Cu Chi Tunnels: A handy guide to make the most of your visit

Contents

Taking a Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnel tour promises unforgettable experiences (Source: Collected)

Cu Chi Tunnels is a vast network of underground passages with significant historical importance in Vietnam’s struggle for independence, making it a must-see attraction in South Vietnam. In this guide, we will provide insights into the significance of these tunnels and some visitor information for exploring them.

1. Location & history of Cu Chi Tunnels

• Location: Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City

About 70 kilometers northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels spans approximately 250 kilometers. This extensive tunnel network served as a formidable stronghold for the Vietnamese forces during the resistance war against the United States. The tunnels were used for hiding, communication, and supply efforts, significantly contributing to the fight for independence and unification of Vietnam.

The history of Cu Chi Tunnels is closely tied to the fierce resistance war against the United States during the 1960s:

• 1946: The tunnels were initially constructed using rudimentary tools, starting as separate secret shelters for individual households.
• 1961 – 1965: As the war intensified, these shelters were connected and expanded, forming a solid and interconnected tunnel system across six communes in Cu Chi District, extending approximately 250 kilometers underground.
• 1945 – 1975: Over 30 years, these tunnels evolved into a comprehensive network featuring multiple tunnel sections, trenches, combat bunkers, living quarters, meeting rooms, medical facilities, and storage for food and weapons. This system enabled the Vietnamese people to hide and fight while maintaining production activities.

How long is Cu Chi Tunnels? It spans approximately 250 kilometers (Source: Collected)

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2. Opening hours & ticket prices of Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Cu Chi Tunnels ticket prices are listed in the table below.

The photos of Cu Chi Tunnels showcase the underground network (Source: Collected)

Note that these details can be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, you can contact the historical site’s Facebook page.

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3. Map of Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels refers to the entire tunnel system in Cu Chi with three levels. The top level is about 3 meters below ground, the middle level is about 6 meters below ground, and the deepest level is over 12 meters below ground.

At the historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels, tourists can explore various notable attractions tied to Vietnam’s combat history. These attractions include a Miniature Lake of the South China Sea, Liberation Zone, Ben Dinh Tunnel, Ben Duoc Tunnel, Ben Duoc Commemoration Temple, Saigon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh Military Base, Saigon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh Exhibition, as well as amenities like restaurants, guesthouses, swimming pools, and shooting ranges.

The diagram of Cu Chi Tunnels highlights the main attractions (Source: Collected)

4. Must-see attractions in Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

4.1. Ben Duoc Tunnel

At Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Duoc, visitors can explore the tunnel system and the bunkers where the officers of Saigon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh Command lived and operated throughout the war. Amidst vast forests, visitors can see displays of bombs and artillery, watch historical documentaries, and listen to explanations about the development of Cu Chi Tunnels. The tour includes a firsthand exploration of underground facilities like meeting rooms, surgical rooms, food and weapon storage, kitchens, and handmade weapons. Additionally, visitors can taste wartime foods like cassava dipped in peanut salt and purchase war memorabilia made from bullet shells and old tires.

4.2. Ben Duoc Commemoration Temple

Ben Duoc Commemoration Temple is where visitors can honor heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Vietnam’s liberation. The temple, covering 7 hectares, features a triple-arch gate, a 3-meter-tall memorial stele, a temple building with typical Vietnamese architecture, and a nine-story tower overlooking the serene Saigon River. Visitors can also admire Vietnam’s largest ceramic mosaic depicting the nation’s development, resistance against foreign invaders, and struggle for independence.

Traverse narrow tunnels to experience the life of Vietnamese people in wartime (Source: Collected)

4.3. Ben Dinh Tunnel

Ben Dinh Tunnel, recognized as a national historical site in 2004, was a key base for directing Vietnamese forces in Cu Chi from 1968 to 1975. Similar to Ben Duoc Tunnel, here, visitors can watch documentaries, learn about the tunnel system’s history, and explore the extensive underground network. A highlight here is the M41 tank disabled by mines in 1970. At Ben Dinh, visitors can also test their marksmanship at the Cu Chi Tunnels firing range and shop for souvenirs made from lacquer, bamboo, and rattan, all typical of Cu Chi’s craft villages. Additionally, they can enjoy regional specialties of Cu Chi and South Vietnam.

4.4. Liberation Zone’s Recreation Space

Another attraction at Cu Chi Tunnels is the Liberation Zone’s Recreation Space. This site illustrates the life and spirit of Vietnamese people during the resistance war from 1961 to 1972. The site has several sections with many artifacts, 3D films, and more. The first section reflects the years from 1961 to 1964, showcasing the optimism and enthusiasm of the locals. The second section depicts the years from 1965 to 1968, illustrating the devastation and suffering of the people. The third section covers the years from 1969 to 1972, highlighting the war’s peak intensity with chemical warfare and thousands of tons of bombs and artillery.

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels shooting range to test your skills with authentic wartime weapons (Source: Collected)

4.5. 87A Tran Ke Xuong Historical Relic

87A Tran Ke Xuong Historical Relic, the headquarters of the liaison delegation of the People’s Army of Vietnam from 1955 to 1958, is a national historical site at Cu Chi Tunnels. The delegation’s mission was to investigate violations of the Geneva Agreement on Indochina by the enemy and to prepare for the nationwide elections for reunification on July 20, 1956. This site helps educate younger generations about patriotism and provides international visitors with a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s revolutionary history.

4.6. Rung Sac Military Base

Rung Sac Military Base is associated with the valiant sacrifices of the soldiers of Vietnamese special forces during the war. Here, visitors can enjoy a thrilling canoe ride through the vast mangrove forests, explore historical events such as the Nha Be fuel depot attack, and discover various flora and fauna. Visitors can also dine at Rung Sac Restaurant set amidst the endless mangroves, savor fresh seafood, and visit the crocodile conservation area.

Enjoy a boat ride to explore the serene surroundings of Rung Sac Military Base (Source: Collected)

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5. Services in Cu Chi Tunnels

In addition to historical sites, there are various exciting activities for visitors at Cu Chi Tunnels, making their visit more diverse and enjoyable.

• Entertainment
  • Shooting range: Test your marksmanship with wartime firearms.
  • Paintball: Enjoy this fun activity that enhances teamwork and physical fitness.
  • Rice planting and fishing: Immerse yourself in the lifestyle of Vietnamese farmers.
  • Adventure games: Get your adrenaline level racing with games like zipline, tarzan, etc.
  • Swimming pool: Relax in a swimming pool of 500 square meters wide.
  • Swan boat pedaling, kayaking, canoeing: Explore the Miniature Lake of the South China Sea and see replicas of famous landmarks like Hoang Sa Island, Truong Sa Island, One Pillar Pagoda, and Nha Rong Wharf.
  • Camping: Organize outdoor activities by the Saigon River to enjoy the cool atmosphere.
  • Tandem bicycles: Enjoy a relaxing bike ride to historical sites, take in the natural scenery, and breathe in the fresh air.
• Restaurants: Cu Chi Tunnels offers a variety of dining options like Ben Duoc Restaurant, Ben Dinh Restaurant, and a food court. These restaurants, set in scenic environments, serve rustic dishes typical of South Vietnam, along with snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
• Accommodations: Cu Chi Tunnels offers rooms priced from 120,000 VND to 220,000 VND per day.
• Souvenir stores: The historical site has souvenir shops with over 1,300 items. Visitors can purchase unique gifts for themselves or their loved ones.

Cu Chi Tunnels offers various recreational activities (Source: Collected)

6. Frequently asked questions about Cu Chi Tunnels

6.1. How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels?

There are many ways to go from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels:

• By boat: From Bach Dang Wharf, you can take a Greenlines boat to Cu Chi Tunnels.

• By bus to Cu Chi Tunnels: To get to Ben Duoc Tunnel, take bus number 13 (Ben Thanh – Cu Chi) or bus number 94 (Cho Lon – Cu Chi) to Cu Chi Bus Station, then take bus number 79 (Cu Chi – Dau Tieng). To get to Ben Dinh Tunnel, take bus number 13 or 94 to An Suong Bus Station, then take bus number 122 to Tan Quy Bus Station, then take bus number 70 to Ben Dinh Bus Station.

• By private vehicle: Follow Truong Chinh Street – An Suong – Hoc Mon – Road TL15.

6.2. How much do Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnel tours cost?

For a complete experience, visitors can book tours. The “Moon over the Warzone” night tour offers a unique visit to the tunnels at night, providing a glimpse into the evening activities of its residents in the 1960s. The night tour runs from 6 PM to 8:40 PM, featuring a 3D film of the 1967 Cedar Falls campaign and an art exhibition. The Cu Chi Tunnels tour price is 399,000 VND per person. For bookings, contact the hotline at 0961 433 381, visit the site’s Facebook page, or purchase tickets directly at the ticket counter.

Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnel tours are loved by many tourists (Source: Collected)

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6.3. What to wear to Cu Chi Tunnels?

Here are what you should wear for your Cu Chi Tunnel day tour:

• Wear comfortable clothes, such as t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers for easy movement. Clothes with dark colors are recommended to avoid stains.
• Don’t bring a large bag, as it will make it difficult to navigate through the tunnels.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing to protect against insects and sun exposure. Bring bug spray, suntan lotion, sunglasses, and hats.
• Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or high heels to prevent slipping.
• Long dresses and skirts are not recommended.

Are Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting? Absolutely! Exploring this historical site offers a profound understanding of Vietnam’s resilience and ingenuity. To make the most of your visit, consider booking the best Cu Chi Tunnels tour, which includes guided exploration and detailed historical context.

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