As part of the vast underground network, the Cu Chi Tunnel is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The Vietnamese Congress used it as a hideaway during various wars. Experience the tight squeeze firsthand by crawling through the tunnels and firing assault rifles at the shooting range after.
The tunnels were created by hand with essential equipment. The tunnels were first used under French colonial authority and then expanded for use against the United States during the war. You can learn about the living conditions of Vietnamese soldiers during the conflict and how the People's Liberation Armed Forces of South Vietnam succeeded by visiting this memorial.
Overview of Vietnam's Chu Chi Tunnels
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Timings | 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Entry Fee | VND 90,000 * |
| Location |
Đường tỉnh 15, Phú Hiệp, Củ Chi, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 733814, Vietnam. |
| *Prices are subject to change* | |
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery as you navigate expansive rows of towering rubber trees characterized by their distinctively tall trunks and wide, vibrant leaves.
- Venturing into the elaborate tunnel system and descending through trap doors can evoke a sense of claustrophobia and uncertainty, providing a truly distinctive experience.
- Embark on a captivating exploration of the Cu Chi tunnels, allowing visitors to traverse some elaborate tunnel systems.
- Within the Cu Chi Tunnels, an added attraction awaits in a shooting range, where visitors can take part in firing a range of firearms. As you hold the gun in your hands and fire each round, you can feel a surge of adrenaline and a connection to the history of the Vietnam War.
Recommended for
The Chu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam are recommended for travelers seeking information about the past and experiencing the dilemma that Vietnamese soldiers faced. If you think you are one of them, it is a must-visit place.
About Vietnam's Chu Chi Tunnels
The intricate underground network known as the Cu Chi Tunnels was first built in 1948 as a shelter for the locals of Cu Chi and then enlarged to serve as a covert military base for troops and military commissioners. They excavated the tunnels, hid underground during the day, and went on operations at night throughout the two wars: the Indochina War with the French (1945–1954) and the Vietnam War with the US Army (1962–1975).
The Cu Chi Tunnels system currently in use has a total length of around 250 kilometers and consists of numerous deep underground levels. These tunnels were so small that only the Vietnamese could fit inside them, and camouflage leaves and a hidden wooden door concealed their entrances. Because these tunnels were constructed alone, with emergency exits out to the Saigon River, booby traps, and fake bunkers, the US failed to completely knock down the system despite its efforts to find and destroy them.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are divided into two portions, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, preserved for tourists. Most of the attractions and exhibitions are connected to the Vietnam War era. 3 floors of the tunnel, each 3 to 10 meters below the earth. These tunnels have been enlarged and fortified to make them safe for visitors, but you may only visit the first level and a few meters of them due to the risk of the rest of the building collapsing. Nonetheless, the experiences and exhibits here will help you comprehend the appalling conditions that Vietnamese soldiers and civilians had to live in and how resourceful they were to make the most of what they had and end the war.
What to See at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Ben Dinh Tunnels at Cu Chi
The tunnels at Ben Dinh, located next to the Saigon River and a former US Army base, were ideal for the Cu Chi District Commissioner to lead people in the area during the war. If the US Army discovered their hiding place, they could quickly flee to the river, and they could also launch surprise attacks and set traps throughout the area.
Ben Duoc Tunnels at Cu Chi
There is a small path that will lead you to an area where you can see a collection of helicopters, tanks, bombs, and weapons that were used by the US Army and Cu Chi guerrillas during the Vietnam War. You can then head to a pavilion in the middle of the forest to watch a documentary and learn about the complex tunnel system. Like Ben Dinh, you can explore underground tunnels and see various rooms like living and working spaces, meeting rooms, surgery rooms, shelters, weapon factories, fighting bunkers, and kitchens.
Ben Duoc Temple
The Ben Duoc Temple was created to honor Vietnamese patriotism and pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in wars. The main hall features tablets with over ten thousand names of those who fought and made sacrifices. If you climb to the top floor of the 9-story tower, you can witness the historic land once known as the "Iron Triangle." This area is famous for its intricate underground system that played a significant role in Vietnamese history.
The Stimulation Areas
At the exhibit, you'll observe a replica of the Cedar Falls event and the changing landscape of Cu Chi Village during the war. The display depicts the serene sight of farmers and buffaloes working in the fields and the devastation of destroyed homes and forests.
An enjoyable stimulation here is "Little Vietnam," with the East Sea Stimulated Lake and miniature replicas of the One Pillar Pagoda representing Northern Vietnam, the Meridian Gate (in the Imperial City of Hue) representing Central Vietnam, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum representing Southern Vietnam.
