Cu Chi Tunnels: Discover the largest underground tunnels in Vietnam

Besides being the hustle and bustle of an economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) embraces historical vestiges appealing to both domestic and international tourists. Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most significant relics of the city, offering first-hand experiences inside the massive underground cave and interesting insights into the lives of Vietnamese soldiers during the war.

1. About Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam

1.1. Location of Cu Chi Tunnels

• Address: TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (7 days a week)
• Entrance fees (updated in 2022):
  • Ben Duoc: 110.000 VND/ person
  • Ben Dinh: 90.000 VND/ person

Cu Chi Tunnels (Địa đạo Củ Chi in Vietnamese) is situated in Cu Chi District, the outskirts northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, 70 kilometers away from the city center. The underground networks are well-retained in two spots: Ben Dinh Tunnels (Ben Dinh Hamlet, Nhuan Duc Commune) and Ben Duoc Tunnels (Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune).

Cu Chi Tunnels stay hidden in a jungle in suburban Saigon (Source: HCMC Department of Tourism)

Despite the far distance from the vibrant center, this suburban district is worth visiting for its several tourist destinations along with the tunnel networks, such as fresh fruit gardens, Cu Chi Water Park, and Fosaco eco-village.

Cu Chi’s weather is another factor to consider before your trip. Owing to the tropical climate, Cu Chi has two distinct seasons: the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April) – the best time to visit Cu Chi Tunnels.

1.2. A brief history of Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon

Are you ready to unearth the historical facts of Cu Chi Tunnels Vietnam? (Source: Collected)

The Tunnels of Cu Chi, a gigantic underground tunnel system, was originally constructed under the jungle terrain, connecting tunnels among the hamlets and communes during the Indochina war (1945-1954) against the French colonialists. It served as hiding spots for Vietnam revolutionary troops to discreetly commute between regions and evade French scouts.

During the Vietnam War, the network had been expanded into an assembly complex for Communist guerrilla soldiers to house troops, transport communications, and supplies, receive medical treatments, take shelters from aerial bombardment, and mount surprise attacks, after which they could disappear underneath the ground. As a military headquarters, Cu Chi Tunnels played a pivotal role in the Vietnamese forces’ resistance to the American army in South Vietnam. It served as an isolated stronghold to plan strategies and launch successful military campaigns, notably the victorious Tết Offensive in 1968.

Communist soldiers built the Cu Chi Tunnels network within 25 years from 1948 for guerrilla warfare in Saigon (Source: @cuchitunels.vn)

Throughout the country’s turbulent history, these iconic Saigon tunnels witnessed the sufferings in the fierce wars and symbolized the tenacity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people. Cu Chi Tunnels is listed in the top 7 must-visit epic and adventurous places in Southeast Asia by The Travel and one of the world’s coolest places by The New York Times.

2. How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

• By taxi: Riding a taxi is a convenient option as you can reach the tunnels within 1.5 hours. However, it is also the most expensive means of transportation.

• roughly 27.000 VND to get to Cu Chi Tunnels’ area.

First, you catch bus No. 13 (from 23-9 Park / Ben Thanh Bus Station) or No. 94 (from Cho Lon / 12 Xuan Dieu) to Cu Chi Bus Station, then get on bus No. 79 to Ben Duoc Tunnel.

• By private motorbike/car: You can rent a motorbike or car in Ho Chi Minh City at affordable prices and follow Northwest of National Road 15 to get to the site. Remember to turn on GPS and check the weather before your trip since the route to Cu Chi district can be difficult for first-time travelers.
• By boat/ canoe: A boat or canoe will provide a new experience for your Cu Chi Tunnels travel. You can take a speedboat (with the first boat leaving at 7:30 am every day) departing from Tan Cang pier along the Saigon River to Cu Chi in 75 minutes.

A speedboat journey through the tranquil countryside to the Cu Chi Tunnels of Ho Chi Minh City
(Source: Collected)