Cu Chi Tunnels: Speedboat Day Trip & War-Era Lunch

Summary

Cu Chi tunnels speedboat trip with war stories and local flavors

You’ll cruise from Saigon by speedboat to reach Cu Chi Tunnels before most crowds arrive, crawl through real wartime passages with a local guide sharing personal stories, sample cassava lunch just like they did during the war years, and choose where you’re dropped off back in town. Expect some dust on your clothes—and maybe on your thoughts too.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the river — wide and brown and a little noisy, with our speedboat bouncing past tiny fishing boats and people waving from the banks. It’s not quiet, but there’s something calming about the way Saigon hums behind you as you head for the Cu Chi Tunnels. Our guide, Minh, handed out wet tissues (which I didn’t realize I’d need until later) and pointed out a floating market that looked like it might tip over if one more watermelon was added. The ride took about an hour, but it felt quick — maybe because Minh kept telling us stories about his uncle during the war, or maybe because I was too busy watching the city fade into green.

At Cu Chi, everything changed. The air smelled like earth and smoke — not unpleasant, just real. We watched this old 3D movie about the tunnels (honestly, it was kind of scratchy but weirdly gripping), then Minh showed us a tunnel entrance so small I thought he was joking. He wasn’t. Crawling inside was… well, tight is an understatement. My shirt got dusty and someone behind me started laughing when I tried to back out too fast. There were trapdoors everywhere, some so cleverly hidden you’d never spot them unless someone pointed them out — which Minh did, grinning like he’d set them himself.

I didn’t expect to eat cassava for lunch — apparently it’s what people survived on during the war here — dipped in this salty peanut stuff and served with hot tea that tasted faintly smoky. It sounds simple but honestly? After all that crawling around underground, it hit the spot. There’s a shooting range if you want to try firing an M16 (I skipped it; too jumpy), but some folks in our group gave it a go and came back with huge grins and ringing ears.

On the way back to Saigon, I sat by the window just watching the river again. The sun was lower now and everything looked softer somehow. Minh offered to drop us at Ben Thanh Market or back at our hotel — we picked the market because why not? Even now, sometimes when things get too quiet at home, I remember that earthy smell in the tunnels or how Minh laughed when I almost got stuck underground. Not sure what else to say except: if you’re curious about Vietnam’s past (and don’t mind getting a bit dirty), this day trip is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels full-day tour

• Speedboat cruise along Saigon River
• View Saigon streets and riverbanks
• Watch 3D movie on Vietnam War
• Discover underground tunnel system
• Try tiny tunnel hiding entrance
• Explore maze of tunnels and facilities
• Watch documentary on tunnel strategy
• Crawl into the tunnel
• Optional M16 rifle shooting
• Eat cassava, popular war food
• Return by speedboat
• Drop off at War Remnants Museum or Ben Thanh Market or hotel

Top questions

How long does the Cu Chi Tunnels day trip take?

The full-day tour lasts around 7–8 hours including travel time by speedboat from Saigon.

Is lunch included on the Cu Chi Tunnels speedboat tour?

Yes, lunch is included—typically featuring cassava as eaten during wartime plus Vietnamese dishes (vegan options available).

Are hotel pickups provided for this tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Districts 1, 3, and 4 of Ho Chi Minh City.

Can you go inside the tunnels at Cu Chi?

Yes—you’ll have a chance to crawl through parts of the tunnel system with guidance from your local guide.

Is there an option to fire weapons at Cu Chi Tunnels?

You can try firing an M16 rifle at a shooting site for an extra fee (optional).

What language does the guide speak?

An experienced English-speaking guide leads the tour.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes—vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested in advance.

Where does the tour end?

You can be dropped off at Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum or your hotel in District 1 depending on your preference.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Saigon districts, entry fees for Cu Chi Tunnels, bottled water and wet tissues (trust me—you’ll use them), Vietnamese lunch with cassava and hot tea (vegan options if needed), plus travel insurance and return transport by luxury speedboat or bus depending on your choice at booking.