Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Dinh
Explore the intricate underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers, a powerful testament to wartime resilience and ingenuity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel
Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Dinh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the intricate underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers, a powerful testament to wartime resilience and ingenuity.
"Crawling through the narrow tunnels really made me appreciate the resilience and ingenuity of the people who built and lived in them. "
🎯 Ben Duoc vs. Ben Dinh
Ben Duoc is more authentic and less crowded. Ben Dinh is closer and widened for tourists.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and crawling. Avoid heels or open-toed shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crawl Through the Tunnels
Reconstructed tunnel sections
Experience the claustrophobic reality of life underground for Viet Cong soldiers. A truly humbling and unforgettable adventure.
Hidden Entrances and Booby Traps
Various points throughout the site
Discover ingenious camouflaged entrances and learn about the deadly traps used to defend the tunnels.
Underground Living Quarters
Reconstructed rooms
See how soldiers lived, ate, and slept in cramped underground spaces, a testament to their resilience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Tunnel Experience
+1Book a Guided Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ben Duoc vs. Ben Dinh
Ben Duoc is more authentic and less crowded. Ben Dinh is closer and widened for tourists.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and crawling. Avoid heels or open-toed shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It gets hot and humid. Bring plenty of water, especially during the dry season.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera, but be mindful of others and the historical significance of the site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ben Duoc vs. Ben Dinh
Ben Duoc is more authentic and less crowded. Ben Dinh is closer and widened for tourists.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and crawling. Avoid heels or open-toed shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It gets hot and humid. Bring plenty of water, especially during the dry season.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera, but be mindful of others and the historical significance of the site.
🤏 Be Prepared to Crawl
If you plan to enter the tunnels, be ready for tight spaces and low ceilings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cu Chi Tunnels as a must-visit for understanding Vietnam's history, highlighting the humbling experience of crawling through the tunnels and the insightful guidance provided by tour leaders. While the historical significance is undeniable, some find the tunnels claustrophobic, and the heat can be intense.
"The site shows the underground network used by the Viet Cong, with narrow passages you can crawl through, traps and weapons on display, and guided tours that explain daily life during the war. It’s undeniably touristy — some areas feel staged, and the shooting range adds to the spectacle, but it still delivers powerful insight into the resilience and hardships of that era. Worth visiting if you want to understand the war beyond the textbooks, though be prepared for crowds and a somewhat commercial atmosphere."
Maurizio Muratore
"If you are going to go here, make sure you find a guide who knows a lot about the place. The travel is a bit farther out, so you will want to make the most of it. Some of the tour offers you will find on Klook have guides who will take you there and share some basic information, but if you want to enjoy the experience, make sure you find a knowledgeable guide.
That said, we still enjoyed being able to see the tunnels, the displays, and the bunkers. You will have the option to walk through some of the tunnels aside from the famous photo op where you lift the cover of the manhole. There are tanks there and also a shooting range, but we didn't opt to try that out.
It's hot, so bring a cap and water, and a mini-fan if you have it. Expect a lot of walking and dust. Remember that it's a literal part of a jungle so don't expect it to be like other museums or educational experiences!"
Hazel Day Gil
"We didn’t want a big tour so we got a taxi there and paid entry. We wanted to go at our own pace. We we were forced to sit down to watch a video for ten minutes about the history of the tunnels. We didn’t want to watch the video. We wanted to go and explore. The staff said no you must sit down. We tried to get up to explore but we were told again to sit down until the video finished. The video was blurry and inaudible. The video eventually finished and a staff member said they were going to take us around. This should’ve been made clear from the beginning when we didn’t want to watch the video. I would’ve happily waited for this reason. Being told to sit down and wait until the end of the video made us feel like we were being treated like children. The tour took about 45 min in total. The guide was very good."
Zac Bailey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cu Chi Tunnels are about 55 km (around 1.5 hours) from Ho Chi Minh City. Most visitors opt for a guided day tour, which includes transportation. You can also hire a private car or taxi, or rent a motorbike for a more independent journey.
Ben Dinh is closer to Ho Chi Minh City and has tunnels widened for tourists, making it more accessible. Ben Duoc is more authentic, with original tunnels, and generally less crowded, offering a more immersive experience.
The travel time to the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific site (Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc) you are visiting.
Yes, you can visit independently by hiring a taxi, motorbike, or renting a car. However, a guided tour is highly recommended to fully understand the historical context and significance of the site.
For budget travelers, joining a group tour is often the most cost-effective option. Alternatively, renting a motorbike and traveling independently can also be economical if you are comfortable with navigating and riding in Vietnam.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry ticket to the Cu Chi Tunnels costs approximately 125,000 VND. This price is often included in guided tour packages.
While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance, especially if you're joining a tour, is recommended to secure your spot, particularly during peak season.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are generally open daily from around 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's advisable to check specific opening times with your tour operator or at the site.
No, the experience of crawling through a section of the tunnels is typically included in the general admission ticket.
Discounts may be available for children, students, or seniors, but this can vary. It's best to inquire with your tour provider or at the ticket counter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see reconstructed tunnel sections, hidden entrances, booby traps, underground kitchens, and living quarters. You'll also learn about war strategies and daily life during the Vietnam War.
The tunnels are generally safe, especially the sections widened for tourists. However, they are narrow and dark, so if you are claustrophobic or have mobility issues, it might be challenging.
Yes, there is a shooting range where you can fire various types of firearms. This is an optional activity and incurs an additional charge.
Weekday mornings are generally less crowded. Visiting in the afternoon after the main tour groups have departed can also offer a more peaceful experience.
The tunnels themselves are not accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility issues due to their narrow and underground nature. However, the above-ground exhibits and memorials are generally accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed at the Cu Chi Tunnels, but it's important to be respectful of the historical site and other visitors. Avoid using flash inside the narrow tunnel sections.
Great photo opportunities include the camouflaged tunnel entrances, the reconstructed underground rooms, and the various exhibits showcasing weapons and traps.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and military sites. It's best to check with the site management or your tour operator before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the confined spaces. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the dimly lit tunnel sections.
While vlogging is common, be mindful of not obstructing pathways or disturbing other visitors. Professional filming may require special permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your children are adventurous and not claustrophobic, they might enjoy crawling through a short, widened section of the tunnel. However, be prepared for the heat and humidity, and ensure they have plenty of water. Consider a guided tour that caters to families, as guides can often tailor their explanations to be more age-appropriate.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, renting a motorbike can be a cost-effective option if you're comfortable with independent travel and navigating Vietnamese roads. This allows for more flexibility and the chance to see more of the countryside along the way. Pack your own snacks and water to save on on-site purchases.
💑 Couples and History Buffs
+1History enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed explanations from knowledgeable guides, who bring the wartime narratives to life. Consider booking a tour that includes a visit to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City for a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Cu Chi Tunnels
At their peak, the tunnel system stretched over 250 kilometers, connecting villages and bases. They were ingeniously designed with multiple levels, hidden entrances, ventilation shafts disguised as termite mounds, and elaborate booby traps to deter American and South Vietnamese forces. The tunnels were a crucial element in the Viet Cong's guerrilla warfare strategy, allowing them to live, fight, and disappear beneath the surface.
Today, sections of the tunnels have been preserved and expanded for visitors to experience. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels offers a powerful and tangible connection to this history, providing insight into the harsh realities of war and the extraordinary determination of the Vietnamese people.
Choosing Between Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc
+1Ben Duoc, on the other hand, offers a more authentic and original experience. The tunnels here remain largely as they were during the war, providing a more immersive glimpse into the past. While it's a bit further from the city, many visitors find the experience at Ben Duoc to be more peaceful and less crowded, allowing for a deeper connection with the history.
+1Your choice depends on your priorities. If accessibility and convenience are key, Ben Dinh is a good option. If you seek a more genuine and less commercialized experience, Ben Duoc is the recommended choice. Both sites offer valuable historical insights and a chance to understand the incredible feats of the soldiers who utilized this underground network.
Navigating the Tunnels: What to Expect
Guides will often demonstrate how soldiers moved through the tunnels, using specific techniques to navigate the tight passages. While some sections have been enlarged for tourist access, it can still be a challenging experience for some. It's important to listen to your guide's instructions and assess your own comfort level before entering.
Beyond crawling, the site features reconstructed underground rooms, kitchens, and displays of weapons and traps. These elements provide a comprehensive understanding of the daily life and combat strategies employed by the Viet Cong. The experience is designed to be educational and humbling, offering a profound respect for the soldiers' endurance.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit