Understand

The tunnels in Cu Chi were meticulously dug using simple tools and bare hands during the French occupation in the 1940s. During the Vietnam War in the 1960s, they were further expanded to provide refuge and a strategic advantage against American soldiers. Despite facing continuous bombings, the resilient Cu Chi people lived their lives beneath the soil. They slept, ate, planned attacks, tended to the sick, and even got married and gave birth underground. Tragically, over 10,000 lives were lost in these underground tunnels.

Get in

Visiting the Cu Chi tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting adventure that you don't want to miss. You can easily book a half-day guided trip to the Ben Dinh site, where you'll have the chance to explore the fascinating tunnel system used during the Vietnam War. The tour includes a visit to the Ben Duoc temple and a chance to crawl through the original tunnels. There are several options for transportation. If you prefer a convenient and comfortable journey, you can join one of the tour buses that leave daily from Ho Chi Minh City. These buses usually depart around 8:00 AM and cost around US$5 per person (as of October 2014). However, if you want a more personalized experience or prefer to visit the less crowded Ben Duoc site, you can hire a private car or even a motorbike. For those who enjoy independent travel, you can take bus 13 from the BN CV 23/9 bus station. The bus fare is only 7,000 VND, and the ride takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive at the Cu Chi bus station, you can negotiate with a motorbike driver for a 20-minute ride to the tunnels, which usually costs around 100,000 VND. Please note that admission to the tunnels is 110,000 VND as of June 2019 and includes a guide. While the guides may not speak English fluently, they are friendly and knowledgeable. Take your time during the tour and don't hesitate to ask questions or indicate that you want to spend more time at a certain spot. It's important to know that there are two different tunnel sites open to visitors, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Ben Duoc is further from Ho Chi Minh City but less crowded, offering a more authentic experience. To reach this site, you'll need to arrange transportation, either by hiring a car or taking public transport. On the other hand, Ben Dinh is the more popular site, often crowded with tourists. Keep in mind that the tunnel sections at Ben Dinh were specially created for visitors and are not part of the original network. In conclusion, visiting the Cu Chi tunnels is an unforgettable experience that allows you to step back in time and learn about Vietnam's history. Whether you choose a guided tour or prefer to explore independently, make sure to bring insect repellent and wear comfortable clothing. Get ready to crawl through the tunnels, discover booby traps, and taste tapioca, all while immersing yourself in the rich culture of Vietnam.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Phở - Phở is a popular Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, typically either beef or chicken. The broth is often made from simmering bones and vegetables, resulting in a rich, savory flavor. Phở is commonly served with side dishes such as lime wedges, bean sprouts, and chili sauces.

Bánh mì - Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich that typically includes a combination of meats, such as pork, ham, and/or chicken, pickled vegetables, and chilies, all served on a crusty baguette. It's a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine, reflecting Vietnam's colonial past.

Gà nuòng - Gà nuòng, also known as grilled chicken, is marinated in a mixture of ginger, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and other seasonings before being cooked over charcoal. The result is a flavorful, tender chicken dish with slightly caramelized edges. It is commonly enjoyed at casual eateries and street food stalls across Vietnam.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing