The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most famous attractions in Vietnam. Not only is it a special location, it is also a location with an extraordinary story. The Cu Chi tunnels are the infamous network of underground tunnels in the Cu Chi region. These tunnels are only part of a gigantic tunnel system that runs through the entire country. The tunnels were used by the Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Are the Cu Chi tunnels worth a visit? Definitely! It is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can read everything you need to know about the tunnels: history, facts, how to get there and whether you should visit Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc.
Ticket price to visit Vietnam Underground Tunnels
Entrance ticket:
- Adults: 35,000 VND/person (for Vietnamese guests), 70,000 VND/person (for foreign guests)
- The Cu Chi Tunnels are the most famous historical site in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Children aged 7 to 16 years old and students are eligible for a 50% discount off the adult ticket price.
- People with disabilities, children under the age of seven, armed forces officers and soldiers, the elderly, people who have contributed significantly to the revolution, and low-income households: Free admission.
In addition, when you want to go underground or participate in some games here, you will have to buy tickets according to the Cu Chi Tunnels Management Board regulations. The ticket price list at this Saigon tourist destination is listed, so there will be no price cutting or charging higher than actual prices.
History of the Cu Chi Tunnels
It was Ho Chi Minh, the leader of North Vietnam, who in 1965 ordered the expansion of the existing tunnel complex and turned it into a shelter for communist rebels from the south, the Vietcong and the North Vietnamese army. The most important point of this tunnel complex was in the Cu Chi region. The tunnels extended at least 300 kilometers! In addition, the tunnels had multiple levels that were interconnected and tunnels with traps. Some tunnels were up to 13 meters deep.
The construction of the tunnels are very special. There are many bends for protection against explosions and passages in a U-shape that were filled with water. This was to protect against toxic gases. Moreover, the tunnels were very narrow, so that the Vietnamese could easily get through, but not the Americans. Many animals from the jungle also used the tunnels as hiding places, making it even more dangerous. In the tunnels entire villages were reconstructed, including ammunition depots, hospitals with operating rooms, bedrooms, meeting rooms, food storage areas and even theaters.
Many Vietnamese stayed in the tunnels all day long to come out at night to fight. This led to success in the war and confused the Americans because the Vietnamese disappeared like ghosts in the tunnels. However, it also led to health problems due to the living conditions in the tunnels and the lack of sunlight.
How to get to the Cu Chi tunnels
A private or group tour is the easiest way to visit the tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City. You have different choices, with a bus, limousine minibus, car and even with a boat.
Cu Chi Tunnels by motorcycle or car
Most tour companies arrange tours to the Cu Chi tunnels by motorcycle, car or bus. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the tunnels at Ben Dinh. Try to avoid large bus trips. Try to avoid large bus tours. In these very cheap tours from $ 5, you travel with a very large group, so you have little time to see everything and only transportation is included, so no lunch and entrance to the tunnels.
Cu Chi tunnels by boat
If you are interested there are a number of boat trip services that will take you to the Cu Chi tunnels.
Cu Chi tunnels by taxi
You can also take a taxi to the Cu Chi Tunnels, but this is very expensive. And a real waste, because you can’t get anything else out of it. You can expect to pay around $ 60 for both directions, as it is a 120-kilometer journey.
Cu Chi tunnels with the public bus
You can also take the public bus to the Cu Chi tunnels. You only have to take two buses to get to Ben Duoc. First, take bus # 13 from 23-9 Park (near Pham Ngu Lao – the backpacker area) to the Cu Chi bus station. Then take bus # 79 towards Ben Duoc. The total travel time in this way is around 2.5 hours and the price will be around 26,000 VND (just over $ 1).
Discover the appeal of the historic Vietnam Underground Tunnels
Visit the tunnels
According to Eco Travel, going underground is the most exciting experience you cannot miss coming to Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, you will understand more about the difficulties of the ancient soldiers. Besides, there is admiration for our officials’ and people’s will and energy. However, for those who are afraid of small spaces, going underground can be an unpleasant experience.
In the tunnel entrance area, you can taste some dishes our soldiers and compatriots eat daily, such as potatoes, cassava, and tubers dipped in sesame salt.
Explore the war zone recreation area
The war zone recreation area is built in a small basement near the ground. The interior features a large projection screen and simple chairs. Here, visitors can watch precious war films, recording our army’s and people’s daily lives and fighting scenes. Some scenes are from documentaries. Others are re-enactments.
Furthermore, at the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can see many valuable historical artifacts, such as the guns our soldiers used in the resistance war against the French, tanks, fighter planes, and so on. These artifacts have been meticulously preserved; while you may look at them, do not touch them at random to avoid causing damage.
Experience exciting shooting games
The shooting area is extremely popular with young people because it brings thrills, excitement and bonds with friends. Cu Chi Tunnels has two versions: defense sports shooting and paintball shooting.
If you choose to shoot national defense sports guns, you will be able to use rifles and have staff to guide you in assembling, disassembling, and practicing shooting. You can play this game individually, carefully monitored by staff to ensure safety. You do not need to rent a gun but will need to buy bullets at prices ranging from 40,000 VND to 60,000 VND/bullet.
For large groups of friends, playing paintball will be more enjoyable. This is a team game that not only trains physical strength but also enhances teamwork skills and quick reaction ability. This game costs 50,000 VND per person for a 60-minute session, with bullets priced at 30,000 VND each.
Water entertainment and games area
The game area is also located within the area recreating the Cu Chi liberated area. Walk for about 15 minutes, and you will see a landscape lake simulating the East Sea; next is a precious wood forest and three iconic architectural models of the three regions: One Pillar Pagoda, Ngo Mon Quan, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Nha Rong Harbor.
At Cu Chi Tunnels, you can play many interesting games like cycling, swimming, and kayaking. You must buy tickets to play these games according to the listed price.
Visit a wildlife rescue station
The animal rescue station is not on the Cu Chi Tunnels campus but is only a few kilometers away. Therefore, this will be a beautiful destination for groups of primary and secondary school students visiting. This rescue station is the largest wildlife hospital in the southern region. Here, about 3,600 rare species of animals are being rescued, many of which are listed in the Red Book.
The rescue station is designed on a large scale, creating conditions for wild animals to live in the closest natural environment. Seeing rare animals with your eyes will be a memorable memory in your journey to travel and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Travel tips
- There is no dress code for the Cu Chi tunnels, but wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty because you go underground.
- A comfortable pair of sneakers is a good idea.
- Sunscreen and insect spray can be handy to take with you.
- The Cu Chi tunnels are open during the rainy season (May to November) and there are no floods in the tunnels, but the experience may be a little less comfortable.
- During Tet (Vietnamese New Year, which falls in late January or early February), the tunnels are still open.
- Tourists with claustrophobia are not advised to go into the tunnels. You can still visit other places and enter the larger excavated places.
