Private Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Afternoon Tour
Description
Just 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City lies one of Vietnam’s most remarkable wartime relics—the Cu Chi Tunnels. This massive underground network stretches over 250 km and once connected hidden living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Originally dug by hand in the 1940s during the resistance against the French, the tunnels were later expanded in the 1960s–70s during the Vietnam War (also known as the "American War"). They became a fully functioning underground city, complete with trapdoors, ventilation systems, and supply routes used by Vietnamese revolutionary forces. On this immersive tour, you'll crawl through narrow passageways, discover hidden bunkers, and hear incredible stories of resilience and survival. It’s a powerful journey into the past—one that offers a unique glimpse into how these tunnels helped shape Vietnam’s fight for independence.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After meeting your guide, leave the busy streets of Saigon on a 1.5 hour drive to Cu Chi district. You will be taken through the typical countryside of southern Vietnam. On arrival, the visit starts with a short video documentary before spending the next 3 hours exploring the Ben Dinh section of the tunnels. You will learn more about the history, incredible tenacity and ingenuity of the Cu Chi inhabitants. More adventurous travelers will have the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels and to fire off some rounds from AK-47 or M-16 assault rifles at the shooting range. Taste traditional boiled tapioca and hot tea before heading back to Saigon.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer Door to Door Pickup & Drop off: within Ho Chi Minh City for travelers stay in district 1, 2, 3, 4,7. If your hotel is not listed in the hotels, please inform us your hotel's address for pick up.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Reviews(15)
Although there is a lot of driving it was interesting to watch the views change from city to country. The museum of the tunnels and history surrounding the area was very interesting and informative.
Dear Maria S, Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you found the drive enjoyable and interesting as the scenery changed from the city to the countryside. It’s also great to hear that the tunnel museum and the historical background of the area were informative and worthwhile for you. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
first time in vietnam i really like to explore history, so i was advised to choose the cu chi tour. everything was beyond my expectations, i could see all the relics that the vietnamese army actually used during the war. i also tried to experience going inside the tunnels and shooting guns, to better understand their life during the war highlight for me was watching the documentary, it was really touching. the trip left me with a lot of emotions and beautiful memories, i rate 10/10 for the way they organized the tour
Dear Maps57278867387, Thank you so much for sharing your first experience in Vietnam with us! 🌿 We’re delighted the Cu Chi tour gave you such meaningful insights into the country’s history. From exploring the tunnels to watching the documentary, it’s wonderful to hear that each part left such a strong impression. Your 10/10 rating means the world to us — we hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable journeys in Vietnam!
We had a great afternoon exploring the tunnels with our guide, Tam. He was very knowledgeable and shared the history of the war. We stopped about halfway there at the most incredible handicapped handicraft workshop where Vietnamese artists create amazing masterpieces using shells and egg shells. These artists are most handicapped because of the result of the pesticides used during the war and the crops that grew after. It was also a good time for a restroom and snack break. At the tunnels, we had the opportunity to go into the tunnels themselves, shown how to use an entryway to conceal yourself, the variety of booby traps and even eat the tapioca that was the main diet of the Viet Cong while they were in the tunnels. There is an opportunity to shoot guns as well if you want. Be prepared for quite a long car ride even though the distance isn’t too far the traffic is astonishing. It was a great experience.
Dear Matthew_R, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed review. We’re glad you had a great afternoon exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels with Tam – he’ll be happy to hear your kind words. The stop at the handicraft workshop is always an eye-opening experience, and it’s wonderful that you appreciated the incredible work of the artists there. The tunnels themselves are definitely unforgettable, and it sounds like you made the most of every part of the visit, from learning about the booby traps to tasting the tapioca. Yes, the traffic in and out of Saigon can be quite something, but we’re happy to hear it was worth it for you. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back on another journey in Vietnam one day!
My partner and I came to Vietnam for the first time and experienced visiting Cu Chi. I was very impressed with the historical stories and inside the tunnels, the shooting was also great. I highly recommend the tour because everything was very thoughtful, transportation was comfortable, the guide told good stories, helping me have a new perspective on Vietnam and Vietnamese history. 10/10
Dear Passport40390889481, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're honored to have been part of your first trip to Vietnam. It’s wonderful to hear that Cu Chi left such a strong impression and that you enjoyed both the history and the unique experiences. Hope to welcome you back soon for more meaningful journeys.
It was amazing! John Wick (Phu) , our tour guide was excellent and our driver Huy was great. We really enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
Dear Dreamer17160108815, Thank you for your enthusiastic review! We're thrilled that you had an amazing time exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels with John Wick (Phu) and our fantastic driver Huy. Phu is known for his energy and passion, and Huy always ensures a smooth and safe ride. We're so glad they made your afternoon both informative and enjoyable. Hope to see you again on another journey soon! Warm regards, The Ginkgo Voyage Team
The Tour was really interesting and gave us many Information about the history. Our guide Tam spoke perfect english and explained everything very well to us!
We booked this tour short notice (about 5 hours prior) and the team was very responsive and accommodating. The tour guide was a fountain of knowledge and sharing, with really interesting stories to share. Make sure you climb through the tunnels for a bit of a confronting experience. And ask for Roy as a guide - he was great.
Roy was our guide for the your - and took us on an amazing journey. His general knowledge was very impressive. We have learnt a lot about Vietnam’a history and culture. A must do - and do try to get Roy as your guide.
Our tour guide, Jun, gave us a very thorough history lesson on Vietnam during the drive to the tunnels & did a great job of explaining everything as we walked around the site. Really enjoyed his service & company.
Brilliant guide who was a wealth of information. Private and personalized and doing in the afternoon meant no crowds. The only way to do the tunnels.
