Cu Chi Tunnels: Guided Crawl, War Stories & Pickup

Summary

Stories, tunnels & the echo of history near Saigon

You’ll crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City with a local guide who shares family stories from the war era. Expect hands-on moments—peering into trapdoors, tasting guerrilla food like tapioca and pandan tea—and time to ask honest questions before heading back to the city with new perspective.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it actually feels like to squeeze through the Cu Chi Tunnels, not just read about them? I didn’t expect my heart to thump so loud when our guide, Mr. Thanh, pointed at a patch of dirt and suddenly lifted a camouflaged trapdoor—just this small square in the ground. He grinned, dust on his hands, and said his uncle used to hide right there. The air was sticky even though it was still early; motorbikes had faded behind us after we left Ho Chi Minh City for that 1.5-hour drive west. I kept thinking about how quiet it got out here compared to the city’s chaos.

We watched this old documentary first—grainy footage, voices softer than I expected—and then walked past bomb craters and trees that looked older than anyone in our group. Inside the tunnels, you feel every scrape of earth against your arms and knees. It’s not for show; it’s cramped and dark and smells like damp clay. At one point I lost sight of everyone ahead except Thanh’s voice echoing back, “You okay?” Honestly, I almost backed out but then someone behind me laughed nervously and we all shuffled forward together. That weird mix of nerves and curiosity sticks with you.

I’ll admit: tasting tapioca dipped in crushed peanuts (the “war food,” Thanh called it) wasn’t what I’d call delicious but somehow felt important. There was pandan tea too—sweetish, grassy—and birds calling somewhere above us while we sat on these rough wooden benches. Thanh told us how his family remembers the war differently than textbooks do; he didn’t rush any story or shy away from questions. If you want to fire an AK47 at the range nearby, you can pay extra—I skipped it but a couple from Germany went for it and came back grinning with ringing ears.

The drive back felt quieter somehow. Maybe because everyone was thinking about what we’d just seen underground—or maybe just tired from crawling around in the heat. Either way, I still think about that patch of earth with its hidden door and Thanh’s dusty hands showing us where history hides right under your feet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cu Chi Tunnels and War History

• Pick up from hotel
• Travel 60km west to Cu Chi
• Watch Vietnam War documentary
• Visit living areas inside tunnels
• Learn about weapons and traps
• See bomb craters and soil layers
• Crawl through underground tunnels

Top questions

How far are the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?

The Cu Chi Tunnels are about 60km (around 1.5 hours by car) from Ho Chi Minh City.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for this guided experience.

Can I try crawling inside the tunnels if I'm claustrophobic?

If you're claustrophobic you can choose to stay above ground; you don't have to crawl inside.

What food is provided during the tour?

You’ll be offered tapioca (guerrilla war food) and pandan tea before returning to the city.

Is there an option to use the AK47 shooting range?

Yes, using the AK47 shooting range is optional at your own expense during the visit.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

How long does this half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour last?

The tour typically lasts half a day including travel time from Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ho Chi Minh City, all entry fees at Cu Chi Tunnels, guidance from a local whose family lived through wartime stories, plus traditional tapioca with pandan tea before heading back in comfort.