Hochiminh City






























































From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+
Marayo@Maryo Bin Ngasio
MY

Marayo@maryo

Malaysia
Aug 2025
5/5
Our guide Ms Niki fetched us at the hotel on time at 7.45 am. Traveling to the Cu Chi Tunnel site took us about two hours. It was an exciting activity and to make it more interesting and sleepless, along the way through the journey our guide gave us a non-stop 2 hour talk about the history of Vietnam and briefed us about the tunnel. I took the challenge of going into the small, a foot square size hole underground tunnel. A scary but an interesting head out experience.
Rafael

Rafael

Mar 2025
5/5
Honestly, one of the best tours I’ve done. Our guide, Quang, was hilarious and knew everything. Crawling through the tunnels is a unique challenge—DO IT! Don’t miss the shooting range at the end.
Mohammed

Mohammed

May 2025
5/5
Best part of our Vietnam trip! Phong (our guide) was super knowledgeable and even remembered everyone’s names. Loved the food tasting on the Mekong island. Bring insect spray, the mosquitoes are relentless.
Mikael

Mikael

Apr 2025
5/5
Epic day! Tunnels are a must-see, even if you’re a bit claustrophobic. The Mekong part was beautiful. Thanks to our guide for making it fun.
Oliver

Oliver

Jun 2019
5/5
Went with my mum, we both loved it. Guide was super energetic, made us laugh. Tunnels were a challenge (I’m tall) but worth it. Lunch was tasty. Would recommend.
Laura

Laura

Jun 2019
4/5
We went as a couple, both loved it. Weather was boiling but there’s some shade in the main area. Guide was informative, answered everyone’s questions. The tunnels themselves are something you have to see to believe. Would do again.
Elsa

Elsa

Oct 2024
5/5
Went with friends, we all learned a ton. The tunnels are a tight squeeze but worth it. Guide even gave us tips for other things to do in HCM.
Jorge

Jorge

Sep 2024
5/5
Fantastic tour, learned so much about the history. The tunnels were a highlight. Would recommend to anyone visiting HCM.

Cu Chi Tunnels tour: Explore Vietnam’s wartime underground network 

Inside the Cu Chi Tunnels

Man exploring Cu Chi Tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

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.

Things to know before booking your Cu Chi Tunnels tour

  • Morning vs. afternoon tours: Half-day tours run about 5–6 hours. Morning tours are cooler, less crowded, and great if you like early starts. Afternoon tours offer a slower pace and let you sleep in.
  • Traveling with family? The full-day Cu Chi + Mekong Delta tour is a great choice. You’ll explore the countryside, ride boats, and visit local villages — fun and educational for all ages.
  • History buff? Go for the Cu Chi + Ho Chi Minh City full-day tour. It’s a deep dive into Vietnam’s wartime history, culture, and markets — all in one trip.
  • Private vs. shared tours: Private tours offer more flexibility and a personalized pace. Shared group tours are budget-friendly and a great way to meet fellow travelers — still fully guided and well-organized.
  • Accessibility tips: Parts of the tunnels are narrow and humid. If you’re claustrophobic or have knee/back issues, stick to the surface-level exhibits and catch the on-site documentary instead.

Cu Chi Tunnels tour: Tickets explained

Tour group with guide exploring kitchen area in Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City.

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
People on motorboat exploring Mekong Delta, Vietnam, surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters.

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
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica with bustling Ho Chi Minh City street scene.

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

Visitors observing booby trap demonstration at Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City.

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

Film room at Cu Chi Tunnels showcasing historical footage, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Young male tourist exploring Cu Chi tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Guide demonstrating booby trap mechanism at Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Tour group with guide in Cu Chi tunnel kitchen, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Experience the firing range at Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Duoc Temple entrance with intricate carvings, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City
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War documentary

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.

Tunnel crawl experience

Crawl through the narrow, dark, and surprisingly intense tunnels. Feel the tight spaces and imagine what life underground was really like for the soldiers.

Booby trap demonstrations

Watch guides give live demos of punji pits, swinging spikes, and other deadly traps used by the Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Underground command & kitchens

Explore reconstructed underground meeting rooms, kitchens, and sleeping quarters. Learn how smoke was hidden, food was cooked, and plans were made—all below the surface.

Firing range

For some extra thrill, head to the firing range and shoot real Vietnam War-era weapons like the AK-47 or M16. Supervised and safe, it comes at an additional cost.

Ben Duoc Memorial Temple

Pay your respects at the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, built to honor the lives lost in the war. Check out the lotus ponds and the central altar engraved with the names of over 40,000 soldiers.

Did you know?

The Cu Chi Tunnels have two entrances: Ben Dinh, closer to Ho Chi Minh City with wider, reconstructed tunnels for tourists, and Ben Duoc, farther out with original layouts, fewer crowds, and the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple.

Plan your visit

Tour group exploring Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

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.
No smoking
  • 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.
Man standing in Cu Chi Tunnel holding cover, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
  • 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.
Visitors resting at Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
  • 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.
Traditional Indian cuisine with various dishes and spices displayed on a table.
  • 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.
Visitors entering Cu Chi tunnel with guide in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
  • 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

Cu Chi Tunnels kitchen area with traditional cooking setup, Ho Chi Minh City
Monkey at Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station
Cao Dai Temple with colorful facade and intricate architecture in Tay Ninh province, near Ho Chi Minh City.
Rice paper drying on bamboo racks in a rural Vietnamese village
Tourists in a boat rowed by a woman on the Mekong River, My Tho, Vietnam
Ba Den Mountain cable car ride, Tay Ninh province, Vietnam, showcasing scenic views and lush greenery.
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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.

Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station

Get up close with rescued pangolins, bears, and monkeys at this ethical conservation center. Located just 15 minutes from the tunnels, this spot is great for families and animal lovers looking to support local wildlife efforts.

Cao Dai Temple

Visit the colorful Holy See of the Cao Dai religion, just 1.5 hours from Cu Chi. With dragon columns, bright mosaics, and daily noon ceremonies, it’s a feast for the eyes and spirit.

Cu Chi Rice Paper Village

See how Vietnam’s famous rice paper is made by hand in a traditional village setting. Watch locals drying sheets in the sun and try your own roll, just the perfect stop for cultural enthusiasts and foodies.

My Tho

Just a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Cu Chi, the gateway to the Mekong Delta features fruit orchards and traditional music shows. Take a ride on a sampan as you cruise along canals and visit islets like Unicorn Island.

Ba Den Mountain

Located in Tay Ninh, this is southern Vietnam’s highest peak with panoramic views and a scenic cable car ride. Climb or glide to the top and visit pagodas along the way, ideal for hikers, nature lovers, and spiritual travelers.

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.

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