Cu Chi Tunnels: Small Group Tour with Pickup & Tunnel Crawl

Summary

Cu Chi Tunnels day trip with local stories, tunnels, snacks

You’ll crawl through real Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City with a small group and local guide, watch a wartime documentary in the forest, try boiled cassava with hot tea just like locals did during the war, and see hidden kitchens and trapdoors up close. Expect honest stories and some laughter along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — earthy and a bit damp, like wet leaves after rain. Our guide, Minh, clapped his hands to get us together by the old army truck parked under the trees. He had this way of telling stories that made even the birds go quiet for a second. We watched a short film in a shaded hut (the benches creaked every time someone shifted) about what happened here during the war. I didn’t expect to feel that heavy so early in the day.

Walking through the forest, Minh pointed out tiny trapdoor covers half-hidden by leaves. He grinned and dared us to squeeze into one — I tried it (not gracefully), and everyone laughed when my backpack got stuck. The tunnels themselves were smaller than I’d imagined; crawling inside felt strange, close and muffled, like being underwater but warmer. It’s hard to picture people living down there for years. Every so often we’d stop at these underground rooms — command posts or kitchens — and Minh would explain how they cooked without smoke giving them away. There was this Hoang Cam kitchen; you could smell faint charcoal if you leaned in.

I still think about that moment we sat on low wooden stools and tried boiled cassava with hot tea — apparently what the VC ate most days. It’s plain but oddly comforting after all that crawling around. Someone asked Minh if he ever gets tired of telling these stories; he just smiled and said, “Some things are too important to forget.” After that we wandered back toward the van, shoes dusty and legs sore but heads kind of full.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cu Chi Tunnels and History

• Watch 3D documentary video
• Discover underground tunnel system
• Try tiny tunnel entrance
• Explore maze of tunnels and traps
• Visit underground bunkers and facilities
• Explore forest and watch strategic documentary
• Crawl into tunnel
• Try cassava food

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels?

It usually takes about 1.5 hours by minivan from central Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Districts 1, 3, and 4 of Ho Chi Minh City.

Can you actually crawl inside the tunnels on this tour?

Yes, you can crawl into sections of the tunnels as part of the experience.

What food do you try at Cu Chi Tunnels?

You’ll be offered boiled cassava (tapioca) with Vietnamese hot tea during your visit.

Is this small group or private tour?

This is a small group tour of Cu Chi Tunnels.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to tunnel crawling.

What’s included

Your morning or afternoon includes hotel pickup from central districts in Ho Chi Minh City by air-conditioned minivan, all entry fees at Cu Chi Tunnels, an experienced English-speaking guide throughout your visit, bottled water plus wet tissues for cleanup after crawling around underground bunkers, a taste of boiled tapioca with Vietnamese hot tea (just like during wartime), travel insurance coverage while on tour, wheat cake snack along the way, and drop-off back in District 1 when you’re done.