Vietnam Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

It takes at least one and a half to two hours to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are roughly 40 kilometers from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.Most tourists take the bus, car, or minivan to Cu Chi Tunnels. Definitely, a private vehicle is the best if you want to avoid crowds or have a flexible schedule.

Taking a speedboat down the Saigon River is another unusual way to get to Cu Chi. Beautiful views of everyday river life can be seen during this 1.5-hour journey. Although it costs a little more, you get to enjoy a leisurely ride before you explore the tunnels. In order to see more of the countryside, our guests frequently like to combine road and river options. Whatever way you choose, booking a tour helps you remove the stress of arranging transportation.

Yes, visitors are welcome to tour parts of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Some tunnels have been widened to make them safe. You can crawl through brief sections of the tunnel to experience what life was like underground, typically between 20 and 100 meters. Although it can be a little dim and small, you can leave at any time because there are exits every few meters.

The site features outdoor displays that depict weapons, underground meeting rooms, and trapdoors in addition to accessing the tunnels. A lot of tours come with an English-speaking guide who tells stories and explains the history, adding significance to the trip. You can still learn a lot if you don't want to crawl. Touring the tunnels is one of the most unique ways to understand Vietnam’s war history.

Because the tunnels involve walking, bending, and sometimes crawling, comfortable clothes are the best choice. Light, breathable fabrics such as cotton help you stay cool in the hot and humid weather. Closed-toe shoes or sneakers are strongly recommended because the ground is uneven and dusty.

Dresses, skirts, and sandals should be avoided because it's difficult to move through the tunnels. Since you will be walking in the sun both before and after the tunnel visit, a hat and sunscreen are helpful for the outdoor portions. To stay hydrated, it's also a good idea to bring along a small bottle of water. It will be easier and more pleasurable if you dress comfortably for a morning or afternoon tour.

Most visitors spend about half a day on a Cu Chi Tunnels tour. From Ho Chi Minh City, the travel time is around 1.5–2 hours each way, and you will usually spend 2–3 hours at the site itself. This allows you to watch the introduction video, walk around the exhibits, and try out the tunnels at a comfortable pace.

If you have short time in Saigon, a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels is enough. For travelers who want combine Cu Chi with other attractions, like the Mekong Delta or city highlights, a full-day trip is a good choice.

The most popular tourist destination is Ben Dinh. Visiting Ben Dinh only costs short time because it is easier to get from Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Dinh's tunnels are easier to crawl because they are a little wider than Ben Duoc. However, it can also be crowded.

Ben Duoc, on the other hand, is less busy and feels more authentic.The experience is more realistic because the tunnels are more like their original size. Although it is more distant from the city, many people think the extra drive is worthwhile. Ben Dinh might be a better option for families with children or those seeking something simpler. Ben Duoc is the best option for tourists seeking a more authentic and less touristy experience. We help our guests decide based on comfort and time.

The most famous and accessible place to see tunnels in Vietnam is Cu Chi, just outside Ho Chi Minh City. Both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc offer visitors a clear view of how the underground network worked during the war. This is why Cu Chi is included in almost every Saigon tour.

There are other tunnel sites in central Vietnam, such as the Vinh Moc Tunnels in Quang Tri Province. These were used by villagers to survive bombings and are much larger than Cu Chi. They give a different aspect on life during the war. However, for most travelers, Cu Chi is the easiest and most practical choice.

Yes, travelers can feel hot and stuffy inside the tunnels, because they are narrow and located in underground. The temperature in tunnels rises quickly. Many visitors find crawling through even short sections enough to experience the feeling.

That said, you don’t need to worry too much. The tunnels have exits every few meters, and guides always encourage guests to come out if they feel uncomfortable. Most people only spend a few minutes underground before returning to the ground. If you are sensitive to heat, you can still enjoy the outdoor parts of the site.

If you prefer not to crawl underground but still want to learn about Vietnam’s war history, there are excellent alternatives. The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular options. It has powerful exhibits, photographs, and stories that give you a deep understanding of the Vietnam War.

Another option is visiting the Vinh Moc Tunnels in central Vietnam. These tunnels are larger and were used by entire families during the war. They are less touristy and give you a different perspective compared to Cu Chi. Whichever you choose, both sites allow you to connect with history in meaningful ways.

Yes, children can join a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, but it depends on their age and comfort level. Many kids enjoy the outdoor displays, such as seeing tanks, weapons, and learning about traps. These areas are safe and easy to explore.

When it comes to crawling through the tunnels, some children may find it exciting, while others may feel uncomfortable in the dark and narrow spaces. Parents can let kids try shorter sections and avoid longer ones. Guides are very flexible and always help families adjust the experience. With the right planning, the Cu Chi Tunnels can be educational and fun for children, offering them a chance to learn history in an interactive way.