Most people think of Vietnam’s most modern and vibrant city when it comes to Ho Chi Minh City. However, the city itself also has a lot of historical value related to the war against the French and American armies to offer locals and tourists alike. A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is a wonderful and extremely gratifying excursion in Ho Chi Minh City for anyone interested in diving into Vietnamese history. This short drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City is well worth it, providing a one-of-a-kind and enlightening experience. Join us as we explore the comprehensive Cu Chi Tunnels map and discover everything you need to know.
Cu Chi Tunnels Map
- Location: TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, HCMC
- Opening hours: 7 am – 5 pm
- Entrance fees: 35,000 VND/person for Vietnamese tourists. 70,000 VND/person for international tourists (updating).
- Best time to visit: From December to May
History Of Cu Chi Tunnels
Located about 60 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, it is a vast maze of underground tunnels that stretch all the way to the Cambodian border. The Cu Chi tunnel system has been built for 25 years, since 1948, during the resistance war against the French. It served as a means of communication between villages and helped the Vietnamese avoid espionage by French soldiers.
The tunnel network was extended over an area of 250 km during the Vietnam War. Therefore, it became one of the important parts of the Viet Cong’s combat strategy and also the residence of thousands of soldiers.
Currently, about 120 km of tunnels are preserved and are a charming attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.
Features Of Cu Chi Tunnels
By visiting Cu Chi Tunnels, you have a chance to witness its unique architecture and structure and understand why it played an important role in Vietnamese history.
Believe it or not, there have been hospitals, schools, theaters, and kitchens all built in this special network of tunnels. The entrance to these tunnels is covered with a secret wooden door and a camouflage sheet above. Its size is so small that only Vietnamese people can fit in it.
Despite great efforts by the US military, they were unable to completely bring down this system. The reason is that these tunnels are built separately, have different exits to the Saigon River, fake bunkers, and set mine traps.
In the tunnel system, there are many special-closed-door buttons installed in different positions to prevent enemies and poison gas. The soldiers also drilled ventilation holes that did not expose the ground and camouflaged it in an extremely discreet way. Additionally, there are many cleverly laid out deadly and dangerous traps to ensure the safety of those inside.
For a long time, the Cu Chi tunnels remained the same multi-story architecture with 3 distinct floors: the first floor (about 3m deep underground), the next floor (about 6m) and the deeper last floor (more than 12m). For security reasons, visitors can only visit the first floor, and a few more meters of these tunnels have been widened.
It is said that if the Cu Chi tunnels fall, Vietnam will lose the war. But if the tunnels hold, they win. This means that this network of tunnels played a huge role in the victory of the Vietnamese army in the War of Independence.
What To See In The Cu Chi Tunnels?
Currently, visitors can only visit 2 groups of Cu Chi tunnels open to the public: Ben Dinh tunnels and Ben Duoc tunnels.
Ben Dinh Tunnels
The Ben Dinh sector, located alongside the Saigon River, is ideal for Cu Chi’s party committee to lead the people throughout the conflict. Furthermore, if the location is discovered, they may quickly flee to the river. From 1968 until 1975, this one was in use for a long period.
It will probably take you close to an hour to walk around this section. There are 4 tunnels with examples of bunkers, command post, and medical posts. The ticket price is 90,000 VND (about 4 USD). In the Ben Dinh section, you also have the opportunity to buy guns and bullets.
Ben Duoc Tunnels
Covering an area of 100 hectares, the Ben Duoc tunnels are 5 times larger than the Ben Dinh tunnels (17 hectares). Therefore, the distance traveled is also longer. However, you can get the most realistic experience of the war in South Vietnam at Ben Duoc. You can see how difficult life is in these cramped tunnels and try to challenge yourself to overcome the difficulty. While Ben Dinh offers you a wide range of recreational activities, Ben Duoc offers many fascinating historical sites such as Ben Duoc Memorial Temple and Hoang Cam Kitchen.
What To Play In The Cu Chi Tunnels?
As a tourist attraction, Cu Chi Tunnels also offers a number of interesting activities to keep you entertained after exploring the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sections.
Shooting Experience
It is a military sport that attracts a lot of tourists when they visit the Cu Chi tunnels. Here you can choose suitable weapons yourself. Most of the guns were used in the war and you can use them to try and shoot animal targets under the guidance of the staff.
Swimming In Cu Chi Park
Cu Chi Park has a swimming pool built in a distinct architectural style. There are 500 square meters for adults and 150 square meters for children. The facilities are quite good with changing rooms, bathrooms, toilets, etc.
Play Paint Gun
Paintball is a combination of military and sporting components. This game may be played in the natural forest of Cu Chi. Each soldier will be outfitted with full uniforms, masks, armor, and weaponry. This game will greatly enhance your judgment, teamwork, and knowledge.
Biking And Kayaking
For those who want to have a relaxing and relaxing time, kayaking in the simulated East Sea lake in Cu Chi is a perfect activity. Visitors can use a swan-shaped boat to enjoy the panoramic view of the lake.
Have A Picnic
In the Cu Chi tunnels, there are many spacious areas with green trees and fresh air. So, you can plan to organize a small picnic there with family or friends. The place will help you escape from the hectic city life and relax.
How To Explore Cu Chi
You can choose to explore Cu Chi on your own or use a tunnel boat tour. To explore on your own, you can travel to Cu Chi Tunnels by bus, motorbike, or car and then purchase an entrance ticket. With an admission ticket, Cu Chi Tunnels provides a free guide for visitors. Following the instructions will save you money and give you a better understanding of the tunnel.
Bus tunnel tours can be easily booked online or from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. You will have the opportunity to explore the landscapes along the river, explore the maze of tunnels with storage facilities, weapon factories, kitchens, and countless hatches, and taste the most popular dishes of the war. The price is around 50 USD/adult.
Best Transportation For Cu Chi Tunnels Visit
There are many ways to get to Cu Chi Tunnels, you can choose one of the transportation options below.
By Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to get to Cu Chi. First, you take bus number 13 from park 23-9 (near Pham Ngu Lao street) to Cu Chi bus station, then take bus number 79 to Ben Duoc. It will take you 2.5 hours and more than 1 USD if you travel by bus.
By Taxi
The most practical but most expensive means of transportation is a taxi. Expect to pay 60 USD for the 140 kilometers to Cu Chi. You may use the Grab app to order a cab on the street or online.
By Motorbike/Car
You may bring your motorcycle or automobile or hire one in Ho Chi Minh City. The distance to travel is 140 km, so you can get there by motorbike or personal car. It only takes 1.5 hours to go from the center of Ho Chi Minh City to the Ben Dinh section.
By Boat
The speedboat will take you from Tan Cang Pier across the Saigon River to Cu Chi in 1.5 hours. It is best to take the morning boat at 7:30 every day.
Tips And Tricks
- Prepare food and drinks before you go
- Bring bug spray and dress appropriately, as there are a lot of mosquitoes there
- Most games in the Cu Chi tunnels are paid
- During the holidays, the entrance price is higher than on weekdays but there are more activities for visitors
- The tunnels are quite narrow and easy to lose. It is best to follow the instructions of the staff.
- If you bring a lot of luggage, you must put it outside.
We’ve shared our wonderful experiences visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and shown you the Cu Chi Tunnels map. We hope this post has provided you with useful information to make your visit to this historic monument unforgettable. Prepare yourself for a journey unlike any other! Have a nice vacation, and please leave a comment if you have any queries.