
- Drop by Lang Ong Nam Hai and the Whale Temple (Mieu Ca Ong) to learn about coastal cultural beliefs and say a little prayer for peace.
- Visit the peaceful pagodas scattered around the town.
- Head over to Can Thanh beach park to gaze at the vast ocean and breathe in the fresh, breezy air—it’s perfect for washing away any stress.
- Check out the old wharf and Mui Dong Tranh for some pristine, quiet scenery.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can catch bus 77 to reach the Can Gio ferry heading to Vung Tau, or visit the Dong Hoa seafood market by getting off at the Duc Thanh gas station and taking a motorbike taxi in for some fresh, tasty seafood.
The Journey Back to the City
After a fun-filled day, heading back to central Saigon is a breeze. You can take the return trip on bus 75 (keep in mind there are about 6 return trips per day). Alternatively, if you want more control over your time and a quicker return, take bus 90 back to Binh Khanh ferry, walk across, and continue with bus 20 to return to the original Saigon station.
Taking the bus to Can Gio is not just budget-friendly, it’s a genuinely interesting way to see the local life on the outskirts of the city. Just pack your bag and give it a go this weekend!
Reference: https://blog.dulichdau.com/trai-nghiem-du-lich-can-gio-bang-xe-buyt/
