Delve into part of the Viet Cong’s intricate tunnel network on these fascinating history tours from Ho Chi Minh City.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Tunnels were a crucial part of the Viet Cong’s success during the Vietnam War, who dug in and played the waiting game. The tunnels served a variety of purposes, including as supply lines for moving food and weaponry, as well as cover for troops during battles. Tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which form only a part of a much larger network, have something of an element of dark tourism about them, but are fascinating windows into Vietnam’s brutal past. The best way to experience the tunnels is on a guided tour.
Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day Tour
For a budget-friendly way to experience Cu Chi Tunnels, this six-hour tour allows around three hours of time on-site to explore part of the extensive tunnel system (over 220km long in total), of which Cu Chi forms a part. You’ll get the chance to crawl through cramped passageways, plus see where Viet Cong soldiers held meetings, ate and slept. For an additional “bullets” fee there will be chance to fire an AK47 at the Cu Chi firing range, which tends to be one of the more unique and popular sideshows of any tour to this area, and available on most of the tours. From $22 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour
Because it takes about 90 minutes to drive from downtown Ho chi Minh to the tunnels, it can be a good idea to fold other experiences into a Cu Chi Tunnels tour. The morning is spent shimmying through the tight warren of subterranean conduits at Cu Chi, before transferring to Mỹ Tho, south of the city. Here you will head out onto the silty waters of the Mekong River as it fans out into a delta, for a ride in a sampan boat. A Vietnamese lunch is also provided, with vegan options available. From $59 per person.
Private Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour
For more of a personalized touch, head out on a private tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Guides take guests down to the former living quarters of Viet Cong soldiers, while unravelling the history of their creation and use, starting with pre-Vietnam battles during the war against French colonial rule in the 1940s. The network was started during this time, before being enhanced and perfected during the war with the US. Tours are available daily, include hotel pick-up and drop-off, entry fees and private, air-conditioned vehicle transfers. From $87 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Cu Chi Tunnels and VIP Speedboat Tour
If you would prefer to reach Cu Chi tunnels via a more exclusive method of transport, try the Saigon River Express. This modern, 90-minute speedboat transfer up the Saigon River provides a different perspective on the countryside before you arrive at the tunnel network. Daily tours depart in the early morning (7am) and late morning (11am), with food, such as local fruit, included in the fee. The itinerary allows time to visit the Cu Chi shooting range for anybody who is interested in shooting an AK47, for an additional fee. From $87 per person.