HO CHI MINH: DISCOVER CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR

The Ho Chi Minh: Discover Cu Chi Tunnels Tour offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s resilient past. This 6-hour experience takes visitors deep underground, exploring the historic network that played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War. Priced at $28.82 per person, the tour includes expert guidance, transportation, and the chance to uncover hidden traps and crawl through narrow passages. But the journey doesn’t end there – you will also visit a traditional rice paper workshop and savor guerrilla-era cuisine, creating a truly immersive experience.

Good To Know

• Explore the historical significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels, which served as a vital hideout and supply route for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
• Experience crawling through the narrow, maze-like underground network and discover ingenious traps designed to protect the Viet Cong from enemies.
• Participate in a 6-hour guided tour with a maximum of 11 participants, including pick-up, transportation, and entrance fees for $28.82 per person.
• Visit a local rice paper workshop to observe the traditional rice paper making process and taste guerrilla-era food.
• Benefit from a flexible cancellation policy with a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cu Chi Tunnels Tour offers visitors an immersive experience, priced at $28.82 per person.

The 6-hour tour has a small group size limited to 11 participants, providing a personalized exploration. Visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s an option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off, a professional guide, transportation, light snacks, entrance fees, and bottled water.

Excluded are other meals, tips, personal expenses, and the bullet fee for the optional shooting range experience.

Historical Significance

While the Cu Chi Tunnels served as a crucial hideout and supply route for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, they also held immense historical significance. The underground network played a vital role in the Vietnamese resistance, allowing them to launch surprise attacks and evade the enemy. Visitors can explore this remarkable feat of engineering and gain a deeper understanding of the conflict’s impact. The tunnels serve as a poignant reminder of the Vietnamese people’s resilience and their determination to defend their homeland.

| Year | Event |

| — | — |

| 1948 | Viet Minh begin constructing the Cu Chi tunnel system |

| 1954 | Geneva Accords end French Indochina War |

| 1960s | Viet Cong expand the tunnel network during the Vietnam War |

| 1968 | Viet Cong launch the Tet Offensive from Cu Chi tunnels |

| 1975 | Vietnam War ends with the fall of Saigon |

Exploring the Underground Tunnel System

Visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels can explore the maze-like underground network that once served as a formidable stronghold for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

The tunnels feature:

• Hidden trap doors and intricate traps designed to defend against enemies

• Living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers

• A chance to crawl through the narrow passageways, providing a glimpse into the conditions endured by Viet Cong guerillas

This underground labyrinth offers a unique opportunity to take in the history and ingenuity of the Vietnam War resistance.

Discovering Hidden Traps and Traps

As visitors explore the maze-like tunnels, they’ll discover the ingenious traps and hidden defenses that once protected the Viet Cong from their enemies. Cleverly camouflaged, these traps were designed to maim or kill unsuspecting foes. The table below outlines some of the more notorious traps encountered in the tunnels:

| Trap Type | Description |

| — | — |

| Punji Stake Trap | Sharpened bamboo stakes camouflaged in the ground to impale intruders |

| Swing Trap | Heavy, spiked wooden beams that swing down to crush targets |

| Grenade Trap | Tripwires that trigger the detonation of hidden grenades |

| Gas Trap | Poisonous gas released through hidden vents to incapacitate enemies |

| Trap Door | Concealed openings in the tunnel floors to drop intruders into deeper tunnels |

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Visiting a Rice Paper Workshop

The tour also includes a visit to a local rice paper workshop, where visitors can witness the traditional process of making this staple Vietnamese ingredient.

Guests will observe:

• Rice grains being soaked, ground, and strained to create a thin batter

• The batter being carefully poured onto a hot, round cooking surface to form thin, delicate sheets

• The rice paper sheets being hung to dry, creating a crinkly texture

This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship behind this essential Vietnamese food item.

Tasting Local Foods and Drinks

After exploring the intricate process of making rice paper, visitors can further enjoy the local culinary traditions.

Visitors can further enjoy local culinary traditions after exploring the intricate process of making rice paper.

They’re treated to a taste of guerrilla-era food, including tapioca and a special tea. These simple yet nourishing items sustained Viet Cong fighters in the tunnels during the war.

Munching on the chewy tapioca and sipping the fragrant tea, guests gain a deeper understanding of the resourcefulness and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

This hands-on experience completes the immersive Cu Chi Tunnels tour, providing a well-rounded appreciation of the region’s history and culture.

Shooting Experience With AK47 or MK16 Rifles

One of the highlights of the Cu Chi Tunnels tour is the opportunity to test fire AK47 or MK16 rifles at a supervised shooting range.

This unique experience allows visitors to:

• Get a taste of the weapons used by the Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War

• Learn proper firing techniques from experienced instructors

• Enjoy a thrilling, yet safe, shooting activity in a controlled environment

The bullet fee for 10 rounds is approximately 600,000 VND.

While an optional add-on, this shooting experience provides a memorable and authentic glimpse into the military history of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

Aside from the thrilling shooting experience, the Cu Chi Tunnels tour includes several other key inclusions. Visitors are provided with pick-up and drop-off at central Saigon, a friendly and professional tour guide, air-conditioned transportation, a light snack with tapioca and tea, entrance fees, and bottled water. However, the tour excludes any other meals not mentioned, tips, personal expenses, and the bullet fee at the shooting range. It’s important to note that the tour is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old, and the use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited.

| Inclusions | Exclusions | Important Information |

| — | — | — |

| – Pick-up and drop-off
– Tour guide
– Air-conditioned transport | – Additional meals
– Tips and personal expenses
– Bullet fee at shooting range | – Not suitable for over 95 years old
– No alcohol or drugs allowed |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a light snack with tapioca and tea, as well as bottled water. Any other meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Shooting Experience?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old for the shooting experience. Individuals over 95 years old are prohibited from the overall tour due to the physically demanding nature of exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Tunnels?

Photography is allowed inside the tunnels, but visitors should be mindful of safety and follow their tour guide’s instructions. Cameras and smartphones can be used to capture the unique underground environment, though flash photography may be restricted.

Can I Bring Souvenirs Back From the Rice Paper Workshop?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs from the rice paper workshop during the Cu Chi Tunnels tour. The tour includes a visit to the workshop where traditional rice paper is made, allowing visitors to bring home a piece of the local culture.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Multiple Languages?

The tour guide is fluent in multiple languages, including English, making the Cu Chi Tunnels tour accessible to a wide range of international visitors. The guide provides informed and engaging commentary throughout the tour.

The Sum Up

The Ho Chi Minh: Discover Cu Chi Tunnels Tour offers an immersive journey into Vietnam’s resilient past. Visitors can explore the historic underground network, discover hidden traps, and learn about the region’s rich culture. With professional guidance, transportation, and inclusive activities, this tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the cu chi tunnels and gain insights into the Vietnam War’s legacy.

You can check availability for your dates here: