Cu Chi Tunnels: An Underground Historical Relic in Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels is one of many significant historical relics in Ho Chi Minh City. Coming here, visitors will explore a miniature underground city, learn interesting historical stories, and enjoy rustic dishes. Let’s go back in time with Lua Viet Tours and explore Cu Chi Tunnels!
A glimpse of the inside Cu Chi Tunnels system. (Image Source: Internet)
Overview of Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels are a fascinating historical site, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people during the wartime. Located about 70 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the tunnels are a popular day trip for visitors to the city.
Address: Tinh Lo 15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (7 days a week)
Entrance Fee:
- Adults: 35,000 VND/person for Vietnamese tourists, 70,000 VND/person for foreign tourists.
- Children 7-16 years old and students: 50% discount on official ticket price.
- Children under 7 years old: Free
How to Get to Cu Chi Tunnels?
Located not too far from the city center, you can get there by many ways. You are not familiar with local transportation, consider the following means:
Book a guided tour
Joining a guided tour is one of the most convenient ways to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The local guides will give you a comprehensive experience of the tunnels and surrounding area. Check out our Cu Chi tunnels tour to explore this historical site in the best way!
Cu chi tunnel tour
By motorbike
For more flexibility, you can rent a motorbike to get there, there are various rental shops in Ho Chi Minh City. The prices typically range from $5 to $10 per day. Make sure to wear a helmet and have an international driving permit.
By bus
For a budget-friendly option, consider taking the bus. The journey will take approximately 2.5 hours and cost around 27,000 VND. You can start your journey by taking bus number 13 from 23/9 Park or bus number 94 from Cho Lon. Once you reach Cu Chi Bus Station, transfer to bus number 79 to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Use ride-hailing services
Ride-hailing apps like Grab offer a convenient way to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels, but be prepared for higher fares due to the distance.
Cu Chi Tunnels History
Cu Chi Tunnels were built in the 1940s to serve the purpose of hiding and moving during the resistance war of the Vietnamese army. Initially, they were dug separately, but later they were connected together into a system to facilitate the movement and transportation of weapons. During the Vietnam War, Cu Chi Tunnels continued to be expanded to serve more purposes.
Cu Chi Tunnels was a secret shelter of the Vietnamese army. (Image Source: Internet)
Cu Chi Tunnels have a total length of 250km. The tunnels are divided into 3 different depths. The highest level is 3m below ground, the middle level is 6m, and the deepest level is 12m. In addition to the area where the soldiers lived and stored weapons, the Cu Chi Tunnels are also divided into many branches with areas of nail pits, spike pits, minefields, etc.
Schematic map of the Cu Chi Tunnels. (Image Source: Internet)
Today, Cu Chi Tunnels historical site is one of the 6 famous man-made structures in the world. In addition, this place is also in the top 7 most strange destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting a large number of tourists.
Top Things to Do in Cu Chi Tunnels
Coming to Cu Chi Tunnels, you will have the opportunity to experience many interesting activities. Below are the activities you should not miss.
Explore The Tunnels
Exploring the tunnels is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s history and culture while also experiencing underground life for Vietnamese troops and people throughout the war. Your guide will lead you to areas of the tunnel system that are accessible to tourists.
Tourists enter to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. (Image Source: Internet)
In addition, you will experience wartime cuisine with local dishes that locals often ate while living in the basement such as potatoes, cassava and yams with sesame salt.
Explore the war zone reenactment area
The war zone reenactment area is built in a small basement near the ground. Inside is a large projection screen and simple chairs. Here, visitors will be able to watch precious war films, recording the entire life and fighting scenes of the Vietnamese army. Some scenes are real documentaries, others are reenactments.
Activities during the war are vividly reenacted. (Image Source: Internet)
Besides, at Cu Chi Tunnels you can also admire many valuable historical artifacts such as guns used in war, tanks, fighter planes, etc.
>>> Explore Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Tour Full Day
Experience the Cu Chi Tunnels shooting range
The shooting range is a hit with young people seeking thrills and excitement. Cu Chi Tunnels offers two shooting options: military sports shooting and paintball.
- In military sports shooting, participants will use rifles under the supervision of experienced instructors. This individual activity ensures safety with close monitoring.
Tourists trying military sports shooting. (Image Source: Internet)
- For group fun, paintball is the way to go. This team-based game is perfect for improving physical fitness, teamwork, and reaction time.
Paintball is suitable for playing in groups. (Image Source: Internet)
Relax at water amusement and games area
Just a 15-minute walk from the war zone reenactment area, you’ll find a recreational lake that mimics the East Sea, surrounded by precious woods and iconic architectural models representing the three regions of Vietnam: One Pillar Pagoda, Ngo Mon Gate, and Ho Chi Minh Museum in Ben Nha Rong. At Cu Chi Tunnels, you can enjoy various fun activities like cycling, swimming, and kayaking.
Water amusement and games area at Cu Chi Tunnels. (Image Source: Internet)
Visit Cu Chi’s orchards
South Vietnam is endowed with an abundance of unique and mouthwatering tropical fruits such as durian, rambutan, jackfruit, mangosteen, and plum. Near Cu Chi Tunnels, Trung An Orchard and Bay Trieu Orchard are well-known large orchards where visitors may have a garden experience and choose their own fruits to take home.
Enjoy special fruits at an orchard in Cu Chi. (Image Source: Internet)
Taste local foods
Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history by trying Boiled Tapioca with Hot Pandan Tea, a simple yet nourishing dish that sustained locals during challenging times. This authentic combination features chewy tapioca pearls, offering a satisfying bite, alongside fragrant pandan tea for a touch of sweetness and comfort.
Local food will make your Cu Chi Tunnels trip even more memorable. (Image Source: Internet)
Best Time to Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
The best time to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant, with lower humidity and less rainfall, making it easier to explore the tunnels and the surrounding areas.
The dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to book your tour in advance, especially during the holiday periods.
Tips for Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cu Chi Tunnels are very large, you will have to walk and crawl through tunnels to explore. Therefore, you should choose comfortable clothes, wear sneakers, loose clothes.
- There are plenty of drinks and food for sale here.
- If you want to buy souvenirs, you can go to the shops in the relic site, opened by the Cu Chi Tunnels Management Board. The prices of the items here are clearly listed, you can freely choose, buy according to your budget. If you buy things outside, you may be ripped off and overcharged.
And that’s some useful information about Cu Chi Tunnels, hopefully it can help you in your Vietnam exploration. Cu Chi Tunnels offers a mind-blowing historical experience, a must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. Book a Cu Chi Tunnels tour with Lua Viet Tours to explore this underground historical site!
>>> Another historical site in Ho Chi Minh City: Independence Palace – A Historical Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City
