Cu Chi Tunnels – Immense Underground System in Vietnam

A Little about History of Cu Chi Tunnels

Tunnels were actually dug by hand and the ceilings were designed to withstand booms. During the war, American sent out “tunnel rats” to scout Vietnamese troop hideouts.

Cu Chi Tunnels is a place to commemorate of Vietnamese men and women had sacrifice themselves to protect their home country, about 3.1 million people had died there including soldiers and civilians.

Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels

When taking the first glance of the tunnels, the site alone paint a chilling but captivating picture of what fighting in Vietnam War was like.

As the tunnels were formerly used as Vietnamese soldiers hideouts and supply routes, the space between the tunnels is quite narrow. Although the routes have been expanded recently to fit Western travelers, tourists will have to bend down, or even crawl on the ground to get through 120 meters of visiting site.  

There are many types of rooms built underneath the ground including: weapon storage, meeting room, kitchen,…Along the way, you will find yourself stunted by how resourceful and engineering Vietnamese fighters were by witnessing the booby traps swarming the ground from floor traps, armpit traps to even door traps.

Particularly, the underground Hoang Cam kitchen is considered one of the most creative invention to hide the smoking from the enemy. 

Tourists will also have a chance to enjoy simple meal during war-time like every soldier had, cassava with bean salt. 

At the end of the tunnels, there is a stimulate fire ground where tourists can actually experience the feeling of the war. Tourists can actual fire an AK-47 rifle on a firing range.

There are many entertaining sports such as paint ball combating, kayaking, camping and bicycle riding are provided but the fee will not be included in the entrance ticket. 

How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels

You will find it easy to travel to Cu Chi Tunnels as it is only about 70 kilometers away from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. It is possible to either grab a taxi or take the bus from Ben Thanh Market. The ride should take approximately one and a half hour.

• By taxi: Cu Chi Tunnels is well-known for every driver so all you need to do is tell the driver that you want to visit Cu Chi Tunnels they will immediately understand. Taxi fee is around $25 for a one-way ride.
• By bus: Bus is not only convenient but also the cheapest way to get to Cu Chi Tunnels. To get there, travelers should get on the bus number 13 from Ben Thanh Market to Cu Chi bus station. Then, from Cu Chi bus station, take the bus number 79, it will take you straight to the gate of the attraction. Bus ticket can be bought on bus and the price is $0.25 for each turn. All the buses start running at 05:00 AM and the last turn is at 08:30 PM, there is a bus every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Getting around the site: The reserve area is quite wide so it is advised that tourist, especially young and senior tourists should take the electrical car for $0.25/ride.

English-speaking tour guides are always available to give tourist the best understanding of the historical story and experience.