Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels: War History Full Day

Five stops through Ho Chi Minh City's war and colonial past, ending underground

You visit the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City, then drive to Cu Chi Tunnels to crawl through the tunnels, see wartime booby traps, and taste tapioca and pandan tea. Your guide is English-speaking, lunch and transport are included, and the whole day takes around nine hours from pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. War Remnants Museum1h · entry included
2. Reunification Palace1h · entry included
3. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral30m · entry included
4. Saigon Central Post Office30m
5. Cu Chi Tunnels6h · entry included

Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnel Tour

• Visit War Remnants Museum
• Explore Independence Palace
• See Notre Dame Cathedral
• Visit Saigon Central Post Office
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Drive to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Watch Cu Chi documentary
• Visit wartime booby traps
• Crawl through Cu Chi tunnel
• Taste tapioca and pandan tea
• Optional AK-47 rifle shooting

The experience

The War Remnants Museum opens early, and the silence inside hits different. You're standing in front of photographs and artifacts that tell the story from the Vietnamese side: the perspective most visitors never hear in their own countries. Your guide walks you through each section, explaining not just what happened but why it matters to the people who lived through it. This isn't a quick museum run. You spend real time here, and it changes how you see the rest of the day.

After the museum, the tour moves through Ho Chi Minh City's colonial landmarks. The Independence Palace (also called the Reunification Palace) is where the war's final chapter played out. A building that carries the weight of that history in its architecture and in the way your guide talks about it. Then you're at the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1886 and 1891 when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. The tiles came from Marseille, the glass from Chartres. Walking around it, you can see where war damage was repaired, where the original French materials still stand. The Saigon Central Post Office is next: another French colonial building from the late 19th century, Gothic and Renaissance details mixed together, still functioning as a post office and tourist stop. You're not rushing through these. Your guide points out details most people miss.

Then comes lunch at a local restaurant, and a short break before the drive out to Cu Chi. It's about 1.5 hours from the city, and the countryside opens up as you leave. Cu Chi Tunnels are where the war becomes physical. You watch a short documentary first, then see the booby traps that were actually used, and crawl through a short section of the tunnel yourself, low, tight, real. They serve you tapioca (the dish soldiers ate during wartime) and pandan leaf tea. If you want to try rifle shooting with an AK-47, that's optional and costs extra, but it's there if you're interested.

The whole day runs about nine hours with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and lunch included. You're not arranging five separate tickets or figuring out how to get to Cu Chi on your own. The guide handles the timing and the stories, and you just show up ready to listen.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, entry to the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Central Post Office, lunch at a local restaurant, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry to Cu Chi Tunnels with a documentary screening, a tapioca snack and pandan leaf tea at Cu Chi, and bottled water throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (9 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The meeting point is "Kim Delta Travel Office," with our company logo and sign. It is next to the convenience store called "GS25."”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kim Delta Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to understand Vietnam's recent history and see the main colonial and war sites in one day without arranging separate tickets, transport, or timing. The guide handles the narrative and logistics, leaving you to absorb what you're seeing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 8 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

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

About 1.5 hours each way.

Do I have to crawl through the tunnels?

You crawl a short distance through one tunnel. The section is manageable for most people, but let your guide know if you have concerns.

What's included in the tour?

English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water, entry fees to all attractions, and a tapioca snack at Cu Chi.

Can I try shooting an AK-47 at Cu Chi?

Yes, rifle shooting is optional and available at your own expense.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs approximately nine hours total. Confirm pickup time when you book.

Is this tour suitable for someone with limited mobility?

The tour includes crawling through tunnels and walking through museums. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are best. The tunnels are cool and narrow, so avoid loose clothing.

Is lunch vegetarian-friendly?

Confirm dietary requirements when booking so the restaurant can prepare accordingly.