Cu Chi Tunnels: Private Car Tour & Local Food from Saigon

Summary

Cu Chi Tunnels private tour with car ride food stops and local stories

You’ll travel from Saigon by private car with a local guide, sip strong coffee before exploring Cu Chi Tunnels’ underground passages, then share steamed tapioca and pandan tea where history happened. Taste fresh sugarcane juice on the return drive and end with beef noodle soup in Saigon — it’s more than just sightseeing; you’ll feel part of the story.

What’s the experience like?

We left Saigon in the morning — I was still a bit groggy, but our guide Minh showed up right on time at the hotel. He had this easy way about him, chatting as we zigzagged through the city’s wild traffic. First stop: a tiny coffee shop tucked behind some scooters. The coffee hit hard (in a good way), and Minh laughed when I tried to order in Vietnamese. I think I said something closer to “chicken” than “coffee,” but no one seemed to mind.

The drive out to Cu Chi Tunnels took maybe an hour and a half? It’s strange how quickly the city noise fades into green fields and quiet villages. At the tunnels, Minh started telling us these stories — not just dates and facts, but what it felt like for people living down there. I remember crouching at the tunnel entrance, feeling this weird mix of curiosity and nervousness. Crawling inside was… well, tighter than I expected (I’m not exactly small). The air smelled earthy, damp. Someone behind me bumped their head and we all cracked up — broke the tension a bit.

Afterwards, they gave us steamed tapioca with pandan leaf tea right there in the shade. It tasted plain but comforting — apparently that’s what folks ate during the war. On the way back toward Saigon, we stopped for sugarcane juice by the roadside; cold and sweet, perfect after all that crawling around underground. There was this old guy selling it who grinned at my terrible pronunciation (“Nước mía!”) — he just nodded like he understood everything.

Back in Saigon, Minh insisted we try beef noodle soup before heading home. It was noisy in the little place he picked but nobody cared if you slurped your noodles too loud. I still think about that moment — sweaty from the tunnels, tired but kind of grateful for every flavor and story shared that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon

• Pick up at hotel
• Drive through Saigon traffic
• Drink Vietnamese coffee locally
• Drive to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Learn war history from guide
• Crawl inside tunnels (optional)
• Eat steamed tapioca and drink pandan tea
• Stop for sugarcane juice
• Ride scooter back to Saigon
• Have beef noodle soup lunch
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnels by car?

The drive usually takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in central Saigon areas.

Can you actually go inside the tunnels during this day trip?

Yes, you have the chance to crawl inside parts of the Cu Chi Tunnels if you want.

What food is served on this Cu Chi Tunnels private tour?

You’ll try steamed tapioca with pandan tea at Cu Chi plus beef noodle soup back in Saigon.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Bottled water is included along with local drinks like sugarcane juice and pandan tea.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or certain health issues.

Do guides speak English on this Cu Chi Tunnels car tour?

Yes, your guide will speak English fluently throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Saigon, all entry fees at Cu Chi Tunnels, bottled water throughout the trip, steamed tapioca with pandan leaf tea after exploring underground, a stop for fresh sugarcane juice on the way back to town, plus a hearty bowl of beef noodle soup before you’re dropped off again at your accommodation.