Guide to the Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels Tour for First-Time Travelers
If you are preparing for your first trip to Saigon, our Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels tour is an option that is not to be missed. Cu Chi Tunnels is not just an important historical site but also gives you an insight into the life and fighting spirit of the Cu Chi soldiers and people during the resistance war. This article will share useful experiences, from how to move, ticket pricing, to activities to participate in, so that you can have a memorable first-time experience.
General things to know about the Cu Chi Tunnels Saigon
The Cu Chi Tunnels relic site, located in Phu My Hung commune, Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, is one of Vietnam’s most significant historical landmarks. Originally built between 1946 and 1948 as short tunnels for hiding and storing weapons, the 250 km-long tunnel system expanded over time, connecting into a complex network that enabled safe communication and resistance efforts.
The Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels tour offers visitors a chance to experience these narrow tunnels firsthand and learn about the lives and fighting spirit of Vietnamese soldiers. With tunnels reaching as deep as 12 meters underground, the Cu Chi Tunnels served as a crucial base during the resistance against the U.S. Today, this unique “underground city” is both a national historical site and a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
How to get to Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels Tour.
The distance from District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City to the Ben Duoc area of the Cu Chi Tunnels is just over 55 km, taking nearly 2 hours by car. For your Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels tour, you can choose from one of the following three routes:
- Route via Provincial Road 15
- Route via TL8 and Provincial Road 15
- Route via QL13 and DT744
From Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnels, there are many means of transportation for you to choose from, and each option offers a different experience:
- Bus: With extremely low costs, ranging from 3,000 VND to 10,000 VND per trip, the bus is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. However, reaching the Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels requires transferring between 2-4 different bus routes, which can be complicated and time-consuming.
- Motorbike: Ideal for those who love freedom and exploration. Thanks to the well-developed transportation system, riding a motorbike offers flexibility and is a cost-effective option. However, if this is your first time on the Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels tour, navigating on your own can be challenging without detailed guidance.
- Taxi: This option provides the most comfort and convenience. With fares ranging from 600,000 VND to 800,000 VND, taxis are a hassle-free choice, especially for families or groups of friends.
- Speedboat: For a unique experience, depart from the Saigon Water Bus Station by speedboat. Although this option is more expensive, it offers an exciting river journey, giving you a fresh perspective on exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Suggested Itinerary To Conquer Saigon Tunnels Tour For First-Time Travelers
To start an exciting journey to Cu Chi Tunnels, you should depart from Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning. This time not only helps you enjoy the cool fresh air, but also avoids the city’s frequent traffic jams.
When you arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels, you will need to queue to buy tickets to visit. The entrance ticket prices are as follows:
- Vietnamese national: 35.000 VNĐ/pax
- Foreign visitors: 125.000 VNĐ/pax
- The entrance fee to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels relic site for students will be different compared to the adult ticket price.
- Entrance fee is waived for people with disabilities, armed forces, children under 1.4m, the elderly, people with revolutionary contributions, and impoverished households.
If you want to explore more deeply about the life and activities of the Cu Chi army and people during the resistance years, experience the special historical reenactment area. This area offers authentic and vivid perspectives of the heroic days, with a ticket price of only 40,000 VND/person.
Activities to participate in when experiencing Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels tour:
- Watch a documentary: Discover the heroic guerrilla warfare of the Vietnamese army and people through vivid documentary footage.
- Explore the secret tunnel system: Journey underground through a 250 km network of tunnels featuring fighting positions, homemade mines, and the ingenious Hoang Cam stove, designed to conceal cooking smoke.
- Try your hand at shooting: Experience live firing at a shooting range specially set up for visitors.
- Visit Ben Duoc Temple: Pay your respects to the national heroes who fought in the resistance against colonialism and imperialism.
- Engage in countryside activities: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the liberated area with activities like rice planting, fish catching, rice milling, and weaving. You’ll also have the chance to make traditional Cu Chi rice paper.
After enjoying the exciting activities on this Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels tour, you can relax on the return journey. Don’t forget to pick up some Cu Chi specialties as gifts for your friends and family. The memories from this trip will undoubtedly be an unforgettable part of your Saigon adventure!
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnels tour not only allows you to learn about Vietnam’s history but also serves as an emotional and exciting journey of discovery, especially for those who come here for the first time. From learning how to move and things to note when visiting, to exploring the tunnel system and participating in activities that recreate wartime life, this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories. Be well prepared to have a meaningful and complete trip when exploring Cu Chi Tunnels.
