Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta: Small Group Day Trip

Summary

Vietnam war tunnels and Mekong canals in one day from Saigon

You’ll crawl through real Cu Chi Tunnels with a local guide, taste wartime tapioca and honey tea in the Mekong Delta, cruise past stilt houses on a small group tour, and float by coconut palms on a sampan boat—all in one day. The mix of history and riverside life will stick with you long after you’re back in Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what to expect at the Cu Chi Tunnels, but actually crawling through those narrow, dusty passages was something else—my knees still remember it. Our guide, Minh, had this way of making the stories personal; he pointed out a dent in the wall where soldiers used to rest their heads. It was humid and smelled faintly of earth and old metal, and when we stopped for boiled tapioca with tea (apparently a staple back then), I realized how little I’d ever thought about eating just to survive. Minh laughed when I tried to say “khoai mì”—I probably butchered it.

The drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta felt long but not boring—there’s always something happening on Vietnamese roads. By the time we got to My Tho, the air felt heavier, sweeter somehow. On the boat ride along the Tien River, we passed stilt houses and kids waving from the shore. The honey tea at Unicorn Island tasted like flowers and smoke, which sounds weird but honestly worked. There was a moment during the folk music performance when everyone went quiet except for one old man clapping off-beat—I liked that.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the sampan ride so much; drifting under coconut palms with just the sound of water against wood felt almost meditative (until someone’s phone rang). Watching coconut candy being made was oddly satisfying—sticky hands everywhere—and I bought some even though I knew it’d melt in my bag before we got back to Saigon. We were only ten people in our group, so it never felt rushed or crowded. Sometimes I still think about that tunnel darkness—how different life must’ve been down there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour

• Hotel pick-up in Ho Chi Minh City
• Drive to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Watch tunnels history documentary
• Explore underground tunnel network
• Visit weapon storage and command center
• Optional shooting range experience
• Taste boiled tapioca with tea
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Drive to Mekong Delta
• Arrive in My Tho
• Boat cruise on Tien River
• Visit Unicorn Island and bee farm
• Sample fresh honey tea
• Enjoy tropical fruits and folk music
• Sampan ride through coconut canals
• Visit coconut candy workshop
• Return to mainland and depart for city
• Arrive back at hotel

Top questions

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

The tour lasts a full day, starting around 7:30-8:00 AM with return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City by evening.

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

Yes, a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Are hotel pickups provided for this small group tour?

Yes, hotel pickup from central Ho Chi Minh City is included.

Can vegetarians join this Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta tour?

Vegetarian options are available upon request—just mention it when booking.

What is the maximum group size for this tour?

The group size is capped at 10 travelers for a more personal experience.

Do you go inside the tunnels at Cu Chi?

Yes, you can crawl through sections of the tunnels if you wish—it’s optional.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

All entrance fees for sites visited are included in your booking.

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

You can try shooting at the range for an extra fee if you want (optional).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ho Chi Minh City, all entry tickets for both Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta sites, comfortable transport by air-conditioned minivan, all boat rides (including sampan), drinking water throughout, and a traditional lunch—with vegetarian options if you ask ahead—before returning to your hotel in the evening.