Ho Chi Minh: Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip with Pickup & Local Food

Summary

Cu Chi Tunnels history day trip from Ho Chi Minh with local food

You’ll leave Ho Chi Minh early and head out past rice fields to Cu Chi Tunnels with a local guide who knows all the stories. Crawl through real tunnels, see hidden bunkers, try guerrilla-era cassava with hot tea, and take in the quiet countryside before heading back — it’s not just history, it feels personal.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — a low hum of scooters fading as we left Ho Chi Minh behind, replaced by birds and the distant splash of water buffalo in muddy paddies. Our guide, Minh, pointed out a lacquer workshop on the way; I still remember the smell of varnish mixed with morning air. It’s strange how peaceful everything looked, knowing what happened here.

At Cu Chi Tunnels, we watched this old documentary in a shaded hut — black-and-white footage, voices crackling. Minh didn’t rush us. He answered every question (even my awkward ones about the traps) and shared little stories his grandfather told him. Crawling into one of those narrow tunnels was… well, honestly claustrophobic. My shirt caught on the rough earth wall and for a second I just froze, thinking about people living down there for months. It’s hard to picture until you feel it.

Afterward, we sat on wooden benches drinking hot tea and eating steamed cassava — apparently “guerrilla food.” Not my usual breakfast but somehow comforting after being underground. Minh showed us how to dip it in peanuts and salt; he laughed when I coughed on the tea (too hot). The whole group got quiet for a moment, just listening to cicadas and looking at each other like — wow, that really happened here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour

• 7:30 am pick up from District 1
• Visit lacquer workshop en route
• Watch documentary film
• Visit command center
• Enjoy steamed tapioca and hot tea
• Discover Hoang Cam smoke-less stove
• Explore bunkers and booby traps
• Optional shooting experience
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Top questions

How long does the Cu Chi Tunnels day trip from Ho Chi Minh take?

The tour lasts about 7 hours total, starting at 7:30 am and finishing around 2:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

What food is served during the Cu Chi Tunnels tour?

You’ll try steamed tapioca (cassava) with hot tea — traditional food eaten during wartime.

Can you go inside the actual tunnels?

Yes, you can crawl through parts of the real Cu Chi tunnel system during the tour.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this day trip?

Yes, a professional English-speaking guide leads the group throughout the visit.

Are entrance fees to Cu Chi Tunnels included?

All entrance tickets are included in your tour price.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No full lunch is provided; you’ll have tapioca and tea as a snack at Cu Chi.

Can children or infants join this day trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; some areas may not be suitable for all ages or health conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, all entry tickets to Cu Chi Tunnels, bottled water for the drive out past rice paddies, an English-speaking guide who shares family stories along the way, plus a snack of steamed cassava with hot tea before heading back in the afternoon.