English
English
Start your experience with a short film that tells the story of the Vietnam War and the tunnels’ crucial role. See real footage, local perspectives, and a thoughtful introduction to the site.
Book Cu Chi Tunnels tour
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION7 hours
START POINT
Ho Chi Minh City
Kickstart your morning tour with a smooth, hassle-free pickup from your hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Sit back and soak in the changing scenery as you leave the bustling city behind and take in the peaceful countryside. In just 90 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels.
1
Cu Chi Tunnels
4 activities
Step back in time with this underground network built by the Viet Cong army that stretches over 250km. Crawl through the narrow tunnels to get a firsthand feel of wartime survival. The site also features hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens, and even a makeshift hospital.
Highlights
1. Watching an introductory documentary
Included in price
Before exploring, sit down for a short but powerful film on the tunnels’ role in the Vietnam War. The footage offers real accounts of soldiers’ lives underground, giving valuable context to the site’s significance.
2. Crawl through the tunnels
Included in price
Experience the tight, dark, and winding underground network where Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought. The tunnels have been slightly widened for visitors, but they still give an authentic feel of the cramped wartime conditions.
3. Watch booby trap demonstrations
Included in price
See the traps used by the Viet Cong to defend their tunnels. Ranging from camouflaged spike pits to bamboo punji sticks, watch your guide demonstrate these traps that were designed to injure or capture enemy soldiers
4. Explore underground bunkers
Included in price
Peek inside command centers, kitchens, medical stations, and weapon storage areas in the tunnels. Learn how these soldiers lived for months underground, using smart tactics like smokeless cooking to avoid detection.
5. Try Wartime Food
Snacks
Get a taste of what Viet Cong soldiers survived on by sampling tea and boiled cassava with peanuts and sugar. This simple yet nutritious meal was a staple underground, sustaining troops when supplies were scarce.
2
END POINT
Ho Chi Minh City
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning with an expert guide—shared or private group options available.
- Everything you get: Round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh City in a comfortable AC vehicle, expert English-speaking guide, & entry to Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Sights covered: The living spaces, weapons factories, storage areas, field hospitals, and the well-preserved booby traps.
- Why choose this: Unlike afternoon tours, morning tours offer cooler temperatures, fewer delays, and a fresher start, making it easier to explore the tunnels comfortably and make the most of your day.
- Don’t miss: The trapdoor mechanisms and different types of spike traps created by the Viet Cong soldiers to combat their enemies in the tunnels.
- Upgrades: Pick between a large group tour, a small group tour, or a private group tour, depending on whether you prefer a more social or a personalized experience.
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning with an expert guide—shared or private group options available.
- Everything you get: Round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh City in a comfortable AC vehicle, expert English-speaking guide, & entry to Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Sights covered: The living spaces, weapons factories, storage areas, field hospitals, and the well-preserved booby traps.
- Why choose this: Unlike afternoon tours, morning tours offer cooler temperatures, fewer delays, and a fresher start, making it easier to explore the tunnels comfortably and make the most of your day.
- Don’t miss: The trapdoor mechanisms and different types of spike traps created by the Viet Cong soldiers to combat their enemies in the tunnels.
- Upgrades: Pick between a large group tour, a small group tour, or a private group tour, depending on whether you prefer a more social or a personalized experience.
Inclusions
- Half-day morning tour of Cu Chi Tunnels
- Shared small or big group or private group (as per option selected)
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh city
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cassava & beverage
- Water bottle
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the U.S. bomb craters, remnants of the bombing campaigns conducted by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War in the area.
- The experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- This experience is not suitable for guests with mobility issues and claustrophobia as the terrain is uneven and the tunnels are very narrow.
- The tour includes pickup from certain hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. If your accommodation is outside the hotel pick-up area, head to the meet-up location provided.
- The pickup time for the morning tour is between 7:30am to 7:45am.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
START POINT
Ho Chi Minh City
Kickstart your adventure with a smooth, hassle-free pickup from your hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Sit back and soak in the changing scenery as you leave the bustling city behind and take in the peaceful countryside. In just 12 minutes, you'll arive at the Independence Palace.
1
Independence Palace
Step into the halls of power at the former presidential headquarters of South Vietnam. This is where history changed on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Wander through 1960s interiors, underground bunkers, and war rooms frozen in time.
2
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Walk into the stunning red-brick neo-Romanesque cathedral, built in the late 19th century by the French. Check out its twin bell towers soaring 58 meters high, making it one of Ho Chi Minh City's most recognizable landmarks.
3
Central Post Office
Next, stop at this grand French colonial post office, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Step inside and explore the wooden phone booths, antique maps, and a working post office.
4
War Remants Museum
Check out this museum that tells the human side of the Vietnam War through photos, artifacts, and personal stories. Don't miss out seeing the outdoor display that includes captured American tanks, helicopters, and fighter jet before heading to a local restaurant for lunch.
5
Cu Chi Tunnels
4 activities
After lunch, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Step back in time with this underground network built by the Viet Cong army that stretches over 250km. Crawl through the narrow tunnels to get a firsthand feel of wartime survival. The site also features hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens, and even a makeshift hospital.
Highlights
1. Watching an introductory documentary
Included in price
Before exploring, sit down for a short but powerful film on the tunnels’ role in the Vietnam War. The footage offers real accounts of soldiers’ lives underground, giving valuable context to the site’s significance.
2. Crawl through the tunnels
Included in price
Experience the tight, dark, and winding underground network where Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought. The tunnels have been slightly widened for visitors, but they still give an authentic feel of the cramped wartime conditions.
3. Watch booby trap demonstrations
Included in price
See the traps used by the Viet Cong to defend their tunnels. Ranging from camouflaged spike pits to bamboo punji sticks, watch your guide demonstrate these traps that were designed to injure or capture enemy soldiers
4. Explore underground bunkers
Included in price
Peek inside command centers, kitchens, medical stations, and weapon storage areas in the tunnels. Learn how these soldiers lived for months underground, using smart tactics like smokeless cooking to avoid detection.
5. Try Wartime Food
Snacks
Get a taste of what Viet Cong soldiers survived on by sampling tea and boiled cassava with peanuts and sugar. This simple yet nutritious meal was a staple underground, sustaining troops when supplies were scarce.
6
END POINT
Ho Chi Minh City
Uncover wartime secrets at Cu Chi tunnels & explore Ho Chi Minh’s landmarks—guide & transfers.
- Everything you get: Enjoy round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh City and seamless entry to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Follow an expert guide through underground passages, uncovering Vietnam’s wartime past. Savor cassava with a local beverage and explore Ho Chi Minh’s iconic landmarks.
- Sights covered: Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels’ underground network, including hidden trapdoors, living quarters, field hospitals, & wartime weapon storage.
- Why choose this: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s historical landmarks and delve into the hidden underground world of the Cu Chi Tunnels for a compelling look at Vietnam’s history.
- Don’t miss: The Agent Orange Exhibit in the War Remnants Museum, which consists of photographs, preserved samples, and personal stories of those affected by the chemical warfare.
- Upgrades: Choose between a shared group tour for a social experience or a private group tour for a more personalized, intimate adventure.
Uncover wartime secrets at Cu Chi tunnels & explore Ho Chi Minh’s landmarks—guide & transfers.
- Everything you get: Enjoy round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh City and seamless entry to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Follow an expert guide through underground passages, uncovering Vietnam’s wartime past. Savor cassava with a local beverage and explore Ho Chi Minh’s iconic landmarks.
- Sights covered: Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels’ underground network, including hidden trapdoors, living quarters, field hospitals, & wartime weapon storage.
- Why choose this: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s historical landmarks and delve into the hidden underground world of the Cu Chi Tunnels for a compelling look at Vietnam’s history.
- Don’t miss: The Agent Orange Exhibit in the War Remnants Museum, which consists of photographs, preserved samples, and personal stories of those affected by the chemical warfare.
- Upgrades: Choose between a shared group tour for a social experience or a private group tour for a more personalized, intimate adventure.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City
- Shared group or private group (as per option selected)
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh city
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Cu Chi Tunnels
- Access to Independent Palace & Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Access to the Central Post Office & the War Remnants Museum
- Lunch (as per option selected)
- Cassava & tea
- Water bottle
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the vintage phone booths in the Central Post Office.
- The experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- This experience is not suitable for guests with mobility issues and claustrophobia as the terrain is uneven and the tunnels are very narrow.
- The tour includes pickup from certain hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. If your accommodation is outside the hotel pick-up area, head to the meet-up location provided.
- The pickup time for this tour is between 7:30am to 8 am.
- This tour can accommodate up to 12 persons.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Itinerary
START POINT
Ho Chi Minh City
Kickstart your afternoon tour with a smooth, hassle-free pickup from your hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Sit back and soak in the changing scenery as you leave the bustling city behind and take in the peaceful countryside. In just 90 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels.
1
Cu Chi Tunnels
4 activities
Step back in time with this underground network built by the Viet Cong army that stretches over 250km. Crawl through the narrow tunnels to get a firsthand feel of wartime survival. The site also features hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens, and even a makeshift hospital.
Highlights
1. Watching an introductory documentary
Included in price
Before exploring, sit down for a short but powerful film on the tunnels’ role in the Vietnam War. The footage offers real accounts of soldiers’ lives underground, giving valuable context to the site’s significance.
2. Crawl through the tunnels
Included in price
Experience the tight, dark, and winding underground network where Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought. The tunnels have been slightly widened for visitors, but they still give an authentic feel of the cramped wartime conditions.
3. Watch booby trap demonstrations
Included in price
See the traps used by the Viet Cong to defend their tunnels. Ranging from camouflaged spike pits to bamboo punji sticks, watch your guide demonstrate these traps that were designed to injure or capture enemy soldiers
4. Explore underground bunkers
Included in price
Peek inside command centers, kitchens, medical stations, and weapon storage areas in the tunnels. Learn how these soldiers lived for months underground, using smart tactics like smokeless cooking to avoid detection.
5. Try Wartime Food
Snacks
Get a taste of what Viet Cong soldiers survived on by sampling tea and boiled cassava with peanuts and sugar. This simple yet nutritious meal was a staple underground, sustaining troops when supplies were scarce.
2
END POINT
Ho Chi Minh City
Beat the heat and crowds—Cu Chi Tunnels afternoon tour with expert guide & cassava snack.
- Everything you get: Entry to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh City in an air-conditioned vehicle, insights from an expert guide on wartime survival tactics, and a traditional cassava tasting with a refreshing drink.
- Sights covered: The extensive network of underground tunnels, hidden trapdoors, living quarters, field hospitals, weapon storage rooms, and booby traps used during the war.
- Why choose this: Unlike morning tours, this afternoon tour offers you a quieter, less crowded experience—giving you more space and time to explore the tunnels at a comfortable pace.
- Don’t miss: The ventilation systems hidden in termite mounds that were created to protect them from enemy attacks and ensure ventilation in the tunnels.
Beat the heat and crowds—Cu Chi Tunnels afternoon tour with expert guide & cassava snack.
- Everything you get: Entry to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh City in an air-conditioned vehicle, insights from an expert guide on wartime survival tactics, and a traditional cassava tasting with a refreshing drink.
- Sights covered: The extensive network of underground tunnels, hidden trapdoors, living quarters, field hospitals, weapon storage rooms, and booby traps used during the war.
- Why choose this: Unlike morning tours, this afternoon tour offers you a quieter, less crowded experience—giving you more space and time to explore the tunnels at a comfortable pace.
- Don’t miss: The ventilation systems hidden in termite mounds that were created to protect them from enemy attacks and ensure ventilation in the tunnels.
Inclusions
- Half-day afternoon tour of Cu Chi Tunnels
- Small group
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh city
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cassava & beverage
- Water bottle
- Tip: Check out the shooting range near the tunnels, where you can try firing the old guns used in the war at an additional cost.
- The experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- This experience is not suitable for guests with mobility issues and claustrophobia as the terrain is uneven and the tunnels are very narrow.
- The tour includes pickup from certain hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. If your accommodation is outside the hotel pick-up area, head to the meet-up location provided.
- The pickup time for this tour is between 12:30pm to 12:45pm.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
START POINT
Ho Chi Minh City
Kickstart your adventure with a smooth, hassle-free pickup from your hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Sit back and soak in the changing scenery as you leave the bustling city behind and take in the peaceful countryside. In just 90 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels.
1
Cu Chi Tunnels
4 activities
Step back in time with this underground network built by the Viet Cong army that stretches over 250km. Crawl through the narrow tunnels to get a firsthand feel of wartime survival. The site also features hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens, and even a makeshift hospital.
Highlights
1. Watching an introductory documentary
Included in price
Before exploring, sit down for a short but powerful film on the tunnels’ role in the Vietnam War. The footage offers real accounts of soldiers’ lives underground, giving valuable context to the site’s significance.
2. Crawl through the tunnels
Included in price
Experience the tight, dark, and winding underground network where Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought. The tunnels have been slightly widened for visitors, but they still give an authentic feel of the cramped wartime conditions.
3. Watch booby trap demonstrations
Included in price
See the traps used by the Viet Cong to defend their tunnels. Ranging from camouflaged spike pits to bamboo punji sticks, watch your guide demonstrate these traps that were designed to injure or capture enemy soldiers
4. Explore underground bunkers
Included in price
Peek inside command centers, kitchens, medical stations, and weapon storage areas in the tunnels. Learn how these soldiers lived for months underground, using smart tactics like smokeless cooking to avoid detection.
5. Try Wartime Food
Snacks
Get a taste of what Viet Cong soldiers survived on by sampling tea and boiled cassava with peanuts and sugar. This simple yet nutritious meal was a staple underground, sustaining troops when supplies were scarce. Head on to a local restaurant for lunch.
2
Mekong Delta
3 activities
After lunch, head on to the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl'. Get to see lush green fields, swaying coconut trees, and wooden stilt houses line the waterways, offering a glimpse into a world far removed from the city.
Highlights
1. Boat ride on the Tien River
Included in price
Hop aboard a traditional wooden sampan boat and glide along the winding canals. Pass by floating houses, fishermen at work, and locals paddling between villages. Keep an eye out for vibrant river markets where traders sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
2. Visit a coconut candy workshop
Included in price
Stop by a small coconut candy workshop to see how Vietnam’s famous coconut candy is made. Watch as fresh coconuts are cracked open, pressed, and turned into sweet, chewy treats. And yes, you get to sample them straight from the source!
3. Listen to traditional folk music
Included in price
Enjoy a live performance of Đờn Ca Tài Tử, a soulful folk music genre unique to southern Vietnam. The melodies, often played on traditional string instruments, tell stories of love, history, and daily life in the Delta.
3
END POINT
Ho Chi Minh City
Dive into history at Cu Chi tunnels then explore the Mekong Delta with lunch, a boat ride, & more.
- Everything you’ll get: Experience Vietnam’s history and culture on this full-day Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta tour. Enjoy round-trip transfers from Ho Chi Minh City in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided tunnel exploration, and a cassava tasting with a refreshing drink. Stop for a local lunch, cruise along the Tien River, enjoy traditional folk music, and sample seasonal fruits and honey tea in the Mekong Delta.
- Sights covered: The extensive network of underground tunnels, hidden trapdoors, living quarters, weapon storage, Mekong Delta, featuring motorboat and rowing boat rides through the river's canals, coconut candy factory, traditional Vietnamese folk music performances.
- Why choose this: Explore Vietnam’s wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels get a closer look at everyday life in the Mekong Delta—all in one full-day tour.
- Don’t miss: The local vendors selling fresh and colorful fruits, vegetables, and produce from the floating markets.
- Upgrades: Choose a private tour for a customized, exclusive experience for your group.
Dive into history at Cu Chi tunnels then explore the Mekong Delta with lunch, a boat ride, & more.
- Everything you’ll get: Experience Vietnam’s history and culture on this full-day Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta tour. Enjoy round-trip transfers from Ho Chi Minh City in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided tunnel exploration, and a cassava tasting with a refreshing drink. Stop for a local lunch, cruise along the Tien River, enjoy traditional folk music, and sample seasonal fruits and honey tea in the Mekong Delta.
- Sights covered: The extensive network of underground tunnels, hidden trapdoors, living quarters, weapon storage, Mekong Delta, featuring motorboat and rowing boat rides through the river's canals, coconut candy factory, traditional Vietnamese folk music performances.
- Why choose this: Explore Vietnam’s wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels get a closer look at everyday life in the Mekong Delta—all in one full-day tour.
- Don’t miss: The local vendors selling fresh and colorful fruits, vegetables, and produce from the floating markets.
- Upgrades: Choose a private tour for a customized, exclusive experience for your group.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta
- Shared group or private tour of Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta (as per option selected)
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Ho Chi Minh city
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Entry to Cu Chi Tunnels
- Access to Mekong Delta
- Boat ride on Tien River
- Vietnamese folk music performance
- Lunch
- Seasonal fruits & coconut candy
- Cassava & tea
- Water bottle
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the traditional Vietnamese conical hats and stilted houses on the riverbank that were made to withstand seasonal floods.
- The experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- This experience is not suitable for guests with mobility issues and claustrophobia as the terrain is uneven and the tunnels are very narrow.
- The tour includes pickup from certain hotels in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. If your accommodation is outside the hotel pick-up area, head to the meet-up location provided.
- The pickup time for this tour is between 6:30am to 6:45 am.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Inside the Cu Chi Tunnels
Get ready to step into a hidden world beneath the jungle at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here’s what you can expect to see and do inside the tunnels:
- Crawl through sections of the original 250-kilometer tunnel network.
- View the hidden trapdoors used by the soldiers to disappear in seconds.
- Visit the underground bunkers, command center, and kitchens.
Cu Chi Tunnels tour: Tickets explained
Cu Chi Tunnels half-day guided tour
Explore the famous war tunnels on a quick and flexible trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
- Duration: 5 - 6 hours
- Options: Morning or afternoon departure
- Includes: Round-trip hotel transfers, Cu Chi Tunnel entry, Expert English-speaking guide, Boiled cassava + tea (local snack)
- Tour Type: Guided
- Upgrade options: Private tour for a tailored experience. Small or big group tour based on your budget and preference
- Best for: Travelers short on time who want a convenient, authentic intro to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Recommended experiences
- Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Morning Guided Tour
- Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Afternoon Guided Tour
Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta full-day tour
Combine two must-see experiences—Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta—on a guided day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
- Duration: 9 - 10 hours
- Includes: Round-trip hotel transfers, Cu Chi Tunnels entry, lunch, boat ride on Tien River.
- Tour Type: Guided
- Best for: Travelers looking to experience both Vietnam’s wartime history and rural river life in one day.
Recommended experiences
- Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
Cu Chi Tunnels + Ho Chi Minh City full-day tour
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and top Ho Chi Minh City landmarks on a guided day trip.
- Duration: 9 - 10 hours
- Includes: Round-trip hotel transfers, Cu Chi Tunnels entry, and access to Independent Palace & the War Remnants Museum.
- Tour Type: Guided
Best for: Travelers who want an efficient yet immersive experience of the Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City’s must-see sites.
Recommended experiences
- Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Full-Day Tour
Cu Chi Tunnels: A quick overview
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a massive underground network built in the 1940s to resist the French, then expanded during the Vietnam War. Stretching over 250 kilometers and reaching depths of up to 10 meters, they played a crucial role in wartime survival and strategy.
- Hidden kitchens, command centers, hospitals, and sleeping areas underground.
- Camouflaged trapdoors for surprise attacks and quick escapes.
- Extensive network of tunnels, bunkers, and escape routes.
- Deep shelters that protected soldiers during heavy bombings.
Must-see highlights of the Cu Chi Tunnels
War documentary
Plan your visit
Timings & Best time to visit
Getting there
Rules
Tips
Facilities
Dining
Accessibility
Timings
Cu Chi Tunnels are open daily from 7am to 5pm, including weekends and public holidays.
Best time to visit
- Dry season (December – April): This is the best time to visit Cu Chi Tunnels due to clearer skies, low humidity, and cooler mornings. It is ideal for walking the forest trails, exploring the tunnels, and enjoying guided tours without weather interruptions.
- Wet season (May – November): Rainfall is more frequent, especially from June to August, making some paths muddy and tunnel crawling a bit slippery. However, the lush forests and fewer crowds create a quieter, more peaceful experience.
- Distance from Ho Chi Minh City: 44 kilometers
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- By bus: Take bus 13 from Ho Chi Minh Bus Station to Cu Chi Station, then transfer to bus 63 for Ben Dinh, or bus 79 for Ben Duoc.
- By taxi/car: A private taxi or car takes 1.5 to 2 hours and costs 650,000–800,000 VND. Book via Grab or trusted services like Mai Linh and Vinasun for a smooth ride.
- By tour: Many operators offer half-day or full-day tours with guides, hotel transfers, and lunch.
- By speedboat: A scenic 1.5-hour speedboat ride along the Saigon River with guided tours, light meals, and transfers included.
- Smoking is prohibited as the area is surrounded by dry foliage and wooden structures.
- Some sections like the memorials or live demonstrations may not allow photography. Check with your guide before snapping pictures.
- Keep your children close during the visit due to their layout and to ensure their safety.
- Follow your guide to safely navigate the tunnels and avoid getting lost.
- Wear light, breathable clothes and closed shoes as you'll be walking, crawling, and crouching in the tunnels.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the heat, especially during the dry season (December to April).
- The tunnel crawl is short, but it’s hot, dark, and cramped. If you have claustrophobia, high blood pressure, breathing or mobility issues, you can skip the tunnel crawl and explore the above-ground exhibits instead.
- Afternoon tours are less rushed, but mornings tend to have cooler weather and quieter conditions. You’ll also get back to the city earlier.
- Restrooms: Clean and free-to-use toilets are available at the entrance and throughout the site.
- Cafés & snack stalls: Small cafés offer refreshments like drinks and light snacks, including the traditional boiled tapioca and jasmine tea.
- Souvenir shops: Vendors sell war-themed memorabilia, local crafts, and other souvenirs near the main entrance and exit areas.
- Seating areas: Benches and shaded spots are available for rest throughout the area.
- Picnic areas: Designated spots with seating and shade where families and groups can relax and enjoy meals in nature.
- Swimming pool: Take a refreshing break after exploring the tunnels at the large swimming pool designed to resemble the East Sea.
- On-Site Restaurant: Tucked inside the tunnel complex, this eatery serves traditional dishes like boiled cassava and green tea, letting you experience what Viet Cong soldiers once ate during the war.
- Benaras Cu Chi: This restaurant dishes out rich Indian curries, buttery naan, and spiced biryanis just minutes from the tunnels. It’s cozy, vegetarian-friendly, and ideal for families wanting a taste of home.
- Ben Nay Restaurant: Perched along a quiet riverbank, this restaurant offers grilled meats, seafood, and hotpot in charming bamboo huts. It’s the kind of place where the food is fresh and the views do the talking.
- HCM Villages Restaurant: Just 10 km away from the tunnels, this garden-style restaurant prepares dishes with fresh, local ingredients and serves them in traditional wooden pavilions, perfect for unwinding after your tunnel tour.
- The tunnels are not wheelchair or stroller-friendly due to the unpaved and uneven terrain.
- Ben Dinh is more tourist-friendly due to the wider tunnels, better signage and easier access to facilities. On the other hand, Ben Duoc has deeper and narrower tunnels, which make it more authentic but less accessible to tourists.
- The tunnels are narrow, dark, humid, and require crawling and crouching, making them unsuitable for pregnant women and guests with claustrophobia, heart, respiratory, and mobility issues.
Places to explore near Cu Chi Tunnels
Hoang Cam Kitchen
Step inside the underground kitchen used by Viet Cong soldiers to cook in secret. See how smoke was redirected to avoid detection by enemy forces, giving you a fascinating look at wartime survival and daily underground life.
Frequently asked questions about the Cu Chi Tunnels tour
How long does a typical Cu Chi Tunnels tour last?
Most guided tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels last approximately 5 to 6 hours, including travel time from Ho Chi Minh City. However, if you are looking to spend more time at the tunnels or combine it with other attractions, opt for the Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full Day Tour or Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Full-Day Tour.
Are the tunnels safe and suitable for everyone?
While the tunnels have been reinforced for safety, they are narrow. Visitors with mobility issues or claustrophobia may choose to stay above ground, where they can explore the exhibits and informative displays.
How far are the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?
The tunnels are approximately 30 to 40 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Travel time varies depending on traffic and the mode of transport but it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
Is there a private tour option available?
Yes, you can opt for the private group option in the Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Morning Guided Tour tour if you're looking for a more personalized experience or traveling with a family or group.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly visitors?
The site is mostly accessible, but some areas involve walking on uneven ground or crouching in low tunnels. Most children find it fascinating, and seniors often enjoy the historical aspects and outdoor walk.
Is photography allowed at the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos above ground and in the museum areas. However, flash photography may be restricted inside the tunnels. Look at the signs or check in with your guides for more information.
Are there any interactive exhibits or activities?
Yes, the tour usually involves crawling through tunnels, seeing recreated booby traps, and even visiting a shooting range where you can fire historical weapons under supervision (at an additional cost).
Is there Wi-Fi or mobile signal at the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Mobile and Wi-Fi signals can be spotty in certain areas. It is recommended to download maps and content beforehand to help you enjoy the offline experience.
Are there restroom facilities at the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Yes, there are clean, basic restrooms at both the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc tunnel sites. They are functional, but it is recommended to carry tissues and hand sanitizer just in case!
How far in advance should I book my tour?
During peak travel season (December–April), book at least 2–3 days in advance to secure your preferred time slot or small group option. Last-minute bookings are possible but risk limited availability.