Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta: Small-Group Day Trip Pickup

Summary

History beneath your feet and river life unfolding near Ho Chi Minh City

You’ll crawl through real Cu Chi Tunnels with a local guide, taste fresh Mekong fruits while listening to traditional music, cruise quiet waterways by sampan, and share lunch with fellow travelers. Expect muddy hands, laughter over mispronounced dishes, and glimpses of daily life you won’t soon forget.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels? I didn’t think I’d actually do it, but there I was, knees in the red dust, flashlight beam bouncing off rough walls. Our guide, Thao, kept things light—she joked about her own first time in the tunnels (she got stuck behind a group of teenagers who panicked). The air inside felt thick and earthy, almost muffled. When we finally popped out into sunlight again, I could still smell that damp clay on my hands. The drive out from Ho Chi Minh City took about an hour and a half—long enough for me to wonder if I’d regret signing up for a full day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta. Spoiler: I didn’t.

Lunch was at this little place where they served us plates of something crispy—I can’t remember the name, but Thao laughed when I tried to pronounce it. She made sure everyone (even the vegans) had plenty to eat. After that we headed south toward My Tho and suddenly everything changed; rice paddies flashed by, then coconut palms crowded closer as we neared the water. The boat ride on the Mekong River was quieter than I expected—just the slap of water against wood and someone singing softly from another boat nearby. It felt like time slowed down for a bit.

I still think about that honey tea at the bee house—sweet but not too much—and how one of the musicians winked at me while playing something on a dan tranh. There were moments when it all felt almost unreal, like watching someone else’s memory. We drifted back through narrow waterways lined with palms before heading home, tired but not in a bad way. If you’re even half-curious about Southern Vietnam’s history and river life, this small-group tour is probably worth your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour

• Pick up from Ho Chi Minh City hotel
• Travel 1.5 hours to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Explore tunnels and learn history
• Try shooting old rifles
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Travel to My Tho in Mekong Delta
• Boat ride on Mekong River
• Sampan ride through small waterways
• Visit bee house with music and fruits
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City hotel

Top questions

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

The tour lasts around 11 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City.

Is hotel pickup included for this small-group tour?

Yes, pickup is included for central hotels in District 1 (except Dakao & TanDinh).

Are vegan or vegetarian meal options available during lunch?

Yes, vegan food is available at lunch upon request.

Can you try shooting old rifles at Cu Chi Tunnels?

Yes, participants over 18 can try shooting some old rifles used during the war.

What are the main stops on this day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?

The main stops are Cu Chi Tunnels and My Tho in the Mekong Delta region.

Is entrance fee included in the tour price?

Yes, all entrance tickets are included in your booking.

Does this tour include travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is included as part of your tour package.

What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

An air-conditioned vehicle is used for transfers between sites; boats and sampans are used on the river.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Ho Chi Minh City hotels (District 1), all entrance fees for both Cu Chi Tunnels and My Tho attractions, bottled water and seasonal fruits along the way, a Vietnamese lunch with vegan options if needed, an English-speaking local guide throughout your journey, travel insurance coverage for peace of mind, plus comfortable transfers by air-conditioned vehicle before being dropped off back in town at sunset.