Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta: Crawl, Paddle & Local Lunch

Summary

Crawl through Cu Chi tunnels then paddle the Mekong’s quiet canals

You’ll crawl through Cu Chi’s narrow tunnels with a local guide, taste simple yucca snacks that say more than words ever could, then paddle Mekong Delta canals past palm trees and floating boats before sharing tea and laughter with locals. If you want a day that feels both intense and quietly real—this is it.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost chickened out at the tunnel entrance. Our guide, Minh, grinned and said, “It’s easier if you don’t think about how small it is.” The air inside was thick—earthy, a bit damp—and my knees scraped against the packed dirt as I shuffled along. At some point I just stopped worrying about looking ridiculous; everyone else was laughing too hard to care. When we popped out into the sunlight again, Minh handed us slices of boiled yucca dusted with salty sesame—simple food that somehow tasted like relief and history at once. He told us stories about his grandfather during the war. That part stuck with me more than I expected.

After lunch (rice, crispy fish, something green I still can’t name), we drove to My Tho for the Mekong Delta part of the day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. The river looked muddy but alive—boats everywhere, kids waving from shore. We climbed into a little wooden boat and our rower, a woman named Lan with hands tougher than mine will ever be, steered us through these narrow canals lined with palms so close they brushed my hat. It was humid enough that my shirt stuck to my back but honestly? Didn’t matter. Lan pointed out birds and laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Vietnamese (I definitely butchered it). Somewhere along the way we stopped for honey tea and coconut candy—sticky sweet stuff that made my teeth ache in a good way.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the slow parts as much as I did—the quiet hum of insects in the orchards, or just sitting there while someone played traditional music nearby. There were moments where time kind of blurred; maybe it was the heat or maybe just being far from city noise for once. On the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City I kept thinking about crawling through those tunnels earlier in the day—how people lived down there for months on end—and how different life feels above ground now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tour

• Pick up from 7 to 8 am
• Visit Cu Chi Ben Duoc Tunnel
• Crawl through tunnel hallway
• Taste yucca with salted sesame seeds
• Optional AK47 shooting (own expense)
• Have lunch near Cu Chi
• Travel to Mekong River
• Boat cruise to Four Holy Islands
• Visit coconut islet and try specialties
• Visit handicraft and coconut candy families
• Motor ride to tropical gardens
• Visit bee farm and sip honey tea
• Listen to local traditional music
• Walk through villages and take photos
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City
• Tour ends around 7 pm

Top questions

How long does this Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta tour last?

The tour runs from around 7-8 am pickup until about 7 pm return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, lunch is included right after visiting Cu Chi Tunnels before heading to My Tho.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in your booking.

Do you visit less touristy parts of Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes, this tour goes to Ben Duoc Tunnel which is less crowded than other sites.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, an experienced English-speaking guide leads the group throughout the day.

What activities are included in the Mekong Delta portion?

You’ll take a boat ride to islands near My Tho, visit coconut candy makers and bee farms, try honey tea and walk through tropical gardens.

Can vegetarians or people with allergies join this tour?

Yes, vegetarian or allergy-friendly options are available for lunch upon request.

Are infants or young children allowed on this trip?

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

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an A/C minivan with an experienced English-speaking guide leading you through Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Duoc), all entry fees covered. Lunch is served onsite before heading by car to My Tho for a boat cruise across four islands in the Mekong Delta—where you’ll sample local fruits, try honey tea at a bee farm while listening to traditional music, visit coconut candy makers and stroll tropical gardens before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.