Cu Chi Tunnels: Speedboat Day Trip & River Lunch from Saigon

Summary

Speedboat ride to Cu Chi Tunnels with early access and riverside meal

You’ll cruise from Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat with a local guide, beat the crowds for a quieter tunnel walk, sample cassava like wartime soldiers did, and share a riverside Vietnamese lunch before heading back. Expect moments of silence underground, honest stories from your guide, and maybe even laughter over lunch if you try pronouncing “canh chua.”

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t go quite as planned — I spilled coffee on my shirt right before heading to Bach Dang pier. So there I was, a little damp, standing with our small group as the speedboat pulled up. The air on the Saigon River felt sticky but fresh, and I could smell something sweet from one of the fruit stalls nearby. Our guide, Huy, grinned and handed me a wet wipe (lifesaver). He started chatting about how the river’s quieter in the mornings — he was right. We passed fishermen waving at us, and for a second it felt like we were sneaking out of the city before anyone else woke up.

The ride itself was smooth — just enough wind to keep things cool but not wild enough to lose your hat. Huy pointed out some old French buildings along the banks, then told this story about his grandfather during the war. It got quiet after that; you could hear nothing but water slapping the hull and birds somewhere in the trees. Arriving at Cu Chi Tunnels before all those big tour buses meant it was almost silent except for cicadas buzzing. That first step onto dry land — it smelled earthy and a bit smoky from someone’s cooking fires nearby.

I didn’t expect to actually crawl through one of those tunnels (I’m not exactly built for tight spaces), but somehow Huy convinced me — “Just try a short bit,” he said, laughing when I hesitated at the entrance. Inside, it was dark and cooler than outside; you could feel how rough the walls were under your hands. When we came out again, Huy offered us cassava root with salt and peanuts — honestly, it tasted better than I thought it would, maybe because I was hungry or maybe because he explained how it kept people alive here for years.

Lunch by the river was simple but perfect: rice, grilled pork, some kind of tangy soup I still can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried). Sitting there watching boats drift past while everyone swapped stories felt oddly peaceful after crawling around underground all morning. On the way back toward Ho Chi Minh City, I caught myself thinking about those tunnels — how close everything felt down there, how much history is packed into that red earth. It stays with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon River Cruise

• Arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels site
• Watch introductory propaganda video
• Explore tunnel site and exhibitions
• Navigate authentic Viet Cong tunnel
• Visit underground bunkers and firing range
• Try local cassava root
• Enjoy traditional Vietnamese lunch by river
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City
• Cruise on Saigon River to see local life

Top questions

How far are Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?

About 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.

Is pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels speedboat tour?

Yes, pickup is included at Bach Dang pier (Saigon Waterbus Station).

What food is served on this day trip?

A traditional Vietnamese set lunch is served by the river; cassava root snack is also included.

Do you actually enter the tunnels on this tour?

Yes, you can crawl through an authentic section of Viet Cong tunnel if you wish.

Are guides local experts?

Yes, tours are led by professional guides licensed internationally with local knowledge.

What time do we arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels?

Around 9:15 am—before most large bus tours arrive.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

It’s suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included in the price?

Entry fees to Cu Chi Tunnels, speedboat transfer, unlimited refreshments and fruit, bakery cake snack, lunch by the river.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Saigon Waterbus Station by speedboat, entry to Cu Chi Tunnels with an expert guide leading you through exhibitions and tunnels themselves; unlimited refreshments plus fresh local fruits on board; a taste of cassava root at the site; Sugar Town bakery cake; and finally a traditional Vietnamese set lunch by the river before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in early afternoon.