Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Day Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Full-Day Saigon History Tour with Cu Chi Tunnel Experience

This tour lets you walk through Ho Chi Minh City’s most important sites—from powerful war exhibits to French colonial landmarks—before heading underground at Cu Chi Tunnels. Taste local snacks once eaten by soldiers and hear firsthand stories from your guide that bring Vietnam’s history to life.

What’s the experience like?

Our guide waved us over to a shady spot just outside the War Remnants Museum, where the hum of scooters never really stops. Inside, I found myself drawn to old photographs and battered helmets—there’s something about seeing those stories up close that makes everything more real. The museum is heavy, but our guide shared details I’d never read in any book. It felt like the city’s past was right there in the room with us.

We crossed busy streets to reach the Reunification Palace, its pale walls almost glowing in the midday sun. Walking through those grand halls, you can almost picture what it must have been like on that April day in 1975 when tanks rolled through the gates. Nearby, the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral stood quiet under scaffolding—locals still stop for photos or a quick prayer. The Central Post Office next door buzzed with travelers sending postcards; I ran my fingers over the cool marble counters and admired the old French tiles underfoot.

After lunch at a small place filled with chatter and clinking chopsticks, we left the city behind for the Cu Chi Tunnels. The drive out showed another side of Vietnam: rice fields dotted with water buffalo and kids waving from dusty roadsides. At Cu Chi, we watched a short film before ducking into one of the tunnels ourselves—tight, dark, and surprisingly cool inside. Our guide handed us slices of tapioca root and pandan tea—the same simple food people ate during wartime. There was even a chance to try firing an old AK-47 (I passed, but some folks couldn’t resist).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saigon City and Cu Chi Tunnel Tour

• Visit War Remnants Museum
• Tour Reunification Palace
• See Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
• Explore Saigon Central Post Office
• Drive to and explore Cu Chi Tunnels

Top questions

How long does this full-day tour last?

The tour usually takes around 8–9 hours including travel time between Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels.

Is lunch included in this Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included as part of your day.

Are the Cu Chi Tunnels difficult or claustrophobic to explore?

The tunnels are narrow and can feel tight for some people, but you only crawl a short distance if you choose to try it.

What should I bring or wear for this day trip?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking; bottled water is provided but bringing extra can help on hot days.

What’s included

Your day comes with an English-speaking guide who shares stories along every stop, plus bottled water to keep you cool as you explore. Lunch is included at a local spot before heading out to Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll also get to taste traditional tapioca snacks and pandan tea. Travel between sites is in an air-conditioned vehicle so you can relax between adventures.