The Củ Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. They served as hiding spots, living quarters, supply routes, and even hospitals for the Communist Vietnamese fights. Visiting the tunnels is a fascinating (and sobering) look into Vietnam’s wartime history.
Located about 60 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the tunnels can be visited in half a day or as part of a full-day tour combined with other attractions.
Want to read more about Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)? You can read my full itinerary HERE.
- What to See & Do at the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Important Visitor Information for the Cu Chi Tunnels
- How to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels from HCMC (Saigon)
What to See & Do at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Documentary Film
Start with a short film explaining the history of the tunnels and the Vietnam War context. At the time the Vietnam War broke out, Vietnam was two countries (Communist in the North, and an American supported government in the South). It’s in the Cu Chi area jungles that the Vietnamese Communists (Viet Cong) built tunnels to hide from the bombing of the American/South Vietnamese forces. Ultimately the South Vietnamese cause was lost, and today Vietnam is re-unified as a Communist country.
Tunnel Systems
Crawl through sections of the tunnels (20–100 meters), but be warned, they are narrow, dark, and a bit claustrophobic! The tunnels have been widened for tourists, but you cannot stand in them and have to squat your way through.
Top Tip: If you’re tall or claustrophobic, consider whether going in the tunnels is the right choice for you. You will still get a lot from the experience even if you don’t go down.
We had 10 people in our mini tour group. Of the 10, 6 of the group went through the narrow tunnels, but only 1 managed the full 100 metres. My husband at 6ft3 and 100kg couldn’t even get through the entrance, and it was too claustrophobic for me to do the full length.
Separate to the tunnels are also some tunnel entrances that you can just drop down in to and pop out of again, which haven’t been widened for tourists. I was the only one small enough in our group to do this.
Trap Demonstrations
Guides show real examples of camouflaged booby traps used during the war. They are pretty gruesome and are largely made of bamboo spikes.
Underground Rooms
See kitchens, weapons workshops, meeting rooms, and sleeping quarters. It was interesting to learn that for kitchens, the chimneys were built 100+ metres away from the actual room so if smoke was seen, the bomb wouldn’t land on the people. We also learned about the Viet Kong’s uniforms and their two way shoes so they could make footprints in the opposite direction to which they were going to confuse the Americans.
Shooting Range
For an extra fee, try shooting rifles such as the AK-47 or M16 under supervision. I felt this was making the site a little unnecessarily touristy, and of course didn’t shoot any guns. All the Americans in our tour group did.
Memorials and Exhibits
There are multiple displays explaining how villagers lived underground and resisted aerial bombings, plus numerous memorials and sites for reflection – such as bomb craters.
Top Tip: Visit the site with a guide. Most of the guides have some family experience of the conflict, and are able to bring it to life with real experiences which add so much value to a visit.
Our guide was 15 at the time the War ended, and his father and uncles both worked in the South Vietnam government/military, and were fighting on the side of South Vietnam/America. After the war, they were sent to “re-education” camps. Our guide did not explain what had happened, but shared that his father had committed suicide aged 44 and that his uncle suffered from serious life-long mental health issues. He was not willing to say more than this, but explained it meant he couldn’t get a job until Communist Vietnam opened up to the world again. He subsequently worked for various American owned companies, and now in retirement runs tours to educate visitors.
Important Visitor Information for the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daily).
- Entry Fee: c. $4–6 USD – often included in the tour price.
- Shooting Range and 3D Film: Small extra cost.
- Clothing: Wear light clothing as it gets hot and humid, and sturdy footwear as the ground can get wet and slippery.
- Pack: Insect repellant as the jungle area does have the presence of Dengue Fever. We were bitten 4 times each during our trip. Also be sure to take sunscreen and re-apply regularly as the UV rays here take no prisoners, and water to stay hydrated.
Top Tip: If you want to go in the tunnels, do not take bulky bags or wear fancy clothes — the tunnels are tight and dusty!
Please also be prepared for some tough stories. Our guide told it like it is and some of the stories of killings on both sides are really shocking. As always with war, there are complexities and contexts which cannot fully be understood by those who didn’t live it. Often families were on different sides of the conflict, neighbours betrayed each other, and decisions were rarely black and white.
I was also shocked to learn about the “mixed generation” – babies born to Vietnamese mothers and American fathers. Largely disowned after the war (mainly because their mothers were prostitutes, rather than their American heritage), many were sent to America or “adopted” (bought) by Vietnamese families wanting to move to America. Our guide shared that one such boy was in his class, and no-one played with him. He feels regret to this day, and it is clear that the scars of war run deep on so many levels for people here.
If you visit the site, please remember this is a part of many people’s family history and lived experience; it’s not solely a tourist attraction.
How to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels from HCMC (Saigon)
Guided Tour by Bus (Most Convenient)
- Duration: Half-day or full-day.
- Travel time: 1.5-2hrs from HCMC.
- Cost: $15–40 USD (depending on group size and inclusions).
- Includes: Transport, English-speaking guide, entry ticket.
- How to Book: Easily arranged via your hotel, a local travel agency, or online (e.g., Klook, GetYourGuide, Viator).
- Recommended for: First-time visitors who want historical context and hassle-free, cost effective logistics.
Guided Tour by Boat (Unique Experience)
- Duration: Half-day or full-day.
- Travel Time: Speedboats depart from central HCMC, reaching Cu Chi in about 1 hour.
- Cost: $70–100.
- Includes: Breakfast, lunch, guide, and entry.
- How to Book: Book via specialist companies, such as Les Rives.
- Recommended for: Those willing to pay for speed to beat the crowds and the unique experience of a boat ride through rural riverside life.
We chose to go with this option as we loved the idea of such a unique experience and it was SO worth it. Our guide was amazing, and we were provided breakfast and drinks, plus an absolutely delicious lunch. Beating the crowds was also a huge bonus for us.
Independent Travel (Cheapest)
- Take Bus 13 from Ben Thanh Bus Station to Cu Chi Bus Station, then Bus 79 to the tunnels.
- Time: 2.5–3 hours one way.
- Cost: c$2 USD.
- Recommended for: Those who enjoy slow local travel and want to save money. I don’t recommend this unless absolutely necessary as you won’t have a guide at the site, meaning you may get less out of the trip.
Top Tip: Whichever option you choose, book the first departure of the day to ensure you beat the peak of the crowds, and avoid the worst heat. We booked a 7am departure and arrived at 8.15am having the place largely to ourselves.
Visiting the Củ Chi Tunnels is one of the most memorable day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s complex history and resilience — offering both education and adventure in one journey. I would highly recommend visiting to anyone in the city. What do you think? Stay safe and happy travelling!
Leave a Reply to The Travel ArchitectCancel reply