Cu Chi Tunnels: Small Group Tour & Saigon River Transfer

Summary

Cu Chi Tunnels early access tour with riverside lunch and local stories

You’ll start your day in Saigon with a small group and local guide, gliding up the river before exploring Cu Chi Tunnels ahead of big crowds. Crawl through real tunnels, taste cassava root, hear personal stories from your guide’s family history, then share lunch by the water before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.

What’s the experience like?

"You sure you’re not claustrophobic?" That’s what our guide, Linh, asked right before we ducked into the first tunnel. I laughed — but honestly, my heart was thumping a bit. The air down there is thick and earthy, almost sweet with roots and old dust. My knees scraped clay as we shuffled behind Linh’s flashlight beam. She kept tossing out little facts — like how the Viet Cong used sandals made from old tires — but it was her stories about her grandfather that stuck most. I didn’t expect to feel so much just crawling through those narrow spaces.

The morning started early in Saigon, where we met at the water bus station. There was this light breeze off the river, carrying a smell of diesel mixed with something floral (jasmine maybe?). Our group was small — just eight of us — so it felt more like tagging along with friends than being herded around. We zipped past traffic on the boat, watching fishermen cast nets and kids waving from wooden houses on stilts. It’s funny how close city noise is to all this quiet green countryside.

By the time we reached Cu Chi Tunnels, big tour buses hadn’t arrived yet. Linh led us straight to a shady spot for sticky rice cakes and strong coffee (I probably should’ve skipped that second cup). The propaganda video they showed was grainy and weirdly cheerful — “glorious resistance” and all that — but Linh gave us context without sugarcoating anything. Later, she handed me a chunk of boiled cassava root; it tasted plain but strangely comforting after hearing how people survived on so little for years.

Lunch by the river was loud with cicadas and clinking chopsticks. We shared spring rolls and soup while Linh pointed out birds in the reeds. I still think about that view sometimes — muddy water sliding past banana trees, sunlight flickering off tin roofs in the distance. On the ride back to Ho Chi Minh City, I just leaned back and let myself drift for a while. It’s not every day you get to crawl through history like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long does the Cu Chi Tunnels tour take?

The tour lasts about half a day, starting around 9:00 am at Cu Chi Tunnels and returning after lunch by 11:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you stay in District 1 or 3 of Ho Chi Minh City.

What food is included on this Cu Chi Tunnels day trip?

The tour includes breakfast snacks like sticky rice cakes plus a traditional Vietnamese lunch with spring rolls, chicken, beef dishes, soup, and cassava root tasting.

Are there vegetarian or special meal options?

You can request specific dietary requirements when booking; extra charges may apply for special meals.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The maximum group size is 14 guests for a more personal experience.

Do you actually go inside the Cu Chi tunnels?

Yes, you’ll have the chance to crawl inside authentic Viet Cong tunnels during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap or in a stroller.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

A light jacket is recommended between November and February; comfortable clothes are best since you’ll be moving around outside.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central districts of Ho Chi Minh City, breakfast snacks plus a riverside Vietnamese lunch with cassava tasting, unlimited refreshments and local fruits throughout the trip, WiFi onboard transport between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels, all entry fees covered, and guidance from an internationally licensed local expert who shares family stories along the way.