TOP 6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CU CHI TUNNEL

Cu Chi Tunnel in Viet Nam is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Vietnam. It’s no exaggeration that there is a network of tunnels beneath the lush jungle in South Vietnam which connected villages and hamlets. Originally dug to hide from the Japanese and then French force. The Cu Chi Tunnels proved crucial later on in the Vietnam War.

To counter better-equipped American and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. The guerilla forces from the South of Vietnam known as the Viet Cong excavated tens of thousands of miles of tunnels, including a vast network that extended beneath the Cu Chi area northwest of Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City). These tunnels were used by soldiers as a base of operations, a means of communication and supply, a place to construct booby traps and conduct surprise attacks before they retreated underground to safety.

The safest parts of the tunnel system, which has become a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, are open to visitors. Who are welcome to crawl about there. Visitors may also view command posts and booby traps, engage in AK-47 combat on a firing range, and even partake in a banquet consisting of everyday foods that soldiers who live in the tunnels would typically eat.

Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam

1: Where is Cu Chi Tunnel located

Cu Chi Tunnels are located in the Cu Chi District, around 70 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. At its height during the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi district’s network of tunnels connected Viet Cong support bases over a 250-kilometer route that stretched from the suburbs of Saigon to the Cambodian border.

After the fall of Saigon, the Cu Chi tunnel complex has been preserved by the Vietnamese government. Which has converted it into a war memorial park with two distinct tunnel display sites, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. The Ben Duoc Tunnels (the Party Committee’s Headquarters and the Military Command of the Sai Gon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh Military Region) is located at Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District. While the Ben Dinh Tunnels (Cu Chi District Party Committee’s headquarters) is at Ben Dinh Village. Nhuan Duc Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

The Ben Duoc site contains a portion of the old tunnel network, although the Ben Dinh site, which is closer to Saigon, has had some tunnels restored and some have been enlarged to accommodate tourists. Both locations have exhibits showing the many kinds of booby traps that have been used, and lights have been installed in the tunnels to make it easier to pass through them.

Cu Chi Tunnels Vietnam

2: About Cu Chi Tunnel

The guerilla forces started manually digging tunnels to get away from the numerous French military forces and heavy weaponry. Later, these guerillas from the South of Vietnam assumed the name Viet Nam Cong San, or simply Viet Cong, and joined the National Liberation Front. It was challenging to tell Viet Cong fighters from civilians as their black pajamas and straw hats were extremely similar to those worn by locals in the huts and villages they blended into.

Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An were the first two communes to have tunnels built in 1948. Initially, only short parts of a simple and basic structure were used to conceal documents, weapons, and troops working in dangerous territory.

The network of tunnels in the Chu Chi district was expanded by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers, who used them as communication and supply routes as well as cover. The efficient utilization of the Cu Chi Tunnels allowed the Vietnamese to successfully repel the overwhelming air and military might of the United States.

People spent a lot of time underground in severely damaged areas since the US relied extensively on aerial bombing, and the Cu Chi Tunnel in Viet Nam eventually grew to accommodate entire underground communities with living quarters, kitchens, armaments factories, hospitals, and bomb shelters.

Cu Chi Tunnel in Viet Nam

Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam

3: How to get there from Ho Chi Minh

3.1: By Bus

Taking the bus is by far the most cost-effective way to travel around Vietnam. This is true even when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Take the bus number 13 from Ben Thanh to Cu Chi bus station, then the bus number 79 to Ben Duoc.

Going to Ben Dinh would be a little more challenging due to its distance from Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can take the bus number 13 from Ben Thanh to An Suong bus station, then the 122 bus to Tan Quy bus station. Travelers will board another bus, number 70, to Ben Dinh.

3.2: Motorbike

Motorbikes can take visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnel in Viet Nam from Ho Chi Minh city. It is, however, advised to exercise caution because this may not be ideal due to the distance and number of mishaps on the road. It is advisable to push it through with the help of a local tour guide.
Motorbike riders will be able to visit the wildlife rescue station and observe the lovely countryside along the way, which is not possible while traveling by bus.

3.3: Private car

Private car services have recently been in high demand in Vietnam. Taking a private car from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels is another great option for travelers because of its convenience and relatively safer than the public transport. Private car transfers can be booked online, travel agencies or at the hotel reception.

4: Cu Chi Tunnel Entrance Fee

The Cu Chi Tunnel is open from Mondays until Sundays from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. Entrance fees are as follow:

Ben Duoc Ben Dinh
110.000 VND/ person 90.000 VND/ person

5: Map of Cu Chi Tunnel

Cu Chi Tunnel in Viet Nam are a complex network of interconnecting tunnels located near Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. They are part of a much larger network of tunnels that comprise much of the country and extend all the way to the Cambodian border.

Map Cu Chi Tunnels group tour

Cu Chi Tunnels Map

6: Cu Chi Half Day Tour From Ho Chi Minh

Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh city usually starts from getting picked up from the hotel within Ho Chi Minh City or a meet up at 20 Bui Vien street at District 1.

Upon arrival at the historical site, a documentary film will be shown to the visitors to highlight the historical significance of Cu Chi Tunnels and how well it served not only to the military forces of North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong but also how it became a refuge and shelter the common villagers within the area.

Following that, visitors will be able to see and uncover the system of tunnels deep underground that were able to endure the destructive might of the US forces’ bomb onslaught. Relive how the locals survive, prepare their meals and entertain themselves within the tunnels while waiting for the aerial attacks to stop.

cu chi tunnel half day tour

Cu Chi Tunnel Tour

  • Group Tour
  • Half Day
Tour Guide
Private Tour
Free Ticket
Drink Water

1 Pax

25 USD

Snack on the same foods and beverages that the Viet Cong fighters consumed throughout the war. Shooting a number of Vietnam War era weaponry, such as the M16 rifle or AK-47, as well as a light machine gun like the M60, is also an option.