Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels: Speedboat & War History

One hour by speedboat from Saigon to the tunnels that changed a war

You travel by speedboat along the Saigon River to Cu Chi Tunnels, crawl through the underground network with your guide, eat a traditional lunch, and choose your own return stop: War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, or your hotel. Hotel pickup and all entry fees are included, so you don't arrange transport or tickets yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Speedboat trip and Cu Chi tunnels visit

• Board speedboat in Ho Chi Minh City
• Cruise along Saigon River to Cu Chi Tunnels
• Explore underground tunnel network
• See traps and crawl through tunnels
• Enjoy cassava snack at Cu Chi
• Return by speedboat to city
• Drop off at War Remnants Museum or Ben Thanh Market

The experience

The Saigon River opens in front of you at dawn, and the speedboat engine turns over. You're heading out from Ho Chi Minh City toward Cu Chi Tunnels. A one-hour cruise that takes you past the busy riverbanks, colonial villas, and the working life of the city before it all falls away. Your English-speaking guide is already pointing out landmarks, the water spray hitting your face, and you realize this isn't a bus ride with a dozen other tourists crammed into a minivan. It's faster, it's quieter, and the river route shows you a side of Saigon most visitors never see.

When you arrive at Cu Chi, the tunnels are right there: a 75-mile network that once sheltered fighters, stored weapons, and held field hospitals during the war. You crawl through the narrow passages yourself, crouch under the trap doors, and stand in the command centers carved into the earth. It's claustrophobic and strange and nothing like reading about it. Your guide walks you through the logic of it: the kitchens with their hidden chimneys, the storage rooms, the way the whole underground city was built to survive. After the tunnels, you eat cassava, the staple food soldiers ate here, and it tastes like nothing you expected, starchy and simple and somehow grounding.

The return trip is your choice. The speedboat can drop you at the War Remnants Museum if you want to keep going, or Ben Thanh Market if you'd rather see where locals actually shop, or straight back to your hotel in District 1. The whole day takes about six to seven hours from pickup to drop-off, and by the time you're back on the river heading home, you've moved through three different Saigons: the one on the water, the one underground, and the one waiting for you on the other side.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from centrally located hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, the one-hour speedboat cruise along the Saigon River, an experienced English-speaking guide, entry tickets to Cu Chi Tunnels, a set-menu lunch with cassava, mineral water throughout the day, and travel insurance. You'll return by speedboat and can choose to be dropped at the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, or your hotel in District 1.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by KIM TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Cu Chi Tunnels without arranging your own transport or tickets: the speedboat route also saves you from a long bus ride and gives you river views most day trips skip.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the speedboat ride to Cu Chi Tunnels?

One hour each way along the Saigon River.

What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transport, English-speaking guide, sightseeing tickets, lunch with set menu, mineral water, and travel insurance.

Do I have to crawl through the tunnels?

Yes, crawling through one of the tunnels is part of the experience, though the passages vary in tightness. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but it's not recommended for people with spinal injuries.

Where can I be dropped off on the return?

The War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, or your hotel in District 1.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes, vegetarian lunch is available if you request it at the time of booking.

What time does the tour start?

Hotel pickup times vary. Confirm your pickup window at booking.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves crawling and crouching in tunnels, but it's suitable for all fitness levels. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.