The Chu Chi tunnels, a vast labyrinth of underground tunnels, were once used as defensive fortifications against enemy soldiers. These tunnels were an ingenious invention of the local Vietnamese. Nowadays, the tunnels are a huge tourist attraction for people who want to learn more about Vietnam’s brutal and bloody past.
Let's take a look at the history and things to do at the infamous Cu Chi tunnels.
Just outside Ho Chi Minh City lies one of the most impressive remnants of the Vietnam war, the Cu Chi tunnels. The 400 km-long underground tunnels were originally built during the French Occupation by the locals. It was used as a means of communication between different villages and to evade French soldiers.
During the Vietnam War, it was used by the Vietnamese and the Viet Cong guerillas to protect themselves and escape from the heavy bombing carried on by the American forces.
The impressive tunnels were made using bare hands and simple materials like bamboo. Not only that, the tunnels were divided into 4 distinct levels. The first level was used by the guerilla soldiers to fend off any attacks. There were also ingenious traps laid along the first level in case enemy soldiers found the tunnels. In the second level, there were kitchens and living spaces. The third level housed the first aid station and the storage room. The last level led to the Saigon River and was to be used for emergency getaways.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are located a short 2 hours drive away from Ho Chi Minh City. To get to the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can either take the bus, taxi or even a speed boat.
There are daily bus services from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh. It will take 90 to 120 minutes to reach the Cu Chi tunnels and costs around 26,000 VND. Book your bus ticket online now.
You can also book or hire a taxi to take you from your accommodation to the Cu Chi tunnels. It is much more convenient than the bus but also more expensive.
There are daily speed boat tours that go up the Saigon River from Tan Cang Pier. It takes around an hour to reach Cu Chi Tunnels by boat.
Once you reach Cu Chi Tunnels, you can explore the tunnels with a guide. There are two main areas where you can access the Cu Chi tunnels, Ben Duoc, where the original tunnels are, and Ben Dinh, where the more touristy tunnels are.
Ben Dinh is where the more tourist-friendly tunnels are located. The tunnels here have been reconstructed to be more accessible and wider. So you can climb and explore the tunnels without any worry.
If you want to explore the original tunnels and experience what life was really like in the tunnels, head to Ben Duoc. The tunnels here extend over a larger area than the Ben Dinh tunnels and are also more compact and narrower.
There are shooting ranges near the Cu Chi Tunnels where you can experience shooting guns that were originally used during the Vietnam War. This is one of the most popular stops on the Cu Chi tunnels tour. You can shoot a variety of guns like AK-47, M16, and more. The cost varies on the type of bullet you use and will usually cost 55,000 VND per bullet.
Located at the end of the Cu Chi tunnels, the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple was built to honor all the soldiers and people who were killed during the French occupation and the Vietnam War. The names of all the fallen have been inscribed onto a rock that sits within the temple premises.
Check out this list of the most impressive temples in Vietnam you can visit.
The Cu Chi Tunnels gives you a glimpse into Vietnam’s dark history. If you want to explore the Cu Chi Tunnel, you will need to apply for a Vietnam visa online with BDATrip.
Journey into the depths of Vietnam's history by exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover the ingenious network that played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War and unveil the stories of resilience and survival.
