Cu Chi Tunnels: Small Group Afternoon Tour with Pickup

Summary

Half-day from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi’s wartime tunnels, stories and cassava

You’ll crawl through real Cu Chi tunnels (or watch others do it), hear local stories from your guide, taste simple cassava snacks with smoky tea, and see relics from wartime Vietnam — all in one afternoon with hotel pickup included. Expect moments that stick with you long after you’re back in Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw how tight the tunnel entrance was — just this little square in the ground, barely wider than my shoulders. Our guide, Minh, grinned and said “Don’t worry, you can stay above if you want.” But then a couple from Hanoi (who looked about my mom’s age) just hopped right in. So yeah, I followed. The air inside was cool and kind of earthy — like old clay pots and wet leaves. My knees complained but it was weirdly quiet down there, except for someone ahead nervously laughing.

We’d left Ho Chi Minh City after lunch — traffic wasn’t too bad for once — and by the time we reached Cu Chi Tunnels it was that soft late afternoon light. Minh started with stories about the “steel area,” as he called it, and pointed out bomb craters now filled with grass. There was an old black-and-white video first (a bit grainy), showing how people lived underground during the war. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so much just watching people cook over tiny fires or patch up uniforms in those cramped spaces.

After crawling through one of the shorter tunnels (I skipped the long one — no shame), we tried cassava dipped in peanuts and salt. It’s what guerrillas ate back then. Not exactly gourmet but somehow comforting? The tea was smoky-sweet; I still think about that taste when I smell woodsmoke now. Some folks tried out the shooting range nearby (not really my thing), while others just sat under the trees talking quietly or staring at their phones. Funny how quickly everyone sobered up after seeing those hidden traps — Minh showed us a few, lifting a patch of leaves to reveal sharp bamboo spikes underneath.

The ride back to Saigon felt longer somehow; maybe because we were all quieter. Or maybe it was just dusk settling in and everyone lost in thought. Anyway, if you’re curious about Vietnam’s past but don’t want to spend all day on a bus, this half-day trip is worth it — even if you skip the tunnels and just listen to Minh’s stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon tour to Cu Chi Tunnels

• Depart Ho Chi Minh City at 13:00
• Arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels
• Watch introductory video about tunnels
• Explore tunnel systems and living areas
• Learn about traps and security features
• Enjoy special tea and cassava snack
• Optional shooting activity (self-paid)
• Return to Saigon and end trip

Top questions

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

The tunnels are about 60-70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, roughly 1.5 hours by car depending on traffic.

Is pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for centrally located hotels in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

What food is served on the Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

You’ll try cassava with peanuts and salt (the wartime staple) along with special tea at the site.

Can children join this small group tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; child rates apply when sharing with two paying adults.

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

Yes, adults can try shooting at the range for an extra fee paid on-site; it’s optional.

How many people are usually in each group?

The small group tour has between 2–12 people per departure.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with heart problems or poor cardiovascular health due to tunnel conditions.

What language does the guide speak?

The tour includes an English-speaking local guide throughout your visit to Cu Chi Tunnels.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes air-conditioned transport from central Ho Chi Minh City hotels (District 1), entry fees to Cu Chi Tunnels, bottled water along the way, guidance from a knowledgeable English-speaking local guide who shares personal stories, plus traditional cassava snacks and tea before heading back into town together.