A war-era underground network of tunnels used by Viet Cong fighters, with widened sections, trap displays and a shooting range.
The Cu Chi tunnels are a 250 km network dug in the 1940s-1960s that supported resistance operations near Saigon. Two sites are open to visitors: Ben Dinh, which is closer and busier, and Ben Duoc, which is further and quieter. Visitors crawl through widened tunnel sections, see camouflaged trapdoors and booby traps, and can try tapioca with tea as the fighters ate.
Guided half-day tours leave from District 1 at about 08:00 and return around 13:00. Entry is about 125,000 VND (~$4.75) at Ben Dinh, and a guide, bus and entry package typically costs 300,000-700,000 VND (~$11.41-26.62). The site is hot and humid by late morning, so go early.
| Distance | About 55 km / 34 miles |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2.5 hours each way |
| Getting there | Half-day tour, Grab car, or public bus 13 to Cu Chi then bus 79 |
| Cost | About 125,000 VND (~$4.75) entry; tours from 300,000 VND (~$11.41) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Ben Dinh, Nhuan Duc Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City |
How to get there
- Guided half-day tour (about 300,000-700,000 VND / ~$11.41-26.62)
- Grab car (about 600,000-900,000 VND / ~$22.81-34.22 one way)
- Public bus 13 from Ben Thanh then bus 79 (about 20,000 VND / ~$0.76)
Location
Ben Dinh, Nhuan Duc Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
11.1430, 106.4600 View on map
Highlights
- Crawl through widened sections of the war-era tunnel network
- See camouflaged trapdoors and booby-trap displays
- Taste tapioca with tea as the fighters ate
- Choose between busy Ben Dinh and quieter Ben Duoc
Tips for visiting
- Leave District 1 by about 08:00 to reach the tunnels before the midday heat.
- Ben Duoc is quieter than Ben Dinh and suits visitors who dislike crowds.
- Wear light clothing and closed shoes; tunnel sections are narrow and hot.
- Tours bundling guide, bus and entry cost roughly 300,000-700,000 VND.
- Skip the shooting range if short on time; it is priced per bullet and noisy.
When to visit
November to April is driest and coolest; arrive early in the morning to avoid late-morning heat and the largest tour groups.
Accessibility
Paths are uneven and tunnel sections require crawling or stooping, so the site is difficult for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Cu Chi Tunnels trip take?
A half-day tour usually leaves around 08:00 and returns about 13:00, with 1.5-2.5 hours of driving each way.
Are the tunnels suitable for claustrophobic visitors?
The tunnels are narrow and hot, but crawl sections are short and exits are marked, so visitors can leave at set points.
What is the entry fee?
Entry at Ben Dinh is about 125,000 VND, while guided tours including transport run roughly 300,000-700,000 VND.