Cu Chi Tunnels: Morning Tour with Pickup & Tapioca Tasting

Summary

Crawl through Cu Chi’s tunnels taste tapioca hear old stories in the dim light

You’ll crawl through parts of the Cu Chi tunnel system with a local guide, sample traditional steamed tapioca and hot tea, and see how fighters survived underground. Expect stories you won’t read in guidebooks — plus hotel pickup from Ho Chi Minh City and all entry fees handled for you.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try?” our guide grinned, holding out a chunk of steamed tapioca. I’d just crawled out of the Cu Chi tunnels — well, more like shuffled, knees dusty and heart thumping. The air down there was thick, almost sweet with earth and something metallic. It’s strange, how quiet it felt below ground compared to the hum of motorbikes back in Ho Chi Minh City. I tried to imagine what it was like for people living here for months. Honestly, I can’t.

The drive out took about ninety minutes — not bad if you leave early enough to dodge the city traffic (our driver knew all the tricks). We watched this grainy old film first; it was half propaganda, half history lesson. Our guide, Minh, didn’t sugarcoat anything. He pointed out bomb craters swallowed by jungle and explained how the Hoang Cam stove worked so smoke wouldn’t give away their position. When he showed us some of those handmade traps… let’s just say I stepped more carefully after that.

I still think about that first bite of tapioca dipped in peanut salt — bland but somehow comforting after being underground. There was hot tea too; I don’t know if it tasted good or if I was just grateful for something warm in my hands. Some folks tried shooting at the range (extra cost), but honestly I just sat back and listened to the forest for a minute. There’s a lot you don’t notice until you stop moving.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels Morning Tour

• Depart from Ho Chi Minh City center
• Watch documentary film
• Visit command center
• Enjoy steamed tapioca and hot tea
• Discover Hoang Cam smoke-less stove
• Explore fighting bunkers and booby traps
• Optional shooting experience
• Travel 90 minutes to Cu Chi

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels?

It takes about 90 minutes by car without traffic jams.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cu Chi tunnels tour?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Districts 1 and 3.

What food is served during the tour?

You’ll try steamed tapioca with peanut salt and hot tea as part of the experience.

Can I try shooting at Cu Chi Tunnels?

Shooting is optional at an extra cost during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the provider.

Are guides English-speaking?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide throughout your visit.

What is included in the entrance fee?

The entrance fee covers access to all main tunnel areas on the tour route.

How do I confirm my booking details?

You’ll receive a reconfirmation message before 8pm on your departure date after providing your address and WhatsApp number.

What’s included

Your morning includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Ho Chi Minh City (Districts 1 or 3), all entry fees for the Cu Chi tunnels, an English-speaking local guide who shares real stories along the way, traditional steamed tapioca with hot tea at the site, plus your choice of drink — Vietnamese coffee, coconut water, juice, smoothie, beer or soft drink — before heading back into town.