Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Historic Site near Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City for travellers wanting to understand the Vietnam War from a ground-level-and underground-perspective. Located about 70 kilometres northwest of the city, this remarkable system of over 250 kilometres of tunnels was used by the Viet Cong as living quarters, supply routes, storage areas, and strategic hiding places. This spot is one of the must-see places near Ho Chi Minh City and a great place to visit on a tour of the surrounding region, offering insights into the ingenuity and determination of the Vietnamese fighters.

Visiting the site allows travellers to crawl through enlarged tunnel sections, observe camouflaged trapdoors, and learn about the sophisticated ventilation and communication systems that sustained life below ground. The surrounding forest and recreated scenes help visitors imagine the challenges faced by those who lived and fought here.

History and Significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels
Things to See and Do in the Cu Chi Tunnels
How to Get to the Cu Chi Tunnels
Practical Tips on Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels
Where to Stay close to the Cu Chi Tunnels
Is the Cu Chi Tunnels Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels
Nearby Attractions to the Cu Chi Tunnels

History and Significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels were first built in the late 1940s during the resistance against French colonial rule, but they expanded dramatically during the Vietnam War. By the late 1960s, the network stretched across a vast area, serving as a major operational base for the Viet Cong.

The tunnels allowed fighters to launch surprise attacks, hide from enemy forces, and move undetected beneath American-controlled zones. Despite carpet bombings, chemical warfare, and intense ground operations, the tunnel system continued to function due to clever engineering, strategic design, and exceptional resilience.

Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels stand as a powerful reminder of the war's realities and a testament to the ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.

Things to See and Do in the Cu Chi Tunnels

Visitors can explore tunnel entrances hidden under forest floors, see original and reconstructed sections of the underground system, and walk through widened tunnels to experience their cramped conditions firsthand. The on-site museum displays weapons, uniforms, photographs, and artifacts from the era.

Live demonstrations show how traps were constructed and used, illustrating the extreme creativity involved in guerrilla tactics. Some areas offer optional shooting-range activities using wartime weapons (extra fee).

Outdoor displays include kitchens, meeting rooms, and living quarters recreated above ground, helping visitors visualise daily life during the conflict.

How to Get to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Most visitors begin their journey in Ho Chi Minh City after arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport before joining a tour or travelling independently to Cu Chi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on Booking.com.

While there is no direct train service to Cu Chi, travellers arriving by rail at Saigon Railway Station can book tours or take buses toward the northwest districts, combining public and private transport. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car, motorbike, or tour bus is the most convenient method. The journey takes 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic, with parking available at both major tunnel sites: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels

Suggested tips: Bring water, wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared for narrow, low tunnels.
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid heat and tour-group crowds.
Entrance fee: Approximately 110,000-130,000 VND depending on the site.
Opening hours: Generally 07:00-17:00.
Official website: Not available
How long to spend: 2-3 hours.
Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues; tunnels are narrow.
Facilities: Rest areas, souvenir shops, small eateries, and restrooms available.
Photography tip: Capture the camouflaged tunnel entrances and surrounding forest to show the environment.
Guided tours: Highly recommended; guides provide valuable historical context.
Nearby food options: Small local restaurants and cafés near the entrances.

Where to Stay close to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Most visitors stay in Ho Chi Minh City and travel to Cu Chi for a day trip. For comfort and convenience, Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint is a great central option. Another excellent choice is Winsuites Saigon, close to major transport links and tour pick-up points.

Is the Cu Chi Tunnels Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Cu Chi Tunnels are absolutely worth visiting. They offer an eye-opening, immersive, and educational experience that deepens your understanding of Vietnam's wartime history and the resilience of its people.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (16,339)

Cu Chi Tunnel, located in Phú Hiệp, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, is a vast underground complex built and used by Viet Cong soldiers, now presented with exhibits and war memorials; visitors describe immersive, sometimes claustrophobic tunnel experiences that convey the ingenuity and resilience of the people who lived and fought there, with narrow passages requiring bending and crawling, knowledgeable guides who explain tactics and daily survival, optional shooting ranges, and opportunities to sample local cassava.

Shabbir Raja

3 weeks ago

"Wow! What an amazing place. If you wish to live History from 1970's this is a must visit place. How thoughtfully pla ed tu els! Wonderful warfaretactics to learn and great to know how wise those people were who did this at that time. They were indeed ahead in their knowledge and massive amount of effort they might have put to build something like this. When you visit the place and if you know the history, you can feel the things there. What a vibe!! For history lovers and tourists who are interested in subject of warfare, this is a must visit place. You can't miss it for sure..."

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Rafidah Haziami

3 weeks ago

"Xin Chào! I had an incredible experience joining a tour organized by SST Travel. Our tour guide, Kyle, provided clear, engaging explanationsthroughout the trip. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and very attentive to everyone’s needs. You can easily book this trip through Klook to enjoy the same amazing experience. The journey took 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Chu Chi province. We had the opportunity to enter the tu el—it's narrow, and you’ll need to bend down for most of the walk. It’s not recommended for anyone who is claustrophobic or has heart-related issues. Experiencing this firsthand made me truly appreciate how the Vietnamese people were able to survive underground for 20 years. Their ability to adapt to their surroundings is nothing short of remarkable and ingenious...."

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Sarath Raj

2 months ago

"It is a symbol of Vietnamese people's resilience. Going through the tu el was one of my thrilling experience in life. You will feel anxious whileentering into the tu els. Lot of tourists are visiting this place but still able to explore all the tu el areas. There is a shooting area where you can practice shooting with M14 or other guns. We also got opportunity to ate cassava prepared by Vietnamese and it tastes good. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and explained all the things nicely...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels

They can be, though tourist sections have been enlarged; visitors can exit early if needed.

Ben Duoc is less crowded and more authentic; Ben Dinh is closer and more tourist-oriented.

Yes, but some tunnels and demonstrations may be overwhelming for younger children.

Nearby Attractions to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Cao Dai Temple (Tay Ninh): A colourful temple complex combining multiple religious traditions.
Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station: A centre for rehabilitating endangered animals.
Ben Duoc Memorial Temple: A tribute to those who fought in the area.
Trung An Fruit Garden: A peaceful orchard offering seasonal fruit experiences.
Cu Chi War History Museum: A local museum offering additional wartime context.

The Cu Chi Tunnels appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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