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

Summary

Cu Chi’s wartime tunnels then Mekong’s river life, all in one day

You’ll crawl through Cu Chi Tunnels with a local guide sharing family stories, then float past coconut palms in the Mekong Delta by boat and tuk tuk. Taste tropical fruits straight from the garden and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch (vegan options too). Expect laughter, dirt on your shoes, and moments that linger long after you’re back in Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed after we left Ho Chi Minh City was how the city noise just faded out, replaced by this soft whirring from our minivan and the occasional rooster crowing as we got closer to Cu Chi. Our guide, Huy, started telling stories about the tunnels—his uncle actually fought here, which made everything feel less like a museum and more like someone’s memory. Crawling through that narrow tunnel (I’m not exactly small) was… well, humbling. The air inside smelled of earth and something metallic. I kept thinking about what it must’ve been like during the war—Huy pointed out some of the old traps too, which were both clever and kind of chilling. I got dirt on my shirt but didn’t care; it felt right somehow.

After Cu Chi, we drove out toward My Tho in the Mekong Delta—about an hour or so? It’s funny how quickly the scenery shifts: suddenly there are rice paddies everywhere and kids waving from water buffaloes. We hopped onto a motorboat first (the engine was loud but you get used to it), then switched to these tiny rowing boats that glide under palm leaves. At one point, a woman handed me honey tea and coconut candy—I tried to say thank you in Vietnamese but probably butchered it because she just laughed kindly. The fruit tasting was simple but honestly some of the best pineapple I’ve ever had.

Lunch was at this open-air spot near the river—lots of fresh veggies and tofu for me since I asked for vegan food when booking (they actually remembered). There was live music too; not staged or anything, just locals playing while they ate their own lunch nearby. On the tuk tuk ride through a village after, I caught this moment where an old man nodded at us from his porch—one of those tiny things that sticks with you for no real reason. The whole day felt packed but never rushed. If you’re looking for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City that mixes history with real daily life—and you don’t mind getting your hands a bit dirty—this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta

• Visit Cu Chi Tunnels network
• See war traps and crawl tunnels
• Travel to My Tho in Mekong Delta
• Observe coconut farms and agriculture

Top questions

How far are Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?

Cu Chi Tunnels are located over 50km from Ho Chi Minh City.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a Vietnamese lunch is included with vegan options available if requested when booking.

What activities are part of this day trip?

You’ll visit Cu Chi Tunnels, take motorboat and rowing boat rides in the Mekong Delta, enjoy a tuk tuk ride through a village, taste tropical fruits, watch traditional music performances, and sample local snacks like honey tea and coconut candy.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included for hotels in Districts 1, 3, and 4 of Ho Chi Minh City.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees are included in the tour price.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; it’s free for kids under 5 though parents handle any extra costs during the tour.

Can vegetarians or vegans join?

Yes—vegetarian or vegan meals are available if you let them know when booking.

How long does it take to get to My Tho from Ho Chi Minh City?

My Tho is about 86km away; travel time is roughly 1–2 hours depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop off within central districts of Ho Chi Minh City, all entrance fees at Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta stops, Vietnamese lunch with vegan options if needed, tropical fruit tasting across four seasons, rides by motorboat and rowing boat plus a tuk tuk journey through local villages. You’ll also get snacks like honey tea and coconut candy along with live traditional music performances before heading back in an air-conditioned minivan or tourist bus.