The Cu Chi Tunnels are a hand-dug network of more than 200 km built during the war, with living quarters, kitchens, wells, command bunkers and exits to the river. It's the most famous historic site around Saigon.
Ben Duoc or Ben Dinh?
- Ben Dinh — closer to central Saigon and popular with international groups. Good if you're short on time.
- Ben Duoc — a little further, with larger grounds, a memorial temple to fallen soldiers, tunnel sections and fairly complete recreations of wartime life.
Both have a documentary, bunkers, traps and a tunnel section for visitors to try. For a first visit and a deeper understanding, many people choose Ben Duoc.
What you'll see
- An introductory documentary on the tunnels' history.
- Living quarters, smokeless "Hoang Cam" kitchens, command bunkers and wells.
- Booby traps and how tunnel entrances were camouflaged.
- A crawl through a tunnel section widened for visitors.
- Boiled cassava with sesame salt — a wartime staple.
- A shooting range (optional, paid separately).
When to go
Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. From the centre it's about 1.5 – 2 hours by car depending on the site and traffic.
What to wear and bring
- Comfortable clothes that can get dusty, and flat shoes.
- Water and insect repellent.
- Skip the crawl if you're claustrophobic or have heart or breathing problems — you can still see everything above ground.
Combine with
Cu Chi usually takes half a day; in the afternoon you can return to see Independence Palace and the Central Post Office. See one day in Saigon.
Book Minh Hy Travel's Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour by private car with central hotel pickup.
Cover photo: Alan & Flora Botting · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
