Cu Chi Tunnels: Group Tour from Ho Chi Minh City & War Stories

Summary

Wartime tunnels, shared stories and cassava near Saigon

You’ll join a small group leaving Ho Chi Minh City for a morning at the Cu Chi Tunnels — hearing true war stories from your guide, tasting cassava like locals once did, and exploring hidden entrances firsthand. Expect laughter, some quiet moments underground, and a new perspective on Vietnam’s past by lunchtime.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about crawling into the Cu Chi Tunnels. The idea of squeezing through those narrow underground passages — it’s not something you do every day. But curiosity won out. Our group left Ho Chi Minh City early, just as the city was waking up. The bus was cool (thank god for air-con), and our guide, Mr. Huy, started sharing bits of history before we’d even left the city limits. He pointed out rice paddies and rubber trees along the road; I remember a faint earthy smell drifting in when someone opened a window. It’s strange how peaceful everything looked compared to what we were about to learn.

Once we arrived at the tunnels, things got real pretty quickly. There was this old black-and-white documentary that set the mood — grainy footage of soldiers and villagers moving through mud and smoke. Mr. Huy didn’t sugarcoat anything; he talked about traps, survival tricks, even how people cooked underground to avoid detection (smoke filters made from bamboo — who thinks of that?). When he showed us one of the hidden entrances, I could barely spot it until he brushed away some leaves with his foot. I tried to fit inside — honestly, my shoulders got stuck for a second and everyone laughed, including me.

We tasted boiled cassava with a pinch of peanuts — apparently what fighters ate during the war. It’s simple but filling; not bad if you’re hungry or just curious like me. Some folks tried shooting at the range (extra cost), but I skipped it — too loud for my taste. The tunnels themselves? Humid, dark, surprisingly cool in places… I kept thinking about what it must’ve been like to live down there for weeks on end.

The drive back felt quieter somehow. Maybe everyone was tired or just lost in thought after seeing all that history up close. Mr. Huy cracked a joke about his own failed attempt to crawl through as a kid (“my mom pulled me out by my ankles,” he said). I still think about that moment when we all stood blinking in the sunlight again — grateful for fresh air and maybe seeing Vietnam a little differently now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels exploration and history

• Depart Ho Chi Minh City in morning
• Drive 90 minutes to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Listen to historical commentary en route
• Watch documentary film briefing
• Explore tunnels with guide
• See reconstructed war facilities
• Try crawling through widened tunnel
• Taste traditional cassava snack
• Optional: fire authentic weapons

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels?

The drive takes around 90 minutes each way by air-conditioned bus.

Is there hotel pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

The tour includes transportation but does not specify hotel pickup; check when booking.

What food is included on this Cu Chi Tunnels group tour?

You’ll get to try boiled cassava with peanuts during the visit.

Can you go inside the actual tunnels at Cu Chi?

Yes, there’s an optional section widened for visitors so you can experience being inside.

Is firing weapons included in the tour price?

No, using the shooting range costs extra if you want to try AK47s or M16s.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

How big is the group on this Cu Chi Tunnels day trip?

The group size is up to 25 travelers per tour.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation by air-conditioned bus from Ho Chi Minh City, entry fees to the Cu Chi Tunnels site, an English-speaking local guide throughout, one bottle of mineral water per person, plus a taste of traditional cassava before heading back around midday.