Detailed Guide to Fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels Travel Experience
Cu Chi Tunnels travel experience unveils the labyrinthine underground world – one of the nationally recognized historical sites in Saigon. This destination offers an engaging adventure during your journey in the city named after Uncle Ho.
Nowadays, Cu Chi Tunnels tourism is rapidly growing, as it not only holds historical and cultural value but also captivates tourists with renowned military structures in Vietnam. Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels will grant you and your family a meaningful and experiential trip.
1. Learn About Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels are among the well-known tourist spots in Cu Chi, frequented by many visitors when they come to this area. This historical site is located on Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.
To reach Cu Chi Tunnel, travelers will have to cover about 70km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Given the relatively short distance, you can choose from various transportation options that suit your journey.
The tunnels stretch a total length of 250km, with three different depths: the top level is about 3m below the ground, the middle level is 6m, and the deepest level is 12m. It is one of the six famous man-made structures worldwide. Moreover, Cu Chi Tunnels also rank among the top 7 most extraordinary destinations in Southeast Asia.
2. History of Cu Chi Tunnels Formation
For a long time, Cu Chi Tunnel have been one of the most intriguing attractions in Saigon. However, not everyone is aware of the historical background of this tourist spot.
The history of the Tunnels is intertwined with the resistance against the French colonial rule, specifically during the period of 1946-1948. The construction was carried out by the forces and people of Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes, aimed at hiding weapons and military equipment.
Initially, each village here had its own base tunnel, but due to the need for mobility, they were interconnected to form an extensive network. The current Cu Chi Tunnels system connects 6 northern communes of Cu Chi Tunnel. From these tunnels, military forces could easily communicate, hide their troops, and plan revolutionary activities.
From 1961 to 1965, the system expanded with numerous interconnected branches. The upper part of these tunnels was equipped with numerous traps, bell pits, minefields, serving the fight of our troops and people.
3. How to Get to Cu Chi Tunnels?
Cu Chi Tunnels are approximately 70km away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, to the northwest. To travel to here, you have a variety of transportation options available:
- Motorbike or self-driving car: From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you can take the route from Ben Thanh through Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, then continue on Truong Chinh Street, An Suong Bridge, National Highway 22, Ba Trieu Street, Trung Nu Vuong Street… Continue straight through Hoc Mon town, cross Sang Bridge, follow Provincial Road 15, pass through Tan Quy intersection, Ben Nay Bridge, Phu Hoa Dong market, and you’ll arrive at the historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage and prefer a comfortable journey, taking a taxi might be the most suitable option. However, you should carefully consider it, as the 70km journey from the city center might cost around 500,000 – 600,000 VND per trip.
- Bus: If you have more time and want to save on costs, the bus is a suitable option. You can go to Ben Thanh Market and take bus route 13 to Cu Chi bus station, then continue with bus route 79 to theTunnels. The bus journey takes about 2.5 hours, so if you have time, this could be a good choice.
4. Detailed Exploration of Cu Chi Tunnels
4.1. Explore the Tunnels
Your Cu Chi Tunnels travel experience would be incomplete without venturing inside the deep tunnels. You can wander through the tunnel passages, where soldiers and civilians operated during the wartime. The tunnel section is 120m long, consisting of 2 levels, offering you a fascinating experience.
Additionally, you can savor local dishes made from ingredients like sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro, which were consumed by people living in the tunnels during that era.
4.2. Discover the War Zone Simulation Area
As one of the famous historical landmarks, Cu Chi Tunnel are closely associated with history and wartime experiences. While visiting this destination, it’s recommended to explore the area simulating the war zone.
Here, you can watch slow-motion films depicting the daily life and battles of our soldiers and people in this region. Furthermore, you can see various scale models of famous Vietnamese historical sites replicated within this tourist spot, such as Long Bien Bridge, One Pillar Pagoda, Nha Rong Wharf, and Saigon Bridge.
4.3. Try Shooting at the Shooting Range Inside Cu Chi Tunnels
Many visitors to Tunnels find shooting activities, such as disassembling firearms and target shooting, exciting. You will receive enthusiastic instructions from the staff at this tourist site. This activity is especially popular among foreign tourists.
The price for this shooting experience is around 50,000 VND per person for a 60-minute session.
4.4. Visit the Simulated South China Sea Swimming Lake
Cu Chi Tunnels are also renowned for offering a variety of activities. After exploring the tunnel passages and military activities, you can immerse yourself in the clear waters of the simulated South China Sea swimming lake. The cost for experiencing this activity is 20,000 VND per person.
4.5. Enjoy Trung An Fruit Garden Within Cu Chi Tunnel
During your visit, you’ll be delighted to explore fruit gardens and taste a variety of delicious fruits. Trung An Fruit Garden is particularly famous here, allowing you to pick and indulge in fragrant fruits such as rambutan, lychee, jackfruit, and durian.
4.6. Tour the Wildlife Rescue Station
The map of Cu Chi Tunnels will guide you to the wildlife rescue station, located about 1km from the main tourist site, between Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh. This is the largest wildlife rescue station in the southern region, home to over 3,600 rare animal species. Visitors can enjoy interacting with animals and listening to stories shared by the staff.
4.7. Experience Quality Accommodation
In addition to planning a detailed itinerary to explore attractions near Cu Chi Tunnels, you should also consider quality accommodation options to ensure a convenient and fulfilling trip.
5. Where to Stay Near Cu Chi Tunnels?
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi District offer a wide range of hotels to cater to the accommodation needs of tourists visiting Cu Chi Tunnels. However, to make your journey complete, choose high-quality hotels that offer diverse resort services.
6. What to Eat When Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels?
Many experienced travelers suggest various delicious dishes and interesting eateries along the routes leading to Cu Chi Tunnels. You can enjoy the following local dishes:
- Minh Quy Pork Skin Noodles: This dish is a great option for starting your day before exploring Cu Chi Tunnels. The restaurant operates throughout the day, so you can enjoy it whenever you prefer.
- Boiled Cassava with Sesame Salt: This dish has a deep connection with the locals and soldiers who lived under the tunnels. You can experience a taste of their authentic life by trying this dish.
- Cu Chi Beef: The beef in Cu Chi is processed into various delicious dishes and is well-known in the region. You can easily find this dish in many restaurants along the way to Cu Chi Tunnel.
- Various Desserts: After exploring the tunnel passages, you can enjoy various local desserts that have the authentic flavors of the Southern region.
- Soursop Juice with Rambutan: Juice stalls are popular around the Southern region, offering refreshing drinks like soursop juice combined with the tropical sweetness of rambutan.
7. What Souvenirs to Buy When Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels?
When visiting Cu Chi Tunnel, you might want to buy souvenirs for your family and friends. You can purchase items made from artillery shells, such as lighters, pens, and lamps, to commemorate your trip. Additionally, nearby shops offer handmade products from bamboo and rattan, which also make excellent gifts.
8. Things to Know When Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels
8.1. Ticket Price and Opening Hours
When planning your Tunnels visit, remember that the site opens from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Thus, you should carefully manage your itinerary to make the most of your trip.
The ticket prices for Cu Chi Tunnel are around 20,000 – 30,000 VND per person, 20,000 VND for tunnel crawling, and 50,000 VND for various games. These prices are well-defined by the management of the historical site, so you can plan your budget accordingly.
8.2. Travel Tips for Cu Chi Tunnels Visit
For a seamless and convenient Cu Chi Tunnel travel experience, consider the following tips:
- The dress code at this tourist site is not strict, but since you will be crawling into tunnels, opt for tidy and darker-colored attire for ease of movement and to avoid stains.
- Comfortable sports shoes are recommended for easier mobility.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent are handy companions for your journey.
- If you have claustrophobia or low blood pressure, consider skipping narrow tunnels.
- Additionally, be sure to respect the site’s rules and regulations during your visit.
Conclusion
Cu Chi Tunnels offer a captivating journey into history and wartime experiences. With a variety of activities, attractions, and local dishes, your visit to this destination will undoubtedly be an enriching and memorable experience. Be sure to plan your itinerary and accommodations in advance to fully enjoy your trip to Cu Chi Tunnel.
