Cu Chi Tunnels: What You Need To Know About Visiting These Vietnam War Sites

This was such a helpful review. Thanks!

I visited those tunnels in 2010, actually another site closer to Hanoi, but All of North Vietnam and good parts of the south have them everywhere. There literally was a 2nd Vetnam under the one above ground, with hospitals, meeting rooms, accomodation for thousands, jails etc...

My only thought while inside: If GPS positioning had existed at the time, we would have won that war.

That was extraordinary, Tiffany. Thank you!

@Tiffany, the us soldiers that went down in those tunnels were called ‘Tunnel Rats’. They were small, lithe, skilled and brave kids! The only kit they really took with them was a flashlight and a side arm (pistol).

You were lucky you weren't arrested. Budgeting only 40 hours in Saigon is a crime.

Clearly if Americans had built a wall it would have solved the tunnel problem. Wonder what should work now wasn't considered back then.

Visited the more popular ones, definitely worth it.

"with the last one requiring not only crawling on hands and knees, but basically shimmying on stomachs and forearms".... Nope, Nope, Nope.

Lovely review. Thank you!

We would find it lovely to read all about the french influence in Vietnam and where to experience it on the cheap.

What you need to know...1. they were build by the Vietnamese which are much smaller in build than westerners...that said they enlarged the tunnels for tourists. Now, it's still pitch dark when your guide is in front you, tight and hot and humid. Not ideal if you have any fear of small spaces. I did a few years back...took for some reason the longer route, came out exhausted and showered in sweat...it was awesome but I also have no fear of small tight spaces. Worth seeing for sure.

My tunnel was so small that we had to do the squatting walk and I'm only 176cm/5'-9". I think it's a must see and do.

What were the actual costs you incurred for the transportation and the guide, and what is the approximate range of costs from low to high end for the experience?

The tunnels were amazing, but a warning to anyone who may even be SLIGHTLY claustrophobic: reconsider. I’m not claustrophobic at all, but it was SO small, pitch dark, and really hot. I started panicking and at the first ray of light, got the heck out of there. Amazing experience!

I did it with Grasshopper bike tours and highly recommend them.

@lira
Thousands of miles and a 3 decades separated and you still can be political with your:

"Clearly if Americans had built a wall it would have solved the tunnel problem. Wonder what should work now wasn’t considered back then."

I suppose that you simply leave your doors unlocked, the keys hanging in the ignition of your car, and your wallet and money lying about to be used at will by anyone who wants. I on the other hand refuse to use a travel discussion as an opportunity to show your ignorance.

The tunnels are very interesting but think twice if claustrophobic. Vietnam is a fantastic destination as is all Indochina. Worth it.

Great review that brought back memories. But if you decide to try firing an AK-47 at the Ben Dinh site (which is certainly worth the few dollars they charge, even if just to experience the strong recoil), and choose to take an empty cartridge home as a souvenir, don’t do what I stupidly did and keep it in your carryon: I had to give mine up at security before boarding my next flight.

I was surprised just how many American tourists were in Vietnam last month. By far the biggest percentage of foreign visitors we saw including Chinese. I found all the museums to be relentless in tone, but that's largely to be expected.

Another excellent report and the use of “ obfuscate “ takes it to another level. Well done Tiffany.

Great report, Tiff. Love the shot of the spike trap, but oh boy, I hope those aren't your legs!

@Lira - Debit is that you? Please go away. This is a travel blog. Your politcal views have no reason to be here. Go somewhere else troll.

I made my first trip to a tunnel in early 1969 and a second a few weeks later when I discovered I was VERY claustrophobic, and basically scare to death down there.

My wife went back to Viet Nam in 2008 with me and I revisited the Ben Duoc site with her but was again unable to go in to the tunnels though I tried.

The victors of wars can write the history as they see fit but if you can get around the propaganda it is a worthwhile visit in a beautiful country with warm and welcoming people.

In addition to the posts above mentioning claustrophobic conditions in the tunnels, readers should also be aware of the possibility of seeing a gigantic cave spider. Our guide smiled as he cast his flashlight on a cave spider that had the diameter of a grapefruit in the underground mess-hall kitchen area. It was about 5ft. away from our faces. I was overcome with nausea + got the heck out of there.

I've been to the Cu Chi tunnels twice. Once with a friend, and the other leading a women's tour. One of the women wouldn't even go on the "walk" to see the area because of her feelings about the war. I however, enjoyed it both times.

Also, I had one of my worst solo travel experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. It was Chinese New Year's Eve. I got in a taxi near the market to visit the "American Way Museum". After the taxi started driving, I heard the locks click. The driver pulled around to the back of the museum and asked for $60 for a $2 fare. I was stuck. No one was around to even bang on the window to attract attention. We went back and forth, and after 15 minutes, he let me out for $10. As he left, I yelled F*@k You at him. He seemed very angry that I would do this on New Year's Eve. I hope I brought bad luck to him! And then, going into the museum, everything I saw made it look like American's were horrible animals in the war, and I started thinking that all the Vietnamese there must hate me. A very traumatic day for me!! And then I let myself down when I lost my nerve to stay out to see the "fabulous" fireworks and walk back to the hotel in the dark. 🙁

Hahahaha, only Westerners fall for this lies..

The tunnels were a high-point of my trip(s) to Vietnam. Incredible projects. It is also amazing how time heals wounds. When I was 18, I was a draft candidate and now, as an Import Manufacturer, we are shifting some of our client's supply chains to Vietnam from China (not everyone loves a trade-war). The wonderful people I work with in Vietnam view me as a valued business partner and not a former foe.

I was not claustrophobic until I went into the Ben Duoc tunnels doing the shimmy on my stomach. I was first in line just behind the guide. I started to panic and could hear my two friends behind me panic also. I then spent my time telling them it was ok (but in reality it was atrocious). My guide quickly sensed our panic and pointed to the short-course exit after about 30 meters. We were outta that tunnel so fast. Since then, I've had nightmares about it, seriously. Do not do it if you have the slightest hesitation...there's nothing to see but the reality that war is hell.