Guide to The Cu Chi Tunnels: Symbol of Resilience and Survival

About 70km from Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels form a vast underground network stretching 250km. Built during the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War, they served as a strategic base for Vietnamese soldiers. This remarkable site reflects the resilience and ingenuity of wartime tactics. Explore more about the historic icon with Vietnam Airlines in the article below!

1. Location and Ways to Get to Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are located in Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. This historic site is easily accessible by various transportations, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors looking to explore Vietnam’s wartime history.

Cu Chi Tunnels is a popular tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City, especially for those looking to explore Vietnam’s rich history

Ways to Get to Cu Chi Tunnels

There are several ways to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels, depending on your budget, time, and preferred experience. Below are the most common transportation options:

• By bus: This is the budget-friendly option, with a trip duration of the trip about 2.5 - 3 hours. You can take bus 13 from Ben Thanh Bus Station, then transfer to bus 79 at Cu Chi Bus Station. Buses are affordable (about 7,000 - 10,000 VND) but take more time.
• By motorbike: Riding a motorbike to Cu Chi Tunnels takes 1.5 to 2 hours via National Highway 22 and Provincial Road DT15. It costs around 150,000 - 200,000 VND per day.
• By private car or taxis: For a direct and comfortable trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, consider using Mai Linh Taxi ((024) 38 333 333). The cost is around 500,000 - 700,000 VND, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can use the Grab app for added convenience.
• By speedboat: Taking a speedboat to Cu Chi Tunnels is a scenic and premium experience, reaching the site in 1 to 1.5 hours via the Saigon River. This option, often part of high-end private tours, offers breathtaking countryside views along the way.

The speedboat is a popular choice among visitors traveling to the Cu Chi Tunnels, offering a scenic and unique way to reach the site

2. Cu Chi Tunnels Entrance Fees & Opening Hours

Entrance Fee:

• Ben Dinh: 110,000 VND (USD 4.50) per person.
• Ben Duoc: 90,000 VND (USD 3.50) per person.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

Tip: Be sure to check for any special closures or holidays that may affect opening hours.

If you're planning to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, it's best to go early in the day to avoid the crowds

3. Best time to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Timing your visit right as instruction below can make all the difference in your experience:

• Best months: December to April is the dry season, making it the ideal time to explore. The tunnels stay cooler, and you won’t have to deal with muddy paths caused by heavy rains.
• Best time of day: Early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 2:00 PM) is best to avoid large tour groups and enjoy a more immersive experience.

The best time to visit Cu Chi Tunnels is during the dry season (December to April) when the weather is cool and rain-free, perfect for exploring

4. The Role of Cu Chi Tunnels in The Fall of Saigon (1975)

The Cu Chi Tunnels played a crucial role in the Vietnam War, significantly contributing to the success of the 1975 Liberation of Saigon. This intricate underground system was designed with multiple strategic functions:

• A safe hideout for Vietnamese soldiers, protecting them from enemy bombings and artillery attacks.
• A supply route and living quarters allowed troops to move undetected and maintain their forces throughout the war.
• Storage for weapons, food, and medicine ensured a steady supply for prolonged resistance.
• A base for guerrilla warfare, enabling surprise attacks that gave the Vietnamese forces a tactical advantage.

The Cu Chi Tunnels were built as underground shelters, storage facilities for food and medicine, and strategic hideouts for Vietnamese soldiers during war

Today, a section of the tunnels has been restored and opened to visitors. Here, you can crawl through narrow passages, explore hidden chambers, and learn survival techniques used underground–a firsthand experience of one of the most ingenious military strategies in Vietnamese history.

5. The untold history of Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are more than just a historical site - they are a testament to Vietnamese resilience, ingenuity, and strategic warfare. Built and expanded over decades, these tunnels played a crucial role in Vietnam’s struggle for independence and later became a key battleground during the Vietnam War.

5.1. Early Development (1940s – First Indochina War)

The Cu Chi Tunnels originated in the 1940s during the First Indochina War, as the Viet Minh built underground shelters to evade French patrols and store supplies. Though initially spanning just a few kilometers, these tunnels provided a crucial tactical advantage, laying the foundation for an extensive military network.

The Cu Chi Tunnels were built in the 1940s during the intense years of the First Indochina War in Vietnam

Tourists can also witness the mark of that period of r time by check out Visit Saigon Central Post Office: A Timeless French Colonial Gem, our article about a historical landmark that reflects the French colonial influence.

5.2. Expansion During the Vietnam War (1955 – 1975)

As the war intensified, the Cu Chi Tunnels expanded into a 250-kilometer underground network, connecting villages, military bases, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail. It became a hidden stronghold with living quarters, command centers, and supply routes, making Cu Chi a key Viet Cong base by the late 1960s.

As the war intensified, the Viet Minh expanded the tunnel network to 250km, transforming it into a strategic command center for resistance operations

5.3. Wartime Strategies & Life Inside the Tunnels

Life in the tunnels was grueling, with soldiers surviving on minimal food, mainly cassava and rice, while battling suffocating conditions and low oxygen levels. Camouflaged air vents kept the tunnels hidden, allowing the Viet Cong to strike unexpectedly before vanishing underground. Traps and explosives further protected their network, making Cu Chi a relentless challenge for U.S. forces.

The entrance to the tunnels was cleverly disguised, making it extremely difficult for American forces to detect

5.4. The U.S. Response: Operation Crimp & Operation Cedar Falls (1966 – 1967)

As the Cu Chi Tunnels posed a growing threat, the U.S. launched major operations to destroy them. In 1966, Operation Crimp sent 8,000 U.S. and Australian troops to uncover tunnel entrances, but the network remained hidden. A year later, in 1967, Operation Cedar Falls took a more aggressive approach, deploying "tunnel rats" and using B-52 bombers, napalm, and Agent Orange. Despite these efforts, the tunnels endured, allowing Viet Cong forces to continue their resistance.

In 1966, the U.S. military bombed Cu Chi with B-52s and sprayed Agent Orange, but the tunnels remained intact. Today, visitors can see giant bomb craters, reflecting the war’s intensity

6. Back to history with TOP 9 things to do at Cu Chi Tunnels

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is more than just a historical tour - it’s a hands-on experience that brings Vietnam’s wartime past to life. From crawling through underground passageways to handling war-era weapons, each activity provides a deeper understanding of the resourcefulness and resilience of the Vietnamese people. Get ready to step back in time and see history firsthand.

6.1. Crawl Through the Underground Tunnels

One of the most thrilling parts of visiting Cu Chi is navigating the actual tunnels that Viet Cong soldiers once lived and fought in. These narrow passageways, some as small as 60 - 80cm wide, were crucial for survival and surprise attacks. While they’ve been slightly widened for tourists, the tunnels still offer a realistic and immersive experience.

• Cost: Included in entrance fee.
• Tip: The tunnels can feel hot and cramped - if you’re unsure, start with the shorter 20-meter section before committing to a longer crawl.

The tunnel crawling experience attracts countless visitors and has received numerous positive Cu Chi Tunnels reviews (Source: TripAdvisor)

6.2. Discover Camouflaged Entrances & Booby Traps

Test your stealth skills by squeezing into a hidden tunnel entrance, just like the Viet Cong fighters did to evade detection. As you explore, you'll also witness demonstrations of ingenious booby traps, such as spike pits and swinging traps, which played a crucial role in guerrilla warfare. These creative defenses were key in helping the Viet Cong hold their ground against much larger enemy forces.

• Cost: Included in entrance fee.
• Tip: If you’re up for a challenge, try lifting a hidden tunnel hatch - it’s a tight squeeze, but it makes for an unforgettable photo opportunity.

Experience the challenge of crawling through hidden tunnels and discovering the ingenious booby traps used in guerrilla warfare (Source: TripAdvisor)

6.3. Try Shooting an AK-47 or M16 at the Firing Range

At the Cu Chi shooting range, you can test your aim with real war-era firearms, offering a unique chance to experience the firepower that defined Vietnam’s battlefield history. You should choose from iconic weapons like the AK-47, M16, M60 machine gun, or M1 Carbine, with prices based on the number of bullets fired. This hands-on experience lets you feel the weight and power of these classic guns, immersing you in the intense history of the region.

• Cost: 50,000 – 60,000 VND (USD 2 – USD 2.50) per bullet.
• Tip: The gunfire is extremely loud protection is provided, but bringing extra noise-canceling gear is a good idea.

Besides exploring the tunnels, visitors can also take part in other exciting activities, such as:

Get a hands-on feel for history by test-firing iconic war-era firearms like the AK-47, M16, and M60 at the Cu Chi shooting range (Source: TripAdvisor)

6.4. Watch a Documentary on the Tunnels’ History

Before heading into the tunnels, watch a short film detailing how they were built and used during the war. Featuring real war footage and testimonies from Viet Cong veterans, this documentary provides valuable context about the strategic role of the tunnels in Vietnam’s fight for independence.

• Cost: Included in entrance fee.
• Fact: Some tour guides skip the film to save time - et them know in advance if you’d like to see it.

Gain deeper insight into history with a short film featuring real war footage and Viet Cong testimonies before exploring the Cu Chi tunnels

6.5. Taste Viet Cong War-Time Food

Ever wondered how Viet Cong soldiers survived for months underground? Try their basic wartime diet-boiled cassava (tapioca) with crushed peanuts and sugar, a simple yet energy-packed meal that kept them going during battles. Served with hot green tea, this experience offers a glimpse into wartime survival.

• Cost: Included in entrance fee.
• Tip: Avoid eating cassava on an empty stomach, as it may cause dizziness and nausea. Also, take caution if you have a peanut allergy.

Step into history by tasting the Viet Cong’s wartime diet—boiled cassava with peanuts and sugar, a simple yet vital source of energy during the war

6.6. Join the Cu Chi Night Tour

For a completely different perspective, explore Cu Chi after dark on the "Moonlight at Cu Chi" Night Tour. Navigate the tunnels by torchlight, witness battle reenactments, and enjoy a traditional wartime meal under the stars. This unique experience offers a deeper, more atmospheric look at history.

• Cost: 399,000 VND/visitor (USD 15.6). Check the official Cu Chi website for details.
• Tip: Use insect repellent, wear long socks, and put on specialized shoes.

Experience Cu Chi in a whole new way with the 'Moonlight at Cu Chi' Night Tour - explore tunnels by torchlight, witness battle reenactments, and dine under the stars

6.7. Explore the Cu Chi War Memorial Temple (Ben Duoc Site Only)

Located at the less touristy Ben Duoc site, this memorial temple honors Vietnamese soldiers who died in battle. Featuring historical exhibits, war relics, and serene architecture, the site provides a peaceful tribute to wartime heroes - offering a more reflective experience than the crowded Ben Dinh tunnels.

• Cost: Included in Ben Duoc entrance fee
• Tip: Please do not touch the exhibits, speak softly, and avoid making noise.

Good review of visitors

6.8. Take Home a Unique Souvenir

Before leaving, check out the Cu Chi gift shop, where you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs that reflect the site’s historical significance. Items include bullet shell keychains, army-style hats, handmade tunnel models, and books on the Vietnam War history. Some souvenirs replicate those used during the war but are not made from original wartime materials

• Cost: Prices vary by item, around 100,000 VND/each.
• Tip: If you purchase large items or detailed gifts, request a box for better protection.

Some good review of visitors on TripAdvisor

6.9. Visit Nearby Attractions

Besides Cu Chi, there are many other historical and cultural sites worth visiting. Make the most of your trip by exploring other historical and cultural sites near Cu Chi:

• Cao Dai Temple (1 hour drive): A fascinating spiritual site blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, famous for its colorful architecture and unique religious practices.
• War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City): A must-visit for those who want a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War, with powerful war artifacts and exhibits.
• Independence Palace (Ho Chi Minh City): The former presidential palace offers insight into Vietnam’s political history with well-preserved war rooms and bunkers.
• Ben Duoc Memorial Temple (near Cu Chi): A tribute to fallen soldiers, featuring a peaceful setting and historical exhibits that honor those who fought in the war.

Sightseeing and traveling in Mekong Delta promises to bring visitors memorable moments of relaxation

7. Cu Chi Food Guide: What to Eat?

• Cassava with Peanuts (Khoai Mì): Soft boiled tapioca root served with crushed peanuts and sugar. Creamy starchy texture with nutty crunch - the survival food that sustained Viet Cong soldiers for months underground. Don't eat on empty stomach.
• Grilled Rice Paper (Bánh Tráng Nướng): Ultra-thin rice paper grilled over charcoal until crispy, topped with green onions, dried shrimp, pork floss, and chili sauce. Paper-thin crispiness with smoky, salty-sweet flavor, best eaten hot off the grill.
• Grilled Pork Sausage (Nem Nướng Củ Chi): Pork meatballs seasoned with garlic, fish sauce, and spices, grilled on bamboo skewers. Crispy caramelized outside, juicy tender inside. Wrap in lettuce with herbs and dip in nước mắm sauce.
• Wild Perch Porridge (Cháo Cá Rô Đồng): Silky rice porridge with flaky wild river perch, garnished with ginger strips, fried shallots, and herbs. Light, clean taste with warming ginger notes, best in morning or evening.
• Young Coconut (Dừa Xiêm Cu Chi): Cu Chi's prized coconut variety with exceptionally sweet water and soft, jelly-like translucent meat. Crystal clear, naturally sweet and electrolyte-rich, perfect refreshment after tunnel crawling.

Restaurants:

• Nha Hang Cu Chi: Traditional Vietnamese dishes, grilled fish, morning glory. Family-style atmosphere.
• Quan Com Binh Dan: Authentic home-style meals with broken rice, grilled pork, pickled vegetables.
• Floating Restaurants: Fresh river fish and prawns served on boats along Saigon River, accessed via speedboat tours.

Besides, markets like russian market hcmc and chinatown hcmc is best to explore culture and history in Ho Chi Minh City while enjoying shopping .

Cu Chi Tunnels is a must-visit destination for those interested in Vietnam’s history and wartime strategies. Exploring this underground network gives visitors a firsthand look at the resilience and ingenuity of Vietnamese soldiers. With various activities and historical insights, a trip to Cu Chi offers an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit and uncover the stories behind this remarkable landmark.

Make your trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels hassle-free with Vietnam Airlines, offering frequent flights to Ho Chi Minh City and top-tier service. With flexible flight schedules, you can easily plan your visit while also exploring other must-see destinations in the city.

From priority check-in to spacious seating and quality in-flight amenities, Vietnam Airlines ensures a comfortable and stress-free journey. Whether you're traveling alone, with family, or in a group, you’ll enjoy a seamless experience from takeoff to landing, making your adventure even more enjoyable.