Cu Chi Tunnels

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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.

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