Cu Chi Tunnels: Half-Day War History Tour & Tunnel Walk

Summary

Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels reveal hidden stories beneath the earth

You’ll crawl through real Cu Chi Tunnels, taste simple cassava and tea like wartime fighters did, hear stories from local guides whose families lived this history, and see hidden trapdoors up close. Expect some sweat and maybe a little dust on your clothes—but also moments that stay with you long after you’re back in Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Cu Chi before I realized how much green there is outside Ho Chi Minh City — banana trees, rice paddies, all of it sliding by the van window. Our guide, Anh, started telling us about her grandfather who’d lived through the war here. I caught myself watching her hands as she described how people used to cook underground so smoke wouldn’t give them away. There was a kind of quiet in the van after that story — not awkward, just thoughtful.

The first thing you notice at the tunnels is how ordinary the forest looks. Then Anh knelt down and brushed leaves aside to show a trapdoor barely bigger than a laptop. She asked if anyone wanted to try squeezing in — I laughed and said no way, but someone braver gave it a shot (he came out covered in red dust and grinning). Inside the tunnels themselves, it’s hot and close and smells like earth. My shirt stuck to my back immediately. I kept thinking about what it must’ve been like living down here for weeks or months. The main keyword for this tour is definitely “Cu Chi Tunnels” — you hear it everywhere as people whisper or call out to each other in the dark.

After we surfaced again (and honestly, I was relieved), Anh handed us little plates of cassava with a pinch of salt and poured strong tea into chipped cups. She joked that this was “warrior food,” and yeah — it’s bland but weirdly comforting after all that crawling around. Some folks went off to try shooting at the firing range nearby (not really my thing), so I just sat under a tree for a bit and listened to birds. On the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, I kept thinking about those narrow tunnels and how different life must have been then. There’s something about touching history with your own hands that sticks with you longer than any museum panel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels exploration and history

• Hotel pickup in Ho Chi Minh City
• 90-minute transfer to Cu Chi region
• Watch introductory documentary
• Guided tour of tunnel network
• Learn about tunnel living spaces and military use
• Discover hidden trapdoors and booby traps
• Taste traditional tea and cassava
• Optional target practice at firing range
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City hotel

Top questions

How long does the Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour take?

The tour lasts about half a day including 90 minutes each way from Ho Chi Minh City.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

Can children join the Cu Chi Tunnels day trip?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; child rates apply when sharing with two paying adults.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No full lunch is provided but you will sample traditional wartime food: cassava and tea.

Are the tunnels difficult or claustrophobic?

The tunnels are narrow and can feel claustrophobic; not recommended for those uncomfortable in tight spaces.

What should I wear for visiting Cu Chi Tunnels?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty; closed shoes are best for walking underground.

Is there an option to shoot guns at Cu Chi?

Yes, there is an optional firing range experience using historical weapons (extra charges apply).

Are there any health restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers due to tunnel conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in central District 1 (Ho Chi Minh City), guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout the Cu Chi Tunnels site, entry fees, bottled water for each guest, plus a taste of traditional cassava with tea before heading back in comfort.