Exploring the Historic Cu Chi Tunnels
Hidden beneath the lush green forests, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a unique defense system dating back to the Indochina War. With an impressive length of approximately 250 kilometers, it is considered the world’s longest military tunnel system – an underground city that once struck fear into the hearts of enemies. More than just a symbol of patriotism and resilience, the Cu Chi Tunnels are recognized as a national historical relic of Ho Chi Minh City.
A journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels is like traveling back in time. Here, you’ll witness the underground maze that once served as a strategic base, discover secret tunnels, Hoang Cam kitchens, bomb shelters, and meeting halls. All these elements combine to create a special experience, both thrilling and pride-inducing, as you explore the city named after the beloved Uncle Ho.
Cu Chi Tunnels – A Living Symbol of Patriotism and the Aspiration for Peace. Whether in times of war or peace, the Cu Chi Tunnels have always held immense historical and spiritual value. They are not just a testament to the intelligence and adaptability of the military but also embody the unity, creativity, and bravery of the Cu Chi soldiers and civilians.
During the 30-year resistance war against foreign invaders (1945-1975), this tunnel system served as a shelter, battlefield, and living quarters for the soldiers – an underground stronghold that contributed significantly to the nation’s resounding victory.
Today, in peacetime, the Cu Chi Tunnels stand as a national historical relic, an eternal symbol of patriotism, resilience, and the Vietnamese people’s fervent aspiration for peace. Visiting this site, especially for the younger generation, offers a chance to relive a heroic past and experience the hardships faced by soldiers in confined and challenging conditions. These experiences ignite a sense of national pride, foster gratitude, and inspire today’s youth as they build the nation.
Journey to Cu Chi Tunnels – Discovering Saigon’s “Iron Land”
As one of the most prominent attractions in Cu Chi district, the Cu Chi Tunnels attract both domestic and international visitors with their exceptional historical value and unique “time-travel” experience. This historic site is located on Provincial Road 15, in Phu Hiep hamlet, Phu My Hung commune, about 70 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily reach it by bus, motorbike, or private car.
1. Bus – The Economical and Popular Choice
Buses are a convenient option for those who prioritize safety and affordability. You can board at Ben Thanh or Cho Lon stations as follows:
To Ben Duoc Tunnels:
Take route 13 (Ben Thanh – Cu Chi) or route 94 (Cho Lon – Cu Chi) and get off at Cu Chi bus station.
Then, transfer to route 79 (Cu Chi – Dau Tieng) to reach Ben Duoc.
To Ben Dinh Tunnels:
Take route 13 or 94 as above and get off at An Suong bus station.
Transfer to route 122 to Tan Quy bus station.
Finally, take route 70 to reach Ben Dinh.
2. Motorbike or Private Car – For Those Familiar with the Area
If you’re traveling in a large group or prefer a more flexible journey, you can opt for motorbikes or self-driven cars. A common route is via An Suong Bridge – National Highway 22, then turning onto Provincial Road 15. However, as the distance is quite far and the road can be confusing, it’s best to have someone familiar with the area as a guide, especially if it’s your first time visiting Cu Chi.
Note: While buses are the most economical and convenient option, traveling by private vehicle offers the opportunity to visit the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station and other scenic spots and interesting stops along the way – an experience often missed by bus travelers.
The tunnel system consists of 3 levels, with countless long and short branches radiating from the “spine road,” some even reaching the Saigon River. The first level is 3 meters underground, capable of withstanding artillery shells and the weight of tanks and armored vehicles. The second level is 5-8 meters deep and can resist small bombs. The final level is 8-12 meters underground.
The passages between the levels are cleverly disguised and look like termite mounds from above, with ventilation holes along the tunnels. The system includes spacious tunnels for rest, weapon and food storage, wells, Hoang Cam kitchens, command posts, and surgery rooms. There are also larger tunnels with well-ventilated roofs, cleverly camouflaged for entertainment and movies.
Today, approximately 120 kilometers of the Cu Chi Tunnels remain intact and have become a popular tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. With a total length of 250 kilometers and 3 different levels, the deepest being 12 meters underground, it is one of the six most famous artificial structures in the world. Additionally, the Cu Chi Tunnels are ranked among the top seven most unusual destinations in Southeast Asia.
The history of the Cu Chi Tunnels is closely associated with the resistance war against the French from 1946 to 1948. The construction was carried out by the military and civilians of Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes to create hiding places and store weapons and supplies. Initially, each village had its own separate tunnel system, but they were later connected to form an intricate network. The current tunnel system links six northern communes of Cu Chi, facilitating communication, concealment, and revolutionary planning.
Beyond its historical significance, the Cu Chi Tunnels serve as a “living museum” where visitors can directly experience and understand the bravery and challenging yet resilient life of the Cu Chi soldiers and civilians during the anti-American resistance war. In addition to listening to heroic stories, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in unique, vivid, and emotional hands-on activities:
🔹 Tunnel Crawling – Embark on a Soldier’s Journey
One of the most exciting parts of the tour is the chance to crawl through the narrow, dark, and winding tunnels once used as hiding places and battlefields. This experience challenges your courage and provides a glimpse into the soldiers’ perilous yet resilient lives.
🔹 Live Firing at the Defense Shooting Range
At the shooting range, visitors can try their hand at firing AK and M16 rifles under the supervision of instructors. It’s a thrilling experience that gives you a taste of the battlefield.
🔹 Documentary Screening and Sand Table Battle Simulation
Before starting the tour, you’ll watch a short documentary to better understand the history, structure, and magnitude of the tunnel system. A sand table simulation will also help you visualize the battle tactics employed by our soldiers.
🔹 Exploring the Underground Hospital, Hoang Cam Kitchen, and Meeting Hall
Underground facilities like the hospital, Hoang Cam kitchen, and offices have been meticulously recreated, complete with mannequins and authentic props, to bring the wartime life underground to life. Every detail, from the smokeless kitchen to the bamboo beds and bomb shelters, tells a story of resilience.
🔹 Adventuring a 120-meter Tunnel with Two Underground Levels
This special experience allows visitors to “live like a soldier.” The tunnel has been slightly widened for tourists’ convenience but still retains the cramped, dark, and challenging ambiance. The two levels showcase the daily life and clever tactics used by our soldiers to deceive the enemy.
A highlight of the Cu Chi Tunnels tour is the culinary experience, featuring simple yet meaningful dishes that reflect the resilient spirit of the past.
🔸 Boiled Cassava with Sesame Salt – A Taste of Simplicity
No fancy ingredients are needed to evoke memories of life underground. A boiled cassava root dipped in sesame salt captures the essence of a challenging yet united past. This humble dish was once a staple for the Cu Chi soldiers and civilians during the resistance war, and many visitors share that tasting it is like “sampling history.”
🔸 Sugarcane Juice with Durian – A Refreshing Treat
After exploring the cramped tunnels and engaging in intense activities, a glass of refreshing sugarcane juice blended with the king of fruits, durian, hits the spot. This unique street delicacy, priced at only 10,000 VND per glass, is available at stalls open from 6 AM to 8 PM, conveniently located for thirsty explorers.
🎫 Ticket Information for Cu Chi Tunnels
When visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, you only need to purchase a reasonably priced entrance ticket, with different rates for various visitor categories:
Visitor Category – Ticket Price (VND/person/turn)
Vietnamese adults aged 18 and above: 35,000
Foreign visitors: 70,000
Children aged 7-16, students, and students: 50% discount on adult prices
Children under 7 years old, people with disabilities, armed forces, people with revolutionary merits, elderly people, and poor households: Free
Note: Please bring your ID or student card to enjoy the applicable benefits.
🏞 Ticket to the Cu Chi Liberated Zone Recreation Area
In addition to exploring the tunnels, you can also visit the “Cu Chi Liberated Zone” recreation area, which recreates the living, working, and lifestyle of the people and liberation soldiers during the resistance war.
Ticket Price: 65,000 VND/person/turn (applicable to all objects)
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