Cu Chi Tunnels: Small-Group Half-Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels history, tunnels, local snacks

You’ll leave Ho Chi Minh City behind for a half-day exploring Vietnam’s wartime past at Cu Chi Tunnels. Crawl through real tunnels if you want, taste simple tea and tapioca like locals once did, and listen as your guide shares personal stories along shaded jungle paths. It’s not just history—it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t go quite as planned — I’d barely finished my coffee when our minivan pulled up outside the hotel, fifteen minutes earlier than I expected. Still zipping my bag, I scrambled out to meet our guide, Linh, who greeted me with this easy smile and a “no rush” gesture. We picked up a few more folks in District 1 (one guy had forgotten his hat and ran back for it — made us all laugh), then rolled out of Ho Chi Minh City while the city’s motorbikes buzzed past like bees. The air felt thick already, but Linh kept the mood light by pointing out street vendors selling breakfast pho on the sidewalks.

First stop was this lacquerware workshop — honestly, I thought it’d be just another tourist thing, but watching the artists work tiny shells into black lacquer was hypnotic. There was this faint smell of varnish and something sweet in the air. After a quick restroom break (bless), we drove on through rice paddies until suddenly everything got quieter and greener. When we reached the Cu Chi Tunnels, Linh handed us bottled water and led us under these tall trees where cicadas were going wild. She warned us about the propaganda video — “It’s old style,” she said with a grin — and yeah, it was a little surreal watching black-and-white footage while sweat trickled down my back.

I didn’t expect to actually crawl through one of those tunnels. But Linh encouraged anyone curious to try at least the 20-meter stretch (“Don’t worry! There are exits!”). The tunnel felt cool but claustrophobic; you could feel how rough the walls were under your palms. When I popped out at the other end, my shirt stuck to my skin and everyone looked relieved (and a bit dusty). Some people tried firing an AK47 at the shooting range nearby — not really my thing, but you could hear that sharp crack echoing through the trees every so often.

Before heading back to Saigon, we sat together on low benches and shared boiled tapioca dipped in peanuts with hot tea — apparently what VC fighters ate to keep going during the war. It tasted earthy and plain but somehow comforting after all that history underground. On the ride home, Linh told us stories about her grandfather’s memories from those days; her voice got quiet for a minute before she switched back to joking about Saigon traffic jams. I still think about that moment sometimes when things get noisy or busy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnel Half-day Exploration

• Be ready for hotel pick-up
• Travel to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Stop at lacquerware factory
• Watch Vietnam War propaganda video
• Explore underground bunkers and exhibitions
• Navigate authentic VC tunnels
• Visit shooting range (optional firing)
• Enjoy local tea and tapioca
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City
• Drop off at pick-up point or District 1

Top questions

How long does the Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour take?

The tour lasts around 5-6 hours including travel time from Ho Chi Minh City.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Districts 1, 3, or 4.

Can I crawl inside the actual tunnels?

Yes, you can choose to crawl through sections of 20m, 60m or 100m inside the tunnels if you wish.

Are food or drinks provided during this day trip?

You’ll get bottled water plus boiled tapioca and tea at Cu Chi Tunnels as part of your visit.

Is this small-group tour suitable for kids or seniors?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap or in a stroller.

What should I wear for visiting Cu Chi Tunnels?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty; closed shoes are best for crawling in tunnels.

Does this tour include entry fees to Cu Chi Tunnels?

All entry fees are covered in your booking price—no extra charges at the site except optional shooting range bullets.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central districts in Ho Chi Minh City, comfortable air-conditioned transport out to Cu Chi Tunnels with an English-speaking Vietnamese guide leading you through underground bunkers and exhibitions. Bottled water is provided along with boiled tapioca and tea before returning you safely back to your starting point in District 1.