Depending on how much you know about the Vietnam War, you may be familiar with the Cu Chi Tunnels. This network of underground passages was constructed by the Viet Cong guerilla fighters in and around the Cu Chi district of Vietnam, in order to avoid detection by American and South Vietnamese forces. These fighters lived almost their entire lives underground, and so the tunnels were equipped with everything from bedrooms and kitchens to armories and hospitals. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam, reached in around 90 minutes by car from Ho Chi Minh City. In this article, at BesTripTips, we are going to tell you a bit more about taking a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, including all the information you need to get the most from your trip. And we will answer some of the common questions travelers have about visiting the tunnels.
History of the Cu Chi Tunnels
Construction of the Cu Chi Tunnels actually pre-dated the Vietnam War, beginning in 1948 when Vietnam was embroiled in a different conflict. The First Indo-China War was fought between the French colonisers and the Viet Minh, led by one Ho Chi Minh.
These early tunnels were expanded massively during the 1960s, as US forces brought sophisticated weaponry to Vietnam. In total, the Cu Chi Tunnels comprise around 121 kilometers of subterranean passageways. The Viet Cong couldn’t out-gun the Americans, so they had to get creative. The tunnels allowed the fighters to stay hidden, and they could launch surprise attacks and set booby traps for US forces. The tunnels were incredibly narrow and ingeniously disguised, with secret air holes, hidden entrances and camouflage. It is estimated that more than 45,000 Vietnamese fighters died defending Cu Chi and the surrounding area during the Vietnam War.
Taking a Cu Chi Tunnels Tour: What to Expect
The best way to visit the tunnels of Cu Chi is on a tour, which can be booked easily online or through the reception desk at hostels and hotels across Saigon. Due to the tunnels being a decent drive away from the city, the tour is likely to start early, at between 7:00 and 9:00. You will be collected from your accommodation and driven to the tunnels, where you will be given your Cu Chi Tunnels tickets and accompanied by an English-speaking local guide to visit the site.
There are many different things to see and do at the site of the Cu Chi Tunnels. You will have the opportunity to lower yourself into a section of the tunnels and pull a trap door back over your head, sealing you in the dark in order to experience how life must have been for the Viet Cong fighters. And you will have the opportunity to walk and crawl a section of the tunnels for yourself. This has been widened especially for tourists to make it more accessible and less claustrophobic. However, it can still be a daunting and unique experience as you have to crawl on hands and knees through certain sections.
Other Things to See
The Viet Cong laid all manner of traps in which to ensnare American troops, often condemning them to a slow and painful death. Many of these traps and weapons can also be seen at the Cu Chi Tunnels, and a guide will be able to explain in detail how they worked. There is also a burnt-out tank that tourists are allowed to climb on to take photos, and a bomb crater from an American B-52 plane, which helps travelers to understand the ferocity of the warfare which took place in Cu Chi.
But perhaps the most exciting activity for visitors can be found at the firing range. It is possible to purchase a round of bullets to fire automatic and semi-automatic machine guns such as the M16. Warning – this is incredibly loud; ear protection is provided! This activity isn’t cheap, at the equivalent of around $2 per bullet, but where else will you have the opportunity to fire one of these lethal weapons? Additionally, remember also to visit the best coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City!
Frequently asked questions about visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels
How much does it cost to visit?
The Cu Chi Tunnels entry fee is approximately 125,000 Vietnamese dong, or around $5-6 and all paying visitors are offered the service of a guide at no additional cost. Bearing in mind that the Cu Chi Tunnels are a long drive from Ho Chi Minh City, it may be better to take a half-day tour of the site instead. This can typically be booked for between 500,000 – 750,000 dong, $20-30. Although significantly more expensive, this is a much easier way to visit, particularly if you are staying in a hostel in the city, as these tours run daily. It is also possible to book tours combining the tunnels with other attractions such as the Mekong Delta.
I’m claustrophobic, do I have to go in the tunnels?
Although the opportunity to crawl through a part of the tunnels is included in the ticket price and is a unique experience, nobody is going to force you to! All activities at the tunnels are completely optional.
What facilities are there at the tunnels?
There are toilets at the main entrance to the site and at the firing range, which is also where the café is located. The café serves a range of soft drinks, water and snacks. However, the noise from the firing range can be extremely loud, particularly to anyone with sensitive hearing or suffering from conditions such as tinnitus. Ear protection is available but there is not enough for everyone in a large group, so an important BesTripTips piece of advice is that you may wish to bring your own ear plugs on the tour. If staying in hostels during your time in Vietnam, it is likely you already have a pair!
What should I wear at the Cu Chi Tunnels?
The tunnels are located in a forested area and if you choose to crawl through the tunnels then you can expect to get dirty, so leave your designer clothes in the hotel and wear light and breathable sports clothes to the tunnels. The site is large too, so make sure you wear shoes that you are comfortable to walk in. And don’t forget your sun protection and bug spray, as you will be outside for long periods of time.
Are the Cu Chi Tunnels safe?
Although this was an active war zone in the not-too-distant past, and a booby-trapped one at that, the Cu Chi Tunnels are completely safe. They are one of Vietnam’s most visited attractions, fully licensed and managed by the relevant authorities. Despite this, it is important to follow all instructions from your tour guide, obey all signage and to stick to marked pathways at all times.
Are these the only tunnels?
No. The Viet Cong employed their tunnel-digging tactics across Vietnam. Although the tunnels of Cu Chi are the most famous, other tunnels travellers can visit include the Vinh Moc Tunnels near Hue and the Ben Duoc Tunnels, located near Cu Chi. These tunnels are generally less crowded, more ruined (having not been re-constructed after the war) and have also not been widened as much as those at Cu Chi.
How long do you need at the Cu Chi Tunnels?
If you remove the drive times from Saigon, generally you can expect to spend between two and three hours at the site of the tunnels. This is enough time to join all the activities and see all of the sights mentioned in this article.
Can I do a private tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Yes, you can. Private tours are readily available and can be booked the same way as group tours – online or in person at hotels and hostels. It is worth noting that private tours tend to be a lot more expensive, starting at around $60.
Visit Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam!
If you’re spending any meaningful time in Ho Chi Minh City, then it is well worth taking half a day to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. As well as being a fun and interactive day out, this important site serves as a reminder of the horrors of the Vietnam War and the experiences of those who served, fought and died on both sides. It’s one of the main attractions in southern Vietnam for good reason. If you do decide to visit, taking a Cu Chi Tunnels tour is the best way to explore Cu Chi. You don’t need to worry about finding your own way to or from the tunnels and can meet like-minded travellers on your tour.
