From Saigon: Cu Chi Tunnels & Phu Hoa Dong Village

The Cu Chi Tunnels and Phu Hoa Dong Village offer a unique window into Vietnam’s tumultuous past. This tour immerses visitors in the country’s history, from the ingenious underground network that sheltered soldiers to the traditional craft of rice paper making. With expert guides and a small group size, travelers can expect an intimate and enlightening experience that leaves them eager to uncover more about this captivating destination.

Key Points

• A 6-hour tour from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels and visiting Phú Hòa Đông Village for a rice paper making demonstration.
• Tour priced at $29.00 per person, with a maximum of 11 participants and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, English-speaking guide, and bottled water.
• Not recommended for individuals with back problems, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the tunnels.
• Tour may have a 30% surcharge during holidays and reduced hours or closures during certain periods.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cu Chi Tunnels & Phú Hòa Đông Village tour offers an immersive experience for visitors, with prices starting from $29.00 per person.

This 6-hour tour limits group size to 11 participants and is conducted in English. It includes hotel pickup, exploring the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels, witnessing rice paper making in Phú Hòa Đông Village, and drop-off at the hotel.

While the tour is free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, there’s a 30% surcharge during certain holidays and festivals.

The experience isn’t suitable for those with back problems, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

Itinerary and Highlights

As the tour commences, visitors are first picked up from their hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.

The tour then heads to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where they can explore the intricate underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Visitors can learn about the tunnels’ role in the conflict, see preserved relics, and observe displays of ingenious man-traps.

The tour also includes a visit to Phú Hòa Đông Village, where travelers witness the traditional process of making rice paper, from soaking the rice to drying it on bamboo frames.

Finally, the group is returned to their hotels in the city.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, landing and facility fees, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, and pickup and drop-off at centrally located hotels in Districts 1, 3, 4, and 5 at no additional cost.

However, the tour excludes:

• Tips and gratuities

• Bullets for the optional shooting range (paid separately)

• Pickup from hotels outside the specified districts (additional fee applies)

Not suitable for individuals with back problems, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

Smoking isn’t allowed in the vehicle.

Important Information

Not suitable for people with back problems, claustrophobia, or wheelchair users.

This tour is not recommended for those with back issues, claustrophobia, or who use wheelchairs.

The tour begins with pickup at the main entrance of Bong Sen Saigon Hotel. Customers can contact the hotline for pickups from different hotels.

Smoking isn’t allowed in the vehicle. A surcharge of 30% applies during international and local holidays, including New Year’s Day, Tet, Hung King’s Commemoration Day, Reunification Day, International Workers Day, Vietnam National Day, and Christmas.

This ensures visitors are aware of potential additional costs and restrictions during peak travel periods.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Festivals and Holidays Surcharge

A surcharge of 30% applies during international and local holidays, including New Year’s Day, Tet, Hung King’s Commemoration Day, Reunification Day, International Workers Day, Vietnam National Day, and Christmas.

This extra charge helps accommodate the increased demand and costs associated with these special celebrations. Travelers should plan accordingly:

• Many attractions may have reduced hours or be closed entirely during holidays.

• Transportation and accommodations may be more expensive and challenging to book.

• Local traditions and festivities can create a unique, immersive experience for visitors.

Customer Reviews

Although the tour appears to have an overall positive reception, with a verified 5/5 rating based on a single customer review, the brief nature of the feedback provides limited insights into the specific strengths and potential areas of improvement.

The sole review, written by a traveler from Denmark, simply states the reviewer’s satisfaction with the tour without elaborating on their experience. This sparse customer feedback offers little concrete information to assess the tour’s quality comprehensively.

While the high rating suggests a generally favorable impression, more detailed reviews from a broader range of customers would be needed to gain a fuller understanding of the tour’s merits.

Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels

Situated just 30 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels stand as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War.

Visitors descend into the network of underground passages, marveling at the clever engineering that allowed the Viet Cong to thrive in this labyrinth.

Visitors descend into an intricate underground labyrinth, marveling at the ingenious engineering that enabled the Viet Cong to thrive within.

They witness:

• Preserved relics and displays of ingenious man-traps used to defend the tunnels

• Optional firing of an AK-47 at a firing range, offering a visceral connection to the past

• Guides sharing firsthand accounts, bringing the historical significance to life

This tour provides a unique window into the hardships and triumphs of the Vietnamese during a tumultuous era.

Discovering Phu Hoa Dong Village

After exploring the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, the tour takes visitors to the quaint Phú Hòa Đông Village. Here, travelers witness the traditional process of making rice paper, a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. From soaking the rice to drying the delicate sheets on bamboo frames, the villagers demonstrate their mastery of this centuries-old craft.

| Process | Time |

| — | — |

| Soaking Rice | 30 minutes |

| Grinding Rice | 15 minutes |

| Drying Rice Paper | 1 hour |

The visit offers a glimpse into the rural life and cultural heritage of Vietnam, complementing the wartime history experienced at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of Navigating the Cu Chi Tunnels?

The Cu Chi tunnels can be physically challenging, as the narrow, low-ceilinged passages may be difficult for larger individuals or those with claustrophobia. However, the tour guides provide guidance and support to help visitors navigate the tunnels safely.

Can I Bring My Own Camera and Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own cameras and take photos during the tour. The tour allows ample opportunity to capture the unique underground tunnels, village activities, and other highlights along the way.

Is There an Option to Explore the Tunnels Independently?

Yes, the tour allows visitors to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels independently. After a guided introduction, participants can navigate the underground passages on their own, discovering the tunnels’ history and wartime relics at their own pace.

What Types of Food Are Typically Served During the Village Visit?

The tour doesn’t include food during the village visit. However, visitors can typically sample traditional Vietnamese dishes like rice paper, dried fruits, and fresh tropical fruits grown in the village.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

The tour operator offers a standard itinerary, but customers can request customizations to fit their preferences. They’ll work with the traveler to adjust the schedule, activities, or focus areas within the overall tour structure.

Recap

The "From Saigon: Cu Chi Tunnels & Phu Hoa Dong Village" tour offers an immersive experience into Vietnam’s history and culture. Priced at $29 per person, this 6-hour tour includes a visit to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels and a rice paper making demonstration in Phu Hoa Dong Village, providing an intimate setting for history enthusiasts to learn about the tunnels’ significance during the Vietnam War.

You can check if your dates are available here: