Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta: Day Trip with Boat & Lunch

Summary

History beneath your feet and river life unfolding on a one day journey from saigon

You’ll crawl through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels with a local guide, then drift along Mekong Delta canals by boat and rowboat. Taste honey tea in a riverside village, watch coconut candy being made, enjoy lunch with locals—and catch glimpses of daily life that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence inside the Cu Chi Tunnels. Our guide, Minh, flicked his flashlight along the narrow walls, and I could smell damp earth mixed with something sharp—maybe old rubber trees? The heat outside was sticky but down there it felt close, almost heavy. Minh told us stories about families living underground for weeks. I tried crawling just a few meters and honestly, my knees still remember it. Someone in our group fired an AK-47 at the range (not me—I chickened out), and that crack echoed through the trees. It’s strange to think this peaceful spot was once chaos.

After that we drove past these endless green rice paddies—water buffalo up to their bellies in mud, kids waving as we passed. Reaching My Tho city, the air changed; sweeter somehow, maybe from all those coconut palms. Hopping onto a motorboat felt like switching worlds—the Mekong Delta is slow and wide, brown water reflecting tangled branches overhead. We stopped at a little island where an old woman handed us honey tea (sticky sweet) and slices of jackfruit while her grandson played some folk song on a weird-looking guitar. I tried to say thank you in Vietnamese—Li laughed at my accent but poured me more tea anyway.

The rowboat ride through those narrow canals was my favorite part of this day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta. You can hear insects buzzing and see sunlight flicker through palm leaves—it’s quiet except for paddles dipping into water and someone’s radio far off. We watched coconut candy being made by hand (still have some stuck to my backpack), wandered past fruit trees and kids playing barefoot on dusty paths. Lunch was simple but good: fish with lemongrass, rice, something spicy I couldn’t name. I still think about that view over the river as we ate together under noisy ceiling fans.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta

• Travel through rural rice paddies
• Visit Cu Chi Tunnels historical site
• Experience firing an AK-47
• Arrive at My Tho City
• Cruise small canal by boat
• Disembark at coconut island in Ben Tre
• Walk around local village
• Enjoy tropical fruit and honey tea
• Listen to traditional Vietnamese music
• Visit coconut candy shop and handicraft
• Walk through village and take photos

Top questions

How long does the Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta day trip take?

The tour lasts one full day with morning pickup and evening drop-off at your hotel.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a Vietnamese lunch is included during the Mekong Delta portion of the tour.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children are welcome; kids under 2 join free if they sit with parents.

Do I need to book hotel pickup separately?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Is there an option to try shooting an AK-47 at Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes, adults over 18 can choose to try shooting for an extra fee at the tunnels range.

What should I wear for this tour?

Light clothes and comfortable shoes are best due to heat and walking/crawling activities.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All entrance fees for both Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta activities are included.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned bus from Saigon, all entry fees for both Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta sites, motorboat cruise plus rowboat ride through canals, cool towels and bottled water along the way, a traditional Vietnamese lunch (with vegetarian options), plus guidance from an experienced English-speaking local who’ll share stories you probably won’t find in any guidebook.