Cu Chi Tunnels ToursExplore this unique military landmark in Vietnam.
About the Cu Chi Tunnels
Approximately 70 kilometres northwest of Ho Chi Minh City is where you will find this fascinating relic of the Vietnam war. The tunnels played a crucial role during the war even acting as the base of operation for the Tet Offensive. The tunnels were used as a way for the Viet Cong to hide from American forces, smuggle supplies to fellow soldiers and as a place for soldiers to live whilst they were fighting. The are of Cu Chi was heavily bombed during the war in an attempt to destroy the tunnels but this attack was unsuccessful as American troops would underestimate the size of the tunnels, so no one was sent in to search them. There is also the fact that many of the entrances were rigged with booby traps, so even if the enemy forces did enter the tunnels, it would be extremely difficult for them to get very far underground.
Today the tunnels have been preserved by the Vietnamese government and turned into a war memorial park. You can explore the safer parts of the tunnels, see recreations of the various booby traps that the Viet Cong used to stop enemy troops entering the tunnels and see the underground conference room where the Tet Offensive was planned.
Cu Chi Tunnel Tours
Take a tour and discover this important relic of wartime history. Explore the preserved caves and see what life was like for the Viet Cong living in these tunnel systems. Visit the replica booby traps to see the inventive ways the Viet Cong fought their enemies and kept their location safe. Explore the very room that the Tet Offensive was planned in, the attack that led to civilian unrest in America. Discover this important piece of wartime history from the very place it happened on a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
What to expect in the Cu Chi Tunnels
Nowhere else is the tenacious spirit of the Vietnamese more evident than in the underground tunnels of Cu Chi. The Cu Chi tunnels are a 250 km long underground maze which played a significant role during the war. The Viet Cong were constantly expanding and repairing the network of tunnels and the three levels penetrated deep into the ground and included living areas, weapon factories, field hospitals, kitchens and even a tiny cinema for down time. Often lead by a relative of a Viet Cong fighter in green fatigues you’ll walk the bush trails discovering grass covered trapdoors, ingenious, yet gruesome booby traps and hidden underwater entrances in rivers. There is also an opportunity to go underground and pop off a few rounds at the firing range.
What to do at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Explore the tunnels
Of course, the main thing to do when visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is to take a tour of the tunnels. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the Viet Cong from one of our expert guides. The tunnels have been renovated with low lights being added so that tourists can see in the deep tunnels and some of the smaller tunnels have been expanded to stop them from feeling too claustrophobic. Even with these changes you can still get an understanding of what it must have been like for the Viet Cong to live in these tunnels. A truly unique experience for anyone interested in war history. Particularly the tactics of the Viet Cong, which are unique to them, so exploring the tunnels give you a great insight into how they fought.
Try out the Cu Chi shooting range
Since the area was a military zone there is the opportunity to try your hand at shooting war-era guns. For those who wish to test their marksmanship Cu Chi gives you the unique hands-on experience of shooting real military guns. All necessary safety precautions are taken with the guns being loaded and handled by professionals. There are also a range of guns to choose from, including AK47’s and M16’s.
Discover the Cu Chi Tunnel Traps
The Viet Cong was infamous for their ingenious and deadly traps. Often sighted as one of the reasons they were able to hold their own against the much larger American army, you can explore replicas of the traps that they set to keep themselves safe from oncoming enemies. From trap doors that dropped enemies into spiked pits to trip wires that released poisonous snakes, the Viet Cong's traps were incredibly cunning and extremely dangerous. You can see replicas of some of the traps they would have used in the Cu Chi Tunnels, as well as the almost undetectable entrances to the tunnels that kept them hidden so well.
Frequently asked questionsFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Any of our tours that include a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels in the itinerary have the admission fee included in the booking price of the tour. So you can rest easy knowing everything is paid for in advance.
How long does it take to explore the tunnels?
Exploration of the intricate tunnel system will take around an hour with our guided tour. However, before entering the tunnels we will first watch an insightful introductory video and explore the various traps, military weaponry and bomb craters that remain at the site.
Are the Cu Chi Tunnels safe to explore?
Yes, We keep the safety of our guests as our number one priority. The tunnels have been widened and reinforced to accommodate visitors, as well as this, all of our tour guides are knowledgeable of the area and the safety precautions that must be taken when visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.
When is the best time to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
The best time to visit the Cu Chi tunnels is during Vietnams dry season. This is from late November until April, during this time the weather is warm, and you avoid the tropical showers of the wet season.
Conclusion
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a marvel of war history. Unique in their guerrilla techniques the Viet Cong was a fearsome adversary to the American army. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels give you first hand insight into how these soldiers were able to take on the larger American forces and claim a military victory alongside Northern Vietnam. Truly a must visit for any history fan especially those with an interest in the history of warfare.
