The Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-visit when travelling in Vietnam, especially if you have any interest in the war or would like to learn more about the experiences Vietnamese endured during this difficult period in their history.
The Cu Chi tunnels were a labyrinth of tunnels which at their peak extended more than 300 kilometres. These tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers during the American war as areas to take refuge from the extensive bombing campaign. But, also as combat operating bases to spring surprise attacks on American G.I.s. The tunnel system played an important role in the Viet Cong’s resistance to American forces. This area was subsequently heavily bombed by American forces with the effects of their bombardment still visible today.
Where is the Cu Chi Tunnel complex?
Should I book a tour or go solo?
Personally, I decided to go with a tour guide. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the war and hearing from a local’s perspective seemed like the best choice for this. The hostel I was staying at, which I would highly recommend, arranged a group tour to visit the site. However, you can also book through TripAdvisor.
If you’re keen to go on your own the tunnels are around 45 km outside of Ho Chi Minh City, and considering the traffic it should take about 2 hours to drive. The site is very large so if you’re choosing this route. I would suggest roughly following a tours route in order not to get lost and to avoid missing some of the key areas.
Cost of tour and ticket
Tour price
- I paid 585,000 VND for a tour lasting around 8 hours, this included transport and the entry fee.
Entry ticket (solo)
- 90,000 VND entry fee.
Opening times
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
What to expect on the tour
Craft workshop
We set off on the 2 hour bus journey through typically busy Saigon traffic. Our tour guide provided some background information on the American-Vietnam War and additional context about to what we were about to visit.
Around halfway into our journey we stopped at 277 Handicapped Handicrafts. This is a community project which provides people with disabilities work, who otherwise be able unable to work in agriculture jobs. Our tour guide explained that most of these people have suffered permanent disabilities and disfigurement due to the defoliant named ‘Agent Orange’ that was used by the Americans. This chemical not only destroyed vegetation and forests. But, also led to horrific health issues for both the local Vietnamese and American military personnel.
The work carried out at 277 Handicapped Handicrafts is impressive. The workers are extremely talented at creating truly beautiful and unique pieces of art. Each piece goes through a long process. Individual tasks being carried out by separate workers from creating the outlines with eggshells to drawing, varnishing, polishing and so on. Just to note, the pieces here were slightly more expensive compared to those that are sold in the city. However, authenticity is ensured when buying here.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Once we arrived at the Cu Chi Tunnels, It was immediately noticeable the level of defoliation that had occurred with the trees being spread out and sparsely populated. Furthermore, as I will detail later, there is an active gun range at the site. Therefore, you will be greeted with almost constant gunfire. Which somewhat serves as a sobering reminder of the horrors that occurred here.
The first site we were shown was a small tunnel. This had been used to conceal Viet Cong from American forces and also as a location from which to launch surprise attacks. Each member of the tour was given an opportunity to fit into the tunnel after a demonstration from our tour guide.
Military equipment
Next, we came across some wrecked American military vehicles and a couple of exhibits displaying the what Vietnamese jungle camps would have looked like.
Booby traps used in the war
Another fascinating part of the tour in the most horrific way possible, was the demonstration of the types of booby traps used by the Viet Cong. We were shown a variety of traps. From concealed holes filled with punji sticks to an ordinary door that when pushed would release a series of spikes directly into one unlucky soul’s head and groin.
Shooting range
The next stop was the shooting range, which is an optional extra. There is a large selection of weapons to choose from including the American M16, M60, and Soviet AK-47.
You pay per bullet, and from my recollection the cost for the AK-47. This was the cheapest option-was around 60,000 VND per bullet. A minimum of 5 bullets required to be purchased.
The other weapons were significantly more expensive, so if you’re on a budget I would recommend choosing the AK-47.
Tunnels
The final part of the tour is when we were given the opportunity to explore a section of the tunnels, which was incredibly interesting, if not a bit claustrophobic. These tunnels are recreations of the originals and have been expanded significantly, from those that were used in the war. You will need to move around the tunnels in a low crouched position or depending on your height on your hands and knees. For example, I am 182cm and there were several sections. I had to be on my hands and knees to get through as the tunnel gradually narrowed. We were shown two tunnels, one being 20m long and the other 40m. There were emergency exits every 10m.
Practical tips to consider before you visit
Dress comfortably and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, as mentioned above, the tunnels can be fairly tight and you’ll likely need to crawl at some points so best to wear clothes you are okay with getting dirty.
Make sure to wear bug / mosquito spray, I would recommend wearing bug spray during your visit to avoid any bites.
Be mindful of claustrophobia, the tunnels are still very tight at points and during my tour several people opted to skip entering the tunnels. If you have any concerns, consider skipping this part or discuss your feelings with the tour guide or a staff member.
War Remnants Museum
At the end of the tour we had the option to be dropped off at our accommodation or at the War Remnants Museum.
I had already previously visited the museum. However, I think it would be a good option to gain a greater understanding of what happened during the war. Although I would warn you that some of the exhibits can be difficult to read about especially regarding the effects that ‘Agent Orange’. Given this, it might be worth considering spreading your visits out over several days if this is possible.
