The Cu Chi Tunnels are not just a historical site but a remarkable wonder that vividly recreates the nation’s heroic past. Your visit to the tunnels will be much easier and more engaging if you familiarize yourself with the location and use the Cu Chi Tunnels map to explore every corner of this unique underground tunnel system.
Meet the Cu Chi Tunnels: A remarkable underground wonder spanning 250km.
Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, is a prominent historical site with profound cultural value. With a network of tunnels over 250km long, one required the Cu Chi Tunnels map to truly discover the wonders hidden deep underground. This system includes many turns, multi-level entrances and exits, and sophisticated hiding areas, serving as shelters and living places for the Vietnamese army and people during the Indochina War.
What’s truly astounding about the Cu Chi Tunnels is that this entire sprawling network was crafted solely by human effort and primitive tools, drawing on knowledge and experience gained from countless fierce battles. Far more than just a hiding place, Cu Chi Tunnels were also a place of residence for thousands of people. These tunnels served as a bustling underground hub. Here, thousands of people lived and worked, holding military meetings, establishing medical centers, and even producing weapons and food—all beneath the surface.
Construction of the Cu Chi Tunnels began in 1948, and today, this remarkable historical site draws millions of visitors each year. Recognized by the Prime Minister as a Special National Monument for their profound historical significance, making them a must-visit destination. Preserving and maintaining this extraordinary piece of history is essential for future generations to explore and appreciate the resilience and ingenuity of those who once lived and fought here.
Cu Chi Tunnels Map User Guide
The Cu Chi Tunnels Map is your essential guide to making the most of your visit. With clearly marked routes, this map allows you to easily plan your itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss any of the fascinating sights hidden within this historic underground labyrinth.
Upon arriving at Ben Duoc, visitors are introduced to the Cu Chi Tunnels map, revealing a vast underground network of tunnels and bunkers that once served as the living and working quarters for the leaders of the Saigon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh Military Region and Party Committee during the war. Before even entering the ticket gate, you’ll be captivated by the impressive display area featuring American bombs, artillery, and the weapons used by the Cu Chi guerrillas. Once through the gate, your tour guide will lead you into the dense forest, where you’ll find a hall to watch documentaries and listen to fascinating stories about the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Afterward, visitors will explore the underground tunnels, visit a Hoang Cam kitchen—a cleverly designed smokeless kitchen used by guerrillas to avoid detection—and enjoy some of the traditional foods that were once staples for the guerrilla fighters.
As you exit from the tunnels, you’ll have the chance to visit a souvenir shop offering unique items crafted from bullet shells and sandals—perfect mementos of your journey. Next, take a moment to honor history at the Ben Duoc Martyrs Memorial Temple, where a sand table model vividly recreates the Cedar Falls raid by the U.S. army. While there, you can also visit the East Sea Landscape Lake, admire the rare wood forest, and explore miniature models representing the distinct regions of Vietnam.
The exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels map will lead you to a thrilling experience at the National Defense Sports Shooting Range, where you can test your marksmanship. Alternatively, you can visit the Ben Duoc Restaurant to enjoy war-era rustic dishes in a tranquil setting. This tour promises to leave visitors deeply impressed by the intelligence, courage, and resilience of the Cu Chi people and the Vietnamese army.
When visiting the Ben Dinh Tunnels, visitors begin by watching a documentary and listening to an explanation of the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels. On the Cu Chi Tunnels map, you can explore the intricate tunnel system, including living and meeting areas, weapon manufacturing tunnels, and a display house featuring homemade weapons. Notably, there is a complex system of trenches and tunnels leading to the Dong Du base of the U.S. 25th Division. A fascinating highlight is the wreckage of an American M41 tank, disabled by guerrilla mines in 1970, symbolizing the U.S. army’s defeat in Cu Chi.
Visitors can try shooting at the National Defense Sports Shooting Range and shop for war souvenirs made from bullet shells such as oil lamps, lighters, or sandals made from old tires. At the end of the tour, enjoy a country specialty at a restaurant on the Saigon River, enjoying the airy space and charming natural scenery.
Recommended Transportation Options to the Cu Chi Tunnels
With various transportation options to suit every visitor’s needs and preferences. Here are some popular ways to explore this destination:
By BUS:
The most economical way to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels if you’re short on cash or just want to stretch your money further and don’t mind a long ride. To reach Ben Dinh, find and get on bus number 13 or 94 to An Suong bus station. From there, transfer to bus number 122 to Tan Quy bus station, and finally, take bus number 70 to Ben Dinh. If you’re heading to Ben Duoc, take bus number 13 or 94 to Cu Chi bus station, and then transfer to bus number 79. The total estimated travel time is about 2.5 hours.
Ticket prices:
Bus number 13, 94: 10,000 VND per trip
Bus number 122: 6,000 VND per trip (2,000 VND for students)
Bus number 70, 79: 7,000 VND per trip (3,000 VND for students)
Taxi:
The more premier travel option.
Taxis provide comfort and convenience, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. Fares typically range from 500,000 to 600,000 VND per trip, given the long distance. This option is ideal for travelers who have the budget and prioritize ease and comfort in their journey.
Motorbike, Car:
Starting from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel along Truong Chinh – An Suong Intersection – Hoc Mon – Provincial Road 15 to Cu Chi Tunnels. Estimated travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on speed and traffic conditions.
Cu Chi Tunnels Address: What You Need to Know
Currently, the Cu Chi Tunnels are preserved at two main locations:
- Ben Duoc Tunnels: Located in Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, this was once an important base of the Party Committee and the Saigon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh Military Region Command during the war.
- Ben Dinh Tunnels: Located in Ben Dinh Hamlet, Nhuan Duc Commune, Cu Chi District, this area was once the base of Cu Chi District Party Committee and has many important historical marks.
Conclusion
Today, The Cu Chi Tunnels are a historical site that vividly recreates and maintains the nation’s heroic history. Your visit to the tunnels will be much easier and more engaging if you familiarize yourself with the location and use the Cu Chi Tunnels map ahead of time to explore every corner of this unique underground system.