HOW TO PLAN YOUR CU CHI TUNNELS DAY TRIP IN 2025

Cu Chi Tunnels Opening Hours and Entrance Fee 2025

General Hours: The Cu Chi Tunnels are open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Cu Chi Tunnels tickets:

• Ben Dinh Tunnels: Approximately 125,000 VND (about $4 USD) for foreign visitors

• Ben Duoc Tunnels: Similar pricing to Ben Dinh, though slightly less crowded

Additional costs to consider:

• Guide services (if not part of a tour package)

• Shooting range activities (priced per bullet, not per gun)

• Food and beverages on site

• Souvenirs

How Long Does a Visit Take?

Typical Duration: A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is generally structured as a half-day excursion, taking approximately 6-7 hours in total when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City.

Time Breakdown:

• Travel time: 1.5-2.5 hours each way (depending on transportation method)

• Time at the tunnels: 2-2.5 hours for a standard visit

• Additional time: Stops at workshops, lunch breaks (if included in tour)

For those with limited time, a half-day tour focused solely on the tunnels is sufficient. However, if you want a more comprehensive experience, consider a full-day tour that might combine the tunnels with other attractions like the Mekong Delta.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: How to Get There?

Here are the different ways of getting to Cu Chi Tunnels conveniently.

Option 1: Guided Tours (Recommended)

Taking a guided tour is the most convenient way to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, especially for first-time visitors. A Cu Chi Tunnels tour from Ho Chi Minh City typically includes:

• Round-trip transportation

• English-speaking guide

• Entrance fees

• Bottled water

• Sometimes additional stops at workshops or attractions

Types of Tours Available:

• Small group tours (maximum 10 people)

• Private tours (more personalized experience)

• Combination tours (Cu Chi Tunnels + Mekong Delta or War Remnants Museum)

• Speedboat tours (travel via the Saigon River)

Joy Journeys Small Group Experience:
Joy Journeys offers some of the most highly-rated small group experiences to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tours are limited to a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. We specialize in visits to the less-crowded Ben Duoc site, providing a more authentic tunnel experience.

Key features of Joy Journeys tours include:

• Complimentary pickup from hotels in Districts 1, 3, and 4

• Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides

• Air-conditioned vehicles

• Opportunities to crawl inside the tunnels

• See the booby traps 

• Explore the ex-US Army tank

• Tasting of traditional tapioca (a staple food during wartime)

• Witness the propaganda of Viet Cong soldiers

• Experience the underground Hoang Cam kitchen and living areas including: command centers, bedrooms, storages, weapons factories and hospitals

A Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour cost with Joy Journeys starts at 790,000 VND (around $32 USD) per person (price varies by group size), making it an excellent value considering the quality of the experience.

Option 2: Getting to Cu Chi Tunnels by taking the Public Bus

Taking public transportation is the most economical way to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels, although it requires more time and navigation skills.

Route to Ben Duoc Tunnels:

1. Take Bus No. 13 from 23/9 Park (near the Saigon Backpacker Area) or Bus No. 94 from Cho Lon to Cu Chi Bus Station.

2. From there, transfer to Bus No. 79 to reach the Ben Duoc site.

Route to Ben Dinh Tunnels:

1. Follow the same initial route to Cu Chi Bus Station. 

2. Then transfer to Bus No. 63 to reach the Ben Dinh site.

Cost: Less than $2 USD total for bus fare.
Time: Approximately 2.5-3 hours each way.
Considerations: This option requires patience, basic navigation skills, and comfort with local transportation. It’s best for budget travelers with flexible schedules.

Option 3: Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Grab/Xanh SM)

For travelers seeking convenience and flexibility, taxis or ride-hailing services provide door-to-door transportation.

Recommended Services:

• Grab (popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam)

• Xanh SM Taxi (Vietnam’s first electric taxi company)

• Mai Linh or Vinasun (reputable traditional taxi companies)

Cost: Approximately $60 USD for a round trip (140 km total).
Time: About 1.5 hours each way, depending on traffic.
Considerations: While more expensive than public transportation, this option offers convenience and time savings. You can ask the driver to wait while you visit (for an additional fee) or arrange a pickup time.

Option 4: Private Car / Motorbike

Renting a vehicle gives you maximum flexibility but requires familiarity with Vietnamese traffic and navigation.

Directions:

• Follow Northwest National Road 15 to reach the Cu Chi district

• Use GPS navigation to find the specific tunnel site

Considerations:

• Motorbike rental is affordable but recommended only for experienced riders

• Car rental provides comfort but navigating Ho Chi Minh City traffic can be challenging

• Always check weather conditions before departing, especially during rainy season

Option 5: Speedboat / River Cruise

For a unique perspective, consider traveling to Cu Chi via the Saigon River.

Experience:

• Scenic journey away from traffic

• Faster than bus transportation (approximately 75 minutes one-way)

• Morning departures (typically starting at 7:30 AM)

• Departure point: Tan Cang pier

Considerations:

• Generally more expensive than standard road transportation

• Limited departure times

• Often combined with guided tours of the tunnels

Choosing Your Site: Ben Dinh vs Ben Duoc Tunnels

When planning your visit, one important decision is which tunnel complex to explore. Each offers a different experience, and your choice might depend on your interests, time constraints, and desire for authenticity.

Ben Dinh Tunnels

Pros:

• Closer to Ho Chi Minh City (easier to reach)

• More developed for tourism with clear signage

• Tunnels have been enlarged to accommodate Western visitors

• Convenient location next to the Saigon River

• Takes about 1 hour to tour the main attractions

Cons:

• Often crowded with large tour groups

• Less authentic feel compared to Ben Duoc

• Smaller area (approximately 17 hectares)

Features:

• Four tunnels showcasing underground sleeping quarters, command posts, and medical facilities

• Documentary screenings providing historical context

• Booby trap demonstrations

• Shooting range where visitors can fire weapons like AK-47s and M16s (for an additional fee)

Ben Duoc Tunnels

Pros:

• Five times larger than Ben Dinh (approximately 100 hectares)

• Less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience

• More authentic tunnel experience with narrower passages (though still modified for visitors)

• Includes a Memorial Temple honoring Vietnamese soldiers

• Deeper exploration into the Cu Chi countryside

Cons:

• Further from Ho Chi Minh City

• Takes longer to explore thoroughly

• Original tunnels can be very cramped (though restored sections exist)

Features:

• More extensive tunnel network showcasing remarkable engineering

• Underground Hoang Cam kitchen demonstrations

• Memorial Temple with names of fallen soldiers

• More authentic representation of the tunnel system’s complexity

Which is better? For those seeking a more authentic and less crowded experience, Ben Duoc is generally recommended despite the longer travel time. History enthusiasts and those wanting a deeper understanding of the tunnel network will appreciate Ben Duoc’s more comprehensive presentation. However, if time is limited or convenience is a priority, Ben Dinh remains a worthwhile option.

What to Expect During Your Visit: Activities & Experience

Exploring the Underground Network

The highlight of any visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is the opportunity to explore sections of the underground network firsthand.

Crawling Experience:

• Visitors can enter restored sections of tunnels ranging from 10-100 meters in length

• Multiple exit points are available for those who wish to cut the experience short

• The tunnels, while widened for tourists, remain quite narrow and require crawling in some sections

• Taller or larger individuals may find the experience particularly challenging

Safety Considerations:

• Emergency exits are positioned throughout the crawlable sections

• Some areas have lighting, though it remains dim to preserve the atmosphere

• The experience is not recommended for visitors with claustrophobia, respiratory issues, or limited mobility

• The tunnels can be hot and humid, especially during summer months

Historical Exhibits & Demonstrations

Beyond the tunnels themselves, both sites offer educational exhibits that provide context and insight into life during the war.

Introductory Film:
Most visits begin with a documentary screening that explains the historical significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels and their role in the resistance effort.

Reconstructions:

• Underground bunkers showing how soldiers lived

• Medical stations where wounded fighters were treated

• Command posts for strategic planning

• Kitchens featuring the ingenious Hoang Cam stove design that dispersed smoke to prevent detection

Displays:

• Collection of booby traps and their mechanisms

• Demonstrations of how tunnel entrances were concealed

• Exhibits of weapons, tools, and uniforms

• Historical photographs documenting life in the tunnels

• Remnants of war including an ex-US Army tank that visitors can touch

Optional Activities

Several additional activities are available to enhance your visit:

Shooting Range:

• Opportunity to fire historical weapons including AK-47s and M16s

• Priced per bullet rather than per gun (approximately 3 USD per bullet)

• Located away from the main tunnel areas to minimize noise disruption

Tasting Wartime Food:

• Sample boiled tapioca (cassava) dipped in peanut salt

• Try traditional pandan tea served alongside the simple meal

• Learn about the resourcefulness required to survive on limited rations

Other Potential Activities:
Depending on the site and tour operator, additional activities might include:

• Watching propaganda films from the war era

• Participating in demonstrations of trap-making

• Learning about traditional crafts at nearby workshops

Tips for a Successful Visit

What to Wear When Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels

Proper attire can significantly impact your comfort and enjoyment during your visit:

Clothing Recommendations:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics suitable for Vietnam’s tropical climate

• Long pants rather than shorts (provides protection from insects and scratches)

• T-shirt or light long-sleeved shirt (depending on sun sensitivity)

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sneakers (avoid sandals, especially if planning to enter tunnels)

Essential Items to Bring:

• Insect repellent (particularly important during rainy season)

• Sunscreen with high SPF

• Hat or cap for sun protection

• Sunglasses

• Reusable water bottle (staying hydrated is crucial)

• Small backpack for personal items (but avoid bringing large bags if planning to enter tunnels)

• Camera (photography is permitted throughout most areas)

Health & Safety Considerations

Physical Limitations:

• The tunnel experience is not suitable for everyone

• Those with claustrophobia, respiratory conditions, heart problems, or mobility issues should consider skipping the tunnel crawling

• Pregnant women are generally advised against entering the tunnels

• Children should be closely supervised at all times

General Safety:

• Always follow guide and staff instructions, especially regarding tunnel exploration

• Stay on designated paths to avoid any remaining hazards

• Leave bulky bags outside before entering tunnels

• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in the shooting range area

• Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather

Is Cu Chi Tunnels Worth Visiting Independently? Why a Tour Guide Might Be the Best Option?

While visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels independently can offer a sense of adventure, having a professional guide can significantly enhance your experience.

Benefits of Guided Tours:

• Historical context that brings the site to life

• Navigation assistance through the complex

• Insider knowledge about the best photo opportunities

• Safety guidance when exploring tunnels

• Translation of information that might only be available in Vietnamese

• Recommendations for optional activities based on your interests

For first-time visitors especially, the additional cost of a guide is generally considered worthwhile for the enriched understanding and convenience they provide.

Q&A

How long does a typical visit to Cu Chi Tunnels take, including travel from Ho Chi Minh City?

A typical visit takes approximately 6-7 hours in total, including 3-4 hours of round-trip transportation and 2-2.5 hours at the site itself. Pickup and departure times for the half-day tour are typically finalized ahead of your travel date, so you can plan with ease.

Is it safe to crawl inside the tunnels? Is it suitable for children or people with claustrophobia?

The sections of tunnels open to tourists have been widened and reinforced for safety, with multiple exit points. However, they remain narrow, dark, and can be hot and humid. They are not recommended for people with claustrophobia, respiratory issues, or mobility limitations. Children can enter under close supervision, though parents should use discretion based on the child’s comfort with enclosed spaces.

Which site is better to visit: Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc?

Ben Duoc is generally considered the better option for those seeking a more authentic and less crowded experience. It features a larger area, more extensive tunnel network, and includes a memorial temple. However, Ben Dinh is closer to Ho Chi Minh City and more convenient for those with limited time. Both sites offer valuable insights into the tunnel system and its historical significance.

Can I visit the Cu Chi Tunnels independently, or is a guided tour necessary?

While it is possible to visit independently using public transportation or private vehicles, most visitors find that a guided tour significantly enhances the experience. Guides provide crucial historical context, navigation assistance, and safety information that self-guided visitors might miss. For first-time visitors especially, the convenience and educational value of a guided tour generally outweigh the cost savings of independent travel.

What is the best way to get to Cu Chi Tunnels from HCMC District 1?

The most convenient option is a guided tour with hotel pickup, which eliminates navigation challenges and provides educational commentary. For independent travelers, a Grab taxi offers a good balance of convenience and flexibility. Public buses are the most economical option but require more time and navigation skills. Speedboat tours provide a unique perspective by traveling via the Saigon River.

Conclusion

The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a profound window into Vietnam’s wartime history, showcasing the ingenuity, resilience, and determination of the Vietnamese people during one of the country’s most challenging periods. Whether you choose to visit Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc, take a guided tour or venture independently, this historical site provides insights that extend far beyond typical tourist attractions.

By following this guide to how to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your experience. From transportation options and ticket information to practical tips and site comparisons, we’ve covered everything you need to know for a meaningful and memorable visit in 2025.

If you’d like more details about tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City, feel free to contact Joy Journeys at our hotline:  +84 (0) 868.17.66.79. We look forward to accompanying you on your upcoming adventure!

Link: joyjourneys.com.vn/article/how-to-visit-cu-chi-tunnels/