Cu Chi Tunnels

The basics

During the war, the tunnels housed living quarters, hospitals, booby traps, and storage facilities for the Viet Cong, all secretly accessed by concealed trap doors. Life in the tunnels was difficult---not only because of the war, but also due to the presence of natural hazards, including tunnel rats and venomous snakes. Taking a Cu Chi Tunnels tour offers a poignant reminder of the hardships of war.

Today, two areas are open to visitors on guided tours, both with tunnels that have been expanded in size. They're still a tight fit, but that adds to the experience of discovering what it must have been like for the Viet Cong soldiers living and operating here. Many visitors come to the tunnels on a half-day tour or full-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, sometimes combined with a cruise along the Mekong Delta or Saigon River.

Things to know before you go

• The Cu Chi Tunnels are a must for history buffs.

• If you come on your own, you'll still need to buy Cu Chi Tunnels tickets and hire a tour guide to enter the tunnel network.

• Touring the tunnels involves hunching over to walk underground. If you're prone to claustrophobia, consider giving this one a pass.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces.

• Don't forget to bring insect repellent to fend off mosquitoes.

How to get there

The Cu Chi Tunnels are around 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Ho Chi Minh City. A guided private or small-group tour is the most hassle-free way to visit the Cu Chi Tunnel system. You can also get to the tunnels on your own by taking bus 13 from the BEN CV 23/9 bus station.

When to get there

The main factor in determining when to visit the underground tunnels is the weather. The dry season (December to April) is the hottest time of year. With higher temperatures comes lower humidity and an escape from the usual stickiness of this tropical climate (and fewer bugs). Monsoon season (May to November) brings higher humidity and daily rains, but it's also slightly cooler.

A tale of two tunnels

There are two areas of the Cu Chi Tunnels available for tours. Most visit Ben Dinh, the more popular section. It's often crowded, and the nearby firing range is close, so it can be loud. The second site, Ben Duoc, is about 30 minutes further away from Ho Chi Minh City, but it also has the Ben Duoc Martyr's Memorial Temple on its grounds, which is surrounded by quiet gardens.

Can you go to the Cu Chi Tunnels without a tour?

Yes, you can visit the Cu Chi Tunnels without a tour. All you need to do is get there—via bus, taxi, car, or motorbike—and purchase a ticket at the entrance. Guides are free to all paying visitors. Be sure to visit the Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnels site for a more authentic experience.

Are the Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting?

Yes, the Cu Chi Tunnels are worth visiting. One of the best-preserved tunnel networks in existence, they tell the story of the Viet Cong and their sacrifices—some families and solider lived in the tunnels for years—in a genuinely immersive, hard-to-believe, sensory-rich manner. You can even climb into the tunnels yourself.

How long is the Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Most Cu Chi Tunnels tours are 60 to 90 minutes long. If you’ve booked a tour from Ho Chi Minh City, any longer durations listed are likely regarding travel time. If you go alone, you’ll receive a free guide to assist your visit, and you can take a bit more time to explore.

Are the Cu Chi Tunnels claustrophobic?

Yes, the Cu Chi Tunnels are claustrophobic for some—the smallest ones are 23 inches (60 centimeters) wide by 30 inches (80 centimeters) tall, designed to facilitate only the narrow bodies of the Vietnamese. More recently, some have been carved larger to accommodate tourists. If you climb into the tunnel and experience claustrophobia, know that many escape points exist.

What is the best time of year to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?

The best time of year to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels is typically from November to April, during southern Vietnam’s dry season. That also correlates with Ho Chi Minh City’s primary tourist season, meaning tours will run at full steam. Go early in the morning to avoid the worst of the afternoon heat.

What do you see on a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels?

On a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, you start with a short film in an open-air theatre. From there, your guide will take you through various thatched-hut exhibits showcasing the soldiers’ setup. Eventually, you’ll walk through multiple tunnels, should you choose, and see if you can fit in the smallest of them. Afterward, you’ll taste the soldiers’ basic diet, like yams with salt.

Ways to explore

During the war, the tunnels housed living quarters, hospitals, booby traps, and storage facilities for the Viet Cong, all secretly accessed by concealed trap doors. Today, two areas are open to visitors on guided tours, both with tunnels that have been expanded in size. They’re still a tight fit, but that adds to the experience of discovering what it must have been like for the Viet Cong soldiers living and operating here.

Many visitors come to the tunnels on a half-day tour or full-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, sometimes combined with a cruise along the Mekong Delta or Saigon River. If you come on your own, you’ll still need to buy Cu Chi Tunnels tickets and hire a tour guide to enter the tunnel network.

Accessibility

Touring the tunnels involves hunching over to walk underground, so they’re not wheelchair-accessible. If you’re prone to claustrophobia, consider giving this one a pass.

Age limits

Recommended for children aged 8 and above

What to pack

Insect repellent to fend off mosquitoes

What to wear

Lightweight layers you don’t mind getting dusty if you plan to enter the tunnels.

Not allowed

Touching exhibits, littering, entering restricted areas, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, souvenir shop

Address

The Cu Chi Tunnels are around 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Ho Chi Minh City. A guided private or small-group tour is the most hassle-free way to visit the Cu Chi Tunnel system.

Driving

From Ho Chi Minh City, head west toward the Cu Chi District using National Highway 22. As you approach the Cu Chi District, there will be signs guiding you to the Ben Dinh site. The tunnel site will be on your left.

Public transportation

You can take Bus 13 from Ben Thanh Market or Bus 94 from Mien Tay Bus Station.

Best times to visit

The best times to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels are early morning at opening or late afternoon from 3pm. Avoid the hottest part of the day from 11am to 2pm.

Best days to visit

Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds of weekend day-trippers.

Best months to visit

The dry season (December to April) is the hottest time of year. With higher temperatures comes lower humidity and an escape from the usual stickiness of this tropical climate (and fewer bugs). Monsoon season (May to November) brings higher humidity and daily rains, but it’s also slightly cooler.

Special events

Plan your trip around Têt (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in February.