Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels – Step Into Vietnam’s War History Underground

Journey underground at the Cu Chi Tunnels with our travel guide—learn about their wartime history, top tours and practical tips for visiting responsibly.

Introduction to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Just 60 kilometres northwest of Ho Chi Minh City lies one of Vietnam’s most poignant war relics: the Cu Chi Tunnels. This elaborate network of underground passages once stretched over 250 kilometres, connecting hideouts, hospitals, supply routes and command centres. Here, Vietnamese resistance fighters lived, worked and prepared for battle right beneath the feet of their enemies.

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is not only an exploration of ingenious engineering but also a chance to appreciate Vietnam’s resilience. In this visit the cu chi tunnels guide, we offer a respectful introduction to the site, explain what to expect and show how GrandViet Tour can provide context and convenience.

Hidden tunnel entrance camouflaged among tree roots - Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels – Key Highlights

The tunnels were hand-dug in the late 1940s and expanded during the Vietnam War. By the 1960s, the network linked Viet Cong bases across the Cu Chi district and reached the Cambodian border[1]. At their peak, they housed living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, schools, ammunition depots and workshops. Today, two sections are open to visitors: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Each offers unique experiences:

● Ben Dinh: The more developed site, located closer to Ho Chi Minh City. Replica tunnels allow visitors to crawl through widened sections suitable for tourists. Exhibits display booby traps and tunnels of various depths.

● Ben Duoc: Situated farther out but less crowded. Here you’ll find original tunnels with narrower passages, a poignant memorial temple and a forested landscape providing a sense of isolation.

● Tunnel Crawling: Visitors can navigate short stretches of tunnel to feel how fighters lived underground.

● Trap Demonstrations: Guides explain the ingenuity behind concealed pits, spike traps and swing doors used to outsmart enemy soldiers.

● Firing Range: An onsite range allows visitors to fire historical rifles under supervision (optional and for an additional fee).

● Cultural Encounters: Meet locals who grew up in the area, taste cassava dipped in crushed peanuts (a wartime staple) and learn how smoke from underground kitchens was dispersed to avoid detection.

Exploring these features helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s wartime hardship and ingenuity when Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Guide demonstrating bamboo spike traps used during wartime - Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

When to Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels (Weather & Seasons)

Southern Vietnam has two distinct seasons:

● Dry Season (December–April): Temperatures range from 28–35 °C. Dry conditions make walking and crawling through tunnels comfortable, though midday heat can be intense.

● Wet Season (May–November): Tropical rains cool the air but can make trails muddy. The forest is lush green, and the tunnels remain accessible since they were designed to stay dry.

Most travellers prefer early mornings or late afternoons to avoid midday heat and large groups. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Forest trails at Ben Duoc remain shaded and tranquil - Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Top Experiences & Itineraries when Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Half-Day Tour (Ben Dinh)

Ideal for those with limited time. Depart Ho Chi Minh City in the morning, watch a documentary film about the war, explore Ben Dinh tunnels, view booby trap displays and sample cassava. You’ll return to the city by early afternoon.

Full-Day Tour (Ben Duoc & Countryside)

Extend your trip by visiting the less-touristy Ben Duoc. Enjoy a scenic drive through rubber plantations and rice fields, explore the memorial temple and crawl through authentic tunnels. Many tours include stops at a local lacquerware workshop or rice paper factory.

River Cruise & Night Tour

For a different perspective, take a speedboat on the Saigon River to reach Cu Chi. This tour avoids road traffic and provides river views of villages and mangroves. Evening tours offer cooler temperatures and atmospheric lighting around the tunnels.

Combo Tours

Combine Cu Chi with other destinations. Popular pairings include the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City tour, Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh or a Vietnam War Remnants Museum visit. GrandViet Tour crafts custom itineraries for deeper exploration of southern Vietnam.

Visitors experiencing a section of the tunnel complex

How to Get There (From Ho Chi Minh City & Other Hubs)

The tunnels are approximately 60–70 km (depending on the section) from the city centre. Travel options include:

● Private Car/Van: The most comfortable and flexible option. A driver will pick you up at your hotel and navigate the traffic. Travel time is about 1.5–2 hours.

● Group Tour Bus: Affordable and social. Buses depart from Pham Ngu Lao Street and include a guide.

● Speedboat: Fastest route via the Saigon River (about 1 hour). Enjoy scenic views and a breeze.

● Motorbike or Taxi: Adventurous travellers can ride a rented motorbike or hire a taxi, though traffic and road conditions require caution.

GrandViet Tour provides safe, air-conditioned transport and professional guides who share historical context along the journey when you Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Where to Stay (Ho Chi Minh City & Nearby)

Most visitors return to Ho Chi Minh City after touring Cu Chi. Accommodations range from luxury hotels like the Park Hyatt Saigon and Reverie Saigon to budget hostels in District 1. Staying in the city offers access to restaurants, nightlife and museums.

If you prefer the countryside, consider:

● Eco‑Lodges & Homestays: Some rural lodges near Ben Duoc provide quiet escapes surrounded by rice fields. They are ideal for relaxing after a day of history.

● Tay Ninh Guesthouses: Combining Cu Chi with a visit to Cao Dai Temple? Stay overnight in Tay Ninh to attend the noon ceremony.

Our GrandViet Tour packages can include accommodation bookings tailored to your itinerary and comfort level.

Simple countryside homestay near the tunnel complex

Travel Tips, Costs & Etiquette

Entrance Fees: Tickets cost around 110,000–150,000 VND (4–6 USD). Additional fees apply for the firing range and speedboat transfers.
What to Wear: Lightweight clothing, closed-toe shoes, a hat and insect repellent. The tunnels can be narrow and hot, so avoid large backpacks.
Health Considerations: If you suffer from claustrophobia or respiratory issues, you may choose to skip crawling through tunnels. There are outdoor exhibits to enjoy instead.
Photography: Respect signs indicating where photography is allowed. Avoid using flash inside tunnels to preserve the environment and be mindful of veteran visitors.
Cultural Sensitivity: The tunnels are a memorial site. Speak quietly during film screenings and treat wartime artifacts with respect.

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels with GrandViet Tour ensures you have a knowledgeable guide to answer questions, translate local stories and provide context beyond the displays.

Why Travel with GrandViet Tour

At GrandViet Tour, we believe history should be experienced with sensitivity. Our guides are trained to explain the Cu Chi Tunnels’ historical significance while honouring the sacrifices made here. We offer multiple tour options—group excursions, private tours, river cruises and combined packages—so you can choose the pace and depth that suit you. Our itineraries emphasise responsible tourism by supporting local guides, minimising environmental impact and providing accurate information. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels with us to gain a profound appreciation of Vietnam’s resilience.

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FAQs

Q1: How long is the Cu Chi Tunnel network?
A1: At its peak, the tunnels stretched over 250 kilometres, connecting hideouts and supply routes across the region.

Q2: Are the tunnels safe to visit?
A2: Yes. Visitor sections are reinforced and widened. However, those with claustrophobia can stay above ground and still learn from the exhibits.

Q3: Which section should I visit—Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc?
A3: Ben Dinh is closer and offers replicas suitable for tourists. Ben Duoc is quieter and includes original tunnels plus a memorial temple.

Q4: What should I bring?
A4: Wear closed shoes and light clothing. Bring cash for entrance fees and optional shooting range activities, along with water, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Q5: Can I combine Cu Chi with other attractions?
A5: Absolutely. Popular combinations include the Mekong Delta, Cao Dai Temple and Ho Chi Minh City tours. GrandViet Tour arranges customised packages.

Q6: Are guides necessary?
A6: While you can visit independently, a knowledgeable guide enriches the experience by explaining tunnel architecture, wartime strategies and local culture.

Q7: Why choose GrandViet Tour?
A7: We prioritise historical accuracy, safety and local partnerships. Our tours provide context, compassion and convenience.