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Cu Chi Tunnels location guide: Getting there, top sights nearby & more

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of Vietnam’s most iconic historical landmarks, located in Cu Chi District, about 60 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Once part of an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War, the tunnels now offer visitors a fascinating look into wartime ingenuity and resilience. Whether you’re planning a quick half-day tour or a full-day exploration, here’s your essential guide to getting there and making the most of your visit.

Where are Cu Chi Tunnels located & how to get there

Narrow passage inside Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam, dimly lit with warm lights.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of Vietnam’s most remarkable historical sites, located about 60 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This underground network stretches beneath the Cu Chi District and once served as a vital base for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Today, visitors can explore restored tunnel sections, view wartime artifacts, and experience life underground through guided tours and exhibits.

Address: Phú Hiệp, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Find on Map.

Female guest enjoying car transfer from Tirana, looking out the window.
  • By bus: Public buses run from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi. Take Bus 13 from Ben Thanh Station to Cu Chi Bus Station, then transfer to Bus 79, which stops near the Ben Dinh tunnel site. The full journey takes around 2.5 hours.
  • By guided tour: The most convenient way to visit is by joining a half-day or full-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour from Ho Chi Minh City. These tours include round-trip transfers, entrance fees, and a guided exploration of either the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc tunnel sites, sometimes combined with nearby attractions like the Mekong Delta.
  • By car: Cu Chi is about 1.5 hours (60 km) from central Ho Chi Minh City via National Highway 22. You can rent a private car, taxi, or motorbike for more flexibility. Parking is available at both main tunnel sites.

Your route from Ho Chi Minh City to CC Tunnels

Tour group with guide in Cu Chi tunnel kitchen, observing traditional cooking methods.
  • Price: Starting from VND 400,000
  • Duration: 5–12 hours 
  • Overview: Travel 60 km northwest from Ho Chi Minh City through scenic countryside, rubber plantations, and rice fields to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels. Morning and afternoon departures from central hotels include air-conditioned transport and a knowledgeable guide for a smooth, comfortable trip.
  • Experience: Explore the underground network that once sheltered Viet Cong soldiers. Crawl through reconstructed tunnels, see clever traps and hidden entrances, and learn about wartime life through engaging exhibits. Some tours also combine a visit to the Mekong Delta or Ho Chi Minh city landmarks for a full-day experience.

Tips for planning your route to Cu Chi Tunnels 

  • Choose your route: The most direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels is via National Highway 22, passing through rural villages, rubber plantations, and rice fields. It’s a pleasant drive that offers a glimpse of local life outside the city.
  • Opt for guided transfers: Joining an organized tour is the easiest option—most include round-trip hotel transfers, entrance tickets, and a guide who explains the history in detail.
  • Self-drive with caution: If renting a car or motorbike, be prepared for busy traffic leaving the city and narrow rural roads near Cu Chi. Use Google Maps or Grab Maps for accurate navigation.
  • Fuel and rest stops: If you’re driving, fill up in Ho Chi Minh City before you leave. There are a few small cafés and roadside stalls along the way—perfect for a short break or a Vietnamese coffee stop.
  • Avoid late-night travel: The final stretch near Cu Chi passes through quieter rural areas with limited lighting. It’s best to plan your return before sunset for safety and clearer visibility.

Things to do around Cu Chi Tunnels

Cao Dai Temple with colorful facade and towers in Tay Ninh province, near Ho Chi Minh City.

Cao Dai Temple (Tay Ninh)

About 90 minutes from Cu Chi, this colorful temple showcases Vietnam’s unique Cao Dai faith, a fusion of Eastern and Western religions with daily prayer ceremonies.

Ba Den Mountain temple complex with large statue at sunset, Tay Ninh, Vietnam.
Ben Duoc Temple entrance with intricate carvings, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Serving Pad Thai at a street food stall in Thailand.
Langur monkeys behind a fence at Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station, Vietnam.

Read More

Tour group with guide learning about kitchen works during war at Cu Chi Tunnel, Vietnam.

Guided Tours

Tour group examining maps at Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam.

Plan Your Visit

Film room with benches and screens at Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam.

Timings

Stairs inside Cu Chi Tunnels with a guide leading a private tour.

History

Frequently asked questions about Cu Chi Tunnels location

What’s the best way to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?

The tunnels are about 60 km northwest of the city, roughly a 1.5–2-hour drive. You can join a guided tour with hotel pickup, hire a private car, or travel independently by motorbike or bus. Guided tours are the most convenient and informative option.

Can I take a taxi or rideshare to the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes, but it can be expensive for a round trip. Taxis or Grab cars are available, and many visitors use them for private day trips. Agree on a return fare or request a round-trip booking to avoid delays finding a ride back.

Is public transport available to Cu Chi?

Yes. From Ben Thanh Bus Station, take Bus 13 to Cu Chi Bus Station, then transfer to Bus 79 to reach the Ben Dinh site. The journey takes around 2.5 hours each way.

Can I drive there myself?

Absolutely. The route via National Highway 22 (QL22) and TL15 is straightforward, with signboards leading to both tunnel sites. Ensure you fuel up in the city and use Google Maps for navigation.

Is parking available at the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes. Both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc have secure parking for cars, buses, and motorbikes near the main entrances.

Are there food and rest stops along the way?

Yes. You’ll find small cafés, petrol stations, and rest areas along QL22 and TL15. Many tours include a lunch stop at a local Vietnamese restaurant en route.

Is the Cu Chi Tunnels site accessible for people with disabilities?

Access to some areas may be limited due to uneven terrain and narrow tunnels. However, surface-level exhibits and outdoor areas are wheelchair accessible. Ask your guide for suitable routes.

Are EV charging stations or petrol pumps nearby?

There are no EV charging points near the tunnels. Petrol stations are available along QL22 and TL15, so it’s best to refuel before leaving Ho Chi Minh City.