The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a unique window into Vietnam’s wartime history. Winding beneath the lush forests northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, this intricate network of underground passages played a crucial role in the Viet Cong’s guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, witnessing firsthand the cramped living conditions and ingenious defense strategies that enabled the Vietnamese fighters to resist the American forces. More than just a historical site, the Cu Chi Tunnels provide a captivating opportunity to take in the country’s cultural heritage and uncover the remarkable resilience of its people.
Key Points
-
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the Viet Cong’s strategic use of the tunnels during the Vietnam War.
-
The 6-hour tour includes crawling through the hand-made tunnels, watching a documentary film, tasting local delicacies, and learning about the historical significance of the site.
-
Visitors can explore the tunnels, which feature kitchens, living quarters, and traps, and gain insight into the Viet Cong’s ingenuity and survival tactics.
-
The tour offers an opportunity to fire an AK-47 at a shooting range, providing a hands-on experience with the weapons used during the conflict.
-
The tour includes pickup from central Saigon districts, with an additional charge for pickups outside the central areas, and is not recommended for individuals over 80 due to the strenuous activities.
Overview and Booking Information
For a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, visitors can expect to pay around £22.11 per person.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.
The tour duration is 6 hours, with pickup included from central Saigon districts. There’s an extra charge of 150,000 VND for pickups outside these areas.
The tour allows visitors to discover the secret network of Cu Chi Tunnels and crawl through the hand-made tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
It also includes a documentary film, local food tastings, and learning about Vietnam’s history, tradition, and culture.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tour Experience and Highlights
Through the Cu Chi Tunnels tour, visitors can discover the secret network of underground tunnels that were used by guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam War.
The tour highlights include:
- Crawling through the hand-made tunnels to experience the living conditions of the Viet Cong soldiers.
- Watching a short documentary film that provides historical context and insights into the tunnels’ strategic importance.
- Tasting local delicacies, such as boiled tapioca with hot pandanus tea, to get a flavor of the region’s cuisine and culture.
Tour Details and Itinerary
The Cu Chi Tunnels tour departs from Ho Chi Minh City, located about 60 km northwest of the city.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy the rural scenery, complete with rice paddies, ducks, and water buffaloes.
Once at the tunnels, the tour will explore the network of underground passages, including the kitchen, living quarters, meeting room, and various traps used by the guerrilla fighters.
Guests can also visit the weapons room to learn about the Viet Cong soldiers’ ingenuity.
Plus, there’s an opportunity to fire an AK-47 at the shooting range.
The tour offers two flexible options: a morning tour from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM or an afternoon tour from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the Cu Chi Tunnels tour are a quality air-conditioned private car, free pick-up and drop-off in central Saigon, an English-speaking tour guide, a bottled drink and tissue, entrance fees to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and a light snack of tapioca and tea.
However, the tour excludes:
- Tips and personal expenses
- Bullet fees at the shooting range
- Alcohol and drugs, which aren’t allowed on the tour.
Visitors are advised to bring a camera and wear comfortable clothing.
The tour isn’t recommended for individuals over 80 years of age due to the strenuous nature of the activities.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyVisitor Information
Visitors can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels on a 6-hour tour from Ho Chi Minh City. The tour includes pickup from central Saigon districts, with an extra charge for pickups outside these areas.
Guests can crawl through the hand-made tunnels, watch a documentary film, and taste local foods like boiled tapioca and hot pandanus tea.
The tour offers a flexible schedule, with morning and afternoon options. Inclusions cover an air-conditioned private car, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and a light snack.
Visitors should bring a camera and wear comfortable clothes, as the site isn’t suitable for those over 80. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.
Getting to Cu Chi Tunnels
From Ho Chi Minh City, reaching the Cu Chi Tunnels takes approximately 1.5 hours by car. The drive takes visitors through the lush Vietnamese countryside, offering glimpses of rice paddies, water buffaloes, and rural life.
Upon arrival, visitors can choose from two tour options:
- Morning tour: Departs at 8:00 AM and returns at 1:30 PM.
- Afternoon tour: Departs at 1:00 PM and returns at 7:00 PM.
Pickup is included from central Saigon districts (1, 3, 4, 5), with an extra charge of 150,000 VND for pickups outside these areas.
The Cu Chi Tunnels tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the intricate underground network and learn about Vietnam’s history and culture.
Unique Aspects of the Tour
The Cu Chi Tunnels tour offers a truly immersive and unique experience that transports visitors back in time to the Vietnam War era. Guests can crawl through the intricate network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters, gaining a firsthand understanding of their wartime living conditions and tactics. Beyond the tunnels, the tour includes a weapons demonstration, where visitors have the opportunity to fire an AK-47 at the shooting range. The local cuisine served, such as boiled tapioca and pandanus tea, further enhances the authenticity of the experience. The Cu Chi Tunnels tour provides a captivating and educational glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history and resilience.
Unique Aspects | Description |
---|---|
Tunnel Crawling | Explore the intricate tunnel system used by Viet Cong |
Weapons Demonstration | Opportunity to fire an AK-47 at the shooting range |
Local Cuisine | Taste traditional foods like boiled tapioca and pandanus tea |
Historical Immersion | Experience the living conditions and tactics of the Viet Cong |
Educational Insight | Learn about Vietnam’s history, tradition, and culture |
Recap
The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the intricate underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tour provides a comprehensive look into the resilience and strategies of the Vietnamese fighters, complemented by educational features like a documentary film and local food tastings. With the option to even fire an AK-47, it’s an educational and memorable journey that showcases Vietnam’s rich history and culture.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Ho Chi Minh City
- From HCM: 2-Day Tour Mekong Delta, Cai Rang Floating Market
- From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta 2 Days 1 Night
- From Ho Chi Minh: Can Gio Mangrove Forest Private Tour
- Ho Chi Minh City: Full Long Tan Battlefield Tour
- Mekong Delta 3-Day: Saigon to Phnom Penh Gateway
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta 2 Days Group Tour
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City we have recnetly reviewed
- From HCM 1-Day Cai Rang Floating Market Local Mekong Village
- Phu My Port Shore Excursion Tour Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour
- Floating Market, Flower Village Authentic Mekong Delta Tour
- 2-Day Mekong Delta Private Tour: Vinh Long, Can Tho & Sa Dec
- From Ho Chi Minh: Cai Rang Floating Market and Mekong Delta
- From Saigon: Classic Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
- Phu My Port: Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Tour
- From Ho Chi Minh: Private Vung Tau Beach Tour With Lunch
- Cat Tien National Park Private Tour With Female Tour Guide
- Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour
- From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta and Tra Su Forest 3D2N Tour
- Ho Chi Minh: Private Mekong Delta Day Trip With Boat Ride