Cu Chi Tunnels - a long tunnel with a light at the end
1 / 10

Cu Chi Tunnels

4.7
·3k reviews·, Vietnam

Explore the legendary underground network of the Viet Cong, a testament to wartime resilience and ingenuity.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning tours

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Cu Chi Tunnels - a long tunnel with a light at the end

Cu Chi Tunnels

Best Time

Morning tours

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the legendary underground network of the Viet Cong, a testament to wartime resilience and ingenuity. Instagram

4.7
(3k reviews)

"A powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people during wartime. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book a Tour for Convenience

Tours from HCMC save hassle. Klook offers combined Mekong Delta & Cu Chi tours.

👕 Wear Light, Breathable Clothes

It gets very hot and humid inside the tunnels. Bring a spare shirt!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crawling Through the Tunnels

Crawling Through the Tunnels

Various sections

Experience the claustrophobic reality of the Viet Cong's underground network. Not for the faint-hearted!

TikTok+1
Booby Traps and Weapons Displays

Booby Traps and Weapons Displays

Demonstration areas

See ingenious traps used by soldiers and get up close with historical military equipment.

Instagram
Ben Duoc Temple

Ben Duoc Temple

Ben Duoc site

A more peaceful and less crowded site, offering a deeper historical immersion.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Many visitors recommend booking a tour for the Cu Chi Tunnels, especially if you're short on time. Look for tours that include transport from Ho Chi Minh City, as it's a significant journey. Consider options like Klook or Viator for package deals that often include lunch and a guide. Reddit

Prepare for the Heat and Crawling

The tunnels are hot, humid, and narrow. Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. Be aware that crawling through sections of the tunnels can be challenging and may leave you sweaty and dirty. TikTokInstagram+1

Best Times

When
Morning tours
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Less busy, cooler temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

nearly didn’t make it out 💀 not for the faint hearted #cuchitunnels #vietnam #hochiminh #saigon #vietnamtravel #traveltok #backpacking #southeastasia #travelinspo
@lizeandtom
324.2K likes • 4.9M views

🎯 Book a Tour for Convenience

Tours from HCMC save hassle. Klook offers combined Mekong Delta & Cu Chi tours. Reddit

👕 Wear Light, Breathable Clothes

It gets very hot and humid inside the tunnels. Bring a spare shirt! TikTok

the sigh from everyone at the end💀no but why did my arms just give way like that💀 #cuchitunnels #hcmc #vietnam #hochiminh #backpacking #emilyvictoriatravels
@emilyvictoriatravels
284.8K likes • 13.9M views
Explorar os incríveis Túneis de Củ Chi 🇻🇳✨ Um mergulho na história, coragem e engenho do povo vietnamita! 🌿💥 Uma experiência única e inesquecível! 🙌 #Vietnam #CuChiTunnels #História #Viagem #Descobrir #Aventura #Memórias #Travel #Explorar #Cultura #AsiaTrip #Indochina #TravelGoals #ExperiênciaÚnica #Wanderlust #Mundo #HistóriaViva #Natureza #PalcoDeHistória #ViagemInesquecível #TravelMoment #Viet...
fabioagoncalves
56 likes • 0 views

👟 Comfortable Shoes are a Must

You'll be walking and crawling, so sturdy footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially during the hotter months. You can buy drinks there too. :droplet:

Có một di tích lịch sử hào hùng dưới lòng đất... Mình có dịp ghé thăm địa đạo Củ Chi – Bến Dược, nơi từng là căn cứ kháng chiến quan trọng. Với một đứa sợ không gian hẹp như mình, việc chui qua những đường hầm tối 30m và nóng bức là thử thách không nhỏ. Nhưng chính cảm giác hồi hộp, khó thở ấy lại khiến mình như được chạm vào phần nào cuộc sống gian khổ của chiến sĩ năm xưa. Hôm mình đi còn có c...
nguyenducthu123
33 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book a Tour for Convenience

Tours from HCMC save hassle. Klook offers combined Mekong Delta & Cu Chi tours. Reddit

👕 Wear Light, Breathable Clothes

It gets very hot and humid inside the tunnels. Bring a spare shirt! TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes are a Must

You'll be walking and crawling, so sturdy footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, especially during the hotter months. You can buy drinks there too. :droplet:

📸 Capture the History

Bring your camera, but be mindful of where you can take photos. :camerawithflash:

💰 Consider Ben Duoc Site

Less crowded than Ben Dinh, offering a more personal experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Cu Chi Tunnels for their historical significance and the immersive experience of exploring the underground network. Many highlight the ingenuity of the Viet Cong and the emotional impact of understanding wartime struggles. While the heat and confined spaces can be challenging, most find the visit incredibly worthwhile and educational. InstagramReddit

"Cu Chi tunnels Ben Duoc tour was a great experience. Our group thoroughly enjoyed the day. It far exceeded our expectations from the luxury van to the lunch (which was part of our tour package) and finally the awesome tour of Cu Chi Ben Duoc. This location was perfect for our group as it wasn't busy and we had time and space to explore without other tourists. We were able to do 3 sections of the tunnel at our own pace without anyone else around. Great thing is you can go as far as you like or can manage. Starts to get harder the further you go so you may end up crawling out the last tunnel like me 😂
For smaller people it's a breeze to get through.
Highly recommend getting private VIP service like we did through EVT in Ho Chi Minh. With them you get the choice of buses (we chose limo bus) and lunch package which is a quiet location along the Saigon river. Cost us about $75 pp which included lunch, entry and transport with tour guide (Ngoc Duc) who was very friendly and knowledgeable. Location is much better than the busier Ben Dinh which is a little closer but has a lot more tourists. Try both if you can but if you prefer a quieter more private experience then Ben Duoc is the better option.
It's over a 2 hour journey each way so comfortable transport is recommended. Also maybe take a spare top for the trip home as you may be completely saturated from sweat after exiting the tunnels (or you can buy a t-shirt from the gift shop as we did. Go for 2 sizes up for a better fit)"

Greg W

"Cu Chi Tunnels – My Hometown, My Pride

As someone born and raised in Cu Chi, I’m proud every time I visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s not just a tourist spot, but a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people during wartime.

Walking through the narrow tunnels and hearing the stories makes you truly appreciate our history. Simple local touches like boiled cassava with sesame salt or green tea add to the experience.

If you want to understand Vietnam’s past in a real, emotional way — come to Cu Chi. It’s my hometown, and I’m proud of it. 🇻🇳"

Thu Anh

"I highly recommend buying your ticket directly at the entrance and hiring a local tour guide on-site. The guides there are very knowledgeable, they answered all my questions and didn’t push me into any commercial stops or detours.

The visit itself took about 2 hours, and the travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnel is around 2–3 hours round trip. So it’s best to start your trip in the morning to make the most of your day."

Linh Trang Nguyễn

What People Like

Historical immersion
Ingenious tunnel system
Knowledgeable guides

What People Dislike

Intense heat and humidity
Claustrophobic spaces
Crowded at Ben Dinh

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular and convenient way is to book a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation from Ho Chi Minh City. These tours often use comfortable vans or buses. Driving yourself is possible but can be challenging due to traffic and navigation. TikTokReddit

The journey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions and the specific site (Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc). Reddit

Yes, you can take public buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi town, and then local buses or taxis to the tunnel sites. However, this is more time-consuming and less convenient than a tour. TikTok

Some specialized tours offer travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat or boat, often as part of a longer itinerary that might include the Mekong Delta. This is a more scenic but typically more expensive option. TikTok

For a half-day tour, most operators provide pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. This is usually by air-conditioned van or bus. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees vary slightly depending on the site and whether you have a guide. Generally, expect to pay around 90,000 VND to 120,000 VND per person for entry. Tours often include the ticket price. TikTok

While you can buy tickets at the entrance, booking a tour in advance is highly recommended for a smoother experience, especially during peak season. This ensures transport and a guide. Reddit

Ticket prices are generally standard for entry. However, additional costs may apply if you wish to crawl through the tunnels or shoot firearms at the shooting range. TikTok

The basic entrance fee usually includes access to the site and a guided tour of the main areas. Some sites may require you to watch a historical film before your tour. Reddit

You can purchase tickets directly at the entrance of the Cu Chi Tunnels sites (Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc). Alternatively, tickets are often included in tour packages booked through online platforms like Klook, Viator, or local tour operators. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Many visitors recommend tours that focus on the Ben Duoc site for a less crowded experience. Tours booked through platforms like Klook or Viator often receive positive reviews for their guides and inclusions. Reddit

A typical visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, including the guided tour and exploring the grounds, lasts about 2 to 3 hours. Factor in travel time from Ho Chi Minh City. Reddit

Yes, visitors have the opportunity to crawl through some of the reconstructed tunnel sections. These are typically about 100 meters long and can be quite narrow and challenging. TikTok+1

The experience can be intense due to the historical context, confined spaces, and heat. It's not recommended for individuals with severe claustrophobia, mobility issues, or very young children. TikTokInstagram

You'll see the intricate network of underground tunnels, learn about the Viet Cong's life and tactics, witness demonstrations of booby traps, and see various weapons used during the war. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Many half-day and full-day tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels include lunch or snacks. This often consists of local Vietnamese dishes. Reddit

During the war, soldiers primarily ate simple, locally sourced food like boiled cassava with sesame salt and green tea. Some tours offer a taste of these historical rations. Reddit

Yes, there are usually basic food stalls and a restaurant at the Cu Chi Tunnels sites where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and meals. TikTok

You are generally allowed to bring your own water and snacks. However, it's best to consume them in designated areas and avoid littering. TikTok

Dining options are limited directly at the tunnels. Most visitors rely on the food provided by their tour package or eat before/after their visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed at the Cu Chi Tunnels, but be respectful of the historical significance and other visitors. Some areas might have restrictions. Instagram

Key photo spots include the entrances to the tunnels, displays of weapons and booby traps, and the general landscape of the historical site. Capturing the experience of crawling through the tunnels can be challenging but rewarding. TikTok

Taking photos inside the actual tunnels can be difficult due to the low light and confined space. It's best to focus on the exterior and the experience of emerging from them. TikTok

While generally permitted, avoid intrusive photography, especially during historical explanations or in sensitive areas. Always ask your guide if unsure. TikTok

A compact camera or smartphone is ideal for ease of use in tight spaces. If using a DSLR, a wide-angle lens can be helpful for capturing the scale of the site. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cu Chi Tunnels can be an educational but intense experience for families. While children might be fascinated by the idea of underground tunnels and military history, the confined spaces and historical context can be overwhelming for younger ones. Consider the age and temperament of your children before booking. TikTok

If you decide to visit, opt for tours that are more relaxed and perhaps focus on the Ben Duoc site, which is less crowded. Ensure your children are comfortable with enclosed spaces and can handle the heat. The demonstrations of booby traps and weapons might be interesting, but be mindful of their potential impact. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential. TikTok

🎒 Budget Backpackers

For budget travelers, visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels independently or with a basic group tour is the most economical option. Public buses are available, but they require more time and effort to navigate. TikTok Many backpackers opt for shared tours booked through hostels or online platforms like Klook, which offer competitive prices for half-day trips including transport and a guide. Reddit

While some tours might include lunch, it's wise to factor in the cost of food and any optional activities like crawling through the tunnels or visiting the shooting range. Bringing your own water and snacks can also help save money. TikTok

💑 Couples and History Enthusiasts

Couples and history buffs will find the Cu Chi Tunnels a deeply engaging and thought-provoking destination. Opting for a private tour or a smaller group tour, especially to the Ben Duoc site, can offer a more intimate and personalized experience. Reddit This allows for more in-depth discussions with the guide and a chance to truly absorb the historical significance of the location. Instagram

Take your time exploring the various exhibits, learning about the wartime tactics, and perhaps even trying to crawl through a section of the tunnels together for a unique shared adventure. The emotional resonance of the site can lead to meaningful conversations and a deeper appreciation of Vietnam's past. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ingenuity of the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels were an immense network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Stretching over 200 kilometers, these tunnels served as living quarters, command centers, and supply routes. Their construction involved incredible ingenuity, with soldiers digging by hand using simple tools and adapting to the challenging soil conditions. The tunnels were designed with multiple levels, ventilation shafts disguised as termite mounds, and hidden entrances. Instagram

The tunnels were a crucial element of the Viet Cong's guerrilla warfare strategy, allowing them to live, fight, and move undetected by enemy forces. They were equipped with living spaces, kitchens, storage areas, and even hospitals. The sheer scale and complexity of the network are a testament to the determination and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese soldiers. Instagram

Today, visitors can explore a section of these tunnels, gaining a visceral understanding of the harsh realities faced by those who lived and fought underground. The experience offers a powerful glimpse into a pivotal period of Vietnamese history. InstagramReddit

Choosing Between Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc

The Cu Chi Tunnels complex is divided into two main tourist sites: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. While both offer a glimpse into the tunnel system, they cater to different visitor preferences. Ben Dinh is closer to Ho Chi Minh City and is generally more crowded, offering a more commercialized experience with more tourist facilities. Reddit

Ben Duoc, located further away, is often recommended for those seeking a more authentic and less crowded experience. It features a larger reconstructed tunnel network and a more serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace without feeling rushed. Many visitors find Ben Duoc to be a more immersive and historically significant visit. Reddit

When booking a tour, it's worth inquiring which site your tour will visit. If you prefer a quieter, more in-depth exploration, opt for Ben Duoc. If convenience and a quicker visit are your priorities, Ben Dinh might be suitable, but be prepared for larger crowds. Reddit

The Emotional Impact of the Tunnels

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is more than just a historical tour; it's an emotionally charged experience. As you descend into the narrow, dark passages, you begin to grasp the immense hardship and bravery of the soldiers who lived there. The stories shared by guides about the daily struggles, the constant threat of discovery, and the ingenious methods of survival can be deeply moving. InstagramReddit

Many visitors report feeling a profound sense of respect and awe for the resilience of the Vietnamese people. The experience can be confronting, offering a stark reminder of the human cost of war. It's a place that encourages reflection on history and the indomitable spirit of those who fought for their homeland. Instagram+1

While the tunnels are a testament to wartime ingenuity, they also serve as a memorial. The emotional weight of the site is palpable, leaving a lasting impression on most who visit. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2