The Cu Chi Tunnels are proud to be a unique military art masterpiece of Vietnam, symbolizing the resilient and indomitable will of the Cu Chi people. With their vast area, cool green space, and diverse entertainment activities, the Cu Chi Tunnels are suitable for weekend relaxation and learning more about the revolutionary history of the country.
I. Overview of the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels, located on Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, are closely associated with the resistance against French colonial rule from 1946 to 1948. These tunnels were constructed by the military and residents of Tan Phu Trung Commune and Phuoc Vinh An Commune to facilitate hiding, storing weapons, and other activities.
The tunnel system spans a total length of up to 250 kilometers, consisting of three different depth levels, with the deepest level reaching 12 meters below ground. Initially, each village had its own underground base, but later, the residents interconnected them to facilitate communication during the period from 1961 to 1965.
Externally, the tunnels were equipped with numerous booby traps, bell pits, and minefields to ensure safety. Internally, the military tunnels allowed for easy communication, the hiding of forces and weapons, and the planning revolutionary activities. To date, six northern districts have been linked through the tunnel network.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a special national historical relic and one of the six famous man-made structures in the world today. Combined with tourism, visiting the tunnels has become a major attraction for domestic and international tourists, ranking among the top 7 most peculiar destinations in Southeast Asia.
II. The history and significant role of the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels refer to various underground tunnel systems constructed during the resistance against French colonial rule from 1946 to 1948. During this period, our military and civilians from Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes dug short tunnels with simple structures for hiding, storing documents, and specialized weapons.
Initially, each village dug separate tunnels for shelter, but due to the need for movement between villages, they interconnected the tunnels to form an intricate and complex tunnel system linking six northern communes of Cu Chi. This provided conditions for our military to easily communicate, transmit information, and plan strategic revolutionary activities.
During the period from 1961 to 1965, this construction was further developed, with numerous branches connecting hamlets, communes, and adjacent areas. On the surface, our military and civilians also dug a dense network of trenches connected to the tunnels, which were divided into multiple levels and passages. Additionally, many combat posts, bunkers, etc., were strategically arranged into clusters, creating a strong defensive position to serve our military and civilians’ fighting.
By 1965, around 200 kilometers of tunnels had been dug, with three different depth levels: the upper level approximately 3 meters below ground, the middle level approximately 5–8 meters below ground, and the deepest level exceeding 12 meters below ground. At this point, the tunnels were not only shelters but also places for activities, medical treatment, weapon storage, and meetings for our soldiers and civilians.
III. How to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are approximately 70 kilometers away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, so you have various transportation options depending on your preference. Here are some of the most common ways to get there:
Personal vehicle: A motorcycle or self-driving car is a convenient and cost-effective option. From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you would head towards the An Suong intersection, follow National Highway 22, and reach the Cu Chi district. The route is straightforward, and you can follow the directions on Google Maps.
Taxi: If you’re coming from a distance and don’t have a personal vehicle but still want to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can opt for a taxi. The cost will vary, but typically ranges from 500,000 to 600,000 VND per trip.
Bus: Taking the bus is the most economical option. You would take two buses, starting from Ben Thanh bus station, take bus route number 13 to Cu Chi bus station, then transfer to bus route 79 to reach the tunnels. The total travel time by bus is approximately 2–3 hours.
IV. What to do in the Cu Chi Tunnels
1. Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels
Visiting the underground tunnels of Cu Chi is one of the main and most fascinating activities you must engage in when you visit. Here, you’ll get to relive the activities and lifestyles during the Indochina War that our ancestors experienced.
Especially intriguing is the presence of stalls selling local delicacies right below the tunnels. These stalls offer foods like sweet potatoes, cassava, and yam dipped in sesame salt sauce, providing a taste deeply rooted in the local culture. Despite their simplicity, these dishes are exceptionally delicious.
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2. Exploring the War Recreation Area
The War Recreation Area is constructed within a small underground bunker near the surface. Inside, there’s a large projection screen and simple chairs. Here, visitors can watch valuable war footage documenting the daily lives and combat of our soldiers and civilians. Some scenes are from actual documentary footage, while others are reenactments.
Additionally, at the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll have the opportunity to admire numerous historical artifacts, such as the types of guns used by our army during the resistance against the French, tanks, fighter planes, etc. These artifacts are meticulously preserved, and while you can admire them, touching them is not allowed to avoid damage.
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3. The Liberated Zone Recreation Area of Cu Chi
As the name suggests, this is where you can watch documentary footage of the intense historical years of the soldiers and people of Cu Chi from 1961 to 1972. This area is divided into three main spaces:
Space 1: Reenacts the life of fighting, working, studying, and living of the people, officials, and guerrilla fighters of Cu Chi through vivid models.
Space 2: Recreates the devastation of the countryside with fragments of bombs and shells remaining on Cu Chi land, as well as the painful lives of the people during the peak of the fierce war.
Space 3: Recreates the desolate land of Cu Chi under the destruction of bombs and shells, where only tank carcasses, airplanes, and people living underground remain.
4. Experience the shooting range at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels also enjoy the thrilling activity of shooting. There are two options available:
National Defense Sports Shooting: This military-inspired sport is popular among many visitors. You can experience shooting with various weapons in wartime after being fully instructed on how to use them and the shooting techniques. You can then test your marksmanship skills on animal-shaped targets at the shooting range.
Paintball Shooting: This is a team-based military and sports activity. With this game, you’ll become soldiers fighting in the jungle. Each person will be equipped with full protective gear, including masks, uniforms, armor, and weapons like AR15 or AK47 rifles.
Paintball shooting will help you demonstrate teamwork, judgment, and quick reflexes. This is an entertainment activity that visitors should not miss at the Cu Chi Tunnels due to its attractiveness and absolute safety.
The ticket price for experiencing these activities at the Cu Chi Tunnels is 50,000 VND per person for 60 minutes.
5. Entertainment and Water Games Area
The game area is also located within the Liberated Zone Recreation Area of Cu Chi. After walking for about 15 minutes, you’ll encounter a scenic lake resembling the East Sea, alongside precious wood forests and three iconic architectural models representing the three regions: One Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Mon Gate, and Ho Chi Minh Museum at Dragon Wharf.
At the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can also enjoy many exciting games such as cycling, swimming, and kayaking. You’ll need to purchase tickets to play these games according to the posted price list.
6. Trung An Fruit Garden
The Cu Chi Tunnels not only have historical attractions but also offer delightful eco-tourism activities like visiting Trung An fruit garden. At Trung An, you’ll find many fruit gardens open to visitors, with ticket prices ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND per person.
There’s a wide variety of fruits here, and you can see different fruit trees such as lychee, plum, and durian. You can explore, enjoy the cool atmosphere of the orchard, take photos, and pick and savor fresh, juicy fruits right in the garden.
7. Visit the Wildlife Rescue Station
The Wildlife Rescue Station is not part of the Cu Chi Tunnels, but it’s only a few kilometers away. Therefore, it’s a very appealing destination for school groups from grades 1 to 2. This rescue station is the largest wildlife hospital in the southern region. Currently, it’s rescuing about 3,600 species of rare animals, many of which are listed in the Red Book.
The rescue station is designed on a large scale, creating conditions for wildlife to live in the environment closest to nature. Witnessing these rare animals up close is sure to be a memorable experience in your travel journey, exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels.
V. What to Eat at the Cu Chi Tunnels
During your itinerary to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll get to enjoy many delicious and unique dishes. Here’s a list of some tasty foods you should try:
1. Boiled cassava dipped in salt
This dish is closely associated with our military and civilians living in the tunnels. Although it’s a simple dish, you’ll taste the unique flavor of this land.
2. Cu Chi young beef
When talking about Cu Chi, you’ll often hear about Cu Chi young beef. Not only can you enjoy many delicious dishes made from this type of beef, but you can also buy some to bring home for family and friends.
3. Minh Quy pork knuckle vermicelli
Before starting your journey, you don’t need to worry about what to eat in the morning; you can go and enjoy Minh Quy pork knuckle vermicelli.
4. Various desserts
In addition to traditional noodles and sweet potatoes served in the tunnels, you can enjoy various fragrant desserts with the rich flavors of the Southern people.
5. Durian sugarcane juice
On the way back, you can try the special flavor of durian sugarcane juice. Sugarcane juice stalls are usually open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with prices as low as 10,000 VND per glass, so you can definitely give it a try.
VI. Cu Chi Tunnels Entrance Ticket Prices
Opening hours: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily, including Sundays and holidays.
Reference ticket prices for Cu Chi Tunnels 2024:
Entrance ticket
Adults: 35,000 VND/person (for Vietnamese guests), 70,000 VND/person (for foreign guests).
Children from 7 to 16 years old and students: 50% discount compared to adult ticket prices
People with disabilities, children under 7 years old, armed forces officers and soldiers, elderly people, revolutionary contributors, and poor households: free entrance tickets.
Tickets for visiting the Cu Chi Liberation Reenactment Area: 40,000 VND/person
In addition, if you want to crawl into the tunnels or participate in some games here, you will have to purchase tickets according to the regulations of the Cu Chi Tunnels Management Board.
VII. Travel tips for visitors when coming to the Cu Chi Tunnels
- When visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, you don’t need to worry too much about food and drinks, as there are food stalls providing drinks and various fast foods on the premises. Alternatively, you can bring your own food from outside and enjoy it there as a picnic.
- If you’re interested in buying souvenirs from the Cu Chi Tunnels historical site, you can visit souvenir shops to purchase items made from shell casings, such as lighters, pens, lamps, or handmade products made from bamboo and rattan.
- Although there are no specific dress codes, visitors should choose neat and comfortable clothes for easy crawling into the tunnels.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your skin.
- If you want to spend a lot of time exploring this destination thoroughly, it’s advisable to book a hotel room in Cu Chi for added convenience.
- For travelers who are afraid of confined spaces or have low blood pressure, it’s not recommended to enter narrow tunnels.
- When entering the underground tunnels, visitors should wear sneakers or hiking shoes for easy movement.
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