Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City: Small Group War History Tour

Underground bunkers, weapon caches, and cassava root: what the Viet Cong ate while hiding

You arrive before the tour buses, descend into authentic tunnel sections with a licensed guide who explains the history as you move through weapon caches and underground bunkers, eat traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, and return to your hotel by early afternoon. The small group size and early start time are what make the experience feel less like a museum visit and more like an actual exploration.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cu Chi Tunnels exploration and lunch

• Start at Saigon Water Bus Station
• Arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels site early
• Watch introductory propaganda video
• Explore tunnel site and exhibitions
• Navigate authentic Viet Cong tunnel
• Visit underground bunkers and firing range
• Try local cassava root snack
• Enjoy traditional Vietnamese lunch by river
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

The experience

The introductory video is already rolling when you arrive at 9am, before the larger bus groups show up. You're standing in front of a map of the tunnel network (over 75 miles of it, dug by hand during the war), and your guide is already pointing out the sections you'll actually walk through. The group stays under 14 people, which means you're not shuffling through in a crowd of fifty. The countryside between Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi moves past the window: riverbank houses, narrow canals, the kind of landscape that looks almost untouched until you realize how much history is buried underneath it.

Once you're down in the tunnels, the guide walks you through the weapon exhibitions and the booby trap displays first, not to scare you, but so you understand what you're about to see. Then you're actually inside the tunnels themselves, crouching through the narrow passages, stopping at different underground bunkers: kitchens where fighters cooked, meeting rooms where strategy happened, ammunition storage carved into the earth. There's a firing range where you can shoot if you want to. The guide explains how the tunnels were used for supply routes, hospitals, living quarters. The whole hidden city that kept the Viet Cong supplied and mobile. You try the cassava root that sustained fighters for years. It's starchy, bland, the kind of thing you eat because you have to, not because you want to.

By 11am you're sitting by the river eating a proper lunch: fried spring rolls, chicken and beef dishes, soup. The guide is still there, still answering questions. Unlimited refreshments and local fruits come with the day, so you're not watching your water intake or rationing anything. The whole thing wraps by 11:30am, and the driver takes you back to Ho Chi Minh City. Hotel pickup and drop-off included if you're staying in District 1 or 3. The route avoids the traffic jams that eat up time on the main roads.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in District 1 or 3, transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels, a professional guide with international license, entry to the tunnel site, the introductory video, access to weapon and booby trap exhibitions, the firing range, breakfast or snacks, traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, and unlimited refreshments and local fruits throughout the tour. WiFi is available on the journey.

Options for this experience

2 options

7am TourGuide in English · 07:00A 7am tour that includes breakfast and lunch, with pickup included

11am TourGuide in English · 11:00An 11am tour that includes lunch, with pickup included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 11:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Les Rives Vietnam

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main tunnel sections and war history explained by someone who knows the site, without arranging your own transport or timing around the afternoon crowds: the 9am start and small group size are what make that possible.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the tour start and end?

9am arrival at Cu Chi Tunnels, lunch at 11am, return to Ho Chi Minh City by 11:30am.

How many people are in the group?

Maximum 14 guests per tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, for hotels in District 1 and District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City.

What's included in the meals?

Breakfast or snacks depending on timing, traditional Vietnamese lunch with spring rolls, chicken, beef and soup, plus unlimited refreshments and local fruits throughout the day.

Do I have to crawl through tight tunnels?

Yes, the tunnels are narrow and you'll need to crouch or crawl through sections. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but mobility in confined spaces is required.

Is there a firing range?

Yes, there's an optional firing range at the site if you want to participate.

What should I bring?

Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and crouching. A light jacket is recommended between November and February.

What if I have dietary requirements?

Advise the operator at booking. Special meal accommodations may incur a surcharge.

Is WiFi available?

Yes, WiFi is available on board during transport.