Aren’t to excited to uncover the underground city of Vietnam? Cu Chi Tunnels are a secret city built with all the required facilities. You can book a tour of this hidden colony with our well-curated Vietnam travel package. But before that here are all the details you need to know before your visit to Cu Chi Tunnels.
Considered one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, these tunnels will not only amaze you but also make you familiar with the country's history and how people survived during the war. These tunnels were originally built to establish communication between the villages and later turned into a home for many Vietnamese during the American War.
Exploring these narrow tunnels will be one of the most exciting things to do in Vietnam with your friends and family. Whether you want to uncover Cu Chi Tunnels' history, explore their significance in the Vietnam War, or immerse yourself in their haunted tales, this is a must-visit destination in Vietnam. So what are you waiting for? Let’s unravel the unique Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi tunnels.
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What are the Cu Chi Tunnels and Why Were They Built?
One of the most fascinating locations, Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam caters to something to everyone. Carrying millions of stories within this narrow underground city took around 25 years to build completely.
These tunnels were originally created for communication purposes among the villages. But later during the war, these tunnels were extended around 250 kilometres with all the basic facilities such as hospitals, living areas, ventilation and many more.
During the war against America, South Vietnamese soldiers used them as hideouts to protect themselves from the attack. These tunnels even helped the Viet Cong soldiers to launch surprise attacks on their enemies.
Today, there are around 100 tunnels that are open to the public through which you can not only uncover the Cu Chi Tunnels' history but also take you back in time. Visiting these tunnels will definitely raise a question in your mind: “What was life like for the people living in the Cu Chi Tunnels?”.
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Cu Chi Tunnels Entrance Fee
The Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee is approximately 90,000 - 110,000 VND per person. However, this ticket price does not include the guided tour or any other activities.
Cu Chi Tunnels Opening Hours
If you are seeking an answer to what are the opening hours of the Cu Chi Tunnels, then here it is. The Cu Chi Tunnels' opening hours start from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. It is advisable to visit here in the early morning or in the afternoon when the crowd is less.
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One surprising fact about these tunnels is that they existed before 1946, and were primarily used during the French Indochina War. However, the importance of Cu Chi Tunnels increased during the Vietnam War, and they expanded to over 250 kilometres.
Built with strategic planning that they were equipped with all the facilities, including weapon storage areas, hospitals, kitchens, and living spaces. Cu Chi Tunnels not only protected the Viet Cong but also became an asset for them.
It is amazing how local people using simple hand tools constructed these tunnels. These underground pathways connected villages, military bases, and key locations, allowing the Viet Cong to maintain control despite aerial bombings and enemy advances.
Cu Chi Tunnels featured multiple levels, with some reaching depths of up to 10 meters and 2 feet wide. This hiding place was strengthened with bamboo, wood, and clay to prevent any collapse. You can know all by asking your guide, “Tell me about the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam”, and he will answer you in detail.
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How Did the Cu Chi Tunnels Help the Viet Cong During the War?
Cu Chi Tunnels played an important role and helped the Viet Cong during the war. As it was used by the Viet Cong to conduct guerrilla warfare, facilitating surprise attacks and quick retreats. Designed with multiple layers which have many hidden trap doors and booby traps to fool the enemies.
The tunnels not only provided physical security to the Vietnamese people but also played a significant role psychologically. It created fear among the enemy troops that the Viet Cong could attack them from anywhere, as they were not able to find the hiding place.
People can use Cu Chi Tunnels not only for shelter but also for the transportation of food, weapons, air ventilation many more things. So that citizens can live here peacefully and survive the period of war.
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Things To Do In & Near Cu Chi Tunnels In Vietnam
1. Explore the Military Zone
One of the best things to do here is to look at the re-enacted Military Zones. The years of war from 1961 to 1972 were the most difficult times in the Vietnamese calendar. During the Chu Chi Tunnels tour in the zone is divided into three sections that display the life of the guerrilla soldiers and the locals of the Cu Chi district during wartime.
2. Feel the Rush: Shoot Guns & Play Paintball
Here you can try fun shooting activities like gun shooting and paintball. These exciting adventures take place in Vietnam, adding a thrill to your visit. You get to experience both historical insights and thrilling entertainment.
Gun shooting lets you feel like a soldier from the past, while paintball shooting adds a modern twist to the experience. So, if you're up for some adventure activities in Vietnam, don't miss out on the chance to try gun shooting and paintball shooting here.
- Average Cost: 50.000 VND/- per person
- Duration: 60 Minutes
3. Cool Off: Swim Near Ben Duoc Tunnels
Swimming in the pool at Ben Duoc Tunnels is a refreshing and enjoyable experience. The water feels cool and inviting, creating a pleasant escape from the Vietnamese heat. Surrounded by lush greenery, the pool provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation.
It's a perfect way to unwind after exploring the historic tunnels, offering a unique blend of adventure and leisure. Whether you're floating on the water or taking a leisurely swim, the pool at Ben Duoc Tunnels adds a delightful touch to your visit.
- Tickets For The Swimming Pool: 20.000 VND/- per person
4. Enjoy the Water: Swan Pedal Boats & Kayaking
Offering one of the most amazing experiences, Swan Pedal, Kayaking, where you can explore the nearby waters through these tunnels. From these underwaters, there is a hidden entrance to the tunnels from where people used to enter. Besides that, now people can explore the waters of 3 islands, i.e. Bach Long V,i Hoang Sa, Trung Sa, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc. Here you can not only relax your mind but also feel the smooth air surrounded by the lush greenery, which makes it one of the best locations for boating.
5. Ride Around: Single & Double Bicycles Available
Generally picked by the youth visitors, here you can explore the scenic beauty of Single as well as Double Bicycles. You can take a single bicycle with your friends and race with them. Or you can sit with your loved ones behind you on a bicycle and pedal with them in sync.
Spend some quality time with your loved ones in the tents, where you can also take part in numerous group activities. Here you can also make some new friends while playing some fun games in the group. You can pack some sandwiches and chips while sitting near the East Sea.
7. Adventure Awaits: Try the Zipline
For all thrill seekers, get ready to attach the harness and glide on the rope to get panoramic views of the area. As you slide on the ropes, you will feel the adrenaline rush in your veins, which will definitely make your visit here worthwhile. The activity is conducted under the supervision of well-trained professionals, which will make you feel safe and secure.
8.Challenge Yourself: Tree Top Adventures
One of the must-try adventurous activities is the Tree Top Challenges, in which you will cross the shaky bridge attached to the trees, hop on the tyres and many more things. These activities will definitely challenge your adventurous soul, where you feel the excitement as well as the adrenaline rush.
9. Unleash Your Inner Tarzan
If the above adventurous activities are not enough for you, why don’t you take the challenge of free-falling from a height of 8 meters? You will be hanging with the harness rope against gravity and take an existing leap. Your veins will be filled with an adrenaline rush, which will surely fulfil your hunger for thrill.
Horror Stories from the Cu Chi Tunnels
Built with numerous caves, Cu Chi Tunnels each have a different story to tell you. You will feel thrilled, as many people who have visited the place before have experienced paranormal activities.
Many people here claim to have heard whispers and footsteps echoing in empty sections, while others have felt sudden drops in temperature.
One of the famous paranormal stories is about the Viet Cong soldier who disappeared inside the Cu Chi Tunnels. Later, people found his skeleton holding his rifle in these tunnels. This incident amazed many, not only locals but also people who came from all over the world.
Local guides believe that the spirits of those who died in Cu Chi Tunnels still stay here to protect this historic site. It doesn’t matter whether you believe in ghosts or not; visiting this underground city makes you believe in them.
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How To Reach Cu Chi Tunnels
The tunnels are located about 60 kilometres (37 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. So if you are wondering how do I get to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City, then here are the options from which you can choose:
- By Public Bus: Take Bus No 13 to Cu Chi Bus Station and take Bus No 79, which will drop you near the tunnels. It will take approximately 2-3 hours to reach your destination.
- By Private Shuttle: Take direct shuttles from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which will take around 1.30 hours to 2 hours to reach here.
- By Private Car or Taxi: You can hire a private taxi or cab from anywhere and reach the tunnels within 1-2 hours.
- By Motorbike: If you are a thrill seeker and travelling alone, then you can reach here via motorbike within around 2 hours using Highway 22.
Places to Eat at Cu Chi Tunnels
After taking a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, you can relax for a bit in the places to eat here. The premises have 2 fully functional restaurants. Ben Duoc Restaurant & Ben Dinh Restaurant, where you can try out the traditional and authentic food of Vietnam, which will not only fulfil your tummy but also your heart.
Tips for Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Wear comfortable clothes as you need to crawl in the tunnels.
- It is recommended to use proper moisturiser on your skin as you will be underground in the middle of dust and dirt.
- Book your guided tour that can provide you the insights about the tunnels.
- It is advisable to carry a flashlight so that you can see the darkest part of the tunnels.
