Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta: Small Group Day Trip with Boats

Summary

Cu Chi’s hidden tunnels then slow boats on the Mekong Delta

You’ll crawl through historic Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, cruise past islands on the Mekong Delta by both motorboat and rowboat, sip honey tea at a bee farm, sample fresh coconut candy and enjoy lunch with your small group—all with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Expect moments that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that? My uncle hid down there for days,” our guide Tam said, pointing at a patch of earth that looked just like any other. I crouched beside him at the Cu Chi Tunnels, trying to imagine squeezing through those dark, narrow spaces. The air was thick and earthy—damp in a way you only notice when you’re underground. I tried crawling a few meters and instantly understood why Tam shook his head at my clumsy attempt. There’s this quiet respect you feel for people who lived here; it’s hard to put into words.

The drive out from Ho Chi Minh City was longer than I expected (maybe an hour or so), but Tam kept us awake with stories—some funny, some heavy. After the tunnels, we headed toward My Tho in the Mekong Delta. The landscape changed fast: suddenly everything was green and buzzing, river water glinting between palm leaves. We switched from bus to motorboat, then to a tiny wooden rowboat steered by a woman who barely said a word but smiled every time we drifted close to her favorite fruit trees. I think she found my hat funny—I’m still not sure.

Lunch came somewhere between boat rides—a simple Vietnamese meal that tasted better than it looked (I’m still thinking about that soup). Later we stopped at a bee farm where the honey tea was sweet but not too sweet, and someone played folk music while we tried fresh coconut candy. The air smelled like sugar and wet grass. It felt like time slowed down for a bit there; maybe it was just the heat or maybe it was something else. Either way, by the time we drove back to Ho Chi Minh City, I realized I’d seen more sides of Vietnam in one day than I thought possible—and met people whose stories stuck with me longer than any photo could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tour

• Pick up at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
• Drive 60 km to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Watch documentary about tunnels
• Learn about bamboo traps and rice products
• Explore underground Cu Chi Tunnels
• Drive to My Tho in Mekong Delta
• Cruise by boat along Mekong River islands
• Observe local daily life on river
• Rowboat trip through small waterways
• Visit fruit orchards, coconut groves, bee farms
• Enjoy honey tea and seasonal fruit
• Taste fresh coconut candy
• Listen to southern Vietnamese folk music
• Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City
• Drop off at hotel around 18:00

Top questions

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

The tour lasts about 10 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City.

Is lunch included on this small group tour?

Yes, a Vietnamese lunch is included (vegan options available).

What is the maximum group size for this tour?

The group size is capped at 12 passengers.

Are boat rides part of the itinerary?

Yes, both motorboat and hand-rowed boat rides are included on the Mekong River.

Is hotel pickup available for all areas in Ho Chi Minh City?

Pickup is available for hotels in Districts 1, 3, and 4.

Are entrance fees for Cu Chi Tunnels included?

Yes, entry tickets to Cu Chi Tunnels are covered in the tour price.

Do I need to bring water or snacks?

Bottled water and seasonal fruits are provided during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central districts of Ho Chi Minh City, travel by air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout. Entry fees at Cu Chi Tunnels are covered, as well as all motorboat and rowboat trips along the Mekong River. You’ll enjoy a Vietnamese lunch (with vegan options), taste seasonal fruits and local honey tea at a bee farm before returning in the evening.