Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels: Private Day Trip & War Memorial

Summary

Ben Duoc tunnels private day trip with local lunch and war stories

You’ll travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi’s less-crowded Ben Duoc Tunnels with a local guide who shares real stories along the way. Taste boiled tapioca and tea in a reconstructed bunker, crawl through authentic tunnels (if you dare), then unwind over a Vietnamese lunch before heading back—expect moments that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

We hadn’t even left Ho Chi Minh City when our driver started chatting about his uncle who’d lived near Cu Chi during the war. He laughed about how his uncle still hates tapioca after all those years. That set the tone—this wasn’t going to be a glossy museum visit. The drive out was slow, but I liked watching scooters dart between trucks and rice fields sliding past. Our guide, Lan, pointed out tiny roadside shrines and told us which ones people pray at for good luck on exams. I tried to ask her about the difference between Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc in my clumsy Vietnamese—she smiled and said, “Ben Duoc is for people who want to listen.” I think I get what she meant now.

The Cu Chi Liberation Area was bigger than I expected—almost like a village frozen in time. It smelled of damp earth and wood smoke, with old uniforms hanging from lines outside reconstructed houses. There was this moment where we stood by a kitchen bunker; Lan handed us a chunk of boiled tapioca (surprisingly sweet) and poured strong green tea into metal cups. She said that’s what fighters lived on for years. It’s strange how something so simple can feel heavy with history—you could almost hear the quiet underneath the birdsong. We watched that old propaganda video too; honestly, it made me think more deeply about whose stories get told.

I did crawl through one of the tunnels—the shortest option, 20 meters—and even that felt endless. My shirt stuck to my back from the humidity, and I could smell clay and something metallic. Some folks went for the 60 meters but I’d had enough after one turn in the dark. There’s a shooting range if you want to try firing an AK47 or M16 (I skipped it—too loud for me). Lunch was at a place nearby: five courses, lots of herbs, crispy pork belly, soup with morning glory—I’m still not sure what half of it was but it tasted fresh and everyone kept refilling each other’s bowls without fuss.

On the way back to Saigon, Lan asked if we’d learned anything new about Vietnam today. I just nodded—I’m still thinking about those tunnels and how quiet it got underground compared to all the honking outside now. If you’re looking for a day trip to Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels that feels more personal than touristy, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels and Liberation Area Tour

• Hotel pickup at 8:00am
• Drive 1.5 hours to Cu Chi District
• Visit Cu Chi Liberation Area Reconstruction Zone
• Watch Vietnam War propaganda video
• Explore underground bunkers and exhibitions
• Navigate authentic VC tunnels (optional distances)
• Visit shooting range (optional firing)
• Experience local tea and tapioca tasting
• Enjoy five-course lunch at local restaurant
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City
• Drop off at pick-up point or city center

Top questions

How far are Ben Duoc Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?

About 1.5 hours’ drive—roughly 40km northwest of central Saigon.

What’s included in this private day trip?

Hotel pickup/drop-off in private car, English-speaking guide, entry fees, lunch, tea/tapioca tasting, water.

Is Ben Duoc less crowded than Ben Dinh?

Yes—Ben Duoc is farther out and gets fewer tourists than Ben Dinh.

Can you go inside the tunnels at Cu Chi?

Yes—you can choose tunnel distances: 20m, 60m or 100m sections.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

The menu is set Vietnamese cuisine; request dietary needs when booking.

Is this tour suitable for kids or seniors?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels; tunnels are optional.

Do I need to bring cash for anything?

If you want to try shooting at the range (optional), bullets cost extra.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Ho Chi Minh City by private air-conditioned car, all entry fees at Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels and Liberation Area, an English-speaking Vietnamese guide sharing stories throughout the journey, traditional boiled tapioca with local tea in one of the bunkers, bottled water along the way, plus a generous five-course Vietnamese lunch before returning comfortably to your drop-off point in town.