Private Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple Tour from Saigon

Summary

Day Trip to Tay Ninh: History, Culture & Hidden Tunnels

You’ll step into Vietnam’s history on this private tour—watching midday prayers at the colorful Cao Dai Temple and crawling through secret wartime tunnels outside Saigon. Local food, real stories, and a friendly guide make it easy to connect with both past and present.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Saigon was already warm when our guide picked us up—he had that easy smile you see a lot here. We headed northwest, past rice paddies and roadside stalls selling jackfruit, toward Tay Ninh. The drive took about two hours, but it didn’t feel long; there’s always something to look at out the window—kids on bikes, women in conical hats balancing baskets of fruit.

We reached the Cao Dai Temple just before noon. It’s hard to describe the place until you see it: bright yellow walls, dragons curling around pillars, stained glass everywhere. Our guide explained how Cao Dai blends Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and even Christianity—it’s a real mix. The noon ceremony started right as we arrived. Inside, the air smelled faintly of incense and flowers. White-robed followers moved in slow lines while musicians played these soft gongs and wooden blocks. I’d never seen anything quite like it.

After lunch at a local spot (the tofu with lemongrass was surprisingly good), we drove to the Cu Chi Tunnels. There’s a short film first—old footage from the war days—then you actually get to crawl through part of the tunnels yourself. They’re tight and dark; I had to crouch low and shuffle along behind our guide. He pointed out little trapdoors and hidden rooms where people lived for months at a time. At one stop, we tried boiled tapioca dipped in crushed peanuts with hot pandan tea—the same snack soldiers ate back then. It’s simple but filling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple

• Visit Cao Dai Temple
• Attend noon Cao Dai ceremony
• Crawl through Cu Chi Tunnels
• Taste wartime local foods
• Watch Cu Chi Tunnels documentary

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes! Infants ride free with parents or two adults, and strollers or prams are welcome. There are also specialized infant seats available if needed.

How challenging is it to go inside the Cu Chi Tunnels?

The tunnels are narrow but optional—you can skip crawling if you prefer. Most visitors try at least a short section for the experience.

What should I wear or bring?

Light clothes and comfy shoes are best since you’ll be walking and crouching in tunnels. A bottle of water is included but bring extra if it’s hot.

Are meals included?

A local lunch is included as well as snacks (tapioca and tea) at Cu Chi Tunnels.

What’s included

Your day covers hotel pick-up/drop-off in central Saigon, all entrance fees, an English-speaking guide who really knows their stuff, lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water for each guest, plus that classic tapioca snack with pandan tea at Cu Chi Tunnels.