Cu Chi Tunnels: Half-Day Tour with Shooting Range & Pickup

Summary

Ho Chi Minh’s Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour with tunnels, traps and AK-47 shooting

You’ll crawl through real Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, taste smoky tapioca with hot tea, see ingenious wartime traps up close, and—if you want—try firing an AK-47 at the shooting range. With local stories from your guide and pickup included, it’s both intense and surprisingly human.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the noise of Ho Chi Minh City when everything started to shift — green fields flickered past the window, motorbikes thinned out, and our guide Tam started telling stories in that way only locals can. The drive took about an hour and a half, but it felt shorter because Tam kept pointing out odd things along the road (like a roadside stand selling what looked like dragonfruit but turned out to be something else entirely — I never did catch the name). By the time we pulled up at Cu Chi Tunnels, I could already smell woodsmoke drifting through the trees. It was muggy but not unbearable, just that sticky heat you get in southern Vietnam.

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to actually crawl through any tunnels. But Tam laughed and said “just try — you can always back out.” So I did. The first few meters were fine until my knees started complaining against the packed earth. It’s darker than you think down there; you hear your own breath echoing back at you. Somewhere ahead someone joked about being stuck forever (not helpful), but we all made it out. We saw old kitchens with soot still on the walls and these tiny trapdoors hidden in plain sight — Tam showed us how guerrilla fighters would disappear right under your feet. There was this weird mix of awe and discomfort; you know people really lived here for years.

Afterwards, we sat outside on these low benches while a woman poured hot tea into chipped cups. The tapioca was chewy and bland but somehow comforting after all that dust. Some folks tried their hand at the shooting range — AK-47s are loud enough to make your chest rattle even if you’re just watching from behind (I jumped at least twice). On the way back to Ho Chi Minh City, everyone was quieter than before. Maybe it was tiredness or maybe just thinking about what we’d seen — I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels exploration and shooting

• Pickup from Ho Chi Minh City
• Drive 1.5 hours to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Explore tunnel system and chambers
• Learn about guerrilla daily life
• Crawl through tunnels used in war
• See kitchens and living quarters
• Learn about traps and weapons
• Try shooting at AK-47 range
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Top questions

How long is the Cu Chi Tunnels tour from Ho Chi Minh City?

The tour lasts about half a day including travel—expect around 5–7 hours total depending on morning or afternoon departure.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Pickup is included from central hotels in District 1 (except Tan Dinh & Dakao Wards unless VIP/Private option is booked).

Can I try shooting an AK-47 during this tour?

Yes, adults over 18 can safely try shooting an AK-47 at the onsite range during the tour.

What food or drinks are included on this day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels?

You’ll get tapioca with hot tea plus one bottle of water; lunch is not included but there’s a stop nearby for snacks after morning tours.

Are there guides who speak English on this Cu Chi Tunnels experience?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads each group throughout the tunnels and grounds.

Where does drop-off happen after returning from Cu Chi Tunnels?

You’ll be dropped off at VN Adventure Tours office or in central District 1 (unless VIP/Private option).

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central hotels in District 1 (except Tan Dinh & Dakao unless upgraded), transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance tickets to Cu Chi Tunnels, guidance from an English-speaking local expert, a serving of tapioca with hot tea plus bottled water during your visit, and drop-off back in central Ho Chi Minh City at VN Adventure Tours office.