If you are planning to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels on a one-day self-guided trip, this is definitely an experience you shouldn’t miss. This site is not only a significant historical landmark but also a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during wartime. The intricate underground tunnel system, often referred to as an “underground city,” includes medical stations, kitchens, storage rooms, and working spaces, allowing Vietnamese soldiers and civilians to live and fight for many years.
Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels have become a famous tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors from around the world each year. To fully explore this site in one day and ensure a smooth journey, check out the useful travel tips in the article below!
How to Get to the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are located in the historic “steel land” of Cu Chi, about 70 km from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can choose from various transportation options such as bus, motorbike, self-drive car, or private car, depending on their needs and preferences.
Getting to Cu Chi Tunnels by Bus
Taking a bus is the most affordable and commonly used public transportation option to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels from Saigon city center. You can catch a bus from Ben Thanh Station or other major bus stops in the city. Keep in mind that in Ho Chi Minh City, buses only stop when passengers wave to signal them.
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To Ben Duoc Tunnel:
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Take Bus No. 13 (Ben Thanh – Cu Chi) or Bus No. 94 (Cho Lon – Cu Chi) to Cu Chi Bus Station.
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Transfer to Bus No. 79 (Cu Chi – Dau Tieng) to reach Ben Duoc Tunnel.
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To Ben Dinh Tunnel:
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Take Bus No. 13 or Bus No. 94 to An Suong Bus Station.
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From An Suong Bus Station, take Bus No. 122 to Tan Quy Bus Station.
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Transfer to Bus No. 70 to reach Ben Dinh Tunnel.
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Getting to Cu Chi Tunnels by Motorbike or Self-Drive Car
For those who prefer flexibility or are traveling in a large group, a motorbike or self-drive car is a great option. Simply follow the route via An Suong Overpass – National Highway 22 to reach Cu Chi. However, the journey is quite long, with multiple complex intersections, so if it’s your first time driving there, it’s advisable to travel with someone familiar with the route.
Getting to Cu Chi Tunnels by Private Car
If you want a comfortable and time-saving trip without worrying about directions or bus schedules, hiring a private car from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels is the ideal choice. A private car service not only offers convenience but also allows you to stop at interesting attractions along the way.
With ExplorePrivateCar.com, you can book a private car from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels easily, with a professional driver, reasonable pricing, and a flexible itinerary tailored to your needs. This is a perfect option for groups, families, or travelers who simply want a comfortable, private trip without time constraints.
Accommodation Near Cu Chi Tunnels
Most visitors spend only one day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels. However, if you prefer to stay overnight to discover more attractions in the area, there are guesthouses and hotels available for travelers.
Room prices in this area range from 150,000 – 300,000 VND per night, offering basic amenities. This is a reasonable price for those who want to experience the peaceful atmosphere of Saigon’s suburban area.
For more accommodation options, including higher-end hotels, you can travel back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll find a wide range of budget to luxury hotels to suit your preferences.
Best Affordable Eateries Near Cu Chi Tunnels
On the way to the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll come across many local restaurants offering authentic Vietnamese flavors. However, if you’re traveling by bus, it may be difficult to stop and enjoy these specialties. That’s why renting a motorbike or private car is the ideal option, allowing you to control your schedule and visit famous eateries along the route.
Xuan Dao Veal (Famous grilled young beef)
One of the best places in Saigon for veal, Xuan Dao Veal is famous for its tender, fresh beef, marinated in rich spices and grilled over charcoal for an unforgettable flavor. Located near An Suong Overpass, the restaurant has a spacious and airy setting, perfect for those wanting to try Cu Chi’s signature cuisine.
Minh Quy Pork Leg Noodle Soup (Traditional Vietnamese pork hock noodle soup)
A long-established eatery known for its rich, flavorful broth and tender pork leg, Minh Quy Pork Leg Noodle Soup is just 7 km from An Suong Overpass (turn right upon arrival). Since the restaurant only serves until 9 AM, make sure to arrive early to enjoy this special dish.
Canh Dong Hoang Sweet Soup (Vietnamese dessert with beans, coconut milk, and jelly)
If you pass through Hoc Mon Town, don’t miss Canh Dong Hoang Sweet Soup, a shop famous for its traditional Vietnamese sweet soups made from fresh ingredients. The mild sweetness makes it a refreshing treat, perfect for cooling off during your journey.
Vuon Cau Durian Sugarcane Juice (Fresh sugarcane juice blended with durian)
A unique sugarcane juice variation found only in Cu Chi, this drink blends fresh sugarcane juice with pure durian, creating a rich and creamy flavor. Vuon Cau Durian Sugarcane Juice is 3 km from An Suong Overpass and easy to find. While you’re there, try their steamed cassava with coconut milk for a delicious local snack!
Cu Chi Tunnel Specialties – Steamed Cassava, Grilled Sweet Potato & Rice Crackers (Simple wartime survival foods of Vietnamese soldiers)
After exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, stop by Bep Hoang Cam to try steamed cassava, grilled sweet potato, and crispy rice crackers—simple yet historic dishes that once sustained Vietnamese soldiers during wartime.
Must-Visit Attractions at Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are not only famous for their extensive underground network but also offer various attractions that help visitors better understand Vietnam’s history, nature, and wartime life. Below are some must-visit spots you shouldn’t miss when exploring Cu Chi Tunnels.
Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station (The largest wildlife rescue center in Southern Vietnam)
Located between Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh, about 1 km from the tunnels, the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station is the largest animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Southern Vietnam. Established in 2006, the station has successfully rescued over 3,600 endangered animals, including pangolins, langurs, civets, and otters.
Visitors can observe animals in recovery and learn about wildlife conservation efforts in Vietnam. If you love nature and wildlife, this is definitely a great stop during your Cu Chi exploration.
Cu Chi Tunnels – Experience Underground Life
This is the main highlight of Cu Chi, where you can experience how Vietnamese soldiers lived and fought underground. The 120-meter-long tunnels have two levels, including medical stations, kitchens, food storage, and meeting rooms.
One of the most unique experiences is tasting wartime food, such as steamed cassava with sesame salt at Hoang Cam Kitchen, a meal that sustained soldiers during the war.
War Zone Reenactment Area (Recreation of wartime life in Cu Chi)
To better understand the daily lives of Cu Chi soldiers and civilians during the war, visit the War Zone Reenactment Area. This site replicates farming activities, handmade weapon production, and underground living conditions, providing an authentic glimpse into wartime survival.
Additionally, this area features scale models of Vietnam’s famous landmarks, including Nha Rong Wharf, Long Bien Bridge, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Archipelago, giving visitors a broader view of Vietnam’s historical sites.
Shooting Range Experience (Real firearm shooting experience)
This is one of the most exciting activities for visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels. At the shooting range, you can learn how to assemble and shoot firearms using live ammunition. It’s an ideal experience for military enthusiasts who want to test their shooting skills.
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Entrance fee: 50,000 VND/person/60 minutes
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Bullet cost: Approx. 3,000 VND per round
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Note: Safety regulations are strictly enforced, so visitors must follow all staff instructions during the activity.
East Sea Simulation Swimming Pool (A refreshing break after tunnel exploration)
After spending hours navigating the narrow underground tunnels, you might want to relax and cool off. The East Sea Simulation Swimming Pool is a perfect place to unwind after your tour.
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Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person
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Ideal for: Relaxing before continuing your Cu Chi adventure.
Trung An Fruit Garden (A lush orchard with tropical fruits)
For those who love fruit orchards, the Trung An Fruit Garden is a must-visit. This large plantation grows a variety of Southern Vietnamese fruits, including durian, rambutan, jackfruit, and plums.
During the harvest season, visitors can pick and taste fresh fruits directly from the trees, while enjoying the peaceful countryside atmosphere of Southern Vietnam.
What to Buy as Souvenirs from Your Cu Chi Adventure?
After every trip, travelers often want to bring home a meaningful souvenir—either to remember the journey or to gift to friends and family. At the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll find a variety of unique gifts that reflect the region’s history and local culture.
One of the most distinctive souvenirs is items crafted from bullet casings, such as lighters, pens, and decorative lamps. These are not only functional accessories but also symbolic of Vietnam’s heroic wartime history.
Additionally, Cu Chi is known for its handcrafted bamboo and rattan products, showcasing the skill and artistry of local craftsmen. These items are not only beautifully designed but also serve as a way to carry a piece of Cu Chi’s “steel spirit” back home.
Suggested Cu Chi Tunnel Tour Options
Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour
If you have limited time but still want to explore the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a half-day tour is a great option. This tour allows you to delve into one of the most remarkable underground tunnel systems in the world, which once served as a stronghold for Vietnamese soldiers during wartime.
During the visit, you’ll experience life underground, learning how soldiers lived, fought, and survived. You’ll also discover ingenious homemade weapons and traps, such as the bamboo spike traps, which were among the most feared weapons by American troops. Outside the tunnels, you can witness B-52 bomb craters, remnants of the fierce battles fought here.
To complete the experience, you’ll have the chance to taste a simple yet historically significant wartime meal—boiled cassava with sesame salt, a staple food of the Vietnamese soldiers in the jungle. This humble dish carries a deep historical significance, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Full-Day Saigon & Cu Chi Tour
If you have a full day, you can combine a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with a visit to Cu Chi. This itinerary includes:
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War Remnants Museum – A powerful museum showcasing photographs, artifacts, and documents about the Vietnam War.
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Notre Dame Cathedral – A stunning French colonial-era church, one of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks.
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Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) – A historical site where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975.
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Saigon Central Post Office – A beautifully preserved French colonial post office, still in operation today.
After exploring Ho Chi Minh City, you will head to Cu Chi Tunnels in the afternoon (about 70 km from downtown Saigon). Here, you’ll immerse yourself in history, crawl through tunnels, see war relics, and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s resilience.
This full-day tour is perfect for those who want to experience both modern and historical Vietnam in one exciting trip!
Conclusion
The Cu Chi Tunnels are not only a significant historical site but also a fascinating destination for those who love to explore and learn about Vietnam’s heroic past. With its intricate tunnel system, immersive experiences, and diverse activities, this place promises to offer you an unforgettable journey.
We hope that the travel tips shared in this article will help you plan a smooth and fulfilling trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Don’t forget to choose the right transportation, plan your itinerary wisely, and take time to enjoy the local specialties in Cu Chi. Wishing you a meaningful and memorable adventure!
