Cu Chi Tunnels Small Group Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Summary

Half-Day Cu Chi Tunnels Experience with Local Guide

If you want to really understand Vietnam’s past—not just read about it—this Cu Chi Tunnels tour lets you crawl through real tunnels, taste what soldiers ate, and hear stories straight from a local guide who knows every hidden corner.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping out of the van, the air felt thick and a little earthy—maybe it was the morning rain or just the scent of old trees around Cu Chi. Our guide, Minh, handed out chilled water bottles before leading us past a small stall selling sugarcane juice (I grabbed one for later). You could hear birds somewhere above, but mostly it was quiet—almost heavy with stories.

We ducked into the first tunnel entrance. It’s tighter than you’d expect; I had to crouch low and shuffle along, feeling the cool clay walls brush my arms. Minh pointed out tiny vents disguised as termite mounds—he said locals used to cook underground using smokeless stoves so enemy planes wouldn’t spot them. At one point, he let us try boiled cassava dipped in crushed peanuts and hot tea—the same snack soldiers survived on. It’s simple but fills you up more than you’d think.

There’s a section where they show the old traps—bamboo spikes and swinging doors. Minh explained how villagers built these by hand at night. You can even hear distant pops from the shooting range nearby; some folks in our group tried firing an AK-47 (extra cost). Walking back to the van, I noticed my shoes were caked with red dust—a little souvenir from this place that saw so much history.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels Tour Introduction

• Meet guide Joshua Tran and introduction

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, most ages can join. The tunnels are tight but optional—you can skip crawling if you like. The guide adjusts the pace for everyone.

Can I try shooting at the range?

You can! The shooting range is on-site and charges extra. Bring cash if you want to try it.

What should I wear?

Light clothes and comfy shoes are best. It gets warm and a bit dusty underground.

Is lunch included?

No full lunch, but you'll get cassava with tea—a local snack that’s part of the experience.

What’s included

Your spot includes pick-up and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water to keep cool, all entrance fees covered, an English-speaking local guide who really knows their stuff, plus a taste of cassava and hot tea just like the soldiers had.