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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Cu Chi Tunnels
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the legendary underground network of the Viet Cong, a testament to wartime resilience and ingenuity.
"A powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity of the Vietnamese people during wartime.
"🎯 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crawling Through the Tunnels
Various sections
Experience the claustrophobic reality of the Viet Cong's underground network. Not for the faint-hearted!

Booby Traps and Weapons Displays
Demonstration areas
See ingenious traps used by soldiers and get up close with historical military equipment.

Ben Duoc Temple
Ben Duoc site
A more peaceful and less crowded site, offering a deeper historical immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Heat and Crawling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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!
👟 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:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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!
👟 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.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Yes, there are usually basic food stalls and a restaurant at the Cu Chi Tunnels sites where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and meals.
You are generally allowed to bring your own water and snacks. However, it's best to consume them in designated areas and avoid littering.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
While generally permitted, avoid intrusive photography, especially during historical explanations or in sensitive areas. Always ask your guide if unsure.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🎒 Budget Backpackers
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.
💑 Couples and History Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenuity of the Cu Chi Tunnels
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.
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.
Choosing Between Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc
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.
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.
The Emotional Impact of the Tunnels
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit