Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

Step into Vietnam’s underground wartime history.

A small, camouflaged entrance to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic military site, is covered by a thatched hut in a dense, green jungle in Vietnam.

Overview

Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam Cruise Port

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an immense underground network located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam. This intricate system of tunnels, stretching over 250 kilometers, played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the American War) and the earlier resistance against French colonial rule. Built by hand by Vietnamese soldiers and local villagers, the tunnels served as hiding spots, communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches, and living quarters for thousands of Viet Cong fighters. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are preserved as a war memorial park, offering visitors a poignant and immersive glimpse into the harsh realities of guerrilla warfare and the incredible resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a highly popular and frequently offered shore excursion for cruise passengers visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My or Cai Mep port). Due to their historical significance and the immersive experience they offer, a visit to the tunnels is considered a must-do for many travelers to Southern Vietnam. While the drive from the port can be lengthy, organized tours provide comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life. A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels offers cruise passengers a profound historical education, a unique physical experience, and a deeper understanding of one of the most defining conflicts of the 20th century.

Top Things to Do in Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

Crawl Through the Tunnels (Widened Sections):

Experience a portion of the actual tunnel system, which has been widened for tourist access. Crawling through these narrow, dark, and sometimes claustrophobic passages gives a visceral understanding of the challenging conditions endured by the Viet Cong.

Tip: Sections vary in length (e.g., 20m, 50m, 100m). If you're claustrophobic, you can enter a short distance and turn back, or simply view the above-ground exhibits.

Discover Hidden Entrances and Booby Traps:

Witness demonstrations of the incredibly well-camouflaged hidden trapdoors that allowed soldiers to disappear seemingly into thin air. Learn about the various ingenious and often brutal booby traps that protected the tunnels and hindered enemy forces.

Tip: Guides often demonstrate how these traps work, providing a chilling insight into the guerrilla tactics.

Watch a Historical Documentary Film:

Begin your visit with a documentary film that provides historical context about the tunnels' construction, their role in the war, and the daily life of those who lived and fought underground.

Tip: The film, while informative, reflects the Vietnamese perspective of the conflict, offering a direct view of the local narrative.

Visit Underground Living and Working Spaces:

Explore recreated sections of the tunnels, including underground living quarters, kitchens (with smoke dispersal systems), command centers, hospitals, and weapons factories. These dioramas illustrate the self-sufficiency of the underground city.

Tip: Pay attention to the details, like the ingenious ventilation shafts disguised as termite mounds, which were crucial for survival.

Try the Shooting Range (Optional):

For an additional fee, visitors have the option to fire various authentic weapons used during the Vietnam War, such as AK-47s or M16s, at a supervised firing range within the complex.

Tip: This can be a loud experience. If you are sensitive to noise, you might want to bring ear protection or avoid this area.

Taste Wartime Cuisine (Cassava):

Sample cassava (tapioca), a staple food that sustained the Viet Cong soldiers in the tunnels, often served with a simple dip of salt and crushed peanuts. This offers a small taste of their Spartan diet.

Tip: This simple snack provides a direct, tangible connection to the lives of the tunnel inhabitants.

Overview