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Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tours

4.8 (462 reviews)

Explore the extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War alongside other regional highlights. These comprehensive full-day excursions typically include round-trip transportation, guided commentary, and traditional meals.

📅 Free 24-hour cancellation available
🍲 Lunch and bottled water included
🗣️ English-speaking local tour guides
🚐 Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
Full-Day Tour in the Cu Chi Tunnels with a Luxury Speed Boat Free Cancellation
4.8 (168) ⏱ 7h

Full-Day Tour in the Cu Chi Tunnels with a Luxury Speed Boat

Cruise the Saigon River by speedboat to explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and experience wartime underground life.

Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta Full Day Tours
4.6 (98) ⏱ 8h

Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta Full Day Tours

Combine Vietnam’s wartime history at the Cu Chi Tunnels with the peaceful river life of the Mekong Delta in one day.

Saigon City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnel Full Day Tour Free Cancellation
4.8 (70) ⏱ 9h

Saigon City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnel Full Day Tour

A guided full-day tour through Saigon’s colonial landmarks, war history, and the underground Cu Chi Tunnels.

Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tour Free Cancellation
4.8 (48) ⏱ 10h

Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tour

Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels By Motorbike and Scooter Free Cancellation
5.0 (32) ⏱ 8h

Cu Chi Tunnels By Motorbike and Scooter

Explore the massive 25-year-old underground network that served as a hidden city during the Vietnam War.

Cu Chi Tunnels - Cao Dai Temple Full Day Tours
4.1 (27) ⏱ 8h

Cu Chi Tunnels - Cao Dai Temple Full Day Tours

Observe a midday mass at the Great Holy Sight Temple followed by an afternoon exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full Day Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (11) ⏱ 10h 30min

Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full Day Tour

Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta's traditional craft workshops by boat and sampan.

Cu Chi Tunnels Private Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (8)

Cu Chi Tunnels Private Tour

Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels to experience underground life and the incredible resilience of the local people.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Cu Chi Tunnels — from practical tips to personal highlights.

M
Marcus T. United Kingdom, Feb 2025
4.8

"Took the speedboat tour and it was 100% worth the extra cash. Skipping the insane Saigon traffic was a blessing. The tunnels themselves are mind-blowing. I only managed the 20-meter crawl before I had to use the exit—it's incredibly hot and tight down there!"

E
Elena R. Spain, Apr 2025
4.5

"We did the full day combo with the Mekong Delta. It makes for a very long 10-hour day, but seeing both spots was great. Our guide was super knowledgeable about the booby traps. Be warned, the shooting range noise is constant and very loud while walking around Ben Dinh."

D
David W. Australia, Jan 2025
5.0

"Booked the motorbike tour and had an absolute blast. Riding through the outskirts of HCMC gave us a real feel for the area. The tapioca snack at the end of the tunnel tour was surprisingly tasty. Definitely wear dark clothes, my white shirt is ruined from the red dirt."

S
Sarah K. Canada, Nov 2025
4.7

"Did the city tour and Cu Chi combo. Visiting the War Remnants Museum in the morning really set the context for the tunnels in the afternoon. The Hoang Cam smokeless stove design was fascinating. Bring bug spray, the mosquitoes in the jungle do not play around."

J
James L. USA, Mar 2026
4.9

"Our private tour was fantastic. Having our own car meant we could leave early at 7 AM and beat the massive tour bus crowds. Firing the M16 at the range was intense but expensive (around $25 USD for 10 bullets). The guide was excellent at explaining the underground maps."

P
Priya M. India, Aug 2025
4.4

"A very educational trip, but visiting in August meant it was pouring rain and super muddy. The tunnels felt like a sauna. Still, seeing the trapdoors and learning how the Viet Cong survived was incredible. Make sure you wear proper closed-toe shoes if you go during rainy season."

What to Expect on a Full Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

A full-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels offers a gripping look into the realities of the Vietnam War. You will explore a massive subterranean network that once housed thousands of Viet Cong soldiers, complete with living quarters, hospitals, and command centers. Expect a mix of historical education, above-ground demonstrations, and the chance to crawl through the actual tunnel systems.

🪖

Crawling the Tunnels

Experience the cramped conditions firsthand by crawling through sections of the Ben Dinh tunnels. These paths have been slightly widened for tourists, with exit points every 10 to 20 meters.

🪤

Booby Trap Demonstrations

See the ingenious and brutal bamboo and iron traps used to deter ground troops. Guides demonstrate how camouflaged trapdoors, tiger traps, and swinging doors functioned in the jungle.

🍳

Hoang Cam Stove

Learn about the brilliant smokeless stove invention. This system dispersed cooking smoke through long underground vents, allowing soldiers to cook without being detected by enemy aircraft.

🍠

Guerrilla Food Tasting

Get a taste of what soldiers ate to survive. Most tours include a snack of boiled tapioca (cassava) dipped in crushed peanuts, sugar, and salt, served alongside hot tea.

🗺️

Underground Command Centers

Venture into the deeper levels to see where military strategies were planned. These restored rooms feature original maps, meeting tables, and mannequins of Viet Cong soldiers.

🎯

Live Shooting Range

At the National Defense Sport Shooting Range, visitors over 18 can opt to fire authentic war-era weapons, including the AK-47 and M16, for an additional fee.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning your trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels requires a bit of preparation. Here is what you need to know before booking your full-day excursion.

Tour Types Available

You can choose from standard guided group tours, private car tours, adventurous motorbike trips, or luxury speedboat journeys up the Saigon River. Most full-day options combine the tunnels with another major site.

Popular Combo Itineraries

Since the tunnels only take about 2-3 hours to explore on-site, full-day tours typically pair them with the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City highlights (like the War Remnants Museum), or the colorful Cao Dai Temple.

Inclusions and Extras

Most organized tours include hotel pickup in central districts (1, 3, and 4), an English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and the 125,000 VND entrance fee. Double-check your specific tour, as some budget options might exclude the entry ticket.

Shooting Range Costs

Firing weapons at the range is never included in the tour price. Bullets cost 60,000 VND each, and there is a mandatory minimum purchase of 10 bullets per weapon. You will need cash for this.

Physical Requirements

The site involves walking on uneven dirt paths in hot, humid conditions. Crawling in the tunnels is entirely optional. If you have claustrophobia, heart conditions, or mobility issues, you can stick to the above-ground exhibits.

What to Wear

Dress in comfortable, modest clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. The red laterite clay is notoriously hard to wash out of light-colored fabrics. Closed-toe shoes and heavy-duty insect repellent are highly recommended.

Cancellation Policies

Most standard group and private tours offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. However, some specialized combo tours (like the Cao Dai Temple combo) may have strict all-sales-are-final policies.

Which Full Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour Is Best for You?

Luxury Speedboat TourCu Chi & Mekong Delta ComboCity Tour & Cu Chi ComboMotorbike & Scooter TourPrivate Tour
Duration 7 hours8 - 10.5 hours9 - 10 hours8 hoursFlexible (Half or Full Day)
Best For Avoiding city traffic and enjoying scenic river viewsSeeing Southern Vietnam's top two sites in a single dayHistory buffs wanting a comprehensive war narrativeAdventurous travelers wanting an authentic local rideFamilies, groups, or those wanting a personalized pace
Includes Speedboat transport, lunch, entrance fees, District 1/3/4 pickupTransport, local lunch, boat ride in Mekong, entrance feesCity sights (War Remnants Museum, etc.), lunch, transportPrivate driver/guide, helmet, rain poncho, lunch, insurancePrivate AC car, dedicated guide, hotel pickup, snacks
Price From $75$67$37$65$78

Plan Your Visit to Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are open 365 days a year, including public holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year).

  • Operating Hours: 07:00 to 17:00 daily.
  • Ticket Counters: Typically close at 16:00, so arrive well before then.
  • Best Time of Day: If you are traveling independently, arriving between 07:00 and 08:00 is highly recommended to beat the large tour groups that flood the site around 10:00.

Located roughly 60-70 km from central Ho Chi Minh City, the tunnels can be reached via several methods:

  • Organized Tours: The most popular and hassle-free option. Tours usually take 1.5 to 2 hours each way by bus or van.
  • Speedboat: Departs from Tan Cang Pier. Takes about 1.5 hours via the Saigon River, completely avoiding road traffic.
  • Public Bus: The cheapest route (14,000 VND). Take Bus #13 from Ben Thanh Station to Cu Chi Bus Station, then transfer to Bus #79 (for Ben Duoc) or Bus #63 (for Ben Dinh). Total travel time is about 2.5 hours.
  • Private Car/Grab: Costs around 1,500,000 VND for a round trip including waiting time.

The climate heavily impacts the experience at the tunnels.

  • Dry Season (December to March): This is the absolute best time to visit. Temperatures are slightly cooler, and the dirt paths remain dry, making walking and crawling much easier.
  • Rainy Season (May to October): Visits can be challenging. The laterite clay turns into slippery mud, and the underground tunnels become excessively hot and humid. Heavy monsoon rains in September and October can even cause flash flooding in the lower tunnel levels.

Because the site is preserved in a natural jungle environment, accessibility is limited.

  • Wheelchair Users: The ticketing area has ramps, but the main site consists of bumpy, uneven dirt paths that are very difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. The tunnels themselves are completely inaccessible.
  • Elderly Visitors: Requires moderate physical fitness due to significant walking. Elderly visitors should skip the secret entrances and crawling sections to avoid physical strain and low oxygen levels.
  • Children: Kids under 7 enter for free. Older children usually find the interactive traps and tunnels fascinating, but parents should keep them away from the loud shooting range.

The site is well-equipped for tourists, though it retains a rustic feel.

  • Food and Drink: There are restaurants near the entrance and exit. Free boiled tapioca and tea are provided during the tour.
  • Shooting Range: The National Defense Sport Shooting Range is located on-site.
  • Payment: Bring small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND). The ticket counters and shooting range often do not accept credit cards.
  • Restrooms: Available near the main entrance and dining areas.

As a designated Special National Monument and war memorial, visitors must follow specific guidelines:

  • Guides: All visitors must be accompanied by an official site guide once inside (included in your 125,000 VND entrance ticket).
  • Dress Code: No formal dress code, but modest clothing is expected. Wear clothes that can get dirty.
  • Prohibited Items: Drones are strictly banned without a prior military permit. Smoking is completely prohibited inside the tunnel sections.
  • Shooting Range Restrictions: You must be over 18 years old to fire weapons at the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I visit Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc?

Ben Dinh is closer to Ho Chi Minh City (50km) and is more tourist-oriented, featuring tunnels widened specifically for foreigners. Ben Duoc is further away (70km) but is five times larger and offers a much more authentic, less crowded experience.

Is the shooting range included in the tour price?

No, the shooting range is an optional extra expense. Bullets cost 60,000 VND each, and you must purchase a minimum of 10 bullets per weapon (600,000 VND total).

Can I visit the tunnels if I am claustrophobic?

You can still visit the site, but you should not go into the tunnels. The underground sections are extremely narrow, dark, and humid. However, there are plenty of above-ground exhibits, booby trap demonstrations, and historical displays to enjoy.

Do I have to book a tour to visit?

No, you can travel there independently via public bus or Grab. However, once you arrive and buy your ticket, you are required to follow a mandatory local guide provided by the park for safety reasons.

How far do you actually have to crawl?

Crawling is completely optional. If you choose to do it, you can crawl through sections ranging from 20 meters to 100 meters. There are exit points every 10 to 20 meters if you need to get out early.

What should I wear to the Cu Chi Tunnels?

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing in dark colors, as the red clay soil will stain light fabrics. Closed-toe shoes are highly recommended for walking on the uneven jungle paths, and don't forget heavy-duty insect repellent.

Are there bats or bugs inside the tunnels?

Yes, bats are occasionally found in the deeper, less-visited sections of the Ben Duoc tunnels. Mosquitoes are also very prevalent in the jungle areas above ground.

Is food available at the site?

Yes, there are restaurants near the entrances. Additionally, tours include a free tasting of 'guerrilla food'—boiled tapioca dipped in a peanut, sugar, and salt mixture.

Will the tour pick me up from my hotel?

Most organized tours offer free hotel pickup and drop-off if you are staying in central Ho Chi Minh City (Districts 1, 3, and 4). If you are staying outside these areas, you will usually need to meet at a designated central office.

Is the site suitable for young children?

Yes, older children usually find the interactive elements exciting, and kids under 7 get in free. However, parents should be cautious of the extremely loud noise coming from the shooting range, which can scare younger kids.

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