Ho Chi Minh City may be Vietnam’s busiest metropolis, but just beyond the traffic and tall buildings, a world of nature and outdoor adventure is waiting to be discovered.
If you love wildlife, rivers, and authentic local experiences, southern Vietnam offers an incredible mix of eco-activities — from cycling through rice fields to fishing wild rivers surrounded by mangroves.
Here are some of the best outdoor activities in Ho Chi Minh City for nature lovers — and why a fishing tour with Angler’s Vietnam deserves the top spot.
🎣 1. Wild Fishing Tours with Angler’s Vietnam
Step away from the crowds and experience real wild fishing in southern Vietnam.
At Angler’s Vietnam, we run private guided tours to natural fishing areas — places few tourists ever see.
You’ll explore:
- 🌿 Mangrove forests full of barramundi and sea bream
- 🦪 Oyster farm rivers where grouper and mangrove jack hide among oyster cages
- 🌾 Salt field lakes with wild barramundi and ladyfish
All gear, transport, and guidance are included — just bring your enthusiasm for adventure.
It’s peaceful, raw, and deeply connected to nature.
🚴 2. Bicycle Tours Around the Countryside
For travelers who love slow exploration, cycling tours are a perfect way to see local life.
Groups like Mr. Biker Saigon and other independent guides run scenic rides through rice paddies, coconut farms, and rural villages just outside the city.
You’ll pedal across small bridges, stop for local snacks, and experience the quieter side of Vietnam — all just a short ride away from downtown.
🚤 3. Boat Trips Through the Mangroves
The Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO, is a vast mangrove forest only a few hours south of Ho Chi Minh City.
You can take small-boat tours through quiet waterways, spot monkeys and colorful birds, and see how local fishermen farm oysters and clams.
It’s an easy, refreshing day trip that combines nature, wildlife, and culture in one place.
🌴 4. Jungle Trekking at Cát Tiên National Park
If you want a deeper nature experience, travel north of the city to Cát Tiên National Park, one of Vietnam’s most important wildlife reserves.
The park protects dense rainforest filled with rare birds, gibbons, and giant trees.
Visitors can join guided jungle treks, night safaris, or cycling trails inside the park.
It’s about 3½ to 4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City — perfect for a weekend escape into the wild.
🌾 5. Visit the Mekong Delta
A classic Vietnam experience, the Mekong Delta is a maze of rivers and canals surrounded by fruit farms and rice fields.
Day trips include boat rides, floating markets, and visits to small local villages.
For nature lovers, it’s a beautiful way to see how life flows with the river — calm, green, and full of charm.
🧭 6. Explore the Củ Chi Countryside
Beyond the famous tunnels, Củ Chi also offers peaceful countryside landscapes.
You can find small homestays, quiet rivers, and workshops making rice paper or pottery.
It’s a nice option for travelers who want to add a bit of culture and nature in one trip.
🌅 Discover the Natural Side of Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just a destination for food and nightlife — it’s the gateway to Vietnam’s most diverse natural adventures.
Whether you’re fishing wild rivers, cycling through green villages, or trekking jungle trails, southern Vietnam has something for every kind of explorer.
If you want an outdoor experience that’s truly local and unique, join Angler’s Vietnam and discover what wild fishing in Vietnam really feels like.

