Cu Chi Tunnel Tour: Journey Into Vietnam’s Underground World

About an hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City lies one of Vietnam’s most fascinating historical sites—the Cu Chi Tunnels. At first glance, it’s just peaceful countryside with tall trees and red earth paths. But beneath the surface lies an extraordinary network of tunnels that once served as a lifeline for soldiers and villagers during the Vietnam War.

When I joined a Cu Chi Tunnel tour, I thought I’d just peek inside a few narrow passageways. What I discovered was an entire underground city—steeped in resilience, ingenuity, and history.

Why the Cu Chi Tunnels Are So Famous

Spanning over 250 kilometres, this tunnel network connected living quarters, supply routes, command centres, hospitals, and escape passages. Built by the Viet Cong, the tunnels allowed fighters to move undetected, survive heavy bombings, and strike suddenly before vanishing underground.

The most remarkable part? Many of these tunnels were dug by hand, in tough clay soil, and used for decades. Standing there, it’s hard to believe how people managed to live, cook, and even go to school underground.

Best Time to Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

You can visit year-round, but the cooler, dry months from December to April are the most comfortable. The rainy season (May–November) can make the ground muddy, but the lush greenery adds to the atmosphere.

To avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon—most tour buses arrive between 9:30 am and 11:00 am.

How to Reach the Cu Chi Tunnels

The tunnels are about 60 km from Ho Chi Minh City and can be reached in several ways:

Guided Tours: Convenient, with hotel pick-up, a guide, and sometimes combined trips with the Mekong Delta.

By Public Bus: Budget-friendly but slower—buses run from Ben Thanh station to Cu Chi town, with a short taxi ride to the site.

By Motorbike: Adventurous and scenic, perfect for those who want flexibility.

There are two main tunnel sections for visitors: Ben Dinh (more tourist-friendly) and Ben Duoc (larger, more authentic, and less crowded).

What to Expect on the Tour

Your visit often begins with a short documentary explaining the tunnels’ history, followed by a guided walk through the jungle paths. You’ll see camouflaged trapdoors, bomb craters, and recreated living spaces showing how the Viet Cong cooked, slept, and worked underground.

Then comes the highlight—actually crawling through the tunnels. They are narrow, dimly lit, and sometimes only wide enough for one person. Some sections have been slightly widened for tourists, but it still gives you a real sense of the claustrophobic conditions soldiers endured.

For an extra thrill, some tours include a stop at the shooting range, where you can try historical weapons like the AK-47 or M16 (for an additional fee).

Tips for Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels

Dress Comfortably: Light, breathable clothes and closed-toe shoes are best.

Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle—Vietnam’s heat can be intense.

Know Your Limits: If you’re claustrophobic, you can skip the crawl and stay above ground.

Listen to Your Guide: They share fascinating stories and ensure safety.

Why the Cu Chi Tunnel Tour Leaves a Lasting Impression

Walking (or crawling) through the Cu Chi Tunnels isn’t just a tourist activity—it’s an emotional journey into Vietnam’s wartime past. It’s humbling to imagine the determination it took to live underground for months, and inspiring to see how human resourcefulness can adapt to even the harshest conditions.

If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, this is one experience you shouldn’t miss—it’s history you can step into, quite literally.