Cu Chi Tunnels – Immense Underground System in Vietnam

Cu Chi Tunnels, during Vietnam War in the 1940s, is a ten-thousand miles of elaborate work of underground construction underneath Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. It was firstly used as hideouts, living quarters and supply routes for communist guerrilla troops to combat American force.

Overview of Cu Chi Tunnels

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, including Sundays and public holidays, Tet.

Entrance ticket:

• Adults: 35,000 VND/person (for Vietnamese visitors), 70,000 VND/person (for foreign visitors).
• Children from 7 to 16 years old, pupils, and students: 50% discount compared to the adult ticket price.
• People with disabilities, children under 7 years old, officers and soldiers of the armed forces, the elderly, people who have contributed to the revolution, poor households: Free entrance ticket.
• Ticket to visit the Reenactment Area of the Liberated Zone of Cu Chi: 85,000 VND/person/turn.

A Little about History of Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels were a strategic base associated with the resistance war against the French during the period from 1946 to 1948. This construction helped soldiers hide, store weapons and personal belongings, and wait for the opportunity to counterattack. The tunnels were connected to each other, forming an interconnected system.

The construction was firmly reinforced and elaborately designed, showing the technical sophistication and the strong fighting will of our people. At that time, the Cu Chi Tunnels were a safe stronghold, protecting the leaders of Saigon – Gia Dinh, achieving many resounding victories, contributing to the reunification of the country.

Up to the present time, the Cu Chi Tunnels historical site is one of the 6 famous man-made works in the world. In addition, this place is also in the top 7 strangest destinations in the Southeast Asia region, attracting a large number of tourists.

The Cu Chi Tunnels system once stretched across 6 communes, and is now preserved in two main areas: Ben Duoc Tunnels and Ben Dinh Tunnels.

Structure of Cu Chi Tunnels

The construction of the complete Cu Chi Tunnels system is the result of more than 20 years of persistent labor by many generations. The tunnels were only dug with hoes and soil scoops, with low height, just enough for one person to move. The entrances and exits between the tunnel levels were camouflaged with secret trapdoors. The tunnel doors were designed to be narrow, suitable for the physique of Vietnamese people, making it very difficult for American soldiers to approach.

The entire Cu Chi Tunnels have a total length of about 250 km, divided into 3 different depth levels:

• The highest level is 3 meters from the ground surface, able to withstand artillery shells and the weight of tanks/armored vehicles.
• The middle level is about 5–6 meters from the ground surface, able to resist small-sized bombs.
• The deepest level is 10–12 meters from the ground surface, extremely safe, capable of withstanding the destructive power of the strongest bombs of the US military.

How To Get To Cu Chi Tunnels

You will find it easy to travel to Cu Chi Tunnels as it is 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 hours.

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

The bus is not only convenient but also the cheapest way to get to Cu Chi Tunnels. To get there, travelers should get on 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. 

• Price: $0.25 per trip
• Operating hours: from 05:00 AM to 08:30 PM.
• Frequency: every 15–20 minutes.

Getting around

The reserve area is quite wide so it is advised that tourists, especially young and senior tourists should take the electric car for $0.25/ride.

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

What is Inside Cu Chi Tunnels?

Underground Facilities

There are many types of rooms built underneath the ground including: weapon storage, meeting room, kitchen, etc. 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.

Reenactment Area of the War Zone

The Reenactment Area of the War Zone is built in a small bunker near the ground surface. Inside is a large projection screen along with simple chairs. Here, visitors will watch valuable war footage, recording the entire scenes of daily life and combat of our army and people.

Hoang Cam Kitchen

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

War-time Meal Experience

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

Shooting Range Experience

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

Additional Activities

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