Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels: Small Group, Less Crowded, Hotel Pickup

Summary

Cu Chi’s quieter tunnels, hidden trapdoors and local flavors

You’ll crawl through real wartime tunnels at Cu Chi Ben Duoc with a small group and local guide, see hidden trapdoors and bunkers, taste cassava and tea like Vietnamese soldiers did, and maybe even try the shooting range if you want. The quieter atmosphere lets you actually imagine life underground — something that sticks with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous just watching the entrance to the Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels. It’s smaller than I imagined — honestly, I hesitated before ducking in. Our guide, Minh, grinned and said “Don’t worry, you’ll fit!” (I’m not sure he believed it.) The air down there was cooler but heavy, and every sound from above faded into this muffled quiet. You could hear your own breath. Minh pointed out a trapdoor so well-camouflaged that even standing right over it, I almost missed it.

Ben Duoc really is less crowded than other spots near Ho Chi Minh City — we barely saw any other groups. That made it easier to listen to Minh’s stories about his uncle who’d actually lived through the war here. He showed us the old command center and a hospital bunker; the walls felt damp if you brushed them with your hand. There was this faint earthy smell everywhere underground — not bad, just… old. We tried crawling through one of the narrower tunnels and I got clay on my jeans (should’ve worn darker pants). So yeah, if you’re thinking of a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels from Saigon, this is the spot where it feels more real.

Afterwards they handed us slices of boiled cassava with a little bowl of salt and peanuts on the side — wartime food. It tasted plain but somehow comforting with hot tea after all that crouching around in tunnels. Some folks from our group went for the shooting range (I skipped it — too loud for me), but everyone seemed pretty hyped about trying an AK-47 or M16 for real. The ride back was quiet; I kept thinking about how dark those tunnels must have felt at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels

• Pick up from hotel
• Arrive at Ben Duoc Tunnels
• Watch war documentary
• Crawl through underground tunnels
• See trapdoors and booby traps
• Visit command center and bunkers
• Try wartime cassava and tea
• Optional shooting range experience
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How is Ben Duoc different from Ben Dinh?

Ben Duoc is less crowded, has more authentic tunnels (less modified for tourists), and offers a larger tunnel network to explore.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cu Chi Ben Duoc tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City are included.

What food do you get to try on this tour?

You’ll taste boiled cassava with salt and peanuts plus hot tea — typical wartime staples eaten by Vietnamese soldiers.

Can I visit the War Remnants Museum as part of this tour?

The War Remnants Museum visit is optional for morning tours; you can select it during booking.

How long does the tour last?

The half-day tour lasts about 6-7 hours including travel time from Ho Chi Minh City.

Is there an option to shoot guns at Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes, there’s an optional shooting range where you can try firing AK-47 or M16 rifles for an extra fee.

Are the tunnels suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour suits most fitness levels but may not be recommended for those with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to crawling sections.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, entry fees for Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnels, an English-speaking local guide throughout the visit, bottled water, a sweet cake snack, cool tissues for freshening up after crawling around underground, plus slices of cassava with tea served just like during wartime before heading back home.