CU CHI TUNNELS – FROM WAR REFUGE TO TOURIST SITE

Traveling through the Cu Chi tunnels is an experience of discovering the "Iron Region" – one of the famous national landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. This place offers you a unique experience like never before.

About

The Cu Chi tunnels are located on Provincial Road 15, in the Phu Hiep hamlet, Phu My Hung commune, Cu Chi district, about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnel network here is a real underground village, stretching 250 km with 3 levels of depth: 3m, 6m, and 12m. They are classified as one of the 6 most unique tourist sites in Asia.

The construction of the Cu Chi tunnels was associated with the war against the French, from 1946 to 1948. The work was carried out by soldiers and locals from the Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes to hide and store weapons. Initially, each village had its own tunnel, but due to the need to move, people connected the tunnels to create a continuous system linking 6 communes of Cu Chi. From 1961 to 1967, the tunnels were expanded with multiple branches containing traps, bunkers, and bomb shelters.

Cu Chi Tunnels tourism has been increasingly developed, as it is not only a destination with historical and cultural value, but also an attractive tourist spot linked to famous military works in Vietnam. Exploring the Cu Chi tunnels will give you a meaningful experience and journey.

Discovering the Cu Chi Tunnels

Visiting the underground Cu Chi tunnels

It would be incomplete to visit the Cu Chi tunnels without exploring the deeply underground passages. Visitors can admire the tunnels where our army and people operated during the war. The 120-meter-long tunnel with 2 floors will provide many interesting experiences. Additionally, here, you can also enjoy delicious local dishes—traditional foods that people once ate in the tunnels, such as potatoes, cassava, and more.

Exploring the Cu Chi War Zone Recreation

When visiting this place, you should explore the reconstitution of the war zone. Here, you can watch slow-motion images of the life and battle scenes of our army and people while living underground. Additionally, you can admire many historical models and famous monuments of Vietnam recreated in this tourist destination, such as: the Long Bien Bridge, the One Pillar Pagoda, Nha Rong Wharf, the Saigon Bridge, and more.

Shooting Practice

Visitors to the Cu Chi tunnels are also very interested in firearm dismantling and shooting practice. You will be enthusiastically guided by the staff of this complex. Typically, this place also attracts many tourists, especially foreign visitors.

Diving in the Simulated East Sea Pond

After a long walk through the Cu Chi area or after hours of shooting practice, visitors can swim and have fun in a pond simulated to resemble the East Sea. Large trees are planted around the lake, providing fresh air to help you relax. From the tunnel area, it takes only 5 minutes to reach the pond. The entry fee is 20,000 VND per person.

Discovery of Fruit Orchards

In addition to the tourist sites, you can explore the Trung An fruit orchard to taste fresh fruits. Particularly, there is also a hut in the garden, which is a perfect spot for picnics when traveling in large groups or with family. Additionally, you can buy fresh fruits as souvenirs for your loved ones and family, as the taste of the fruits here is much more delicious than elsewhere.

Learn More About the Cu Chi Tunnels

Ticket prices and opening hours for visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.

When visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors should note the opening hours: from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. Therefore, you need to balance your schedule to organize a convenient trip and fully explore this tourist destination. Additionally, the ticket prices for the Cu Chi Tunnels tourist site range from 20,000 to 30,000 VND per person. The tunnel tour costs 20,000 VND per person, and the shooting game is 50,000 VND per person. These prices are regulated by the site’s management board, with no additional fees, so you can plan your budget accordingly.

To have the most complete and practical experience at the Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors can refer to the tips and advice below:

Note: Below are some tips and advice to better enjoy your trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels:

• There is no dress code for visiting this tourist site. However, since visitors will be going underground to explore, it’s recommended to wear clean, dark clothes to facilitate movement and avoid stains.
• Wear comfortable sports shoes for easier movement.
• Bring sunscreen and insect repellent to accompany your journey.