One of the popular activities in Vietnam for tourists to do is learn about the Vietnam War by visiting the war museums and sites around the country. Part of the history of the Vietnam War is the famous Vietnam tunnels that were used during the war. There are a number of these tunnels around the country but are the Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting?
Yes, the Cu Chi Tunnels are worth visiting especially if you are a war buff. A tour guide will walk you through the woods to the tunnels where you can explore the tunnels with the tour guide. You will see the deadly traps and weapons that were used during the war as part of the tour. There is also a shooting range and museum.
In this post, we will go through the Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting. Let’s get started!
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What Are The Cu Chi Tunnels?
The tunnels of Củ Chi were built by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam war. These tunnels played a major role for the Viet Cong during the war to supply, plan, and carry out military operations against American forces. The Củ Chi tunnels are a huge underground network of tunnels and bunkers.
Where Are Cu Chi Tunnels Located?
The Củ Chi tunnels are located around 75 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Min City (Saigon).
Are The Cu Chi Tunnels Worth Visiting?
The Cu Chi Tunnels are worth visiting especially if you are a war buff. It will take a full day to get to the tunnels from Saigon and then go exploring the tunnels. And of course to return back.
At the tunnels, a tour guide will walk you through the woods to the tunnels where you can explore the tunnels with your tour guide. Where the tour guide will explain the history of the tunnels.
Remember the tunnels are very small and humid, so you need to bring plenty of water. You will also see the deadly traps and weapons that were built by the Viet Cong and used during the war. There is also a museum and shooting range but the shooting range is very expensive.
Are The Cu Chi Tunnels Claustrophobia?
The Cu Chi tunnels are built for people with small frames. Some sections have been widened for people with bigger frames but it is still dark, humid, and small.
Yes, it can be claustrophobic, and if that is an issue you should avoid going into the tunnels as you do not want a claustrophobic panic attack while in the tunnels.
Cu Chi Tunnels Opening Times
There are 2 entrances to the Cu Chi tunnels. The first one is the Ben Duoc which is around 30 minutes further away from Saigon. The other is Ben Dinh which can be very busy with tourists because it is nearer to Saigon.
The 2 entrances have the same opening times but have different admission prices. The opening times are daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The entrance fee for 110,000 VND per person in Ben Dinh and 90,000 VND per person in Ben Duoc.
How To Get To The Cu Chi Tunnels?
There are a number of ways to get to the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam. These are as follows.
- Use a private group tour.
- Get to Cu Chi tunnels by moped or car.
- Get a taxi to Cu Chi tunnels.
- Use a public bus to get to the Cu Chi tunnels.
- Get to the Cu Chi tunnels by boat.
Use A Private Group Tour
Booking a private group tour is the easiest and best way to get to the Cu Chi tunnels. There are plenty of tour companies around Bui Vien Street or online. This is not the cheapest but is stress-free plus you will have several choices such as a minibus, car, and more.
Get To Cu Chi Tunnels By Moped Or Car
If you plan on getting there by moped or car it will take about 90 minutes or longer to get to Ben Dinh. This does involve a bit of planning to get there and confidence to drive in Vietnam.
Get A Taxi To Cu Chi Tunnels
You can get a taxi to the Cu Chi Tunnels but while this is stress-free it is very expensive. You should remember that it is 75 km from Saigon and then there is the trip back plus the driver waiting for you while you are exploring the tunnels. This could cost over $100.
Get To The Cu Chi Tunnels By Boat
You can get to the tunnels by boat this is not the fastest way but there are a few boat tour operators that will take you to the Cu Chi tunnels.
Get To The Cu Chi Tunnels By Public Bus
Using a public bus to get to the Cu Chi tunnels is an option. This is properly the cheapest option but takes between 2 to 3 hours. You need to take two buses which are 13 and 79 to get to Ben Duoc.
The first bus 13 leaves near the backpacker area to the Cu Chi bus station. And then you take the second bus 79 towards Ben Duoc. This leaves you near the front of the tunnel entrance, a short walk to the tunnel ticket counter.
Quick Cu Chi Tunnels Tips
- If claustrophobia affects you, it is advisable not to enter the tunnels as they are small and humid.
- You should wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be doing a good bit of walking.
- You should use sunscreen and insect spray because you will be out in the sun and the woods for a couple of hours.
- Bring plenty of water as it gets very hot in the tunnels and the jungle.
- Dress in comfortable clothes that you do not mind if it gets dirty because you go underground.
- The shooting range is pricey.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, the Cu Chi Tunnels are worth visiting especially if you are a war buff. The tour guide will walk you through the woods to the tunnels where you can explore the tunnels with your tour guide. You do need to bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide is the Cu Chi Tunnels worth visiting has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.