cu chi tunnels without tour

How to Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels Without a Tour: An Extraordinary Adventure in Vietnam

Getting to the cu chi tunnels on your ow.

Complete 3 week Vietnam Itinerary: From North to South

One weekend couchsurfing in ho chi minh, hanoi travel guide: discovering the charm of vietnam’s capital.

A Nomad on the Loose

I am from everywhere and nowhere, and i am going anywhere and everywhere., how to do the cu chi tunnels tour on your own (updated for 2024).

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and purchase something, I may receive an affiliate commission — at no extra cost to you.

One of the most popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) is visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Most people join a tour group to make the visit. But if that’s not your vibe, great news: it’s possible to DIY it!

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own.

1. There are actually two different Cu Chi Tunnels sites

While they’re technically part of the same tunnel network, Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh are two different sites for visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.

The Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels site may be a little further away from Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s less touristy and more true to what the tunnels were during the Vietnam War.

The Ben Dinh Cu Chi Tunnels, on the other hand, are mostly reconstructions.

And in order to accommodate tourists (especially Western tourists who may be a bit bigger in both height and weight), many of the tunnels there have been enlarged. It’s also where most tour companies go, guaranteeing a crowded experience even if you DIY it.

For the more authentic experience, go to Ben Duoc.

2. You can tour the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own for less than $10

While you can certainly hire a driver to take you to the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels, it can be cost-prohibitive for most people. Instead, tackle the local bus system and get yourself there and back for just a few bucks.

Go to the bus station near September 23 Park, which is labeled on Google Maps as “Saigon Bus TDH” or “TĐH xe buýt Sài Gòn.” Once there, find Bus 13, which should have a sign on it that says “Cu Chi.” Tickets are 20,000 VND ($0.81) per person as of Jan. 2024 (h/t to reader Rosie).

Take that bus all the way to the terminus; it takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes. Then hop on Bus 79 and mention Ben Duoc Cu Chi to your driver. Tickets for this bus are 7,000 VND ($0.28) each as of Jan. 2024, and the ride takes about 25 minutes.

Pro tip: download the BusMap app beforehand to make traveling by bus in and around Ho Chi Minh City a breeze. It’s a serious lifesaver. 

Once you get off the bus, cross to the other side of the street toward this sign.

Since this site is way less visited, it is also less catered to visitors and can feel a little confusing upon arrival. But follow the signs that exist carefully and you’ll find a small ticket kiosk along the path that veers to the left.

Tickets to the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels are 125,000 VND ($4.88) as of Sept. 2022 (h/t to reader Laura) and includes a guide.

3. You should keep an open mind

Once you have your ticket, follow the path toward the visiting area.

Along the way, you’ll find the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple. It was built to remember and honor those killed during both the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War against the country’s French colonizers.

After another brief stroll along a forested path, you’ll find the meeting point for the tour.

Tours run based on demand, and the ticket kiosk seems to communicate with the guides to let them know whether to start a tour or wait for a couple more folks to show up. When we got to the meeting point, it looked like our guide and the 10 or so other guests had been waiting for us. (Oops, took too long at the temple).

First up was a 20ish-minute documentary. It was blatantly anti-American, but I can imagine that our history books and war memorial sites are no less biased.

The guides are very knowledgeable and will then take you on an interactive tour of the tunnels. You’ll also see craters created by bombs dropped in the area as well as traps set to ambush the enemy.

Whatever your opinions about the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnam War (known there as the American War or the Resistance War Against America), the Cu Chi Tunnels are truly a symbol of the ingenuity, determination, and suffering of the South Vietnamese people.

4. The tunnels are not for the claustrophobic

Part of the tour is getting into the tunnels themselves to experience how Vietnamese soldiers and civilians lived for years during the war.

It was truly a humbling experience to get inside the tunnels, but it is not for everyone.

You really had to squeeze and bend over in the tunnels. As someone who is 5’9” but very flexible, I could just barely maneuver inside the tunnels without getting on my hands and knees, but almost everyone else in our group had to.

It was hot and humid inside, and you never knew what other surprises you’d get.

I’d just turned a corner when a bat flew straight over my boyfriend’s head. (Thank goodness I’d turned the corner — it would have scared the shit out of me.)

The good news is that you can still experience the tunnels without getting in.

There are several larger rooms inside the tunnels that were used as hospitals and such, and nowadays mannequins have been displayed to show what it would have been like. You can enter and see these rooms without getting down and dirty or feeling anxious about the close quarters.

5. Budget a full day for your visit

In the end, we spent approximately 2 hours at the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels before taking the bus back. (Simply stand by the road outside the entrance area and flag down the next Bus 79 that you see.)

We’d left Ho Chi Minh City around 9:50 a.m. and got back around 5 p.m. So yes, the majority of the day is spent on buses, but it’s a fantastic way to experience something in a more local fashion.

While you’d be able to visit the Ben Dinh tunnels with a tour group in as little as half a day, I strongly recommend taking the time for this more authentic experience.

Last note of advice: bring insect repellant! There were some nasty little buggers out there.

Pin it to save it for later!

Hmm, decide that DIY’ing the Cu Chi tunnels on your own isn’t something you’d like? There are plenty of private and small group tours to choose from!

39 thoughts on “ How to Do the Cu Chi Tunnels Tour on Your Own (Updated for 2024) ”

Oooooh that entrance looks so tiny! I doubt that I can squeeze my European size 40 through that hole :’) It’s a great tip though, and will absolutely try it if I make it to Ho Chi Minh one day!

You can! I had to look up a conversion chart but i’m a 40/42 in EU sizing and I fit!

I had no idea that you could visit the tunnels on your own! I wasn’t going to go to the tunnels when I was in Vietnam, but a typhoon heading towards the Mekong Delta meant I had extra time in HCMC. So, to the tunnels I went. I agree with you. Say what you will about the north Vietnamese, visiting the tunnels shows why they won they war. The ingenuity and dedication! And, I’ve never been claustrophobic, but doing 30m in the tunnels….hot, humid, and terrifying.

I wish I had known this before doing this tour in Vietnam! Loved the tunnels but it did feel overly touristy.

I visited the Cu Chi tunnels in 2015. I went on the worst tour of my trip. I paid so much money and went on the worst tour of my time in Vietnam.

I really admire you for taking local transport out to the tunnels! And thank you for writing such detailed information on how to get there.

You’re right. The 20-minute video is pretty anti-American, but what do you expect? I don’t blame them at all.

Great post!

Oof did you end up on one of those tours where they drive you to shopping “rest stops” where they get commission? And the tour ends up being mostly on the tour bus and at these rest stops vs the actual destination?

Hi could you do shooting there ?

Hi Shane, I don’t remember seeing that option anywhere on premise at Ben Duoc. I know it is definitely possible at Ben Dinh as it is option advertised as part of tour packages.

Thank you very much for your informative post. I followed your instructions and made it to Ben Duoc hassle free. Something that I didn’t really understand and wanted to ask you about is your comment on the video shown before the visit to the tunnel. You say it is “blatantly anti american”, I watched the video, I didn’t see anything anti-american, they just say that a country thousands of miles away was dropping bombs on Vietnam, including children. This is unfortunately what happened. I haven’t heard any untrue claim. To answer the question from Shane, yes you can shoot there. I would just do some readings beforehand. In case you missed something, this is a site were people fought a war, there were many deaths, I cannot really understand why you should go there and shoot, does it make any sense? Can’t you just go and understand what is this about? Or to make it more real shall we also put puppets with the US Army uniform to shoot at?

Hi Federico,

I’m glad to hear that you were able to use this info to visit Ben Duoc on your own.

As for the video, I have to say it’s been about 18 months so I’m a bit fuzzy about the details. But I remember specifically hearing things that were very opinionated instead of completely factual. (For example, saying “this apple has a rot all over” is different from saying “this disgusting apple has a miserable rot and deserves to be chucked over the balcony.”) I will say my partner did not have the same reaction, so it’s possible that my professional background just makes me much more attuned to any sort of opining, however subtle.

Best, Rowena

Omg! This post saved my life. Can’t stand the tours anymore and was giving up on the tunnels already haha Thanks for the tips! Wish me luck ?

Good luck, Gabriela! So glad this is helpful. Have a fantastic trip!

Hi Rowena Thanks so much for the detailed information.. I did this trip today with my son and it went of so easily. Wow.. it seemed as if the whole area was reserved for us as there were hardly any tour operators and it saved the precious dollars as well. Your pics to indicate the route and kiosk were particularly helpful. Thanks Rajneet

Oh, this gives me so much joy to hear! I’m so glad it went well for you and your son, Rajneet. Enjoy the rest of your trip, and happy holidays.

Hi Guys, We’re in our way back from the Ben Duoc Cuchi tunnels. We took the public bus and it worked great. Thank you for such a good post! We couldn’t have done it this way without it. Definitely worth the experience!

Hi Matias, thanks for reporting back! So glad this post was helpful for you. Feel free to share with others who may be going soon, and enjoy the rest of your trip!

Hey Rowena, I’ll go to Ho Chi Minh on February for two days. Is it possible to visit both tunnel in a half day? Or do you visit one will be just enough for the experience? And how about renting a motorcycle to get there? Thanks for the so detailed article anyway

I would say you only need to visit one set of tunnels. But half a day is not enough time to visit the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels if you’re taking public transport. Maybe the Ben Dinh ones, but I can’t say for sure since I did not do those.

Renting a motorcycle in Ho Chi Minh City will get you there faster than public transit. That said, unless you are a very experienced motorbike driver who has driven in a lot of crowded big cities, I would avoid renting one in Ho Chi Minh City. The traffic there is very difficult to navigate!

Hi Rowena, thanks so much for sharing all the information! I went via public buses today and everything went smooth.

I just would like to update about the buses fares (March/2020): the first bus now costs 10,000VND and the second 7,000VND. Entry fee at the tunnels/temple still the same.

Hi Anderson,

Glad to hear the info was useful and that you had a great trip! Thanks so much for the intel, always appreciate updates from folks. Will be updating the post.

Happy travels, Rowena

Thanks so much for this blog – it was super handy for my trip to the tunnels today.

Current prices are:

Bus #13 = 20,000 Bus #79 = 7,000 Entry fee = 125,000

So glad it was helpful, Rosie! And thank you for providing the latest prices. Appreciate it!

[…] can visit the tunnels alone by public transport with a bit of […]

thanks for this detailed description. We went there yesterday and it was super easy to get there on your own. Also only a few tourists were there so we could enjoy a very private tour through the tunnels. Also I just wanted to give an update as now the prices rose a bit. The bus to cu chi is now 20.000 VND and the entrance fee is 135.000 VND. Thanks to your advisory we saved a lot of money!

Best, Laura

I’m so glad you had a fantastic time and that this helped you get there and save a lot of money! Sorry for the delayed reply, I was actually on a trip, this time to Sedona, when you commented.

Thanks so much for the updated pricing info. I really appreciate the intel!

Hello. How about the bus going back to the city? Which bus stop is nearest and which bus to take? Thank you

The bus literally comes just outside the gates of the Cu Chi Tunnels complex (same side of road as the complex). You just have to keep an eye out for Bus 79 and wave to flag down the driver.

Hi Rowena, thank you for the information. We are planning a trip later this year. Regarding the guides included with the admission ticket, do they speak English?

Hi Jacinta,

Yes! The guides speak English wonderfully.

Thank you Rowena for making it so easy!! I took the buses yesterday and all was smooth, even the bus breaking down was just part of the experience. Happy trails, Ariel

Yay! So so glad to hear that this was helpful for you, Ariel! And yes, getting those “non-perfect” experiences and laughing about it later is all part of the experience.

Safe travels!

I found your article because I am trying to find out if it‘s interesting enough visiting the tunnels without going inside. Unfortunately I’m somewhat claustrophobic and knowing about everything that took place during that war certainly won’t improve the situation. You did mention that it was possible to see a few rooms but it‘s still unclear to me if they’re completely separated from the rest of the structure or if you’d say it’s even worth going without the rest, like do you still get information about everything else? I’d be grateful for some more insight on that.

Thanks a lot in advance! Elise

Thanks for reaching out. I can understand the anxiety you may feel here. I would definitely advise against going into the tunnel at Cu Chi given your claustrophobia as they truly are quite small. The separate rooms I mentioned are much larger and you can look inside from the entrance of those rooms, no entering tight tunnels required.

I’d say the actual experience entering and experiencing the tunnels is maybe a total of 5-10 minutes, depending on how many people are in your group, so the rest of the experience is still worth it! You still get all of the info. You just wait above ground while people who choose to enter the tunnels do it.

Hope that helps! Rowena

Can you do Mekong Delta from Ben Duoc on your own via public transport or can you suggest how to do it from Ho Chi Minh without having to stay there ?

Hi Amish, I’m sorry, but I did not visit the Mekong Delta so I’m not familiar with whether this is possible.

thank you for this awesome blog post! After checking out lots of tour offerings I also think that doing the trip on our own could be a very good alternative. Since we don’t have many days in Ho Chi Minh City, we were thinking about visiting the tunnels directly from the airport. We are landing in the morning and already found the bus connection, so this won’t be an issue. However, we will have large backpacks with us, since we cannot drop them off beforehand. Do you think it is an option to store them somewhere at the entrance (for a tip)? Or could we carry them during the tour and just take them off when going through the tunnels?

Thank you so much! Benni

So glad to hear this is helpful info!

I didn’t see much in the way of facilities to store your bags there, but unless they have changed rules, I don’t think it would be a problem for you to bring them on the tour with you. The actual tunnel experience is quite short, and there are typically a few people in each group who don’t do it, so they could probably keep an eye on them for you. (Also honestly, it’s not super crowded there so no one’s around to take it anyways!)

Safe travels, Rowena

Just my two cents.. HCM airport does have a baggage storage but it was rather expensive so I chose to reserve a hostel bed for the day I wanted to drop my bags that was only $6us and was a pretty short walk from the airport. Bed came with a big locker, they had locks but I have my own too. The buses I took to CuChi were a little crowded but there is always room for a backpack. Like Rowena said, not many people at this location. There was also a drink shop when you get off the last bus (quiet road) and the lady there was very nice. I bet she would watch your bags for a tip. Also there is the option of dropping your bags at your hotel in the morning as they will keep them safe until you come back for check in. Enjoy the tunnels, it was a fun adventure thanks to Rowena’s post. Best, Ariel

Great ideas, Ariel!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when I get a reply or there are new comments

How to Get to The Cu Chi Tunnels From Saigon: Your Complete Guide

Posted on Published: October 9, 2022  - Last updated: September 26, 2023

Categories Adventure Travel , South East Asia , Vietnam

How to get to the Cu Chi tunnels was a question I kept asking myself! I am usually someone who likes to arrange a tour myself and do things my own way but given the distance from Ho Chí Minh City I wasn’t sure going solo was the best idea!

In this complete guide I will run you through all the different ways to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels using a tour vs going solo and how my experience went visiting with a group tour arranged by our accommodation.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are located about 1.30 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City and they played huge role in supporting the Vietcong during the Vietnamese War.

Visiting these tunnels gives us a glimpse into what these soldiers went through in this complex underground maze spanning 200km! What was once inhabited by the Vietcong for sometimes weeks at a time is now one of South Vietnams most popular tourist attractions!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I have recommended I will earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to keep Travels by Izzy going.

Table of Contents

How to get to The Cu Chi Tunnels Using a Tour

There is tons of choice both online and from your accommodation when booking you tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. We booked ours though the hostel we were staying at called Hideout, it cost 495,000 VND each (£19).

But you can also check out some of the different options and prebook online via on Get Your Guide.

There are 2 options for most tours of either morning or afternoon . The morning tour runs from 8am – 2pm and the afternoon tour from 1pm – 7pm.

The tour operators will collect you from your hotel and drop you off after. Most tour companies operate using large buses which have soft seating and air conditioning.

The Cu Chi tunnels are located 1.30/45 minutes drive north/west from Ho Chi Minh , depending on traffic this journey may take a little bit longer. Our return trip took 2 hours due to heavy traffic when we arrived back in the city.

During this time your tour guide will run through some of the key history in Vietnam and tell you all about what you can expect in when you arrive at Cu Chi.

Speedboat Tour

Very similar to the bus tour but a little bit fancier!

When booking a VIP speedboat tour you are collected from your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh before heading up river for an 1.5 hour speedboat ride to Cu Chi. During this trip all refreshments and fresh fruit are included free of charge.

Entrance to the tunnels is also part of the package followed by a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels with your small group.

Once you are finished you will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch or dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to Ho Chi Minh and being dropped back off at your accommodation.

💡 If you are also planning on seeing the Mekong Delta while you are staying in Ho Chi Minh then another great option is to book a full day tour which includes both a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels & the Mekong Delta.

How to Get to The Cu Chi Tunnels Without a Tour

The cheapest way and best for those travelling on a budget is to hop on a public bus!

Head to the bus station in District 1, Ho Chi Minh and hop on the number 13 heading for the Cu Chi station. This is a regular bus that leaves every 30 minutes so you shouldn’t have to wait around for too long.

When I said it was the cheapest way to travel, I wasn’t joking, this bus will cost you less than 10,000 VND (40p).

The journey to Cu Chi will take around 1.5 hours , once you’ve arrived you need to jump off and get on the number 79 which then takes you to the tunnels, this bus takes around 45 minutes and again costs less that 10,000 VND! (40p).

Once you arrive at Ben Doc Tunnels there are directions at the bus stop , follow these and you will arrive at the Cu Chi tunnels!

If you are travelling in a small group or as a family the most convenient way to travel to Cu Chi is by Taxi or Grab.

Whilst this is the easiest and the quickest it is also the most expensive , getting a taxi to and from Cu Chi from Ho Chi Minh will cost you 650,000 VND (£25) each way!

There are many taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh and you can call ahead to get a time booked in or you could order a Grab via the app which could work out a little cheaper.

Renting Your Own Transport

If you love a bit of adventure and fancy a road trip then this is the best option for you!

Renting a scooter or a car gives you a lot more flexibility with your trip and enables you to make a full day of it exploring other places on your way to or from the tunnels.

Just be mindful of the business of Ho Chi Minh City as you will need to drive yourself in and out of it, whilst this might seem like a fun way to do to travel there and back, it could also be the most stressful.

Booking a Tour vs Going Solo?

Overall we had a great experience on the tour and our guide was very knowledgeable, he told us so much at Vietnams history, the Vietnamese war and explained a lot about the Communist way of life .

He was happy to answer any questions, and I learnt a lot about the Vietnamese people and the conflict that went on here for 100 years.

If you like a stress free experience and to sit back, relax and be guided round I would definitely recommend booking a tour, there are plenty to choose from both online and from local tour agencies.

The down side to going with a tour however, is that being in a big group you are not able to spend your time at the tunnels how you would like to.

You have to follow your guide and follow the groups pace, it is also common that the bigger your group the less you will see because it takes longer for you to get around.

If you prefer to go off on your own and explore at your own pace I would recommend going solo and getting the bus, a taxi or hiring some transport from Ho Chi Minh.

Our Day Using a Group Tour at The Cu Chi Tunnels

We opted for the afternoon tour and patiently waited in our hostel lobby for our tour guide to collect us.

It was an easy process and our bus was very nice, it wasn’t too big and had comfy seats and air-conditioning.

As the journey to the tunnels is quite long we stopped off half way for a quick toilet break at Saigon Handicapped Handicrafts, here people affected by Agent Orange work at creating beautiful artwork from egg shells.

You probably will have seen this style of art before either around Vietnam or back home.

We stopped here for half an hour and were giving an explanation on how the art is created before we took our time to look through the gift shop. There was also a small cafe here to get a drink or quick snack.

Once we arrived at the tunnels we were guided round as a group by your tour guide, the entry tickets are included in the price you pay.

Firstly you are shown the map outlining where the Cu Chi tunnels span to and from and its outstanding quite how far they stretch!

Alongside this is a 3D model of what the tunnels look like underground , here it shows the entrances along with all the different rooms added by the Viet Cong and the tunnels to get between.

They added a dining/meeting room, kitchen, hospital, sleeping quarters, a well, bomb shelters, trenches and an escape route to the river. A collection of these rooms altogether was called a unit and overall there were over a hundred of these dotted throughout the huge span of the tunnels.

The map also shows you the area that the Americans decided to create their base camp, little did they know at the time but they built their base right over the top of the tunnels.

This allowed the Viet Cong to keep a good eye on the Americans, and have a good understanding of their movements at most points during the war.

The Viet Cong did not have a base that was visible, they kept everything underground in the tunnels, constantly moving around and ambushing from different points using the tactic of hit and run.

The Americans however employed the tactic of search and destroy meaning during the day they were constantly moving, trekking through the thick jungle in search of Viet Cong.

This meant the Viet Cong spent the majority of daylight hours underground in the tunnels hiding from the Americans only to come out at night when they knew the coast was clear.

You are then led round to one of the original entrances , this has been hollowed out allowing you to climb inside and put the trap door down, leaving no trace at all once covered by some leaves!

Carrying on you are shown a variety of the booby traps the Viet Cong used to against the Americans. These are pretty nasty, they are definitely not something I would have wanted to get myself stuck in!

All throughout your walk in the jungle you will see entrances to the tunnels , trenches used by the Viet Cong in ambushes and old machinery such as a tank that hit a landmine in 1970.

Your tour guide will show you how they created the tunnels and chambers and what equipment they used before heading to the shooting range located half way round the tour.

This shooting range is one of very few in Vietnam attracting both tourists and locals.

Here you have the chance to shoot the guns they would have used during the war such as the M16, AK47 & M12 browning.

Moving on from the shooting range you will learn some of the ways the Viet Cong recycled the materials left behind by the Americans during the Vietnamese war.

Exploded and unexploded bombs were carefully carried to the tunnels and dismantled, using the gun powder for their land mines and the metal was shaped to create the spikes in the traps they used. They also gathered the discarded tyres and made them into sandals!

The best bit of the tour is being able to go down into the tunnels, there are different length options but we did the 20m tunnel.

Even after these tunnels have been made bigger they are still a squeeze! I cannot imagine what they must of been like during the war in the pitch black crawling through these tiny spaces.

The last unit you walk through has all of the rooms preserved and you are able to see them and get a good idea of how the Viet Cong used these areas to their advantage right under the Americans feet.

History of The Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels were originally used by Cu Chi villagers to escape the French when they colonised Vietnam back in the 19th century. The original tunnels were tiny and just a small passage way giving the villagers enough room to hide from the French.

However the tunnels were then improved and extended by the Viet Cong during the Vietnamese war and now stretch around 200km.

The Vietnamese war was fought between communist North Vietnam backed by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, who were supported by the United States and France.

The Viet Cong were South Vietnamese supporters of Communism who worked directly with North Vietnam against the United States and South Vietnam in the war.

The tunnels that we visit today have been extended massively and there has been lighting added all to accommodate tourists. They can only give us a glimpse of what life underground must of been like.

Top Tips for The Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are open daily 7am – 5pm.

The entrance fee is 110,000 VND (£4) per person.

• Bring some water and snacks along with you for the drive as it can take 4 hours altogether.
• Make sure you either bring it with you or spray yourself with insect repellant before you go as we got some nasty bites during our walk through the jungle.
• The shooting range isn’t included in the ticket price and you must buy 10 bullets minimum which comes to 600,000 VND (£23)
• The tunnels are narrow and dark so do not go off exploring alone , ensure you follow the staffs instructions.
• You are not allowed to walk around and explore the tunnels alone , you must be accompanied round by the staff. They also double up as tour guides explaining the how the Viet Cong operated and what each tunnel was used for.

Whether you decide to go alone or with a tour the Cu Chi Tunnels are a MUST visit during your stay in Ho Chi Minh, we learnt so much about Vietnam and about the history of the Viet Cong and the Vietnamese War.

Visiting these tunnels today only gives us a glimpse of what life must of been like living underground, but to be so close to something that is so rich in history and important to the country is a well worth the long journey from the city.

I hope I have helped to answer your question of how to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels and given you all you need to decide whether to choose a tour or go it solo! Let me know which you chose in the comments below.

Looking for more things to do during your stay in Vietnam? Then you’ll want to check out these posts:

• The Best Things to See & Do in Da Lat
• Why Canyoning in Da Lat is a Must During Your Stay in Vietnam
• My Top Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

How To Visit The Cu Chi Tunnels On Your Own

Banging your head against the bus window on a boring tour isn’t an adventure. Challenging yourself with getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own is an experience. I’ve crafted this article featuring all you need for getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own.

Selecting a guide can be expensive and time consuming. The Cu Chi Tunnels supply free guides for visitors with an admission ticket. Read on to learn about how to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels, then follow their free guide for a money saving adventure.

Visit the Cu Chi tunnels on your own by calling a taxi, renting a Car, or hop on the local bus. Every option above has its own merits. Follow my recommendations found below, and you will be climbing through those elaborate tunnels in no time at all.

If you are adventurous but on a budget, I believe you are not looking at hiring a taxi or renting a car. Renting a Taxi or Car is a great option though for some that are not on a tight budget. I’ll give you options to pick and choose the best transportation for your Cu Chi Tunnel experience.

Hiring a Taxi

Standing on the sidewalk, waving your arm to flag down a taxi isn’t what I have in mind. Mai Linh, one of the most reputable Taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh City, offer some roundtrip fares to Cu Chi.

Be clear with the taxi company over the phone on dropping you at the Benh Duoc entrance. Also your driver will most likely not speak much English, if any. Speak to the operator on the phone ahead of time about any questions you might have before departing with the taxi.

Here are the contact information for Mai Linh. Use this information to get a taxi anytime not just for the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Mai Linh Taxi (10-15 minutes call before)

Hotline: 028 3838 3838

Saigon (District 1) -> Cu Chi Tunnels( Ben Duoc Entrance)

Option 1: 7 Hours or 70km (140km total) Package

4 Seats: 1,160,000 VND

7 Seats: 1,340,000 VND

Option 2: 6 Hour or 50 km (100km total)

4 Seats: 950,000 VND

7 Seats: 1,130,000 VND

***Every Extra Hour is 60,000 VND, Every Extra km is 12,000 VND***

***Tolls are not included in the price***

How would I visit the Cu Chi Tunnels on my own in a taxi?

Hop out of bed early, even though it’s vacation time. Drag my lazy butt down to the hotel buffet for breakfast. Speak with the hotel concierge directly about calling Mai Linh. Show the hotel staff this article with the Mai Linh prices and be sure to repeat destination is the Ben Douc entrance. Confirm that twice, sometimes details get lost in Vietnam.

When driving to the Cu Chi Tunnels, ask the taxi driver for his phone number. Ring him up when you finish and are ready to be picked up.

Eating a tantalizing bowl of Pho for lunch or experiencing new dishes at the famous Beef Restaurants out in Cu Chi might be worth planning ahead of time on the way home.

How to do the Cu Chi Tunnels with Car/Van/Van Limousine Rental on your own!

Traveling with my family is like pulling my own teeth sometimes. A little sister who cries when out of her comfort zone and a brother who shouts about always being bored. The picture I am painting is familiar to some people. The family comfort factor rests heavily on us when traveling sometimes.  Rental services have large comfortable vehicles that will make getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels easy for the planner in the family. A free guide at the Cu Chi Tunnels balances out the price to make it affordable to travel in style.

An Minh Car Rental

Phone (Mr Phong, Speaks some English): 0909 555 783

0913 724 238

Email: [email protected]

Website: xedulichanhminh.com

Saigon -> Cu Chi Tunnels

6 Hour Two Way Trip Package

4 Seats : 1,100,000 VND

7 Seats: 1,200,000 VND

***100,000 VND for every hour over 6 hours***

***Tolls INCLUDED in the price***

The price is comparable to renting a taxi. I would go for renting the car as I would be able to set up communication and confirmation ahead of time via email. I also like being able to call Mr Phung on the phone during the trip if I needed to.

You could arrange the address you want to be dropped off at for the tunnels and then the address for anywhere you would like to stop for lunch.

Getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own on the public bus.

Starting out a window on a long bus ride isn’t what some would call an adventure. When the local language is not English, something that sounds so mundane can become quite the voyage though. Not knowing what exactly will happen is all part of the mystery and fun of traveling.

I’ve tracked down everything you need to know to jump on the bus and get to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This way to travel is budget friendly.

# 13 Public Bus to Cu Chi Tunnels

Open time: 3:30 – 20:30

Type: 46-80 seat bus

Price: 7,000 VND

Quantity: 150 trips/day

Time length each trip: 60 – 75 minutes

Time between each bus: 10 – 20 minutes

#79 Public Bus from Cu Chi Bus Station -> Ben Duoc (Cu Chi)

Open time: 5:30 – 17:30

Quantity: 70 trips/day

Time length each trip: 45 minutes (25 km)

10 Steps to do the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own By Bus:

Step 1: Wake up early. Eat some breakfast then head off to the bus station.

Step 2: Pack a small bag of any supplies you might need.

Step 3: Make your way to the Pham Ngu Lau Bus station at the end of 23/9 Park towards Nguyen Trai street. The location on the map below.

Step 4: Get on the Public Bus #13 to Ben Duoc. You will purchase your ticket in Vietnamese Dong from the Ticket Agent on the bus!

Step 5: Read a book, nap, strike up a conversation, or whatever tickles your fancy.

Step 6: Arrive at the Cu Chi Bus Terminal and search for Bus No. 79. There will be taxi drivers and motorbike drivers offering their services. Just ignore them, get to Bus No. 79 and buy a ticket from the agent on the bus.

Step 7. After 35 minutes there will be blue sign saying Ben Duoc to the left and Ben Dinh to the right. Get off 2 minutes later at the Ben Duoc entrance.

Step 8: Congratulate yourself for a mission well accomplished!

Step 9: Go into the main entrance, buy yourself an Entrance ticket. Walk your way to the local Cu Chi building where you will watch a short introduction video. After, you will receive a guide who will show you through the tunnels!

Step 10: Return to the No. 79 bus BEFORE 17:30, THIS IS THE LAST BUS OF THE NIGHT. Hop back on the No. 13 back to Saigon at the Cu Chi Terminal!

There you have it all of the knowledge you need to do the cu chi tunnels on your own. You might want to ask yourself if visiting the cu chi tunnels is worth it? If so, then what should I wear to the cu chi tunnels?

I hope this article helped, I invested some serious time into making it so if you enjoyed it please don’t hesitate to share it for other adventurous travelers like yourself.

Chu Chi Tunnels Info

I moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2012 to continue my career as a Chef. As what usually happens with life, the unexpected took me down a different path where I began operating Motorbike Food Tours with my company Back of the Bike Tours. I enjoy spending my time eating great food, learning Vietnamese, working with my team, showing customers the best food in Ho Chi Minh City, and building the best source of content on the web for travelers planning their trips to Vietnam!

I hope you enjoy the information that I’ve written here in our Travel Guides and on our blog. If you do find the information helpful, please consider using an affiliate link from our site or even booking an exciting motorbike food tour with us while you are in Ho Chi Minh City! If you need anything during your trip to Vietnam please do not hesitate to contact me or my team!

Similar Posts

Things to Do at Night in Ho Chi Minh: Our Top Recommendations!

Ho Chi Minh City is always hustling and bustling even during the witching hours of 3 am – 4 am. There is no shortage of things to do at night in Ho Chi Minh City but…

Why Take a Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City?

Food tours in Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) offer travelers more than just a fun eating time. You will meander through the vibrant scene and sneak into the hidden alleyways that other tourists barely know….

Where to Buy Weasel Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City?

Weasel coffee is one of the world’s most renowned and elusive coffee beans because of its chocolate-like taste, delicate aroma, and smoky smell. A lot of locals and visitors in Vietnam want to know, where to…

Is Ho Chi Minh City Dirty?

As a local who has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for more than 20 years, I have to admit that that Saigon can be a bit dirty sometimes. Like most developing cities in the world…

Can You Buy Fake Designer Bags in Vietnam?

“Happiness is … a perfect handbag” – That can be true for many women, despite age, professional and style. Every season, designers around the world amaze shopaholics with thousands of new items, but at the same…

Is Bui Vien Safe?

Bui Vien is the most crowded walking street in Saigon and is also called the Red Light District. This street features all kinds of entertainment. There are Vietnamese pubs that have pavement sitting where they serve…

First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

By: Author Eva

Posted on Published: May 1, 2023  - Last updated: June 13, 2023

Categories vietnam

Please share this article if you think it's awesome!

Cu Chi Tunnels are extremely complex underground tunnel networks located in Cu Chi district, about 60km from Ho Chi Minh City center. The tunnels were used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Cu Chi Tunnels is a must-visit destination when you are in Ho Chi Minh City. The best time to visit the tunnels is during the dry season from November to April.

In this guide, I’ll share my experience visiting Cu Chi Tunnels as well as important travel information you need to know before visiting.

Brief Cu Chi Tunnels History

In the late 1940s, during the war against the French, the Vietnamese dug tunnels of short distances to hide and to store supplies.

In the 1960s, during the Vietnam War between the North Vietnam (Viet Cong) and the South Vietnam, the Viet Cong connected all these previously unconnected tunnels and expanded them to be over 200km long.

The Viet Cong (aka guerilla Communist Forces) used these underground tunnels to hide from enemies and bombings, transport communications and supplies, lay booby traps and mount surprise attacks, after which they could disappear underground to safety.

The war eventually ended in 1975. The year after that, 1976, the Vietnamese government made the decision to preserve the Cu Chi tunnels and turned them into war memorial parks.

Chu Chi Tunnels Location

There are 2 Cu Chu Tunnel sites: Ben Dinh ( location ) and Ben Duoc ( location ).

Ben Dinh is the more popular, and thus more crowded, site. It is closer to Ho Chi Minh City (~45km).

Meanwhile, Ben Duoc is the less popular site, which is farther from Ho Chi Minh City (~55km).

Both sites feature more or less the same exhibits and tunnels. And both sites have shooting range. However, Ben Duoc has Monument Temple but Ben Dinh doesn’t.

The site that I visited in Cu Chi Tunnels was Ben Dinh , hence, this article will focus on Ben Dinh .

Cu Chi Tunnels Opening Hours

Cu Chi Tunnels are open daily , from 7am to 5pm .

Cu Chi Tunnels Entrance Fee

Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee is VND 125000 per person .

If you’re taking a tour, this fee is usually already included in your tour. If you’re visiting on your own (DIY), you’ll have to purchase the ticket at the counter, and this entrance fee includes tour guide.

How to Go to Chu Chi Tunnels

Ben Dinh site:

• From Ben Thanh, take bus number 13 (Ben Thanh – Cu Chi) to An Suong bus station. From An Suong bus station, take bus number 122 to Tan Quy bus station. From Tan Quy bus station, take bus number 70 to Ben Dinh bus station.
• From Cho Lon bus station, take bus number 94 (Cho Lon – Cu Chi) to An Suong bus station. From An Suong bus station, take bus number 122 to Tan Quy bus station. From Tan Quy bus station, take bus number 70 to Ben Dinh tun
• By Motorbike/Car/Taxi: Head to this location

Ben Duoc site:

• From Ben Thanh take bus route 13 (Ben Thanh – Cu Chi) to Cu Chi bus station. From Cu Chi bus station, take bus number 79 (Cu Chi – Dau Tieng) to Ben Duoc tunnels.
• From Cho Lon bus station, take bus number 94 (Cho Lon – Cu Chi) to Cu Chi bus station. From Cu Chi bus station, take bus number 79 (Cu Chi – Dau Tieng) to Ben Duoc tunnels.

If you’re taking a tour, unfortunately, you won’t know which site you will be going to. But it’s not a big deal in my opinion, both sites have relatively similar features, except the Monument Temple at Ben Duoc.

Should you visit Cu Chi Tunnels by tour or by yourself?

Here are the pros and cons:

For me and my husband, we decided to join a tour because we want to have a tour guide that can explain the history to us. And, because there are only 2 of us, joining a tour is much cheaper than renting a private car with driver.

We join this tour , which brings us to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour in one day with limo.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tours

With so many different tours by different operators, it’s quite tough to choose the best tour for you. I spent a lot of time analyzing various tours before I made my own booking.

To help you save time, here are my best picks:

1. Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour

– most popular tour – choose between morning or afternoon trip – travel by bus (big group) or van (small group) – no lunch – best for: people who are short on time, and only want to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

2. Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tour

– visit Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City’s top sights – travel by bus – lunch included – best for: people who are short on time, and want to visit the essentials places in Ho Chi Minh City in 1 day

3. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta VIP Tour by Limousine (the one I took!)

– visit Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta in 1 day – small group (2-12 participants) – travel by limousine – lunch, beer included – best for: people who want to visit Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta in 1 day, and prefer small group (less time spent on picking/dropping passengers)

4. The History of Cu Chi Tunnels by Luxury Speedboat

– half-day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels – travel by speedboat – lunch included – best for: people who want to experience the non-conventional way to Cu Chi tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels Map

What to See and Do at Cu Chi Tunnels

We visited the Ben Dinh Site, which is a smaller site. The advantage of this site is that all of the exhibits are located quite close to each other.

1. Weapon Gallery

Before entering the site, there’s a weapon gallery near the ticketing counter which you should not miss. Here, there are plenty of weapons and bullets on display.

2. Understanding the Underground Tunnel

Once inside, our guide Phan explained to us about the history of Cu Chi Tunnels, and the anatomy of a tunnel network.

The tunnel complex has several levels. There are medical bunkers, meeting bunker, kitchen with chimney, storage (for food, medicine and weapon). The triangle bunker is for children and pregnant women.

Each level has a door to separate it from the other levels. During emergency, they can close the door so that the enemy won’t have access to their level.

There is also an underground water well, which is the source of clean water that they use for their daily lives. They don’t use river water because it may contain chemicals.

On ground level, there are many unsuspecting mounds like this which looks like just another mound. But if you observe closely, some mounds have holes which serve as ventilation for the underground tunnels.

3. Documentary Film Room

The documentary film room is where you can watch a short film about how Cu Chi Tunnels were made.

4. Tiny Hiding Spot

One of the most ‘grammable exhibit in Cu Chi Tunnel is definitely this tiny hiding spot. During the war, Vietnamese would hide inside this kind of tiny tunnel and cover it with a cover.

Curious tourists would try their luck to see if they can fit into this tiny tunnel. This tunnel is deep (for someone short like me), I didn’t even dare to try, I was worried I can’t climb out!

There were many types of traps being set up during the war time. One of them is this booby trap. If someone falls into this, they’ll need 2 person to carry them out.

There’s an exhibit where many traps were being displayed, such as sticking trap, armpit trap, rolling trap, window trap, folding chair trap, swing up trap, fish trap, see saw trap and door trap. Our tour guide patiently explained how each trap works.

6. Group of Guerillas

Here’s a group of guerilla fighters taking a rest.

7. US Army Tank

There is also US Army Tank on display.

8. Military Workshop

At the military workshop, the soldiers recycle the bullets to create landmines.

9. Sandals Making Workshop

At the sandal making workshop, a soldier figure was seen making sandals from recycled tires.

There are 2 designs. Sometimes the soldiers wear it the normal way, and sometimes they wear it backwards so that their footprints’ direction will deceit the enemies.

10. Cu Chi Tunnels Shooting Range

For those who want to have the experience of shooting a real gun, you should not miss the shooting range.

You can choose the guns that you want, eg: AK47, M16, K54, M60, carbine. The bullets are sold in a set of 10.

If you hit the target for at least 2 times, you’ll get rewards as follow.

11. Souvenir Shop

After the shooting range is the souvenir shop. They sell various Vietnamese souvenirs, such as lacquerware, painting, handicrafts, etc.

12. Food and Drink

If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, there’s a food and drink stall to get juice or snacks. There’s even a section with tables and chairs for you to rest.

13. Fighting Bunker

Next is what I’m most excited about: the bunkers! There are various lengths that you can choose from, such as 20m, 40m, 60m and 100m. I only tried the 20m tunnel.

There are plenty of steps and you need to walk while half-squatting. It is not for everybody. And it’s totally okay if you don’t want to go in.

14. Medical Bunker

The medical bunker is a little bit creepy, in my opinion, because of the bed and net. The tunnel is similar to the fighting bunker, it’s small and dark.

If you wonder how big these tunnels are, here’s me for comparison. I’d say the height is about 1-1.2m and width is about 0.6-0.8m.

15. Eat Tapioca at the Hoang Cam kitchen

After all the bunker visit, we arrived at Hoang Cam kitchen where we were served steamed cassava root with peanut salt. These were what Vietnamese eat during the war time.

16. Lunch at Ben Dinh Restaurant

At the end of our visit to Cu Chi Tunnel, we had lunch at Ben Dinh Restaurant as part of our tour.

Our menu consists of steamed rice, spring roll, omelet, soup, pork, chicken, vegetable and watermelon.

If you’re visiting Ben Duoc site, there’s also a restaurant called Nhà hàng Bến Dược (or Ben Duoc Restaurant).

Final Thoughts

Before visiting Cu Chi Tunnels, I often read negative reviews from people who said that the tunnels are not visiting because of various reasons, some of them are: it’s just tunnels, it’s too small and you can’t enter it anyway, there’s nothing much to do there.

After visiting Cu Chi Tunnels, I feel that it’s a very interesting historical site where you can learn a lot about the country. There’s only so much you can learn from reading about history. But when you visit Cu Chi Tunnels and you see with your own eyes what happened in Cu Chi during the Vietnam War, you have a deeper appreciation of the country’s past.

I highly recommend anyone visiting Saigon to visit Cu Chi Tunnels. It doesn’t matter which site you go to, the takeaways are largely the same.

Disclosure: Thank you Klook for supporting us with the tour to visit Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.

If you like my work, you can buy me a coffee! Your support will help me to keep going!

From HCM: Explore Cu Chi Tunnels & The Best Spots In Sai Gon

Set out on a journey that blends history with modern allure as you venture through the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the hidden gems of Sai Gon.

Unravel the intricate network of tunnels that played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s past, then learn about the vibrant pulse of Sai Gon’s bustling streets.

This article unveils a fusion of past and present, offering a glimpse of what makes this destination truly unique. Discover the captivating tales that lie beneath the surface and prepare to be captivated by the charm and complexity of these iconic locations.

• Gain insights into local history and culture through guided tours
• Explore the underground network in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City
• Keep plans flexible with instant confirmation and no upfront payment
• Easily navigate the area with public transportation and well-marked signs

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• From Ho Chi Minh: Three-Day Mekong Delta Tour
• From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta 3 Days 2 Nights
• Mekong Tour: Cai Be – Can Tho Floating Market 2 Days
• 3-Day Bike Tour From Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

Duration & Availability

When planning a trip to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and best spots in Sai Gon, visitors should check availability for starting times to ensure a seamless experience. Travel tips suggest keeping plans flexible and booking spots without payment to accommodate any changes.

It’s ideal for a day trip, allowing travelers to explore the local cuisine and culture. Exploring the tunnels and Sai Gon’s top spots provides an opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s rich history. Engaging in guided tours can enhance the experience, offering deeper insights into the region.

Remember to consider local cuisine options while exploring, as Sai Gon boasts a vibrant food scene that shouldn’t be missed during your visit.

Activity Highlights

To fully experience the excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels and top spots in Sai Gon, visitors can enjoy a journey that includes exploring the intricate underground network and discovering the vibrant local culture. Tunnel exploration offers a glimpse into the historical significance of these underground passages, while engaging in guided tours provides insights into the local history . On top of that, visitors can indulge in a cultural experience that showcases the traditions and customs of Vietnam. By partaking in these activities, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the region’s past and present, making their trip both educational and memorable.

Rating & Reviews

Upon reviewing the rating and reviews for the Cu Chi Tunnels and best spots in Sai Gon excursion, it’s evident that the feedback from a traveler from Australia rated the experience at 1.5 out of 5 stars. The customer feedback indicates dissatisfaction with the service quality and overall tour experience. Travelers are highlighting issues related to organization, guide knowledge , and the value for money aspect of the tour. Some reviewers have also mentioned issues with transportation and communication during the excursion. It seems that improvements in these areas could significantly enhance traveler satisfaction for future visitors.

• Lack of organization
• Guide’s knowledge questioned
• Value for money concerns
• Transportation issues
• Communication problems

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels and best spots in Sai Gon excursion offer a central location that’s easily accessible for all travelers. Situated in the tourist-friendly area of Pham Ngu Lao Street, visitors can conveniently explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and then venture out to discover the vibrant attractions of Sai Gon.

This central location serves as an ideal starting point for immersing oneself in the local culture and delving into Vietnam’s rich history. With its proximity to various tourist attractions , including museums , markets , and restaurants , travelers can make the most of their time in Ho Chi Minh City by booking this insightful tour.

Booking Information

Situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the booking process for the Cu Chi Tunnels and best spots in Sai Gon excursion offers a secure and convenient way for all travelers to reserve their spot without upfront payment. Travelers can rest assured that their booking is in safe hands, with various convenient options available to suit their preferences. Here’s what makes the booking process stand out:

Secure Process : Ensuring your information is protected.

No Upfront Payment: Reserve without immediate financial commitment.

Flexible Options: Choose from a range of booking slots.

User-Friendly Interface: Easily navigate the booking platform.

Instant Confirmation: Receive quick confirmation of your reservation.

For easy access to the Cu Chi Tunnels and best spots in Sai Gon, travelers can follow the well-marked signs leading from central Ho Chi Minh City. Navigational tips include hiring a local guide for insider knowledge and taking advantage of public transportation like buses for an authentic experience. Transport options range from taxis, motorbike taxis , and rental cars for flexibility in exploring different areas. It’s advisable to plan routes in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid traffic congestion. Plus, utilizing mobile map applications can assist in real-time navigation and provide alternative routes if needed. By combining these strategies, visitors can efficiently navigate their way to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Sai Gon’s top attractions.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Private Taxi Transfer From Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh
• Private Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh
• Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Fullday Tour From Ho Chi Minh
• From Ho Chi Minh: Explore Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour
• Car Hire & Driver: Visit My Tho, Can Tho From HCMC
• Two-Day Mekong Delta Tour

Common questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Physical Limitations for Participating in the Cu Chi Tunnels Tour?

Age restrictions and physical limitations may apply for the Cu Chi Tunnels tour. Travelers should inquire about specific requirements before booking. It’s essential to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all participants.

Is There a Recommended Attire or Specific Items to Bring for the Tour?

For the tour, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended attire. Essential items include sunscreen, insect repellent , a hat , and a camera. Dressing in layers is advisable for varying temperatures. Stay hydrated and be prepared for walking.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Expenses to Consider During the Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion?

When exploring Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors should consider additional fees for certain activities, like shooting ranges. While private tours might offer more flexibility, local eateries along the way provide dining options without tour restrictions .

Can Visitors Opt for Private Tours or Customize Their Itinerary for the Day Trip From Hcm?

Visitors can opt for private tours or customize their itinerary for the day trip from HCM. They have transportation options and may inquire about group discounts . This flexibility allows for a tailored experience based on preferences.

Are There Any Recommended Local Eateries or Dining Options Near the Cu Chi Tunnels for Lunch or Snacks?

When visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, travelers can enjoy local cuisine at nearby markets . These markets offer a variety of authentic dishes and snacks that provide a taste of Vietnamese culture and flavors.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Daily Tour Cao Dai Temple – Ba Den Mountain (Van Son Top)
• From Ho Chi Minh: Full-Day Vung Tau Beach & The Giant Jesus
• Ho Chi Minh: Sai Gon – The City Of Bustle And Bright Lights
• From Ho Chi Minh: Can Gio Mangrove Forest & Monkey Island
• Explore The Beauty of Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta
• From Ho Chi Minh: Day Trip to Mui Ne by Private Car
• From HCM: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City – History Of Vietnam
• Mekong Delta Day Trip With Lunch
• Private Jeep Tour Saigon by Night & Cruise Dinner With Music
• Vung Tau Beach Day Trip From Ho Chi Minh City

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and discover the best spots in Sai Gon on this immersive day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

With guided tours, local experiences , and hassle-free booking options, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam.

Pack your bags, keep your travel plans flexible, and get ready to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of this vibrant destination.

Similar Posts

Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin City to Berlin Airport SXF in Business Car

Set out on a journey where comfort meets sophistication with Berlin Airport Transfers’ Business Car service from Berlin City to…

How the West Was Won!

Travelers are often captivated by the allure of the Wild West, its tales of cowboys, outlaws, and pioneers shaping the…

Ziplines Jungle Day Combo Tour

Nestled within the lush tropical landscapes of the Dominican Republic lies an opportunity for travelers seeking an unforgettable day of…

Rafting in Cusipata and Zipline Over South Valley

Looking to add a dash of adrenaline to your travel itinerary? Imagine gliding through the air over the South Valley,…

The UAE Complete With Fully Live Guided Tour – 7 Days / 6 Nights

Set out on an enchanting escapade through the Emirates with a meticulously planned 7-day, 6-night fully live guided tour. Unravel…

Hanoi: Old Quarter Market Tour and Cooking Class With Meal

While some may doubt the authenticity of cooking classes offered in popular tourist areas, the Hanoi Old Quarter Market Tour…

• About the blog
• Privacy Policy

Joan's Footprints

Mermaid born with legs to travel the world

Where do you want to go?

Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels DIY Way – 2023 Step-by-sep Travel Guide

Updated as of September 2023.

Going to the Cu Chi tunnels DIY way is something any backpacker can easily do especially that I did it on my own while I was solo traveling the Indochina countries last December 2019. This way is highly recommended especially if you are on a budget. Moreover, you have control over your time and not to have to follow on a group tour.

Before anything else, I’ll give you a bit of information about the country Vietnam. Vietnam is a Southeast Asia country known for its bustling cities, French colonial landmarks, Vietnamese war sites and Cu Chi tunnels. The country is also famous to backpackers as an entry or exit point for backpackers traveling the Indochina countries. One of the most important and touristy site in Vietnam is the Cu Chi tunnels.

Table of Contents

About Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam

The Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam is a very important historical site which dates back from the Vietnamese war and French colonial periods. These tunnels were used to create a secret underground passage to protect the soldiers, men, women and children from the French invaders. The passages lead to different types of rooms including escape rooms, general room, dining area, kitchen, hospital and other more.

Most of the tunnels are really narrow that’s why soldiers back in the days crawl their way in and out. In order to be able to breathe inside these passages, the soldiers built air ventilation that connects from the surface. They camouflaged these air ventilations including the cover of the tunnel to the ground so that the invaders won’t find them.

Cu Chi was considered a death zone or death circle to any intruders who comes here since the place is surrounded with booby traps. Now, the Cu Chi tunnels became an interesting tourist spot in Vietnam, especially to those who wants to learn about the history of the Vietnamese war.

The 2 Cu Chi tunnel sites in Vietnam

To begin with, there are actually 2 Cu Chi tunnel sites in Vietnam: Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh . Most pf the tour agencies go to Ben Dinh which is why the place is a bit crowded compared to Ben Duoc. Ben Duoc is where you wanna go.

How much will I spend doing the Cu Chi tunnels DIY?

I only spent VND 124,000/ USD 5.36 / PHP 272.00 doing Cu Chi tunnels DIY way. You can book this tour from Klook and will cost you around PHP 600.00 for a group tour. If you want to go there and save extra money for your travel budget, I highly recommend doing it the DIY way!

How to go there – Cu Chi Tunnels DIY itinerary and expenses

Below is my step by step guide for you and a few tips and tricks so you won’t get lost on your way. Trust me, this is very easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Step 1: Download the BusMap App and Google Translator App

Before starting the actual journey, download the BusMap App here . This app will be your very guide when in Vietnam. It’s very user friendly and you just have to input the starting point and the destination, after that it will show you options to get there.

The next app you need to download is any google translator app. You have to know that Vietnam is not an English speaking country. For you to communicate properly with the Vietnamese, download this app to minimize the hassle. Download google translate app here.

Step 2: Go to Ben Xe Buyt Sai Gon station and ride Bus 13

If your hotel is located in District 1, walk towards Ben Xe Buyt Sai Gon station which is labelled as Saigon Bus TDH on Google Maps. Look for Bus # 13 that has a signage of Cu Chi. The travel time is 1 hour and 40 minutes and the fare is VND 20,000. Drop off at the end-point station or the Ben Xe Cu Chi station and transfer to Bus # 79.

Step 3: From Ben Xe Cu Chi Station, transfer to Bus 79

Arriving at the end-point station or Ben Xe Cu Chi station, transfer to bus 79 and pay the fare of VND 7,000. The travel time is approximately 25 minutes only. Advise the driver that you are going to Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels so that they will drop you off at the entrance point.

Step 4: Drop off at Ben Duoc Cu Chi

Once you get off from the bus, walk towards the arch entrance. Tip : do not forget to mention to the driver that you are going to Ben Duoc Cu Chi so you won’t get lost.

Step 5: Walk towards the ticket booth

Once you pass by the arch entrance, the place might look a bit confusing since it lacks signs or directions where to go. But don’t panic since all you have to do is continue walking until you find the ticketing booth. Buy your ticket for VND 125,000 which includes a tour guide that will explain to you the history of the tunnels and there is also a short film that covers a brief documentation about the Vietnamese war.

What to see in Ben Duoc Cu Chi

Afetr buying your ticket, just follow the path that the cashier at the ticketing booth will point you at. Take note that Ben Duoc Cu Chi is quite a big place. The tickets you bought includes a map of the whole place. Although the map might be confusing at first since it’s in Vietnamese language. You will first pass by the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple while walking towards the path,

Ben Duoc Memorial Temple

Trivia: the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple was built in memory of those who dies in the war during the Vietnamese war against the French colonizers. This is a very huge temple and when I came here, there were no tourists at all. It’s really a recommended place if you want to avoid the touristy Cu CHi tunnels sites.

Vietnamese War Machines and Aircraft

After the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, you will now pass by a path covered by forest. It’s a bit far and again, you might get confused if it’s the correct path. Just follow the only path and it will lead you at the end of the road where you will see the war machines and aircrafts used during the war. You will also see the actual bombs and huge missiles that was recovered from the war.

Cu Chi Tunnels

In front of these war machines, there is an entrance where you will meet up with your tour guide. Present the Cu Chi tunnels ticket you bought earlier and they will put a sticker on your shirt before entering.

You will now walk towards an actual forest trail for approximately 5 minutes and reach the part where you will watch a short documentation about the Vietnamese war and Indochina war against the French colonizers. The documentation is about 15 minutes.

After that, your tour guide will now take your group to the tunnels and experience squeezing yourself to a very narrow tunnels!

The Cu Chi Tunnels Experience

I personally enjoyed this experience after watching the documentation. For me, the short film made me a bit emotional watching the tragic events that happened during the war. Seeing the tunnels that the Vietnamese actually used during the war added a moment of contemplation to the whole experience.

Our tour guide was very proactive and knowledgeable about their history. I learned lots of important things that happened during the war including some relevant Vietnam history.

What you need to know about some of the tunnels – Cu Chi Tunnels DIY

• Some tunnels were reconstructed so that tourists will fit inside the tunnels
• There is enough ventilation inside the tunnels, the air is actually cold inside!
• There are a few small bats that live inside the tunnels
• You’ll see different rooms inside: Commander room, living room, kitchen, hospital, etc.
• During the war, Vietnamese placed booby traps inside the tunnels to catch French intruders who are trying to get in the tunnels. Only those who live inside the tunnels knows where the traps are planted.

It’s not for claustrophobic people!

Like I have said earlier, some tunnels are still the original size and are very narrow! This is not recommended for claustrophobic people. Still, there are tunnels renovated for the sake of the tourists.

Check out the mannequins inside the tunnels

Aside from the narrow tunnels, you can also expect lots of mannequins down there! Honestly, it was a bit creepy for me since I really don’t like mannequins. For larger rooms like the dining area and hospital, you can see some of these mannequins portraying the life of the Vietnamese during the war.

A simple healthy snack after the tour!

They will serve you a local food made out of sugar cane. Enjoy your snacks! After eating your snacks, you can go to the souvenir shops if you want to buy a token for your visit.

Vietnam Travel Vlog on Youtube

NEXT TO READ:

• HO CHI MINH CITY DIY TRAVEL GUIDE
• CROSSING BOARDERS FROM HO CHI MINH CITY TO SIEM REAP TRAVEL GUIDE 2020

Crossing Borders from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap Travel Guide – 2022 Step by step guide

RELATED POSTS:

• BUI VIEN STREET: BEST NIGHT LIFE IN SAIGON
• XU RESTAURANT LOUNGE: AUTHENTIC VIETNAMESE CUISINE

LATEST POSTS:

• How to Use Taipei Fun Pass on Klook + Sample 3 Days Itinerary: Everything You Need to Know
• Ultimate 4 Days Bali DIY Itinerary & Budget For First Timers: Best Places to Visit + How to Get There?
• 2024 Ultimate Northern Blossom DIY Itinerary & Budget: What You Need to Know
• Ultimate Boracay Food Guide: Where to Eat + BEST Restaurants
• ULTIMATE BORACAY DIY TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FIRST TIMERS: ITINERARY & BUDGET

Share this:

Joana Paola Gutierrez

You might also like.

BACKPACKING 6 PROVINCES IN 11 DAYS (TRAVEL GUIDE & BUDGET)

Mindanao – Visayas Backpacking Itinerary: Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte/Sur, Southern Leyte

Border Crossing From Singapore to Malaysia: A Step by Step Guide

Manjuyod Sandbar and Dolphin Watching: Negros Oriental

Crossing Borders from Siem Reap to Bangkok (Travel Guide)

8 thoughts on “ visiting cu chi tunnels diy way – 2023 step-by-sep travel guide ”.

Hi, how long did you take for your DIY tour?

Hello Claudia! It took me the whole day including travel time. 🙂

Silly, question but how did you get back to HCMC? Did you hail a bus heading in the opposite direction? 🙂

Yeap! That’s what I did. 😊

Hello Joan! Thanks for your blog, it was very helpful for me.

Just wanted to let you know some updates: as for September 2023: 1) Ben Duoc entry fee is now 125K. 2) Bus #13 costs 20K to reach Ben xe Cu Chi Bus Station. Bus #79 still costs 7K.

Also, some alternative bus routes: On the way back to HCMC I hopped on bus #70 from just outside Ben Duoc (from the same spot where we got off bus 79). From there, I reached Tan Quy bus station for 7K, where we transfer to #122. Bus 122 took us all the way to An Suong Bus Station for 7K. There there are several busses that go back to 23/9 Park in HCMC, all costing 6-7K. I got bus #65. It took the same time (2.5 hrs) as the onward journey to Ben Duoc, but costed a little less.

DIYing it was an amazing experience, and costed us nothing compared to the 500-600K tours we were offered in our hostel and online.

Wow! Thank you so much, Giulia. I am glad to know you enjoyed your DIY trip as much as I did. Taking note of these changes too..

hello there, is taking Grab an option? what would be the cost? there are 4 of us. Is it difficult to find taxi or grab going back to Saigon, or it would recommended to get the driver to wait – at extra cost? thank you!!!!

Hi! I wouldn’t really recommend Grab or taxis because it’s too far from the city.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• BACKPACKERS WANDERLUST - AN AWARD WINNING TRAVEL BLOG
• Work With Me

• DISCLOSURE & PRIVACY POLICY
• United States
• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Accommodation Goals
• Budget And Cost Of Travel
• Foodie Goals
• Packing & Planning
• Travel Inspiration
• Volunteering Abroad
• Working & Studying Abroad
• Other Travel Tips

The 6 Best Cu Chi Tunnels Tours: Is Cheaper Better?

Come find out all you need to know about booking a cu chi tunnels tour i will let you know what to expect, the cu chi tunnels entrance fee, how to book a tour, is cheaper really better, and so much more..

Now one thing you need to do in Ho Chi Minh City is no doubt visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. They are a remarkable testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War.

Today, they stand as a popular tourist offering visitors a glimpse into the challenging conditions faced by those who fought. However, what is the best way to explore them, and is a Cu Chi Tunnels tour really worth it?

Luckily enough I was able to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels during my month backpacking Vietnam. They stand out as a highlight in Ho Chi Minh City and gave us a lot more understanding of the War.

So, let’s get into this article on the best Cu Chi Tunnel tours and everything else you could know. This includes getting into the history, entrance fee, what to expect, how to book a tour, and more!

Best Cu Chi Tunnels Tours & All You Need To Know About Visiting

Need A Quick Answer?

If you perhaps don’t have time to read this entire guide on the best Cu Chi Tunnel Tours, no worries, here are your best options:

🎒 Best Cu Chi Tunnels Tour For Budget Travelers For an affordable half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels explore alongside Vietnam Adventure Tours. Book now with GetYourGuide .

📖 Best Cu Chi Tunnel Tour For History Buffs: For history lovers book a Cu Chi Tunnels tour with a war veteran to show you around. Book now with GetYourGuide .

🚗 Best Private Cu Chi Tunnels Tour: Take a VIP Private Cu Chi Tunnels Tour where you can decide which tunnel you visit with your personal guide. Book now with Viator.

🏨 Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City: Top hostel choices for backpackers in Ho Chi Minh City include 9 Hostel & Bar (dorms start from $10.00) and City Backpackers Hostel (dorms start from $8.00)

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia

Ways You Can Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Basically, when it comes to visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels you have two different options: either booking a tour or making your own way there.

I am not usually one to go to a travel agency to book a tour, though when it came to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City I had no idea where to start.

I knew I could not do it myself. There was no way I would survive being on a motorbike in that traffic and I was no confident taking public transport. Booking a tour would be the only way to go for me.

However, you may find doing it yourself is your ideal choice. Nevertheless, I will cover both.

6 Of The Best Cu Chi Tunnel Tours

Personally, I booked with a random tour agency I found on the streets of District 1. They will sell a selection of Cu Chi Tunnel tours as well as tours of other best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City .

However, the downside of booking through a tour agency is it is a bit of a gamble. You don’t know how good it really is, and a common theme in Asia is what they promise you really aren’t included.

This is why I now choose to book online in advance, allowing me to check out reviews of other travelers and have some sort of itinerary so I know what is exactly going to happen. A lot of these companies nowadays also do free cancellation so it really is no risk.

1. Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ✅ 5500+ Reviews By Travelers | 👉 Check Price and Availability

The Cu Chi Tunnels Half day tour is a great way to explore this highlight in Ho Chi Minh City. This includes your standard visit to the tunnels with up to 25 people.

This is your cheapest option and is certainly a no frills experience at just $18.00 per person. However, this is one of the most popular tours to take.

Our guide Vinh was so nice ! he clearly explained the history behind the tunnels. It was an interesting experience, I definitely recommend it !! Again, big thanks Vinh !! – SARAH ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Even though it is just a half day experience you will still get the chance to check each corner of the tunnels including a tourist favorite, getting the chance to shoot an AK47.

There are two departures daily at 07:30 am and 12:30 pm.

• Hotel pick up & drop off in District 1
• Entrance fee

2. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ✅ 2800+ Reviews By Travelers | 👉 Check Price and Availability

Now if you want to take your Cu Chi Tunnels tour to the next level no better option than booking the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour .

This is a full day experience where you will get to explore the two main highlights around Ho Chi Minh City.

The tour today with James was fantastic! The value and experience we got was more than enough for what we paid. We learnt so much, got to see so much and taste new things and really recommend this tour! We had the best day! Thankyou James for a great day and taking us on an unforgettable experience – JANNA ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

In the morning you will tour the Cu Chi tunnels where you will learn about the history, crawl through the tunnels, have the chance to shoot a gun, and watch the traps in motion. You will then have a delicious lunch before making your way to the next stop.

At the Mekong Delta you will have the chance to take a boat and sampan ride along the river network where you can take in the gorgeous sights.

One thing to be aware of is this is a full day tour, and you will spend a bit of time on the road as traffic in Ho Chi Minh can be a bit crazy.

• Pick up from Districts 1, 3, and 4
• All entrance fees
• Bus transfer
• Boat trip on the Mekong Delta
• Water & lunch

3. Cu Chi Tunnels Luxury Tour – Morning or Afternoon

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ✅ 9500+ Reviews By Travelers | 👉 Check Price and Availability

Now another excellent, super duper affordable choice is the Cu Chi Tunnels Luxury Tour . This is one of the cheapest available so is perfect if you are looking for a cheap Cu Chi Tunnels tour.

The tour was great – Well structured and informative. Very fun to make your way through the tunnels (some tight squeezes along the way) but there are shorter routes if you don’t want to go too far. (5m, 10m, ~50m routes) Kynie was a wonderful tour guide. Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Would recommend eating beforehand, bringing a snack or picking up a Banh Mi at the service stop on the way to the tunnels. – CIARAN ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Even though it does sell itself as a luxury tour, it isn’t. There is no additional highlight which sets it apart from other options. Instead, this is a great choice for budget travelers with an affordable Cu Chi Tunnel tour price.

• Pick up and drop off in District 1
• Entrance fees

4. Cu Chi Tunnels – VIP Private Tour

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ✅ 120+ Reviews By Travelers | 👉 Check Price and Availability

If you are looking to escape the crowds then taking the Cu Chi Tunnels – VIP Private Tour is an excellent option. You can also decide if you would prefer to visit the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc Tunnels.

Max (Maximum) our guide was outstanding. Gave us a full history of the Vietnam (American) way and the tunnels on the drive down. He took us away from the crowded areas to see the tunnels and explain how they were kept hidden so well. Highly recommended and excellent value for money Read more about Cu Chi Tunnels – PETER ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

One of the best parts of this tour is that it is flexible allowing you to avoid the main crowds. You can start early and beat the crowds, or head off a bit later once they have departed.

• Pick up & drop off to districts 1, 3, 4, 5 & 7
• Boiled tapioca and tea

5. Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour with a War Veteran

⭐️ Rating : 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ✅ 240+ Reviews By Travelers | 👉 Check Price and Availability

Next up we have the Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour with a War Veteran which is the perfect option for those wanting to learn more about the War and what occurred.

The tour was great. Our tour guide Travis was phenomenal! He was incredibly knowledgeable and the tour itself was a great mixture of history and the stories of particular people and families. The tunnels are a high tourist site and our guide did a great job of navigating the site so it didn’t feel like we were caught in the crowd. Definitely worth doing the personal tour. Also, the car to the site from Saigon was very well maintained and well air-conditioned. Highly recommend this tour for Cu Chi tunnels. – CHARLOTTE ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

You will still get to experience all the other highlights of the tunnels such as making your way through them, shooting an AK47, learning about the traps used and more. However you will also have the opportunity to meet with and talk to a veteran who fought in the War.

• Pick up and drop off
• War veteran interaction
• Bottled Water

6. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta VIP Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ✅ 300+ Reviews By Travelers | 👉 Check Price and Availability

Another great option if you are wanting to smash out the two main highlights in Ho Chi Minh City in one day is the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta VIP Tour . This is similar to the full day tour I mentioned earlier, however this one you will be traveling in style.

Was one of the best tour trip we have ever done. Very lucky to have a lovely family as our company too. And of course all tanks to Giau, our tour guild made this trip unforgettable . She is absolutely amazing!!! Love her sincerity sharing her honest opinion as a local. Highly recommended! – MICKEY ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Now you enjoy enjoy the long drives in traffic in style with a limo van in comfortable seats, and with refreshments.

You can choose to either book it all to yourself, which does have a hefty price tag, or alternatively just do the small group tour with a maximum 8 other people. There are no giant tourists buses here with 50+ travelers all following each other around.

Enjoy a more relaxed experience away from the crowds as you explore both the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.

• Hotel pick up and drop off in Districts 1, 3 & 4
• Transfer via Limo Van
• Boat and sampan trip

Public Bus To Cu Chi Tunnels

If you are keen to make your own way to the Cu Chi Tunnels then your best bet will be via public bus.

If you are starting from District 1, you can head to the Pham Ngu Lao bus station and take bus number 13 to Ben Xe Cu Chi (the last stop).

From there, catch bus 79 to the Cu Chi tunnels. The bus tickets cost 7000 VND / $0.30 and it will take around 2 hours depending on traffic.

Just note that even though you made your own way there, you can’t actually tour Cu Chi Tunnels by yourself. Instead, they will pair you up in a group of 10 to 20 people and you will explore the area alongside a local guide which is included in your entrance fee.

The History of The Cu Chi Tunnels

No visit to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The series of underground tunnels played an important part in the War and was an impressive feat of both architecture and engineering.

At its peak, there were over 250km worth of tunnels stretching along the countryside, some even leading from Saigon right to the Cambodian border.

Each tunnel was no more than 70cm wide and 90cm high, some even ran 30 feet deep underground.

The construction of the tunnels first began in the late 1940s when the Indochina war with France was going on. Though, when the US military came along this forced them to expand the tunnel network immensely.

It quickly became a maze to the unfamiliar, though for those who knew the ins and outs of the labyrinth, it was a vital part of their lives. It served as shelters, kitchens, and supply lines.

With special ventilation and drainage, it made the conditions semi-livable, but there was always the risk of snakes, flooding, disease, and limited oxygen levels.

There are two sites consisting of a series of tunnels open for tourists to visit. These are Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc and they are about 13 km apart. The more popular sites and what most tours visit are the Ben Duoc tunnels.

Opening Hours & Location Of Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are open from 7 am until 5 pm every day. The ticket counter closes at 4 pm.

Location: Đường tỉnh lộ 15, Phú Hiệp, Phú Mỹ Hưng, Củ Chi, Hồ Chí Minh 733814, Vietnam

Cu Chi Tunnel Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to Cu Chi Tunnels is $5.10 / 125000 VND.

If you decide to book a tour best to check if this fee is included or not.

Highlights Of The Cu Chi Tunnels

No doubt there are definitely some highlights when it comes to exploring the tunnels. Here are some of them so you know what to expect on your visit:

Getting Inside The Tunnels

Getting into the tunnels themselves was absolutely crazy. They are so small and somehow the Vietnamese managed to walk crouched down, whereas I could only crawl.

If you are the slightest bit claustrophobic I would not recommend participating in this part.

It is crazy hot and oftentimes crowded within the tunnels. There are exits every 20 meters in case you are worried. However it does give an excellent perspective of the daily lives during the war.

Shooting A Gun

If you have ever wanted to shoot a gun this is no doubt the place to do it. It is extremely cheap and being in a supervised environment makes it slightly safer.

If you are interested in the cost of shooting a gun at Cu Chi Tunnels you can check out the photo below for the price list

For example, it costs $2.20 / 50000 VND to shoot an AK47 (I think this is per bullet price).

My Experience At The Cu Chi Tunnels

We waited at the travel agency and were soon met by a happy gentleman from the company we would be visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels with. Walking around the different agencies we collected more and more people.

He rounded us up like sheep and we followed through the busy streets and across a park where a bus was parked.

On the drive out of Central Ho Chi Minh City, the journey was filled with stories by our guide. We learned a lot about the Vietnamese War, the history of Ho Chi Minh City, and some personal stories as well since our guide father fought in the war.

At the lacquer factory, we were given a quick briefing by a well-spoken and beautifully presented Vietnamese lady about the purpose of the factory.

I have read that visiting the lacquer factory cannot be avoided when booking a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. In all honesty, there is some lovely artwork, but I am on a budget and it is not my cup of tea.

Past endless rubber plantations and flat landscapes, we are soon greeted by hoards of tour buses signaling we have arrived. Following our tour guide to the front desk he collects our money, cuts the lines, and gives it to one of the staff members.

We each receive our tickets and head into our first tunnel, which isn’t your typical tunnel. It is a large underground structure where they punch our tickets and we are let into the facility.

At this stage, it is obvious our tour guide does this extremely often. He seems to know every staff member as he high-fives and jokes with each one that we pass. Though, we find out that this is a good thing as when there are traps and weapons he will jump behind the cautionary line and demonstrate the uses for us.

All the other tour groups needed to be shown by one of the staff members. This made our time on the tour that much more personal and enjoyable.

I will admit some of the rooms displayed such as the kitchen were quite corny. Though, luckily our guide seemed to be able to make a good joke out of every situation.

It was extremely interesting to learn the different ‘layers’ of the tunnels and I will say I learned a lot. It is an extremely educational experience so get ready to learn!

Ho Chi Minh Travel Tips

Now you know about the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the main highlights in Ho Chi Minh City, here are some other tips to make the most out of your visit:

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City

Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 stands out as the ultimate hub for travelers. This district, often referred to as Saigon’s downtown, is a captivating blend of colonial charm and modern vibrancy.

You can find all sorts of accommodation here from affordable hostels to boutique hotels. The rooftop bars in District 1 are a must offering panoramic views of the cityscape.

Other Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City

Explore Bến Thành Market: Dive into the vibrant chaos of this iconic market, offering everything from local handicrafts to delicious street food.

Visit the War Remnants Museum : Gain insights into Vietnam’s tumultuous history through powerful exhibits and war artifacts in this thought-provoking museum.

Wander around District 1 : Stroll through the lively streets of Saigon’s downtown, taking in the mix of French colonial architecture, modern boutiques, and trendy cafes.

Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon : Marvel at this architectural gem, a symbol of the city, and explore the surrounding area with its charming French influence.

Experience Local Cuisine : Dive into the world of Vietnamese street food at places like Pho 2000 or Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa , savoring the authentic flavors of this culinary haven.

Cruise the Mekong Delta : Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, exploring floating markets, traditional villages, and lush landscapes along the river.

Enjoy Rooftop Bars : Take in panoramic views of the city from rooftop bars like Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar or the Breeze Sky Bar , especially magical during sunset.

Discover Jade Emperor Pagoda: Immerse yourself in the serenity of this ancient Taoist pagoda, adorned with intricate sculptures and statues.

Cultural Shows: Experience traditional Vietnamese performances at venues like the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater for a unique blend of art and entertainment.

FAQs About Going On A Cu Chi Tunnel Tour

Can i go to cu chi tunnels without a tour.

You can get to the Cu Chi Tunnels using the public bus network. However once you enter the park they will group you up with other travelers and a guide who will show you around.

Are the Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting?

Yes, the Cu Chi Tunnels are generally considered worth visiting, especially for those interested in history, military architecture, and the Vietnam War.

How long is the Cu Chi tunnels tour?

The length of a Cu Chi Tunnels tour can vary depending on the type of tour you choose. Typically, a standard half-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels takes around 5 to 6 hours, with 2 hours there to explore.

How much does it cost to go to the Cu Chi Tunnels?

The entrance fee to Cu Chi Tunnels is $5.10 / 125000 VND. If you decide to take a tour the cheapest options start around $18.00 with this fee included.

Can you do Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta in one day?

Yes, it is possible to do a combined Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tour in one day. Many operators in Vietnam offer day trips that include visits to both the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. These tours typically last a full 10 hours starting in the morning and coming back to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

Wrap Up: All You Need To Know About The Best Cu Chi Tunnels Tours

Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels is not just a journey through Vietnam’s history, but an experience that allows you to witness the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during the war.

Choosing the right tour is essential to make the most of this historical adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the informative guides, crowds, or the overall quality of the experience, the best Cu Chi Tunnels tours offer a perfect blend of education and fascination.

As you consider your options, remember to prioritize factors like knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and reviews from fellow travelers.

With the right tour, you’ll not only learn about the past but create lasting memories of a journey that takes you beneath the surface of Vietnam’s rich history

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Want more Vietnam Inspiration? Check out….

• 3 WEEKS IN VIETNAM ITINERARY
• COMMON SCAMS IN VIETNAM
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN VIETNAM
• COST TO TRAVEL IN VIETNAM & MY BACKPACKING BUDGET
• BACKPACKING VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS
• TAKING A VIETNAM SLEEPER BUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• SURVIVING A VIETNAM SLEEPER TRAIN
• BACKPACKING HANOI TRAVEL TIPS
• 3 DAYS IN HANOI ITINERARY FOR TRAVELERS
• BEST HOSTELS IN HANOI
• VISITING HA LONG BAY ON A BUDGET
• DISCOVERING LAN HA BAY & CAT BA ISLAND
• HANOI TO SAPA
• 3 DAY IN SAPA ITINERARY
• WHAT IS SAPA LIKE IN FEBRUARY
• HANOI TO HUE TRANSPORT GUIDE
• VISITING THE IMPERIAL CITY OF HUE
• 2 DAYS IN HUE BACKPACKING ITINERARY
• HUE TO DA NANG: ALL WAYS TO TRAVEL
• DA NANG TO HOI AN: EASIEST WAYS TO TRAVEL
• TRA QUE VEGETABLE VILLAGE IN HOI AN, VIETNAM
• A MORNING AT THE MY SON TEMPLES IN HOI AN, VIETNAM
• THANH HA POTTERY VILLAGE IN HOI AN
• BACKPACKING HOI AN ITINERARY
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN
• HOI AN TO NHA TRANG TRANSPORT GUIDE
• SNORKELING IN NHA TRANG
• BACKPACKING NHA TRANG TRAVEL ITINERARY
• BEST BEACHES IN NHA TRANG WORTH VISITING
• NHA TRANG TO MUI NE TRANSPORT GUIDE
• BACKPACKING MUI NE TRAVEL GUIDE
• BEST THINGS TO DO IN MUI NE
• MUI NE TO HO CHI MINH CITY: ALL WAYS TO TRAVEL EXPLAINED
• CHEAPEST TOUR OF THE CU CHI TUNNELS: IS IT WORTH IT
• BACKPACKING HO CHI MINH TRAVEL GUIDE
• HOW TO TRAVEL VIETNAM TO CAMBODIA: HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHNOM PENH

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you.

Related Posts

Backpacking Ho Chi Minh City On A Budget: What Travelers Need To Know

Come check out all you need to know about backpacking Ho Chi Minh City on [...]

Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh: Travel From Vietnam To Cambodia (2024)

Find out the best, and most cost-effective way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City [...]

Best Things To Do In Mui Ne, Vietnam

The Ultimate List Of The Best Things To Do In Mui Ne The reason I [...]

59 Comments

Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

5 thoughts on “ The 6 Best Cu Chi Tunnels Tours: Is Cheaper Better? ”

Thanks for informative blog

very perfect article thanks for sharing it with us.

Thank you so sweet of you!!

Hi there! This sounds wonderful. I am going to Vietnam later this year and would love to visit the tunnels. Unfortunately, we arrive late on a Friday night in HCM and are planning on doing the tunnels on Saturday morning. Do you perhaps have contact details of this travel agency that one can use to book online? Thank you!

Hi Mia! Hope you have a great time in Vietnam. Unfortunately I do not have the contact details of the travel agency, though many of the different travel agencies offer these tours. Just be aware they may charge you extra as you are not in the country yet (this is often a theme when booking any tour outside of a country). Alternatively why not check out what tours run on Viator or Get Your Guide? That way you can check out reviews and know exactly what to expect :)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

▷ The 5 Best Mekong Delta & Cu Chi Tunnels Tours [2024 Reviews]

Vietnam may be a relatively small country, but it’s definitely not a boring one. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast network of tunnels stretching nearly 80 miles which served as underground shelter and hiding for Viet Cong soldiers.

Today, they’re visited by countless tourists from around the world who are intrigued by its history and extensiveness. If you want to make the most out of the experience, we highly recommend doing a proper tour.

We have done the work for you, so without further ado, let’s check out the top rated Cu Chi tunnels and Mekong Delta tours!

Best Mekong Delta & Cu Chi Tunnels Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best cu chi tunnels & mekong delta tours for 2024.

• Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day VIP Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
• Small-Group Day Trip in Mekong Delta
• Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day Tour
• Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta One Day – Private Tour
• The History of Cu Chi Tunnels by Luxury Speedboat

Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Tour Reviews

1. cu chi tunnels & mekong delta full-day vip tour from ho chi minh city.

• Duration: 11 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 7:30 am
• Includes: Transfers by VIP Limousine or air-conditioned bus, beer, fruits, cool tissue, snacks & mineral water, motor boat trip, row boat trip, English speaking tour guide, lunch with Vietnamese cuisine (vegan available)

This next tour lets you go either as bare-bones or as luxurious as you want to make it. Choose between either bus or VIP limousine transportation, depending on the style of traveling you prefer. The Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day VIP Tour from Ho Chi Minh City is always a blast thanks to the customization options and flexibility from the guides.

They sure pack a lot of fun into these 11 hours, visiting 2 of the biggest attractions in southern Vietnam. The tour starts off with them picking you up at your hotel in district 1, 3, or 4. Otherwise you’ll have to meet them in District 1 by 7:45 am. Your vehicle for the day will either be an air-conditioned bus or a VIP car.

The VIP car is extremely luxurious, with heavily-padded reclining leather seats, lots of leg room, and large windows. You’ll also be served beer, fruit, cool tissue, snacks, and mineral water along the way when you choose this option.

Head straight to the Cu Chi tunnels, where you’ll head inside their depths and learn all about the Vietnamese resistance in the war.

While these tunnels are very extensive, you’ll be able to head short distances through the tunnels. Afterward, learn about different types of booby traps, which were very significant in their guerrilla warfare style.

You’ll then head to Mekong Delta, stopping along the way at a local Vietnamese restaurant to try some traditional dishes and regain some energy. Once you arrive to Mekong Delta, you’ll board a small row boat, paddling through narrow canals under coconut tree rows.

Arrive at the coconut island, where you’ll try some tropical fruits, try honey tea and wine, learn how coconut candies are made, and enjoy some live fold music from the area.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. small-group day trip in mekong delta from ho chi minh city.

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: 8:30 am
• Includes:  Air-conditional minivan transfer, small-group tour, Vietnamese and English-speaking guide, all boat trips (motorboat & hand-rowed boat), lunch (5-course set menu), drinks (2 bottles of 500ml/person) , snacks, local taxes, fees and handling charges

We have to start things with one of the most majestic, well-rated tours in the country. The Small-Group Day Trip in Mekong Delta – My Tho & Ben Tre tour is a full-day adventure that will take you through breathtaking natural landscapes, villages, temples, and more.

If you want to immerse yourself quickly into Vietnamese culture, this is a great way to do so! If your hotel is located in District 1, you’ll be able to be picked up between 8:30 to 9:00 at your hotel. The air-conditioned vehicle is comfortable and offers enough space for everyone.

The guides make sure to stop routinely for drinks, snacks, and any bathroom breaks to make for a pleasant journey.

Arrive at My Tho, where you’ll cruise along the river by motorboat. Stop to see a floating fish farm, where you’ll learn all about the village and stilt houses. Next, partake in a workshop at a coconut candy factory and enjoy your creations! Learn about the traditional folk music of the area before heading by Tuk Tuk through the village.

Kick your feet up and relax at a gorgeous riverside restaurant and enjoy dishes made with fresh catches of the day. This lunch consists of a Vietnamese 5-course set menu, which is always a win with everyone.

After refueling, you’ll hop on the motorboat again and then drive over to Vinh Trang pagoda, which is a stunning Buddhist temple standing on a whopping 2-hectacre block filled with fruit trees.

The enormous exterior is certainly impressive, though the precisely-carved statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva are equally as magnificent.

3. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day Tour From Ho Chi Minh City

• Duration: 10 hours
• Includes:  Transport by air-conditioned minivan or A/C bus, English-speaking guide, boat trips, rowing boat, lunch and fruit, mineral water, traditional music performance, sightseeing tickets, travel insurance

Next up is another highly-rated tour, revered for its variety of adventures and professional guides. The Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full Day Tour will take you on an excursion full of learning and seeing some of the most beautiful and interesting places on planet Earth.

This informative tour is laid out perfectly, with obvious organization on behalf of the guides to make it all possible. You can choose to travel either in an air-conditioned minivan or tourist bus, depending on your preferences.

Along the way, enjoy spacious and comfortable seats and great sightseeing from the large windows. You’ll be picked up from your accommodations around 7:30 am, so you can have the whole time for excitement and fun.

Once you arrive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll watch a 3D movie about the massive US ground operation in the Vietnam War and how they were used by the Viet Cong. Then, you’ll get to see them for yourself, using a small hiding entrance in the tunnels.

Learn how they moved around in this maze with tons of trap doors, storage spots, weapon factories, and much more. Surrounded by forests, you’ll be able to check out the local flora and fauna and even try shooting an M16 rifle at the shooting range.

By this time, you’re probably ready to get some food, so enjoy head over to a local restaurant. Here, you’ll enjoy a meal consisting of popular dishes during the Vietnam War – particularly the cassava.

After getting some calories in, you’ll row in a sampan through a complex network of canals surrounded by communities. Here, you’ll get to try many exotic fruits and check out a coconut-processing workshop and honey farm where you can learn how to make candies and other treats while listening to a live local music performance.

4. Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta One Day – Private Tour

• Includes:  Air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking tour guide, motorboat & rowing boat, lunch, entrance fees

While there are many great tours out there, the vast majority involve large groups and crowded transportation. Perhaps you want a more personalized experience, where it feels like the guide is taking just you and your specific group along for the ride.

If that sounds like fun to you, then check out the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta One Day – Private Tour . Just like with the other tours, you’ll be picked up at your accommodations around 7:30 am.

The type of vehicle you travel in will depend on how many people are in your group, but all vehicles are air-conditioned and comfortable. The guides are very friendly, local to the area, and speak English so you can ask them any questions you may have.

You and your group will head straight to the Cu Chi tunnels, where you’ll watch a documentary about the tunnels, how they were made, and how they were used throughout the years. After that, it’s time to check them out for yourself!

There are all kinds of hidden features in the tunnels, such as bamboo traps to explore. After you have plenty of time crawling around underground, you’ll head into the vehicle again and drive to My Tho.

This province is absolutely beautiful and is where the Mekong Delta area sits. Consisting of all kinds of rivers, swamps, islands, and even floating markets, it’s unique yet alluring.

Hop on a boat and cruise around upper Mekong with 4 of the most famous islands. Here, you’ll be able to observe some fine examples of daily life in this region, and see how important the river is to these communities.

5. The History of Cu Chi Tunnels by Luxury Speedboat From Ho Chi Minh City

• Duration: 6 hours
• Departure Time: Check with tour operator
• Includes:  English-speaking guide, Lavie water and wet towels, The Sugar Town bakery cake & seasonal fruits, Vietnamese traditional set lunch

Perhaps you love the idea of one of these tours, but don’t have all day to be out on one. If you’re looking for something shorter yet still covers Cu Chi tunnels, then this is just the ticket. The History of Cu Chi Tunnels by Luxury Speedboat Tour lasts 6 hours, but they make sure to pack a lot in!

As this tour is more compact, there are various start times available, so you don’t necessarily have to start off early in the morning. If you do have a packed schedule, it helps quite a bit that this one is so flexible. Once you and your group is picked up, you’ll be transferred over to a minivan to head to Tan Cang Pier.

Once you head to the pier, you’ll be given a safety briefing before hopping on board a luxury speedboat. This boat makes it easier to see more, as you’ll be heading all the way up to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are about 43 miles from the city.

As you ride over, you’ll be served a light breakfast consisting of seasonal fruits, pastries, and bottled water.

As you zoom around, your guide will tell you all about the history of the area and why it’s so significant. Once you arrive to Cu Chi, you’ll watch a documentary about the tunnels, what they were used for, and how they were made. Then, you’ll get the chance to walk into the jungle and see them for yourself!

Crawl into the tunnels, where there are secret entrances, bunkers, and many more interesting features. After this, you’ll have the opportunity to shoot an M16 rifle at their shooting range location on-site.

Ho Chi Minh City Tour Guide

Getting there.

There are some international flights going from the US to Vietnam, though just about the only direct flights are from Seattle or Los Angeles. American, United Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana, Delta, Cathay Pacific, and others all offer flights to Ho Chi Minh City.

Getting Around

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City is more or less easy, though you should definitely prepare for near-constant traffic. However, this should ease up with the new metro recently opening up many lines!

Taxis – Taxis are pretty inexpensive, overall. However, the taxi drivers are essentially a part of a mafia and taxi scams aren’t uncommon. If you want to avoid anything like this from happening, we recommend you ride only with the most reliable companies. These are VinaSun and Mai Linh , which have consistently had the reputation of honest drivers. Not only that, but you can download the app and that way you have record of where you are and know how much your ride will cost.

Moto Taxis – These are very iconic in local culture, though not very comfortable. We recommend these more if you’re really in a hurry and/or going short distances. Just make sure you settle on a fare before you hop on, and always wear your helmet. Find them with signs that say “xe ôm”.

Rideshare – There are rideshare services available, like the Singapore-based ‘Grab’. This is yet another app-based service and you can use your card or cash to pay. With a bit more accountability, many tourists feel more comfortable using Grab.

Bus – Public buses are incredibly affordable, though it can be a bit challenging understanding the route signs at first. However, at less than 50 cents for most fares, it’s definitely worth trying out – particularly if you’re going to be around Ben Thanh Market.

Airport Shuttle – The airport shuttle buses are so comfortable and affordable! Getting from the airport to the city center or District 1 probably won’t even cost you 2 bucks! Not only that, but it’s way easier and more reliable to take your luggage on here than using a taxi.

Scooters – If you feel comfortable enough, you could rent a scooter to get around. However, we don’t really recommend it in high-traffic areas as traffic really is quite lawless and they aren’t watching out for people on scooters.

Where to Stay

District 1 – This is the very heart of the city, and great if it’s your first time in the city. Here, you’ll find the famous Ben Tanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Bui Vien Walking Street full of parties, Café Apartments, Bitexco Tower, and more. If you’re into nightlife or simply want to stay as close as possible to the action, this is it.

Luxury: InterContinental Saigon Hotel or Reverie Saigon

Mid-Range: Pullman Saigon Centre or Rex Hotel

Budget: Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City

District 2: Perhaps you’re more into the art scene or looking for luxury. If so, you’ll find both in District 2. Just 20 minutes from downtown, it’s a nicer choice if you plan on staying long-term. Here, you’ll find Landmark 81, many boutique shops, high-end cafes and restaurants, many bars, and expats.

Luxury: Villa Song Saigon

Mid-Range: Sen Boutique House or Greenwood Villa Saigon

Budget: A in Hotel Glamour

District 3: If you’re bringing the whole family along for the ride, District 3 is where you want to be. If you’re someone looking to avoid the main tourist areas while still staying close by, it’s also perfect. You have many museums, important structures, etc. here that make it very interesting. It’s also a bit more “authentically” Vietnamese, with many street food carts and delicious restaurants.

Luxury: Park Hyatt Saigon

Mid-Range: Hut Boutique Hotel

Budget: Caesar Homestay

District 5 – Chinatown: This budget-friendly district is another authentic experience where you’ll live more like a “local”. It’s relatively close to the center of the city, has interesting Chinese influences and culture, and excellent street food.

Restaurants and Eating Out

Banh Mi – This is one of the most well-known Vietnamese dishes, and is essentially a small baguette filled with cold cuts, grilled meats, cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, and more.

Here are the best banh mi spots:

• Banh Mi Bay Ho – If you’ve seen Street Food on Netflix, you may have seen this place pop up. It doesn’t disappoint!
• Man Mi Huynh Hoa – Again, featured on many travel food shows and is known as one of the best in the city. Just arrive early if you want to beat the long lines!
• Banh nam – Simple, delicious, and consistent quality.

Pho – Pho is another well-known Vietnamese dish, made with clear stock, rice noodles, meat, and veggies.

• Pho Le – This place is known as one of the best in the entire country, which is seriously saying a lot! It’s a bit sweeter than northern versions and is served with bean sprouts.
• Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong – Also featured on Street Food on Netflix, it’s earned its fame! The large space for eating packs in a ton of people, and it’s always full.

Bun Thit Nuong – This dry noodle dish made of cold rice vermicelli noodles with a fish (nuoc cham) sauce topped with pork and veggies is always a win.

• Bun Thit Nuong Nguyen Trung Truc – This street food stall is located in District 1, and smells absolutely delicious! It’s cheap, tasty, and perfectly balances flavor and texture.
• Bun Thit Nuong Kieu Bao – This popular local restaurant is quick and easy, with many branches around the city.

Com Tam Suon Nuong – Meaning “broken rice”, it comes with rice topped with a grilled pork chop. It’s referred to as “broken” as it’s made of pieces of rice grains broken at some point during transport, drying, milling, etc.

• Com Tam Tran Qui Cap – Having operated for decades now, they’ve sure been able to perfect this dish. Tender, savory, flavorful pork chops on top of a perfectly nutty bed of rice? How can you go wrong?
• Ca Phe Do Phu – This café is one of the best in the city, in our opinion. If you’re out at night, you have to stop by. Their coffee is as tasty as their broken rice, and gives you more options than most other broken rice spots.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife is quite good, with a nice selection of clubs, great music, and a huge variety of food.

Blanchy’s Lounge – This one has been around for over a decade, but has been recently renovated. Now, it’s very high-end and offers an array of both day cocktails and night cocktails. Located right in the center of the city, it’s easy to access and goes until 3 am.

Republic Club – If you want to party like there’s no tomorrow, head over to District 1 for Republic Club. Excellent local and international DJs will be setting the tone for endless dancing and fun.

Lush – This is another great option for wild nights and dancing to international DJs. It’s really popular with young locals and tourists and is one of the clubs open the latest, closing at 4 am.

Envy Club – This club is actually known as one of the best in Asia for electronic music as well as their light shows. You’ll find some of the top DJs in the world just about any night, and it’s open from 9 to 3:30 am so you’ll have plenty of time for dancing.

Observatory Nightclub – This one is located near the Saigon River, and with an open rooftop, has some of the best views in the whole city. The bar/club has one of the best sound systems and is equally as great for dancing as it is conversation while sipping on cocktails. Open until 6 am, make sure to stop for some food afterward!

Pub Crawl Saigon – Offering unlimited shots and some of the top local DJs, if you’re looking for a fun and rowdy night, it’s a lot of fun. Even if you just stay for an hour or two, it’s a place to check on your list.

Apocalypse Now – This legendary nightclub sits in District 1, offering cheap drinks, dancing, and a sophisticated environment.

Ho Chi Minh City has an overcast wet season, partly-cloudy dry season, and is typically very hot and oppressive throughout the entire year. The good thing is that the temperature doesn’t vary a whole lot, which makes it easy to plan for what to wear.

Attractions

War Remnants Museum – One of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, this museum shows the horrors related to the Vietnam War along with the Indochina War with the French.

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre – If you’re bringing along young children (or simply enjoy this kind of entertainment), you have to stop and experience this! Lasting 50 minutes, the shows offer insight into Vietnamese culture, with musicians playing traditional instruments like bamboo flutes and 2-stringed violins.

Thiên Hau Temple – Located in Chinatown, this is one of the oldest Chinese temples in the city. It’s visited by locals and tourists, alike, and will transport you back in time. Clouds of incense roll through the temple, with wrought-iron gates, statues of the Lady of the Sea (Thiên Hau), porcelain dioramas, and much more.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – This beautiful piece of Neo-Roman architecture rise over 60 meters high, with iron spires to top each tower off. Built in the late 1800s, it was made for a place for the colonial French to worship and display their power. Make sure to check out the French colonial-style post office across the street designed by Gustave Eiffel who you may know as the architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Saigon Opera House – This beautiful theater is a fine example of French colonial-style architecture. Built in 1897 by French architect Eugene Ferret, it looks very similar to the Petit Palais in Paris. If you’d like to see it better, we recommend grabbing tickets for the opera!

Reunification Palace – Once known as Independence Palace, this 1960s-era building looks straight from the 70s, when a North Vietnamese army tank crashed through the wrought iron gates and ended the Vietnam War. Located on the site of the former Norodom Palace which was bombed by fighter jets in 1962, it was an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the South Vietnamese president, Ngo Dinh Diem.

Museum of Vietnamese History –  Starting from the Bronze Age to the early 20 th century, the exhibits housed inside this beautiful 1920s building will give you a much better understanding of the country’s background. Crowd favorites are usually the stone and bronze sculptures, mummy, and Angkor Wat relics.

Jade Emperor Pagoda – Speaking of beautiful architecture, this early 20 th -century pagoda is very close to the Botanical Gardens. Build in honor of the Jade Emperor, Ngoc Hoang, inside you’ll find many Buddhist and Taoist deity pieces of art. At the entrance, you’ll also see turtles swimming around a pond.

Thailand – While you are over in Vietnam you should take a trip an explore Thailand as well. There are some spectacular places to visit. Be sure to take a tour of the Phi Phi Islands and the famous James Bond Island from the movie, “The Man With The Golden Gun”.

• Only take metered taxis. If you aren’t doing this, use a rideshare app or a taxi app.
• Ask hotel/hostel staff how much your journey should cost. They’ll be able to give you a good estimation so you aren’t ripped off.
• Eat street food. It’s just so delicious and affordable, you’d be doing yourself an injustice not to. At least try a banh mi sandwich!
• Partake in happy hours. These are also such great prices, from half-price drinks to dollar cocktails!
• Watch out both ways twice before crossing! Motorbikes, cars, and other pedestrians are everywhere here and most aren’t watching out for you. Wait for a break in traffic before crossing and make sure they know what you’re doing.

Tour Guides

Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day VIP Tour is our Editors choice for the best Mekong Delta tour

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best taj majal tours from new delhi [2024 reviews], the 5 best halong bay cruises [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best hanoi city tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best james bond island tours [2024 reviews].

THE HISTORY OF CU CHI TUNNELS

Authentic real mekong delta.

• DRAGON FLOATING TEMPLE SIGHTSEEING
• ROMANTIC SUNSET COCKTAIL

CAN GIO MANGROVE FOREST

• NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS BOAT CRUISE

THIENG LIENG ISLAND

• CAI BE FLOATING MARKET
• SAIGON BY NIGHT
• BOAT RIDE TO CU CHI
• BOAT RIDE TO THE DECK
• LUXURY SPEEDBOAT (12 SEATS)
• LUXURY SPEEDBOAT (24 SEATS)
• LUXURY SPEEDBOAT (34 SEATS)
• ONTERA 70 (4 BEDROOMS)

About 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi tunnels is a miniature of the creative and transformative battlefields of the Cu Chi army and people in the fierce, long-term battle of 30 years against the invading enemy, independence and freedom for the country.

With its victory scale, Cu Chi tunnels have entered the history of the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese nation as a legend of the 20th century and famous in the world.

This is a unique and unique wonder with 250 km of tunnels stretching like an underground spider web, with the completion of works associated with tunnels such as: trenches, docks, battle places, dining, sleeping, meeting, living, military medicine, food storage, drinking water well, Hoang Cam kitchen…

07:45 am Pick-up at Saigon WaterBus Station.

08:00 am Depart to the Cu Chi tunnels by luxury speedboat. When on board, enjoy a light breakfast of Sugar Town cake with mineral water & seasonal fruits, enjoy the fresh air and understand the daily life of local citizens living along the river banks.

09:15 am Arrive to the Cu Chi tunnels.

09:30 am Explore your excursion by watching a documentary film about one of the most sophisticated man-made tunnels together with its extraordinary wartime legends and:

– Walking in the jungle and visiting the traps, the secret entrances, the bunkers, and underground hideouts

– Relaxing with shooting real guns at the riffle range of Cu Chi tunnels. (Exclusive of bullets)

– Seeing the rice-paper (spring roll skin) and rice-wine production line

– Crawling into the tunnels and enjoying the special and fantastic feeling

– Taking a rest, drinking green tea and having tapioca – the main food served during the war time

11:45 pm Finish tour and enjoy your Vietnamese traditional lunch with delicious 7-courses.

02:00 pm Arrive back to Saigon.

GROUP TOUR:

– Adult: VND 2,300, 0 0 0++ per person

– Child (under 12 years old): 80% on Adult price

– Infant (under 3 years old): 50% on Adult price

PRIVATE TOUR: Same itinerary as the Saigon River Tour group tour, the trip are fully operated by Saigon River Tour using our own private tour guide.

EXTRA SERVICES:

– Pick-up and drop-off at Phu My port: VND 6,000,000++ per car (Max 10 persons/ car)

– Non-english speaking guide (Chinese, French, German, …): VND 3,000,000++ per person

( ++: 10 % mandatory Government and 5% service charge)

• Departure Time 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM
• Note Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure
• Tour Length Approximately 6 hours
• Included Life vest and insurance on boat All entrance fees English-speaking guide Mineral water and wet towels Sugar Town bakery & seasonal fruits Vietnamese traditional set lunch Pick-up and Drop-off at Saigon WaterBus Station
• Not Included Exclusive of bullets Tip

BOOK THIS TOUR

Your name *: Your email *: Phone number *: Type of tour: GROUP TOUR PRIVATE TOUR Departure date: Adult: Child (under 12 years old): Infant (under 3 years old): Your message (optional)

More Informations:

Similar tours.

Let’s join in the rhythm of life of island people

Explore the Mekong Delta and enjoy some typical activities of Southern Vietnam

Learn about the diverse flora and fauna in the Can Gio mangrove biosphere reserve

Contact Info

Hotline: +84 902 446 346 WhatsApp: +84 902 446 346 75 Dinh Thi Thi, Hiep Binh Phuoc ward, Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam [email protected] International Tour Operator License: No. 79-897/2018/TCDL-GP LHQT Business License: 0312494072

Modal title

Cu chi tunnels tour.

Private Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with Lunch [Half Day from 8 AM – 2 PM]

1 person or 2 people USD $170 + tax $17

Additional person USD $30 each + tax $3     

Come dig through history as you envision the past in the Cu Chi Tunnels. These famous tunnels have become one of Vietnam’s War Memorial Park remaining historical artifact. This two-hour drive takes you 60 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam War when Communist troops (known as the Viet Cong) sought ways to defeat better-equipped American and South Vietnamese soldiers, they spent over 20 years designing a sophisticated underground network in the Cu Chi territory. The tunnels reached 10 meters below ground and stretched more than 250 kilometers.

Despite massive bombings and aerial spraying of Agent Orange over the Cu Chi territory, the U.S. was never able to completely destroy the hiding places. Today, many tourists can visit parts of the tunnels and encounter rooms that were once utilized as hospitals, weapon caches, strategic military meetings, dormitories, and offensive shoot offs. At the end of the visit, test your military shooting skills with an AK-47 or M-16 at the firing range.

The tour provides you a more in-depth knowledge of the Vietnam War and honors the brave men who fought it. It offers fascinating insights of how people lived and survived beneath the ground. On this expedition, we will take you to the less traveled Ben Duoc Tunnels as opposed the tourist-packed Ben Dinh Tunnels, where most tour companies prefer due to the shorter distance. An extra 30 minutes’ drive to Ben Duoc offers more original sights less altered for tourists. This historical visit is for those who not only want to visit the sites but also get a thorough understanding from our international certified English-speaking guide.

Note: In the tight-spaced Cu Chi tunnels, wearing whites meant they would get dirtied. We recommend that you choose dark colored clothing and prepare insect repellant for the tour.

All of our tours are private – this means that your tour starts the moment we pick you up and you don’t need to wait around for other travelers to be picked up to begin. We understand that your time is precious, and it is our way of ensuring you have plenty of time to ask our certified guides questions and get to see what you want to see at your own pace. When booking our tours, you know you won’t be joined in with a big group of travelers and share 1 tour guide – at i Tour, we care more about the quality of our adventures over quantity.

Our private tours are designed to give you flexibility on your trip. On the way to the Cu Chi Tunnel, if you wish to pick up a morning coffee or a Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich, we are more than happy to stop for you.

If you have questions or need more information, please visit our  FAQs  on the web and do not hesitate to contact us.

Private Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Inclusions :

– Private car with driver

– Entrance fees at Cu Chi Tunnels

– International certified English-speaking guide

– Lunch & Refreshments 

–  Insurance

– Pick-up & drop-off at your hotel/port within Saigon (If you would like to be picked up/dropped off at locations outside of the city, please contact us for a pricing.)

– Photos (complimentary) to be sent to you after the tour

– A (complimentary) charity of your choice through our  GIVE BACK Program

Exclusions : 

– Personal Expenses

– Firing ammunition at Cu Chi (Optional) 

[Private vehicle – 7 seater – Toyota Innova]

[Private Vehicle – 16 seater – Mercedes Sprinter]

[Private Vehicle – 29 seater – Hyundai County]

© i Tour Vietnam Travel Guides (2013 - 2024) Privacy Policy

• SG01- Cu Chi Tunnels – Morning or Afternoon Guided Small Group Tour

• Cancellation policy
• Child Policy
• Book the tour
• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Daily Group Tours
• From Hochiminh city (Saigon)
• Promotion Tours

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels, carved out by hand, located 55 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

About a two hours’ drive from the former South Vietnam capital, Cu Chi tunnel tours today comprise a popular Saigon tourist destination that provides visitors with an evocative look at Vietnam War history.

(GROUP SIZE 27 PERSONS)

Highlight:      

• Network of tunnels
• War documentary film

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Air-con bus/van
• English speaking tour guide
• Mineral water
• Entrance fee
• Pick up and Drop off at selected hotels in Central District 1 only.

-Pick up time:

• 8:00 AM for the morning tour
• 12:45 PM for the afternoon tour

Additional information

Start 8:00 am - end 2:30 pm or start 12:45 pm - end 7:00 pm.

Start 8:00 AM – END 2:30 PM OR START 12:45 PM – END 7:00 PM

Cu Chi Tunnels is a legendary underground system of over 220 km of tunnels, a must-see for both Vietnamese and foreign travelers who are interested in the history of the Vietnam War. The tunnels are now a historical structure of Vietnam and considered a heroic district for the role they played in the resistance to US forces during the Vietnam War.

The tunnels are located approximately 60km from Ho Chi Minh city. The tour departs at 8:00 am  or 12:45 from Vietnam Adventure Tours office or from your hotel in district 1. Enjoy the scenery along the way, as we pass the lush, endless rice fields and the ducks are water buffaloes swimming in the rivers. You might find it hard to imagine that once the area was almost completely destroyed by bombs and mines from the war, when Cu Chi was a “free target zone “.

Once we arrive, you will get a chance to walk through some of the tunnels, discover the hidden corners and imagine what life was like here for the resistance soldiers. If you like, try to cook with the smokeless stoves used by Vietnamese soldiers to cook during the war. You can even try foods which the soldiers lived on. If you’re feeling brave, or curious, you can even try your hand at shooting at AK-47, one of the guns used during the war.

Head back to the city in the afternoon; the tour finishes at 2:30 PM or 7:00 PM

Cancellation policy for deposited Tours: a. If you cancel your booking, your deposit will not be refunded b. If you are a “no-show” on the morning of the trip, for whatever reason, you will lose your deposit

Cancellation policy for full charged Tours: a. Up to 48 hours before the start of the activity: 50% refund b. Less than 48 hours before the start of the activity or in the event of a no-show: no refund c. Flight delayed, food poisoning, getting sick unable to attend tour. Under those circumstances, we agree to reschedule your start date with an additional charge of 50% of the total tour cost d. The refund is done using the same payment method. In the event of credit cards which are charged monthly, the amount shall be credited at the end of the current invoicing period. The exact time of the refund depends on the user’s credit card agreement. The refund by bank transfer shall be done within seven bank working days. Note: Refunds will ALWAYS be issued through Paypal

Child Policy: Child under 04 years old: FOC Child under 12 years old: 75% of adult fare

You May Also Like

SG11 - A timeless Sunset tour

PRI10- Private 3-Day Mekong Delta River Tour - Optional exit to Phnom penh

VIP04- VIP Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Full Day

Tour reviews.

Tuan was an amazing tour guide! He da best! Aloha from Hawaii

It was such an interesting day. Our guide (Tuan) was truly amazing: he gave us so much input, lots to think about, he told us about the war, encouraged us to ask questions. His passion, his way of telling about what people and he himself had to live through are what makes the tour even more fascinating.

Our tour guide was Tuan, he’s a 76 years old veteran, so we were So fortunate to hear directly first hand on the war story. He was very passionate of his job, it shows throughout the tour. He explained and told us the story clearly, since he experience the whole thing. He was very considerate, he bought a mosquitoes repellent for all of us to use prior entering the site. We love him and hope he stay healthy and be a blessing for more visitors to come.

We did the private tour with Jackie, was amazing & very interesting. Jackie is a great guide & we recommend.

The day trip to Mekone River was great, I would suggest to do a longer tour if you have the time. Our tour guide Fa/ Khoa was a great guide with knowledge and humour

I had Foo as our tour guide, must say he was very informative, very friendly and told great stories. Definitely worth the trip. He always made sure he catered for everyone’s needs even though everyone was from various countries.

I definetely reccomend this tour especially for the ones are interested in history. We had Foo as our tour guide and from the begging to the end of the tour he informed us about history of Vietnam and about the life in this country. He told us very interesting stories about the Vietnam war and the tunnels. He was very friendly and took care about everybodies needs. In our group there are people from different nationalities and he could communicate everyone without any problem.

The tour is amazing and not just interesting for history fans. Our guide Henry did a very good job, he told us a lot of interesting storys about the war and vietnam today. Definetly a must do when you are in ho chi minh.

Did the cu chi tunnels tour with Lockie and it was an incredible experience. He is so friendly and knowledgeable and made the whole trip exciting and fun. Would 100% recommend to anyone visiting Vietnam. Take a photo let’s go ?

Amazing and informative experience with Jackie Jackie, our tour guide, was full of first-hand information, that made this a memorable tour. Jackie fought in the war for the South Vietnamese and was able to share a unique perspective on the war. The tour was interesting and fun, despite the heavy topics. I would recommend this tour to anyone. Thank you Jackie for an unforgettable experience.

Definitely worth doing this trip if you’re in Saigon. Very interesting and fun. You get to crawl through tunnels, shoot a gun (VND) and see guerrilla traps! The tour includes a museum/workshop visit which hosts some beautiful eggshell, and mother of pearl artwork; you get to see the artists at work too! Our tour guide Mr Long was very easygoing, knowledgeable and easy to follow. To enjoy the full experience I’d recommend wearing comfortable footwear and clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty. Enjoy!

We took the tour with Long. The organization of the tour and the information provided was very good. Long had a keen eye for navigating our relatively small group away from bigger tourist crowds 🙂

I envoyed our tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ben Dinh. Long provided us with lots of information about Vietnam now and then. It was great also to get some more insights about todays life from a personal point of view. Crebbing though the tunnels is an very interesting experience as well, what I don’t want to have missed.

Duc was a great guide for the half day tour. Informative, entertaining and made sure we all had a great experience.

Worth the money and our guide Duc made sure everything was arranged 100%.

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels was one of the unexpected highlights of our trip to Vietnam! It was extremely interesting learning about the history of the tunnels and the Vietnam war, however what made it extra amazing was our guide, Tuan. Tuan fought in the Vietnam war and provided us with us personal experience and details of his time there fighting for the south, paired with more historical info. Tuan was knowledgeable, engaging, funny and overall an amazing guide. I honestly don’t think I would’ve enjoyed the as much if he wasn’t our guide. The first hand experience sharing we got from him was irreplaceable. I would highly recommend you request him if you are to do this tour. Well worth the money.

Thanks again Tuan!

We did the afternoon tour with Tuan. It was great!! This guy really was there during the war, he told us about the real life on the battlefield and you could feel it was authentic. Crawling in the tunnels was a must try experience. I would recommend a tour with Tuan

Cu Chi Tunnel Amazing! We booked last minute for a group tour and how lucky were we to have a surviving Vietnam war veteran as our tour guide. Tuan made our visit with real stories of what it was like to live through the war and his knowledge was incredible. He had photos and stories every step of the way. If you want a visit then please do yourself a favour and ask for Tuan, you will not be disappointed, it was the highlight of our holiday so far.

Best and most important tour in Vietnam. Tuan was amazing guide. Hearing his story from the time of the war was a unique and important experience. This tour is highly recommend

Don’t miss the visit! The visit of the tunnels of Cu Chi was very interesting, a very good experience.Our guide Tuan was amazing, he fought there during the war. His story makes the visit very authentic! I highly recommend to ask for Tuan as guide for this visit

My tour to the Cu Chi tunnels was great! Our guide Hang was very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War.

We booked the tour to the tunnels in the morning on the 17th. Sadly we did not learn much and barely saw the tunnelsystem. The guide was obsessed with what people from the tunnels did with their urine but didnt teach us anything about life in the tunnels. The guide tried to pressure people into things they were not comfortaable with and made mean&sexist comments and jokes from beginning to end. The information to were closed shoes and bring mosquitospray should be displayed on the website and not be used to sell own products on the bus.

Did the Cu Chi tunnel afternoon tour and was content way above expectations. Tour guide Steven (Phu) was amazing and extremely informative. He gave us so many relevant and interesting information regarding not only Cu Chi Tunnels and war but also Vietnamese culture and society through many interesting facts, stories and casual conversation. There was not a question he did not know answer to. I did many tours all around Vietnam but can say this one was definitely the best one without doubt.

Lucky day tour Family Andy is good guide to tunnels tour with more information about Vietnam war, we crawl into 60m long inside with some friends . Thanks for all you bring up us guide .

Mr Tran is a great Tour guide as he was part of the war in this area. Taught us alot about the tunnels. Highly recommended

Leave a Review

Cancel reply.

Stay connected to Cal.

Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter, The Cal Connection.

• Savings & Discounts
• Update Contact Info
• Membership FAQs

Benefit of the Week

The graduate wine collective.

• History & Tradition
• Our Programs
• Distinguished Alumni
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Alumni House
• Shop CAA Gear

Stay Connected to Cal

• Career Services
• Alumni Chapters
• Student Resources
• Scholarships

Cal for All: Building an Inclusive STEM Pipeline: From Education to Industry

Special guests include Dr. Tsu-Jae King Liu , Dean of the UC Berkeley College of Engineering and Colette Patt ’85, Ph.D. ’95 , Assistant Dean for DEIBJ, UC Berkeley College of Computing .

• Make a Gift
• Give Scholarships

• Cal Discoveries Travel
• Destinations
• Experiences
• Tour Lecturers
• Travel News

Upcoming Tour

Grand seine river & normandy passage 2024 [singles: waitlist only].

• Camps & Experiences
• Accommodations
• Group Rentals & Weddings
• Year-Round Cabins

Your Lair summer adventure is calling.

A great family vacation value.

• All Stories
• The Edge Podcast
• California Live!
• Class Notes
• About California Magazine
• Submission Guidelines

Latest Issue

2023 fall/winter.

• Get Involved
• Camp at the Lair
• California Magazine

Journey Through Vietnam 2025

November 03 - 17, 2025, from $4,195, tour highlights.

• With a three-night stay in Hanoi, touring in this French-accented city includes the marvelous Temple of Literature and the “Hanoi Hilton,” the infamous prison during the Vietnam War.
• Visit breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO site with thousands of limestone formations in the South China Sea.
• Tour the acclaimed Cham Museum in Da Nang.
• Spend three nights at a luxurious beachfront resort in Da Nang.
• Enjoy excursions to charming Hoi An, a UNESCO site, and to a farming settlement for glimpses of daily life.
• Participate in a hands-on cooking lesson followed by dinner in Hoi An.
• In the ancient capital Hue tour the Imperial City, a UNESCO site, and the bustling Central Market.
• Cruise the Perfume River to peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of the emperors.
• Explore the Mekong Delta by boat to witness daily life firsthand:  the colorful floating markets, riverside farms and fisheries, rice processing plants, and local communities.
• In spirited, cosmopolitan Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) tour Reunification Palace, the History Museum, and the underground Cu Chi Tunnels utilized during the war.
• Discover Angkor Wat’s amazing temples and statuary, and also the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, on an optional 5-day/3-night post-tour extension.

If you would like to view a digital copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the words “ Digital Brochure ” under Additional Resources (follows directly below Itinerary at a Glance ) on this webpage.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Journey Through Vietnam | Nov. 3 – 17, 2025

Explore More Tours

May 07 - May 15

Spring 2024

Taste of Catalonia: Cambrils to Barcelona

May 10 - May 18

Southwest National Parks 2024 [on request]

May 22 - May 30

U.S. & Canada

Croatia & Cruising the Dalmatian Coast 2024 [on request]

May 24 - Jun 04

Travel Resources

• Activity-Level Ratings
• Travel FAQs
• Eligibility
• Reservations
• Travel Insurance

Our Tour Lecturers

Meet the faculty lecturers that accompany our trips and provide informative local lecturers to enhance your vacation.

• 510.900.8222
• [email protected]
• Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Our Partners