The Cu Chi Tunnels were originally a resistance base for our nation during the Indochina War. This place is known as the “city underground” with a labyrinthine system of tunnels, numerous rooms, clinics, storage facilities, and kitchens. Today, the tunnels are not only classified as a special national historical site but also a fascinating destination that attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists who come to explore and learn about the wartime history of the Vietnamese people.
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Some information to know about the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Where are the Cu Chi Tunnels located?
The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the 6 special artificial works in the world and one of the 7 most extraordinary destinations in Southeast Asia. These tunnels are situated in an area on the outskirts of Saigon, along Provincial Road 15, in Phu Hiep Ward, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. They are approximately 60 km northwest of the city center. Referred to as the “Land of Steel Heroes,” this place houses a tunnel system stretching nearly 250 km underground. It served as the battleground for the army and people of the South during the resistance against invading enemies, fighting for the independence and freedom of the country.
History of the formation of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
The tunnels were formed during the resistance against French colonial rule (1946 – 1948). During this period, the people of Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes dug short tunnels to hide and store weapons. Initially, each village constructed its own tunnel, but later, to facilitate movement between villages, they interconnected these tunnels to form a more complex and extensive system. Over time, the tunnels expanded to many areas, especially in the six northern communes of Cu Chi, becoming a hiding place for troops and a means of communication between them.
From 1961 to 1965, the people of the northern communes completed the main tunnel routes and developed many connecting branches. Above the tunnels, numerous combat bunkers, nail traps, bell-shaped pits, and minefields were set up. By 1965, around 200 km of tunnels had been dug and divided into three different levels: the upper level was 3 meters below the ground, the middle level was 2 meters deep, and the bottom level was between 8 to 10 meters deep. From then on, the tunnels were used for shelter, meetings, and storing weapons.
Should you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Although the journey to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon holds significant historical importance, it offers various activities and interesting destinations, making it an ideal choice for weekend trips or holidays. With prominent points of interest within the historical site and nearby locations, you can expect to have experiences involving history, culture, and even cuisine.
Tips for visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels for first-time visitors.
Does Cu Chi Tunnels have entrance tickets for visitors?
According to the travel experience in Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels do offer entrance tickets, and the prices are quite affordable, at only 20,000 VND per person. If you want to explore the resistance base area, there is an additional fee of 40,000 VND. Moreover, within the tunnels, there are two main areas, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, both open during the same hours (from 8 AM to 5 PM), but they have different entrance ticket prices as follows:
- Ben Dinh entrance fee: 110,000 VND per person.
- Ben Duoc entrance fee: 90,000 VND per person.
How to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
There are various ways to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels, either by public transport or personal vehicles (as you prefer). Here are some options to consider:
Motorbike or car: You can travel in the direction of An Suong Overpass and take National Highway 22, but the route is quite far and complex. It’s not advisable for first-time visitors. However, if you enjoy adventurous trips and want to explore the scenery along the way, riding a motorbike can be a good option.
For first-time foreign visitors, you can book a private car from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels with DanangPrivateCar.com. Our driver will pick you up anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, you can also rent a car with a driver in Ho Chi Minh City from us to visit other famous destinations in Saigon.
Bus: This is a popular option for most domestic travelers. You can catch a bus from Ben Thanh Station, take either route 13 or 94 to Cu Chi Bus Station, then transfer to bus number 79 to get to Ben Duoc; or take route 13 or 94 to An Suong Station, and from there, take route 122 to Tan Quy Bus Station, then take bus number 70 to reach Ben Dinh.
When is the best time to visit Cu Chi Tunnels during the year?
Visitors can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels at any time of the year, but it is best to avoid the rainy months. During that time, the weather can be unfavorable with strong winds and heavy rains, which may hinder your touring experience and potentially affect your health.
The attractions to visit in the Cu Chi Tunnels.
The Underground Tunnel Area in Cu Chi.
This is undoubtedly the first place you must visit on your journey. By experiencing the 120m long tunnel system with two floors, you can immerse yourself in the lives of Saigon’s residents during the war, facing the harsh realities of the past. During the visit, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the “specialties” of wartime, such as cassava dipped in sesame salt, a simple yet delicious treat.
The Recreation of the War Zone in the Cu Chi Tunnels.
In this area, you can genuinely feel the overall picture of the bloody battle of the old Saigon. Not only that, but it also preserves models of historical relics and beautiful landscapes of Vietnam, such as the Nha Rong Wharf, Long Bien Bridge, Saigon Bridge, One Pillar Pagoda, and more. Don’t forget to capture some photos to make your trip more meaningful.
The Shooting Range in the Tunnels.
One of the real experiences when visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is learning how to assemble and shoot old guns. This area attracts many tourists who wish to try their hand at shooting. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND per person for 60 minutes. Additionally, for 3,000 VND, you can purchase a bullet and test your shooting skills, which is extremely enticing.
The Simulated South Sea Bath Area in the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Just a 15-minute walk from the tunnel area, the simulated bath area promises to provide young visitors with a refreshing and cool experience. You can enjoy a dip in the pool. The entrance fee to the bath area is 20,000 VND per person.
The Trung An Fruit Garden in the Cu Chi Tunnels.
After a long journey exploring the tunnels, you should choose Trung An Fruit Garden as the final destination for some relaxing moments. Trung An is a famous fruit garden in the South, where you can find a variety of familiar fruits such as rambutan, durian, jackfruit, sapodilla, plum, and more.
What activities are there in the Cu Chi Tunnels? Fun games you shouldn’t miss.
At the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can participate in various exciting activities on the ground.
After touring and learning about the significance and important features of the Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors can continue their exploration by engaging in fun games such as mock battles with paintball guns, sport shooting, military-style beer games, enjoying the Cu Chi pool area with water ball games, swimming, slides, canoeing, rowing boats, paddleboats on the Saigon River, or watching a 4D movie.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels underground.
The tunnels form a vast and winding underground system with varying depths. As you go deeper inside, you’ll feel like you’re lost in a maze. Inside the tunnels, you’ll encounter various rooms like meeting rooms, kitchens, weapon storage rooms, medical rooms, where our soldiers and people used to live.
However, during the exploration, it’s crucial to follow the guidance of the tour guide, as the area is equipped with many secret tunnels and cleverly designed traps. The tunnels are quite dark, and the passages are narrow, allowing only one person to pass at a time, so caution is essential.
What delicious food to eat in Cu Chi Tunnels?
Besides being attracted by the fascinating destinations and activities, when you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon, you should definitely not miss the chance to taste the local specialties such as boiled cassava, boiled taro, Củ Chi beef, durian, sugarcane juice, various sweet desserts, and especially the boiled cassava, which seems to be a favorite of almost every visitor. You can find this dish in the underground kitchens, and when you try it in the cramped and humid space, you will somewhat experience the hardship and scarcity that the soldiers of the past endured.
Some small tips for exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- There are no strict dress codes, but it’s advisable to wear neat, dark-colored clothes to avoid difficulties in washing if they get stained.
- Prepare a pair of sports shoes for comfortable movement during the tour.
- Apply insect repellent cream because there are quite a lot of mosquitoes, especially as you go deeper into the tunnels.
- If you have claustrophobia or high blood pressure, it’s better to avoid entering the narrower tunnels.
Above is the entire experience of exploring Cu Chi Tunnels – an important historical site of the Vietnamese nation. If you plan to visit Ho Chi Minh City, you must definitely include a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels in your itinerary.
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