The Cu Chi Tunnels are a preserved network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War, and the Ben Dinh site offers visitors the chance to physically crawl through widened sections of tunnel for tourist access. The experience is claustrophobic even in the enlarged tourist tunnels and gives a visceral sense of the wartime conditions, combined with exhibits on booby traps, tunnel life, and a shooting range using period firearms for an additional fee.
| Price | ₫110,000 entry (~$4.25) plus tour cost ₫300,000-₫900,000 (~$11.50-$34.60) |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half-day (4-5 hours including transport) |
| Difficulty | Moderate (physically demanding due to heat and confined spaces) |
| Season | November-April (dry season, cooler and less humid underground) |
| Age limit | Generally suitable for ages 8 and up; small children may find the tunnels too claustrophobic |
| Address | Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Dinh Site, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City |
Activity facts
- Where
- Cu Chi District (approx. 40 km northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City)
- Skill level
- No prior experience needed
Equipment
Comfortable closed-toe shoes, light clothing; the tunnel sections are hot, narrow, and dimly lit
Location
Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Dinh Site, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
11.1409, 106.4534 View on map
Highlights
- Crawl through 20-100 meter tunnel sections
- Booby trap demonstration area
- Optional shooting range with AK-47 and M16 rifles for an extra fee
- War remnants and photo exhibits
Tips for visiting
- The tunnels are hot and cramped; those with claustrophobia should ask staff about the shorter exit points built in along the crawl route
- Wear light, breathable clothing since the underground sections are humid
- Combine with a Mekong Delta half-day for a full-day itinerary, offered by most tour operators
- Book a guided half-day tour rather than a self-drive trip, since English signage is limited
When to visit
Morning departure to avoid the worst midday heat inside and outside the tunnels
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible; involves crouching, crawling, and uneven ground